9 Of The Quietest Colorado Towns
Across Colorado, travelers will find all sorts of special places to enjoy peace and quiet and a perfect sense of serenity. There’s Grand Lake, the quieter side of Rocky Mountain National Park, with nearly three dozen over 12,000 ft summits within reach. Heading down towards Denver, Morrison lets folks escape to a prehistoric wonderland full of reminders that this was once a place where dinosaurs roamed. Farther south, Manitou Springs sits right in between the red rock paradise of Garden of the Gods and “America’s Mountain” at Pikes Peak. The nine quietest Colorado towns below are all ideal for leaving the hustle behind and easing into some well-earned peace and quiet.
Grand Lake
While Estes Park serves as a vibrant and convenient gateway town for Rocky Mountain National Park, there’s another side of the park (and so much more) at Grand Lake, around 108 miles northwest of Boulder. Speaking of Rocky Mountain National Park, this famed 415 square-mile nature preserve has some 300 miles of hiking trails traversing across both sides of the Continental Divide, protects 18 named mountain peaks surpassing 13,000 feet above sea level, and includes the United States’ highest-elevation paved highway at Trail Ridge Road. Then, to the west of the national park boundary, the Never Summer Wilderness features another 20 miles of mountain hiking trails and 17 peaks surpassing 12,000 feet above sea level.
Even in town, it’s easy to catch the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail that extends all the way from northern Montana to southern New Mexico, or simply stop at Point Park and enjoy the views of Grand Lake and the upper reaches of the Colorado River. Whatever one decides to do around town or at Rocky Mountain National Park, Gateway Inn provides the perfect environment to rest and recover with spacious and comfortable guest rooms full of handmade log furniture.
Morrison
Only 15 miles west of Downtown Denver, visitors can escape to a beautiful wonderland of rugged and prehistoric treasures in Morrison. For one, there’s Dinosaur Ridge, a park that protects over 250 authentic dinosaur fossil tracks and the site of the first-named Stegosaurus fossils. For some more throwbacks, the Morrison Natural History Museum has tactile exhibits and hands-on programs that provide a more intimate view of paleontology and the region’s wealth of dinosaur fossils.
A little farther south, folks will find the wide open spaces of Mount Falcon Park and its 12 miles of trails that provide over 2,000 feet in elevation gain. And then, there’s the region’s crown jewel of Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre: an extensive network of hike and bike trails that go around a striking collection of colorful sandstone rock formations, and the Front Range’s premier concert and event venue. Whether one comes to Morrison for the dinosaur tales or the mountain trails, Cliff House Lodge makes the perfect place to stay near Morrison’s parks, and it’s an extra relaxing place thanks to each cottage coming with its own private hot tub and a full breakfast every morning.
Manitou Springs
Just west of Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs provides a tranquil oasis at the foot of one of the United States’ most famous mountains. Yes, really, one can drive, hike, or ride a cog rail train up “America’s Mountain” at Pikes Peak, the iconic 14,115 foot-tall mountain with a network of hiking trails, along with (seasonal) opportunities for fishing and paddling at the North Slope Recreation Area. Also in the area is Garden of the Gods, an ethereal park with 300-foot sandstone fins soaring above the ground and providing the ideal backdrop for hiking, biking, and simple walking. For even more beautiful hiking trails and red rock landscapes, Red Rock Canyon Open Space certainly fits the bill.
In case anyone wants to try something different, Manitou Springs also has the Miramont Castle Museum, a lovely 1895 Victorian-era estate that offers estate tours and classic high tea service (available by reservation). From there, it’s a short and pleasant journey to The Cliff House, a refined and historic boutique hotel with classically elegant guest rooms and suites alongside delectable dining options.
Crestone
About 189 miles north of Santa Fe (New Mexico), Crestone is a uniquely mystical town surrounded by some truly magical landscapes. Just to the east of town, the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness has 220,803 acres of pristine Rocky Mountain wilderness, including the 14,197 foot-tall Crestone Needle that’s one of Colorado’s most challenging peaks to climb. Meanwhile, to the south lies Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, a park with North America’s tallest sand dunes alongside a diverse array of wetlands, grasslands, and alpine wilderness. And for those seeking different avenues to find some inner peace, Crestone also has spiritual institutions like Crestone Mountain Zen Center and Crestone Healing Arts Center open to visitors.
No matter if one’s coming to Crestone for the New Age spiritual vibes or the beautiful high desert scenery, The Coll House is a wonderfully peaceful bed-and-breakfast to use as a comfortable and convenient “base camp” for exploring the region.
Salida
Sitting just over 7,000 feet above sea level between the Sawatch Range and Mosquito Range of the Rocky Mountains is Salida, a historic village that also exudes contemporary charm and a bold sense of adventure. Monarch Mountain has some 800 acres of welcoming and family-friendly terrain for wintertime skiing, as well as hiking during the warmer months. For more hiking, Big Baldy Loop is a trail offering some 987 feet in elevation gain. Back in town, Riverside Park is the ideal launchpad for summertime river rafting and surfing (yes, really!) in the Arkansas River. And then, for a more easygoing experience in the water, Hot Springs Aquatic Center features one of the nation’s largest indoor hot spring-fed pools and ample options for swimming or relaxing in Salida’s soothing natural spring water.
