9 of the Most Welcoming Towns in Colorado

Colorado is home to some of the prettiest scenery in the US, especially in the fall and winter. It is also known for being a friendly state, and many people visit for the incredible group outdoor activities like snow skiing and hiking. Among the best places to visit are the smaller towns that welcome visitors with warm smiles and include historic sites as well as beautiful scenery.

Telluride

Telluride is a former Victorian mining town in a canyon with glorious views of Mount Wilson and the Needle Mountains. The quaint downtown is a throwback to an old western town with brown wooden buildings.

There are also historic homes here, the most famous being the Sheridan Opera House, built in 1913. Telluride has historic significance in building the Old West, and the bulk of the town is a historic landmark. It is a world-famous skiing destination and is open and welcoming to visitors from around the world.

Crested Butte

Crested Butte sits at the base of the Rocky Mountains and offers scenic ski slopes and hiking trails. The small town is surrounded by tall aspen trees that are simply stunning in their beauty. It is also known as the wildflower capitol of Colorado, which makes it appealing to visit in all seasons.

Elk Avenue is the central street in town, lined with wooden shops and diners, giving the town a charming simplicity. With a rich history in mining and frontier settlement, the locals cherish these roots while welcoming visitors of all ages for outdoor adventures and activities.

Ouray

Ouray, Colorado's recreational capital, attracts visitors from around the world because of its three w's: wildflowers, waterfalls, and wildlife. It is at an elevation of 7,800 feet and has a unique vantage point of the natural beauty of the state. Hiking, biking, and fishing are just some of the outdoor attractions available here.

The town features natural hot springs and, for the daring visitor, the famous Million Dollar Highway. This challenging stretch offers stunning mountain views and numerous hairpin turns. For those less adventurous, the town provides charming shops and accommodations where visitors can learn about the history of the miners and Ute Indians who founded the town.

Breckinridge

Breckinridge sits at the base of the Rocky Mountains Tenmile Ridge and looks like it was painted by Norman Rockwell. The town is surrounded by year-long alpine activity wrapping around the Rockies. The town gained prominence during the Gold Rush, and is now a National Historic District.

Main Street winds through vibrant wooden and brick structures from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This area hosts the shops and restaurants that give the town its welcoming atmosphere. While it is a popular destination for skiers seeking easy access routes, the town also offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in genuine Western history and legends, making it a truly stunning and culturally rich destination.

Windsor

Windsor is a charming town ideal for visiting in the Fall to enjoy the foliage. Since 200, its population has been increasing, and it's renowned for its museums and natural sights. The Windsor Arts and Heritage Center serves as the primary hub for art attractions and guides visitors to other local art museums.

Windsor Lake and Boyd Lake State Park are the two biggest draws for outdoor enthusiasts and boast excellent fishing, camping, and hiking. It's also in a tri-city area with Fort Collins only thirty miles away, so it's a convenient location to take in multiple towns at once.

Manitou Springs

Manitou Springs is a resort town outside of Colorado Springs. It's known for its springs and the Pikes Peak mountain range that towers above the town. Among the plethora of outdoor sites is the Manitou Incline Trail, hundreds of steps that lead up a steep cliff and the Garden of the Gods, a 1,300 acre public park with soaring cliffs and trails.

In town, Manitou Avenue will lead you through art galleries, boutiques, and eateries. There are also natural mineral springs which put the town on the map in the late 18th century and is still a major draw today. Manitou Springs, along with Aspen, has been voted as two of the country's top twenty friendliest towns.

Aspen

Aspen is well known as a world class ski resort, and it deserves to be, but there is so much else to experience. The small town is surrounded by four ski areas and Aspen is dedicated to serving this clientele.This is a high end vacation locale and there are fine dining options along with high class amenities that make Aspen special.

There is much to do in town for non-skiers as well. Among the popular attractions are the Wheeler Opera House, built in 1889, Aspen Art Museum, and boutique shops. Main street winds through classic brick architecture surrounded by the mountains that make this town a world class destination.

Salida

Salida, Spanish for "exit," is actually the gateway to the Rocky Mountains, and locals call it The Heart of The Rockies. This small mountain town seems to have it all: majestic 14,000-foot peaks, art galleries, and adventure.

Among the more adventurous activities is the zip lining course in town. There is also biking and hiking trails and affordable lodging. You can also indulge in one of the many natural hot springs, some of which are in the country's biggest indoor hot spring resort, Salida Hot Springs Pool.

Creede

Creede is famous for being the last great silver strike in Colorado. During the boom, the town's population jumped to over 10,000. Today, the population is less than 300, and the small mountain town charm, coupled with the scenic beauty, is hard to resist.

Late 18th century buildings line downtown, with small taverns and restaurants serving burgers and other American dishes. While summer is the peak season, the annual Donkey Race in June is a highlight. This race honors the mining history and reflects the cultural importance of these small towns.

Colorado is just stunning in its natural aesthetics, and the locals seem to appreciate this and, in turn, want to share it with others. To truly catch the persona of this state, the small towns are the place to go. Not only are there world-class outdoor activities, the small-town charm makes one feel welcomed and at home. From the antique buildings, great dining, and museums, this is truly a unique destination that should be on everyone's bucket list.