9 Of The Most Adorable Small Towns In Colorado
Thanks to its location at the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado abounds in picturesque small towns and unique countryside charm. The Centennial State is home to several of North America’s most famous and beloved ski towns. In addition, this state has a wondrous array of alpine lakes, rugged mountain wilderness preserves, seemingly endless desert sand dunes, and towering red rock formations. And if you know where to go, you can even discover Colorado’s signature wine country region.
With so much to experience across this state, it may be hard not to fall in love with Colorado's most adorable small towns.
Steamboat Springs
Situated in the Yampa Valley of northwestern Colorado is Steamboat Springs, an Olympic-caliber ski town with an authentic Old Western soul. You can catch glimpses of Steamboat’s past while exploring its historic downtown, especially at the Tread of Pioneers Museum, where you learn about everything from the region’s Indigenous heritage to the many Olympic athletes who have skied the local mountains.
While downtown, it is also worth perusing the collection of works by Colorado artists at the Steamboat Art Museum. And at Old Town Hot Springs, you can soak in thermal pools fed by some of the very hot springs that gave Steamboat its name.
For the full Steamboat experience, visit Steamboat Ski Resort for 3,741 acres of skiable terrain, up to 3,666' of vertical drop, and that legendary Champagne Powder® snow that compels so many skiers and snowboarders to come here every winter. And to make your Steamboat trip even better, book yourself a condo at Trappeur's Crossing Resort near the ski area base.
Estes Park
For the most majestic Rocky Mountain scenery, there is nothing quite like the marvelous landscapes of Estes Park. After all, this town sits by Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the United States’ most popular national parks, thanks to its extraordinary array of (60) mountains surpassing 12,000 feet in elevation, its gorgeous alpine lakes, and its many opportunities to go driving, hiking, climbing, biking, and fishing on both sides of the Continental Divide. But if you prefer an easier way up the mountains to take in the views from the top, ride up the Estes Park Aerial Tram and enjoy 360-degree mountain views at 8,708 feet above sea level.
Once you are in town, it is worth stopping at the Stanley Home Museum to tour the 1904 home built by the business mogul who also built Estes Park’s most famous hotel. For nourishment, head over to Park Tavern for a nice selection of pub-style food and local craft beers. Then, check into the world-famous Stanley Hotel that inspired Stephen King’s classic book and film The Shining, along with a posh selection of rooms and suites that are anything but scary.
Golden
The town of Golden may only be about 16 miles west of Denver, but it feels a world away with its stunning Rocky Mountain landscapes and cozy small-town vibes. If you make it here during autumn, you are in for epic visual treats with over 35 miles of trails to enjoy the fall foliage at Golden Gate Canyon State Park. For a great adventure on two wheels, try a bike ride through Clear Creek Canyon Park on the Peaks to Plains Trail. And when you are in the mood to admire golden views on open greens, book a tee time at the award-winning Fossil Trace Golf Club.
Walk around Golden’s historic downtown to experience the ultimate throwback, especially at the Golden History Museum & Park, which provides uniquely immersive views of life in Colorado in the 19th century. From there, make your way to The Dove Inn to stay at a charming Victorian-era home that has been restored and renovated into a chic boutique bed-and-breakfast in the heart of town.
Winter Park
As a rare ski town accessible by train from Denver, the ride to Winter Park can be pretty pleasant and stress-free. Once you make it to town, head out to the James Peak Wilderness Area to hike in a 14,000-acre alpine wonderland full of pristine lakes, 10,000-foot-plus peaks, and wildlife like elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. The Elk Meadow Trail is another great route to take into the beautiful mountain wilderness of Arapaho National Forest.
If you make it to Winter Park during winter, then get ready for incredible skiing and snowboarding. In particular, try Granby Ranch for over 400 acres of family-friendly skiable terrain, and hit up Winter Park Resort for over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain offering up to 3,060 feet of vertical drop. No matter when you are in town and what you hope to do, you can stay at Arapahoe Ski Lodge and enjoy home-style accommodations with an indoor heated pool.
Manitou Springs
Only about seven miles west of Colorado Springs is the town of Manitou Springs, a charming mountain town near some of Colorado’s greatest attractions. Just to the north lies Garden of the Gods, a 1,341-acre nature preserve with a marvelous collection of 300-foot-tall sandstone red rock formations. Also nearby is Pikes Peak, the 14,107-foot-tall “14er” mountain, where you can hike and climb, drive, or ride the historic cog railway to the summit and take in the exceptional Rocky Mountain views from the top. At the Manitou Cliff Dwellings museum, you can explore a full-size replica of the Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings that were once common across this region.