Once one’s ready to wrap up the day, it’s an easy journey over to Manhattan Hotel Salida, a conveniently located boutique hotel with a fully automated “virtual front desk” providing contactless check-in, sleek loft-style guest rooms, and plenty of tasty dining options just steps away.
Aspen
Sure, Aspen may be a world-famous ski town with a glamorous celebrity-adorned social scene, but there’s a quieter side of this Rocky Mountain resort town also worth exploring. A short drive east of town, Independence Ghost Town sits near the Continental Divide and provides a fascinating throwback to the discovery of the Independence Gold Lode on July 4, 1879, and the establishment of the Roaring Fork Valley’s first gold mine. Heading closer to town, the Grottos Trail leads to some of the most beautiful corners of the Roaring Fork Canyon, including the natural rock “ice caves” and cascading waterfalls. And to the south, the Maroon Bells make Colorado’s most photographed natural landmark, thanks to the idyllic combination of bell-shaped peaks soaring over 14,000 feet above sea level with a tranquil reflective lake, verdant groves of aspen trees, and colorful wildflower meadows.
Even in town, Aspen Mountain provides an easy escape into nature and a truly spectacular set of slopes for wintertime skiing and snowboarding, as well as summertime hiking. And regardless of how much or how little one wants to do in and around Aspen, The Little Nell makes for a delightfully luxurious retreat of a resort with its extra spacious rooms and suites, its award-winning and full-service spa on site, and its tantalizing selection of casual and fine dining restaurants.
Glenwood Springs
Where the Roaring Fork meets the Colorado River, Glenwood Springs overflows with refreshing landscapes and soothing vibes. To the east, Hanging Lake is open to hike and explore via reservation, and it’s definitely worth the reservation thanks to the spectacular canyon, waterfall, and backcountry wilderness vistas that earned this area National Natural Landmark status. To the west, the Storm King Mountain Trail offers great hiking in a colorful corner of mountain wilderness. And right in town, the Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves keep alive a healing and relaxing tradition that goes back to the pre-colonization days of the Ute indigenous tribal community, while Iron Mountain Hot Springs lets folks soak in natural spring-fed pools perched above the Colorado River.
In case one needs some more refreshment and relaxation, Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is the perfect place to stay and play. Not only does the resort have an extensive complex of hot spring-fed pools, including the Grand Pool that’s the world’s largest, but it also has renovated guest rooms at The Lodge and a brand-new boutique hotel experience at Hotel 1888 recently.
Palisade
About 14 miles east of Grand Junction is Palisade, perhaps Colorado’s top wine country town and a place that always seems to be growing something good. The Grand Valley’s unique high desert climate makes a surprisingly great place to grow grapes, and visitors can taste the bounty at local wineries like Bookcliff Vineyards, Sauvage Spectrum, and The Blue Beryl. Or, for something different, folks can stop at Palisade Brewing Company to enjoy phenomenal craft beers and just as delicious barbecue sandwiches and classic pub fare.
After a fun day touring Palisade’s wineries and craft breweries, one can easily retreat to the cozy confines of the Spoke and Vine Motel. This motel was originally built in 1955, but it’s recently been renovated and reimagined into a cool yet serene boutique hotel with sleekly designed guest rooms and a chill bar in the lobby.
Ouray
Nestled high in Colorado’s Western Slope is Ouray, the “Switzerland of America,” with no shortage of opportunities to escape into the tranquil environment of the San Juan Mountains. For those hoping to hike into the quiet and blissfully beautiful wilderness, there’s the Bear Creek Trail that leads to the historic Grizzly Bear and Yellow Jacket Mines, as well as the daring switchbacks of the Uncompahgre Gorge, until it finally reaches Engineer Pass at over 12,500 feet above sea level. Closer to town, folks will find Box Cañon Falls Park & Nature Center, which offers an easy walk to view thundering waterfalls that run through a narrow quartzite gorge. Then, on the east end of town, Cascade Falls Park features a somewhat steeper hike that leads to a dramatically gorgeous waterfall.
Once one’s ready for a more relaxing experience, it’s worth heading to the north end of Ouray for the Ouray Hot Springs pool complex, a network of five sulfur-free spring-fed pools sporting spectacular mountain views. And for some more quality time soaking up the healing vibes of the local hot springs, one can stay at Wiesbaden Hot Springs. Here, guests can take advantage of special access to the resort’s continually flowing hot spring pools, book massage treatments at their on-site spa, and choose from a variety of comfy guest rooms, larger suites, and even full cottages to stay in.
In Colorado, Peace And Quiet Never Looked So Good
The Centennial State of Colorado abounds in timelessly beautiful landscapes and close-knit historic communities, so it’s not really surprising that this state makes it quite easy to find the perfect quiet place. Yes, one can ascend to the heights of one of the United States’ most beloved national parks situated along the Continental Divide, but one can also escape to some of North America’s tallest sand dunes. In addition, visitors can explore the wide open spaces of the Rocky Mountain wilderness just beyond a certain highly acclaimed ski town, and they can even taste the bounty of one of the American West’s most surprising wine country regions. No matter how one prefers to calm down and enjoy the quiet moments of life, Colorado really takes these moments to new Rocky Mountain heights.
