8 Of The Most Captivating Small Towns In The Rockies
Spanning Western Canada and the United States, the Rocky Mountains are home to many of North America’s top ski towns. But even if you’re not keen on skiing during the winter, there’s plenty to see and do throughout the Rockies. In fact, it’s possible to walk into a millennium-old indigenous village, climb the continent’s most daring via ferrata routes, and reach some of the clearest and bluest alpine lakes imaginable. And if you know where to go, you can even drive through the “Meadows in the Sky” to reach quite the scenic summit.
There truly is a lot to experience in the Rockies. For those needing some help narrowing down ideas for your next Rocky Mountain trip, here are eight of the most captivating small towns in the Rockies.
Taos, New Mexico, USA
The New Mexico town of Taos might now be the premier ski town of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, yet it has withstood the ultimate test of time, and it continues to flourish over 1,000 years after its founding. To explore more of this history, head out to Taos Pueblo, the UNESCO-recognized indigenous community that’s survived everything from Spanish colonization of the Americas to northern New Mexico’s growth into a resort destination. For even more local history and culture, drive back into town to tour the century-plus-old artist studios at the Couse-Sharp Historic Site, and discover a fascinating array of works by New Mexico artists at Taos Art Museum.
While there’s plenty more to do in town, no trip to Taos really feels complete without some quality time at Taos Ski Valley, the region’s largest ski resort offering over 3,100 feet of vertical drop and 119 trails (many of which are ideal for advanced skiers) across 1,294 acres. And for the easiest access to Taos’ top ski slopes, try a stay at The Blake for spacious and comfortable rooms and suites that are mere steps away from Lift 1.
Telluride, Colorado, USA
Perched high in the San Juan Mountains, Telluride is a historic mining town that’s successfully reinvented itself over the years, and it might now be Colorado’s most exciting destination for all sorts of outdoor adventures. Learn more about the town’s hardscrabble heritage at Telluride Historical Museum, where you can step back into the geological origin story of the mountains to the pre-colonization life of the Ancestral Puebloan people and the gold rush that sparked the development of Telluride in the late 19th century. While in town, it’s also worth a stop at Between the Covers bookstore to check out some works by local authors and find some cool souvenirs.
Once you’re ready to get out and experience Telluride’s greatest natural treasures, try hiking or biking to Colorado’s tallest free-falling waterfall (at 365 feet) at Bridal Veil Falls. Or, if you’re here during winter, head up to Telluride Ski Resort and enjoy up to 4,425 feet of vertical drop and an extensive array of advanced and expert-level trails across 2,000 acres of skiable terrain. Whenever you’re ready to call it a day, retreat to the cozy yet refined confines of the Madeline Hotel & Residences, an award-winning Auberge resort with a soothing spa, enticing fine dining, and a posh selection of rooms, suites, and private residences for extra space.
Park City, Utah, USA
Park City may only be around 32 miles east of Salt Lake City, yet this Utah mountain town feels far removed from the big city hustle and bustle with its captivating scenery. For a truly great escape, make your way to Deer Valley for exceptional hiking and biking by some of the Wasatch Range’s finest fall foliage, or for one of the region’s premier ski-only resorts during winter. If you’re up for some more challenging terrain, head to Park City Mountain for a fun mix of advanced runs offering up to 3,226 feet of vertical drop across a massive 7,300-acre spread.
If you prefer a different kind of exploration, go to Park City’s historic downtown and explore the many wonders of Main Street. In particular, it’s worth checking out the award-winning collection of historic artifacts and interactive mining exhibits at Park City Museum, along with the thought-provoking melange of works by artists near and far at Main Street Gallery. From there, head up to the Pendry Park City for a chic yet cozy boutique resort with well-appointed rooms and suites, delectable dining, a great rooftop pool complex, and the refreshing Spa Pendry.
Jackson, Wyoming, USA
Situated between the Teton and Gros Ventre mountains in the Jackson Hole valley, Jackson is Wyoming’s top ski town, yet it also makes a great base camp for exploring some of the American West’s finest public land preserves. A short drive north lies Grand Teton National Park, a 310,000-acre park with a vast array of hiking and biking trails, prime opportunities for boating, paddling, and fishing at Jackson and Jenny Lakes, and climbing to reach some of the Tetons’ iconic 13,000-foot-plus peaks. For even more options for hiking and biking, there’s plenty more natural beauty worth discovering at the Gros Ventre Wilderness.
If you’re looking for even more to see and do outside, head over to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort for a robust assortment of advanced ski runs offering up to 4,139 feet of vertical drop in winter, as well as mountain biking, via ferrata, paragliding, and other activities during the warmer months. Then, return to town to spot the iconic antler arch at the town square and enjoy some adult refreshments, fine steakhouse fare, and live music performances at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. Staying downtown, you can check into The Rusty Parrot Lodge and Spa, which offers the highly regarded Body Sage Spa, the award-winning Wild Sage Restaurant & Bar, and plenty of posh and polished rooms and suites.
