8 Unpretentious Towns To Visit In Colorado

Home to around 26 ski resorts, including Vail and Breckenridge, Colorado's incredible landscape, renowned ski culture, and vibrant communities are a must-visit destination for any traveler. While the Centennial State is famed for its world-class and luxurious towns and resorts, there are plenty more down-to-earth locations to explore. From towns like Paonia to Bonanza, these small towns' underrated charms are worthy of a trip, especially for those looking to dive deep in the state's vast landscape and quirky communities. With the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, these eight unspoiled towns are the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the tourist-flocked cities.

Paonia

Full of lush landscapes, farms, and wineries, Paonia isn't your typical Colorado tourist town. Situated in the North Fork Valley, Paonia is located beneath Mount Lamborn and is home to a blossoming farm-to-table food scene, river floating, and much more. Walk down Grand Avenue for a glimpse of the main street's colorful buildings, which house local favorites like Sweetgrass Paonia, a small cafe serving breakfast, lunch, and a variety of coffee and tea options. Shoppers will find a wide selection of options at Trader Mags, a resale vintage boutique featuring clothing, jewelry, and fine art items. Further along town, Paradise Theatre, built in 1928, provides plenty of cultural experiences, whether you're looking to catch a movie, a live music show, or film festivals.

Known as the "Cherry Capitol of Colorado," it's no secret that this town's farms are a source of pride to its residents. Every July, the town celebrates its Paonia Cherry Days with parades, barbecues, fireworks, and tons of cherry-infused delights to try. As well, visitors can head on to Western Culture Farmstead & Creamery, where they can taste test various cheeses and meet the goats responsible for the products. No trip to Paonia is complete without taking a trip to Black Bridge Winery. Here, you can try some of the winery's delicious fruit wines, among other products like balsamic vinegars and olive oils made in-house. With an abundance of wineries and farms to try, Paonia is a food-lover's dream set with a majestic backdrop.

Cedaredge

Set along the Grand Mesa scenic byway, Cedaredge sits as a small town flowing with orchards, vineyards, and stately natural landscapes. Acting as a gateway to the national forest, Cedaredge takes visitors on a trip back in time to the pioneer days. Mosey down to the Pioneer Town Museum, a 19th-century Western village with frontier museums and recreated buildings. Take a glimpse of pioneer life through the replicated blacksmith shop, jailhouse, and schoolhouse. Here, you can also head to The AppleShed, a refurbished apple shed that serves samples of wine and locally sourced art. For visiting golfers, there's no better place to practice your swing than the Cedaredge Golf Club, which is set among the town's most magnificent landscapes.

Although Cedaredge only has fewer than 3,000 residents, more than 30,000 visitors flock to the town during its annual Applefest held the first weekend in October. Known as the longest-running community celebration in Delta County, Applefest is a weekend full of car shows, arts, crafts, and food vendors all around. Tourists looking to take in a hike, the popular Craig Crest National Recreation Trail provides just over 10 miles where you can spot wildflowers, blue lakes, and wildlife.

Crested Butte

Colorado as a whole is renowned for its skiing and mountain towns, and Crested Butte is no exception. While other major cities tend to get the spotlight, Crested Butte's quaintness offers a calmer and more relaxing atmosphere. Home to scenic mountain views, visitors can catch the best panoramas from the Silver Queen Lift, which is located at the base of Mount Crested Butte. Those looking to take advantage of the trails can hit the slopes at the Crested Butte Mountain Resort. During the summer, adventure seekers can enjoy more than 150 trails for mountain biking, trail running, and hiking.

Known as the "Wildflower Capitol of Colorado," Crested Butte celebrates with the annual Crested Butte Wildflower Festival. For guests looking for non-physical activities, Crested Butte's pedestrian-friendly layout allows for plenty of exploring in town. Head down Elk Avenue for a view of the colorful Victorian-inspired architecture that stands out from the winter snow. Here, you can take refuge in one of the many local businesses, including Bruhaus, a mountain tavern with plenty of drinks to enjoy.

Creede

A historic mining town, Creede is full of personality, along with a gorgeous natural landscape. The town is tucked into the San Juan Mountains, and Creede's geography limits its growth but allows for an eclectic community to blossom. The town's silver mining past is on full display in the historic district, where visitors can drop by the Creede Historical Museum, where Creede's mining history is explained and showcased. For a more unique mining history, visit the Underground Mining Museum, where visitors can explore more about the underground work that took place. Back in the historic district, the town's 1890s storefronts bring the Western-inspired atmosphere together.

While exploring Creede, don't forget to stop by the renowned Creede Repertory Theatre, founded in 1966. This theatre company offers everything from plays to improv comedy to enjoy. Home to many unique festivals and community events, there's no wrong season to visit Creede. In June, the town comes alive as Main Street with the Donkey Dash, where the community packs its streets with burros, while runners prepare to race a total of 10 miles to the finish line. Creede's small footprint is no match for the town's big personality.

