9 Colorado Towns With A Slower Pace Of Life
Most people have heard about places like Aspen, Eagle, or Vail, popular mountain towns in Colorado that draw visitors from all over the country and frequently land on the covers of national publications. While these locations boast top-notch ski resorts and stunning outdoor scenery, they also become busy, especially during the peak winter or summer season. Luckily, Colorado has plenty of less-explored destinations that keep crowds at bay due to their remote location. If you want to see the Centennial State without crowds and enjoy a slower pace of life, this guide is for you. The small towns mentioned in this article boast fun mining history, incredible outdoor opportunities, and none of the crowds.
Trinidad
Trinidad is a former coal mining town, along I-25 near the Colorado-New Mexico State line, where Victorian architecture and historic landmarks tell a fascinating story of its Wild West boom era. Trinidad offers a relaxed pace of life and has an unexpected creative streak. The city is a cultural hub of southeastern Colorado where you can visit the Corazon Gallery and the A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art.
Besides its interesting history and the nascent art scene, Trinidad offers decent recreational opportunities. The nearby Fishers Peak State Park, one of Colorado’s newest state parks, is where you can enjoy hiking and wildlife spotting without the crowds. The Trinidad History Museum is one of the best stops in town, featuring its restored Bloom Mansion and Baca House, which offer a glimpse into the town’s colorful history.
Marble
Marble is one of the most secluded towns in the Centennial State, deep in the Elk Mountains. And, as you might have already guessed, it’s best known for marble. The town even supplied the gleaming white stone to build the Lincoln Memorial, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and other important landmarks in the country.
While the town is tucked inland a few miles off Highway 133, not far from Aspen, Marble boasts hiking, camping, mountain biking, and off-roading. It's also a gateway to the rugged Lead King Loop, a scenic drive that can be done in off-roading and high-clearance vehicles. One of the main attractions in the area is The Marble Mill Site Park, a 25-acre historic site converted into a public park it has large marble labs and pillars from the old Marble Mill. If you have a high-clearance vehicle, you can’t miss Crystal Mill, one of the most photographed places in Colorado that features a wooden powerhouse perched on a rocky outcrop above the Crystal River.
Buena Vista
Buena Vista means “good view” in Spanish, and once you get here, you will quickly understand where the name comes from. Set in the Arkansas River Valley between Salida and Leadville, the town is surrounded by Collegiate Peaks, some over 14,000 feet in elevation.
While many outdoor lovers pass through on their way to climb peaks, or raft the Arkansas River, Buena Vista remains a hidden gem where you can roam around 21,000 acres of rugged terrain in Browns Canyon National Monument, kayak or white water raft on the Arkansas River or stroll along the West Fork Trail, with fantastic waterfalls and alpine views. After a day of adventures, head to Cottonwood Hot Springs for a relaxing soak, a rustic and tranquil natural wonder just five-and-a-half miles away. St. Elmo ghost town makes a fun mini strip from Buena Vista for some history and exploration, and it’s only 20 miles away by car.
Silverton
Silverton is a remote hamlet in the San Juan Mountains that looks like it was taken straight from Alaska. Silverton is 9,318 feet above sea level, and is accessible via the Million Dollar Highway or the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad - an incredibly scenic ride that makes a long drive to this part of Colorado worth your time. While Silverton lacks connections to any cities, the word is out, and the town is quickly transforming into one of the biggest hubs for backcountry adventures in Colorado, with many scenic hikes such as Ice Lakes, Columbine Lakes and Pass, and Spirit Gulch.
Downtown Silverton is a designated National Historic Landmark, with Old West-style storefronts built in the late 19th and early 20th century during the mining boom. The San Juan County Historical Society Mining Heritage Center, in the middle of the town, offers a fun look into mining boom days. Another curious spot to check out is the nearby Animas Forks, reachable by an off-road vehicle in summer. And don’t forget your camera, because you will likely want to take some photos along the way. Silverton may be small, but its rugged charm and breathtaking mountain views make it a perfect retreat to unplug and spend time in nature.