Waterton Park, Alberta, Canada
While the United States’ Glacier National Park is world-famous for its incredible landscapes, there’s even more of this UNESCO World Heritage Site to experience on the Canadian side of the border. Yes, really, the Alberta hamlet of Waterton Park makes the perfect launchpad for adventures at Waterton Lakes National Park. Here, you can go snowshoeing or backcountry skiing during winter, or go hiking and biking during the warmer seasons, and take in the incredible views of wildflowers, streams, glacier-fed lakes, and wildlife like black bear, elk, deer, and numerous bird species throughout the year. And if you’re visiting during the warmer months, try a different perspective on the natural environment while playing up to 18 holes of golf at Waterton Lakes Golf Course.
If you prefer an easygoing day in the wilderness, head out to Cameron Lake and discover a perfectly pleasant spot for fishing and nature photography. Once you need some refreshments, pop over to Lakeside Chophouse & Wine Bar for tasty West Coast cuisine paired with great Rocky Mountain and lake views. From there, head up to the Prince of Wales Hotel to stay at this nearly century-old historic landmark that also happens to have all the 21st-century creature comforts you want.
Banff, Alberta, Canada
About 131 kilometres (or 82 miles) west of Calgary, ascend to what may be the most iconic and beloved expanse of the Canadian Rockies in Banff. Not only is Banff National Park Canada’s oldest national park, but it’s also recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an exploration of key landmarks like Mount Rundle, Cascade Mountain, Lake Minnewanka, and Moraine Lake will help you understand why this park is so beloved. For a deeper dig into Banff’s history and heritage, head to Cave and Basin National Historic Site to learn more about local First Nations Indigenous culture and see how railroad workers' accidental discovery of thermal hot springs in 1883 led to the establishment of Canada’s first national park.
There’s plenty to see and do throughout the region year-round, yet Banff really takes center stage during winter, when its ski resorts open their legendary slopes. More specifically, hit the slopes of Mt. Norquay for the closest ski area to town and runs so good that Olympic athletes often use them as a training ground. In addition, you can try some of the 3,300 acres of prime skiable terrain at Banff Sunshine Village right on the Continental Divide. Whenever you visit, you can complete your Banff vacation with a legendary stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs, the “Castle in the Rockies” that’s been welcoming guests to town in epic style since 1888.
Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada
Situated on the banks of the Columbia River and within easy reach of some of Canada’s most mighty mountain preserves, Revelstoke always aims high and delivers exceptionally exhilarating thrills. Just to the east of town sits Mount Revelstoke National Park, Canada’s only park where you can drive the Meadows in the Sky Parkway towards a mountain summit, and it has plenty more opportunities for incredible hikes across the Columbia Mountains. For even more exciting excursions, drive a little farther east to the Canadian Glacier National Park, a remarkably gorgeous expanse of alpine wilderness where you can try challenging hikes to the summits of Mount Rogers and Avalanche Mountain, or easier journeys to Bear Creek Falls and Hemlock Grove where you can enjoy some unique rainforest and waterfall scenery.
In winter, Revelstoke becomes one of British Columbia’s top skiing and snowboarding destinations thanks to Revelstoke Mountain Resort, a ski area featuring North America’s greatest amount of vertical drop (1,713 metres, or 5,620 feet) and a robust offering of advanced ski runs. But if you’re here during the warmer seasons, there’s still plenty to do, including the beautiful par-72, 18-hole Revelstoke Golf Club by the river. And should you stay in town at the Courthouse Inn, you will enjoy a lovely boutique hotel that keeps you close to all these and more of Revelstoke’s fine attractions.
Valemount, British Columbia, Canada
Valemount might seem like a tiny town far away from the excitement of British Columbia's bigger cities to the south, yet this town stays close to some of the most enormous mountains and greatest opportunities for outdoor recreation in the Canadian Rockies. At Mount Robson Provincial Park, you will find the Canadian Rockies’ tallest mountain (at 3,954 metres, or 12,972 feet, above sea level), along with the Berg Lake Trail that offers some of Canada’s most incredible multi-day backcountry hiking adventures. Closer to town, Rearguard Falls Park provides your best chance at seeing Chinook salmon during spawning season and a gorgeous stretch of the Fraser River to admire year-round.
Even in town, you can walk or ride your bike to George Hicks Regional Park for another good spot to see Chinook salmon, or to simply enjoy a nice picnic by Swift Creek. It’s also worth a scenic stroll to the Valemount & Area Museum to tour this vintage 1914 train station that now shares many stories from this town’s past. The museum is also right around the corner from Valemount Bakery, an excellent Swiss-style bakery to grab some freshly made pastries and fine locally roasted coffee on weekends. And a short drive away, you will reach Rose Cottage, a picture-perfect place to make your Valemount base camp.
Reach New Heights of Captivating Beauty and Adrenaline-pumping Adventure in the Rockies
Up and down the Rocky Mountains, you will be captivated by these wondrous small towns' natural beauty and fascinating culture. Head to Taos for over 1,000 years of indigenous heritage and stunning local art. Try Telluride for some of Colorado’s most beautiful wilderness preserves and daring ski slopes. Go to Banff to discover Canada's first national park's iconic mountains and glacier-fed lakes. And for a wide range of jaw-dropping landscapes and year-round outdoor activities, it’s hard to beat the sporty village of Revelstoke. With so much to experience across two countries, you will never get bored exploring the great expanse of the Rocky Mountains.