Lake City

Lake City sits along the Silver Thread Scenic Byway, offering visitors a glimpse into one-of-a-kind views. Sitting among the San Juan Mountains, Lake City is an affordable ski town that provides all of the fun of skiing, without the crowds. Enjoy the slopes at Lake City Ski Hill, where the four runs provide ample space to enjoy your favorite winter sport. During the winter, Lake San Cristobal turns into an ice skating rink that the whole family can enjoy.

Although this remote mountain town isn't as large and populous as other resort towns, Lake City offers all of the activities you could imagine. Besides skiing, Lake City is known for its ice climbing; guests can join in at the ice wall before exploring the rest of the town. For those looking for a unique activity, head to the Hinsdale County Museum, where visitors can learn and read more about the town's history, including a historic and eerie massacre from 1874. With tons of scenic drives surrounding the town, there's no place like Lake City to explore the beauty of the Colorado landscape.

Ridgway

Similar to other surrounding towns, Ridgway comes alive thanks to its proximity to the San Juan Mountains. Just two miles north of Ridgway lies the Ridgway State Park, a 1,000-acre reservoir where guests can enjoy camping, boating, hiking, and fishing. To continue your outdoor exploration, head further down to the Orvis Hot Springs, which offers a selection of soaking pools, including indoor and outdoor options. While the rest of the town and community is known for its creative pursuits, Ridgway manages to blend nature and the arts seamlessly.

Home to one of the Ridgway FUSE, this creative district is among the first of the state's certified Colorado Creative Districts. More than 20 percent of the town's population considers themselves working artists, creating a community unlike any other. Tourists looking to dip into the creative spirit can head down to the Sherbino Theater, where music, movies, lectures, and more enrich the community year-round. Further along, galleries fill the streets, where you can find unique art at locales like Mountain Girl Gallery, a woman-owned shop showcasing local art in various mediums. Before leaving town, don't miss out on a trip to The True Grit Cafe, a Western-style restaurant opened as a tribute to the 1970s film of the same name.

Buena Vista

A casual mountain town, Buena Vista offers a selection of outdoor activities that range from thrilling sports to calming recreation sites. With almost 300 days of sunshine a year, this town is also a great way to explore the natural landscape, without having to deal with much of the winter snow. Downtown Buena Vista is recognized for its renovated historic buildings that make for the perfect place to stroll. Here, you can enjoy a bite at the local favorite, The Buena Viking, where elevated burgers reign supreme and keep locals and visitors coming back for more. For those wanting to go back in time for a few hours, head over to The Comanche Theatre, one of the few drive-in theaters left in the state.

Like many Colorado towns, Buena Vista offers an array of outdoor thrills to explore. Nearby, the Sawatch Mountain Range offers numerous hiking trails that range in difficulty, giving visitors the chance to pick the one that fits best. Known as one of the best locations for whitewater rafting, the Arkansas River is home to the Buena Vista River Park, where thrill seekers can enjoy the largest whitewater park in the state. The nearby Monarch Mountain also provides plenty to explore during the winter, including snowmobiling and snowshoe trails.

Westcliffe

With fewer than 500 full-time residents, Westcliffe is one of Colorado's smaller towns that is more than worthy of a visit. Surrounded by untouched trails and roads, Westcliffe is a prime destination for those looking to dive deep into nature. Explore the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains with a journey through the Rainbow Trail. This trail offers more than 100 miles of trails where guests can choose from hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.

Designated as an "International Dark Sky Community," Westcliffe's nights are some of the clearest among all the Rocky Mountain towns, giving visitors a chance to view the stars like never before. To get the best view of the dazzling sky, visit the Smokey Jack Observatory, which tracks the stars and gives guests an up-close look.

Although the town's population is low, Westcliffe has no shortage of food options for visiting foodies. The local favorite, Bootleggers Bistro, offers a laid-back and casual atmosphere where tourists can mingle with the community and catch a game in the process. For those late-night cravings, head over to Buho Market inside The Stellar Inn for specialty snacks and local products. For visitors with a sweet tooth, head down to Candy's Coffee to enjoy handcrafted brews and food you won't find elsewhere.

Uncover Colorado's Most Enticing Small Town Gems

Whether you are drawn to historic main streets, wide open landscapes, or the kind of local spots where conversations come easily, these eight unpretentious Colorado towns prove that the state's appeal is not limited to its most famous destinations. Each offers a slower pace, a strong sense of community, and experiences rooted in everyday life rather than spectacle, from family-run diners and small museums to scenic trails and town squares that feel genuinely lived in.

Together, they highlight a side of Colorado that feels welcoming and refreshingly real, where visitors are invited to blend in rather than stand out. For travelers looking to explore beyond crowded mountain resorts and well-known hotspots, these towns offer a more grounded, memorable way to experience the state and appreciate its quieter beauty.