If you are searching for uniquely eye-catching souvenirs and gifts, stop at Commonwheel Artists Co-op for a wide selection of paintings, pottery, and jewelry made by local artists. From there, retreat to The Cliff House for a classic Victorian-style resort with well-appointed rooms and suites and award-winning restaurants.
Crestone
Situated near the edge of the Sangre de Cristo range, about 190 miles north of Santa Fe (New Mexico), is the spiritually serene village of Crestone. Come for the delightfully eclectic finds in town, such as local artisan goods at Crestone Artisans Gallery and tasty creations at Elephant Cloud Market and The Cloud Station cafe. Stay to explore the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness to the east, which includes Crestone Needle and several more “14er” mountains.
For many more mystically scenic outdoor adventures, go south to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve and experience a wondrous park that extends from North America’s highest sand dunes to alpine lakes and tundra in the mountains. Once you are ready to call it a day, return to town and stay at the aptly named Bliss Inn.
Aspen
Nestled in the Roaring Fork Valley between the Sawatch Range and the Elk Mountains is the village of Aspen, perhaps Colorado’s most famous ski town. If you are coming during autumn, the drive to Maroon Bells is absolutely worthwhile for the spectacular fall foliage at the foot of the state’s most photographed set of “14er” peaks. Or, drive the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway east to reach the Independence Ghost Town that was once a prosperous late 19th-century mining outpost, and continue to one of the nation’s highest paved mountain roads at Independence Pass along the Continental Divide.
If you visit later in the season, grab your skis or snowboard and hit the slopes of the four mountains comprising the world-class Aspen Snowmass, which offers up to 4,406 feet of vertical drop across 3,362 skiable acres. Whenever you are in town, you can enjoy the many refined delights of The Little Nell, Aspen’s only five-star ski-in/ski-out luxury hotel, with everything you need for the ultimate Rocky Mountain getaway.
Palisade
In the Grand Valley of Western Colorado, around 15 miles east of Grand Junction, sits the genuine wine country town of Palisade. Around town, you can tour vineyards (with a designated driver) and sample wine flights at scenic wineries like The Blue Beryl and Sauvage Spectrum. Or, if you fancy a different type of adult beverage, stop at Palisade Brewing Company for refreshing craft beers and delectable Colorado-style barbecue.
For even more captivatingly beautiful views, drive east and take the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway to reach a magical land of old-growth evergreen forests, colorful aspens (especially in fall!), and the most extensive flat-topped mountain on Earth that tops out around 10,849 feet above sea level. Then, return to town and check into the Spoke and Vine for a boldly reinvented motel within walking distance of many of Palisade’s tastiest treats downtown.
Telluride
Perched in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado is Telluride, a former mining town that has evolved into one of the nation’s premier destinations for natural beauty and thrilling excursions. For something really exciting, try Telluride Via Ferrata and do a hair-raising climb in Telluride’s box canyon. Or, if you want some exceptional fall foliage, hike or bike ride on the Boomerang Trail between Telluride’s main village and Mountain Village. And when you are ready to see one of the region’s finest signature attractions, take the Bear Creek Trail to reach the breathtaking waterfall at Bear Creek Fall.
Even if you can’t make it in time to spot the amazing fall foliage, you can take some wonderfully cold comfort on the storied slopes of Telluride Ski Resort, which provides up to 4,425 feet of vertical drop across 149 trails and 2,000 acres. Whether you are in Telluride for the magnificent autumn leaf peeping or wintertime skiing, rest assured that the Madeline Hotel & Residences is not only a great place to get a good night’s sleep, but also a five-star resort with fantastic restaurants and a full-service spa on site.
Try These Small Colorado Towns for Big Adventures
Across Colorado, you can find many remarkable small towns full of incredible opportunities for outdoor adventures and truly majestic natural beauty. There is nothing like the great mountain wilderness of Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park. Meanwhile, Golden provides amazing landscapes within easy reach of Denver, and Manitou Springs makes an awesome base camp for Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods excursions. And for the ultimate Colorado ski town experience, make your way to the storied slopes of Aspen. With so much to see and do, it might be hard not to fall in love with Colorado.