Crested Butte
Tucked into a remote valley north of Gunnison, Crested Butte is one of the prettiest small towns in Colorado with mind-blowing mountain views and friendly locals who offer a relaxed, yet fun way of living. Crested Butte is synonymous with outdoor scenery. Every season here revolves around the outdoors, whether you want to go leaf peeping in fall, camp or hike in summer, or ski in winter. In July, the town bursts into color during the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival, when green alpine peaks get covered by flowers.
The historic Elk Avenue, the main drag of Crested Butte, still boasts buildings from the mining era, now occupied by locally owned restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries where you can try Colorado’s signature craft beer. Don’t miss The Crested Butte Museum, a cultural hub that offers a glimpse into the town’s coal-mining roots through permanent and rotating exhibits. Whether biking the scenic trails or sipping a local beer on a sunny patio, life in Crested Butte feels happy and unhurried.
Creede
Creede is one of the most spectacular towns in the Rockies, set in a dramatic box canyon along the eastern edge of the San Juan Mountains. Creede is surrounded by natural beauty with scenic byways, uncrowded trails, and crisp alpine air - and that’s exactly what makes it special.
A former mining town, Creede is home to the Creede Underground Mining Museum, built into the side of a mountain. A visit to this place is a must for anybody who wants to learn more about Colorado’s history and the silver mining boom in many towns throughout the San Juan Mountains. Another interesting landmark is the Creede Repertory Theatre, a non-profit organization that has been putting on professional plays for several decades. Just outside the town, Bachelor Loop Scenic Drive is a perfect summer outing that takes you through mining areas above the town.
Pagosa Springs
Established in 1874, Pagosa Springs is best known for its natural hot springs, but its serene setting and outdoor opportunities don’t disappoint. The town’s name comes from the Ute word “Pagosah,” meaning “healing waters.” It’s a great place to call home if you like a combination of outdoors and wellness.
Most people come to Pagosa Springs to soak in the mineral-rich waters of The Springs Resort & Spa, where terraced pools overlook the San Juan River, but end up staying for its incredible outdoor scenery and welcoming community. Take a walk along the Riverwalk Trail through downtown and along the river, or drive up to the nearby Chimney Rock National Monument provides insights into the Pueblo culture. For sunset, head to Overlook Hot Springs Spa, the spring-fed rooftop pool that boasts magnificent views of downtown and the sprawling mountainous landscape. And don't miss a stop at Treasure Falls, a highlight of the area reachable by a quick drive.
Lake City
Tucked in the San Juan Mountains, Lake City is Colorado without crowds, and one of the best-kept secrets of the state. As long as you don’t mind being hours from the closest city, this town could be your perfect base. Like most small hamlets in the southwest corner of the state, Lake City is best known for its outdoor activities such as hiking, off-roading, mountain biking, and camping. The nearby Continental Divide Trail and multiple routes to high alpine lakes and 14,000-foot peaks boast breathtaking views, worth spending at least a few days in the area.
One of the top attractions in the area is The Alpine Loop, a scenic backcountry drive connecting Lake City with Ouray and Silverton. This rugged byway requires a high-clearance vehicle and takes you through dramatic mountain passes and ghost towns that echo the area's mining boom of the 1800s. After spending your day enjoying the outdoors, check out Lake City National Historic District with well-preserved architecture, and when it’s time to rest, head to the North Face Lodge that offers a spacious deck overlooking the area, and phenomenal stargazing, since there’s no light pollution in the area.
Westcliffe
If you have never heard about Westcliffe, don’t worry, most people haven’t. Westcliffe is a hamlet with a population of 430 people in south-central Colorado. It is a real outdoor playground, thanks to its location near the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, with plenty of opportunities for camping, hiking, and mountain biking.
A designated Dark Sky Community, Westcliffe has no light pollution, due to its remote location and small population. Head to Smokey Jack Observatory to gaze at the Milky Way, or hike the Rainbow Trail, for over 100 miles, and it connects small towns and unspoiled alpine scenery. Finally, Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway makes for a great outing if you want to venture into the backcountry and enjoy amazing mountain views.
Final Thoughts
While Colorado’s famous mountain towns draw millions of visitors, its small mountain communities retain their rugged charm and a sense of community without big tourist crowds - a perfect combination for a place to call home or catch a break from a hectic schedule. If you like a combination of remote location, year-round outdoor opportunities, and welcoming people, consider visiting one of the towns on this list.
