The Most Picturesque Towns In Colorado

When it comes to natural beauty, Colorado has so much to see. Scenic towns in the state seem to populate every corner. Some of the best towns sit in the Rockies themselves. And this list is just the tip of the iceberg. Whether you're looking to check out a ski resort or get lost in a historic wild west spot, this list of nine towns each has something that will take your breath away.

Aspen

One of the ritziest towns on our list is none other than Aspen. It's known for its fabulous ski resort where celebrities, politicians, and professional athletes of all stripes love to shred. But beyond the resort, Aspen is cuter than a button. This upscale mountain town looks a bit like a European village set into the Rockies. Snow-topped mountains sit in the background of the Main Street while smells of pine and freshly brewed coffee erupt from the popular Paradise Bakery & Cafe. In the summer, visitors wander through aspen trees at Maroon Bells, where there are nearly 100 miles worth of trails to explore. If you're feeling like more views and less hiking, you can always take the Silver Queen Gondola to the top of Aspen Mountain for panoramic views. Between its wild backcountry and its refined downtown, you'll enjoy snapping lots of photos in Aspen.

Breckenridge

Another ski town with so much more to offer is Breckenridge. What makes this town unique is that it's one of the former mining towns from the 1800s. It still has a handful of gold mining spots like Lomax Placer Mine where you can even get gold panning lessons. But the downtown is special. It's symbolic of that mining era where colorful Victorian buildings line the Main Street, and neighbors seem to tip their hats to familiar faces. Locals love to get out of town. The nearby Breckenridge Mountain offers great skiing in the winter and is full of wildflowers in the spring and summer. Visitors like cruising through the area as well as taking a long drive through Boreas Pass and stopping at Quandary Peak for a rugged fourteener hike. Breckenridge is one of those Colorado towns that won't disappoint, no matter the time of year.

Glenwood Springs

One of the most popular and easy-to-access towns in Colorado is Glenwood Springs. It's right off of highway I-70 and is popular amongst passersby traveling between Denver and Grand Junction. It's known for its plethora of hot springs, with places like Iron Mountain Springs attracting visitors from all over. Plus, it's one of the family-friendliest towns on this list. The Glenwood Caverns gondola offers the best views of the city and leads directly to the Glenwood Caverns, America's only mountaintop theme park with a small rollercoaster, laser tag, and a 4D movie theater. For the nature lovers, Hanging Lake is definitely a place to set up a hammock, whip out your book, and take in the sights. Glenwood seems to delight visitors of all ages and appetites for adventure.

Telluride

If you want to beat the crowds and get more off-grid, Telluride is the place for you. It's set in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado and has some of the most expansive public land on this list. That means, going off-grid camping on a mountain cliff with no one but you and the deer is certainly a possibility. Telluride is a small city with a rugged frontier spirit that is alive and well among the locals. You'll find people regularly hiking Mt. Sneffels, checking out the Bridal Veil waterfalls, or getting an adrenaline rush at the Hot Air Balloon Festival every June. If being surrounded by deep nature and having the freedom to venture wherever you please is what you're looking for, Telluride is going to be your new favorite Colorado town.

Durango

For a truly authentic wild-wild-west feel, look no further than Durango. Not far from Telluride, Durango sits in the southwest corner of Colorado and has a rich history of being a transitory town for miners back in the day. The historic Strater Hotel, where real miners stayed during their work shifts, looks like a blast from the past. The town definitely has a rugged western vibe, but it also has some influences from the local Native American Ute community that's situated just south of town. Here you'll find delicious Indian tacos and other southwest delicacies. You'll also enjoy taking a ride on the Durango and Silverton railroad that takes trips up to nearby Silverton through the San Juan National Forest. For more nature vibes, go fishing in the Animas River or hit the slopes at Purgatory Mountain. Durango has the spirit of Colorado in every corner and will give you plenty of reason to visit again and again.

Buena Vista

If being surrounded by 14,000 ft mountains is your definition of fun, then Buena Vista will be your new favorite Colorado town. This valley is named "beautiful view" for good reason. It sits next to the Arkansas River with the jagged skyline of the Collegiate Peaks like Mount Yale and Mount Princeton. It's where Colorado feels most wild, open, and adventurous. Locals love hitting the Mount Princeton Hot Springs and melting away stress with gorgeous views. While others choose adrenaline by rafting down the Arkansas River and dodging some boulders along the way. Buena Vista has so many beautiful corners, you won't know which one to choose.

Crestone

Set in the San Luis Valley near the Great Sand Dunes is the hippy dippy town of Crestone. This town isn't like any others on our list. It has an otherworldly feel to it that attracts everyone including Buddhist monks and travelers looking for a quiet retreat. It's got a Buddhist tinge to it with several temples like the peaceful Tashi Gomang Stupa. Go there to find a bit of quiet and grounding. Beyond spirituality, Crestone is home to some of the tallest mountains in the state, like the dramatic Crestone Peak. The town sits in San Luis Valley, which offers clear views of the Milky Way, perfect for stargazers or alien watchers. Funny enough, this valley also attracts those fascinated with aliens, with the nearby UFO Watchtower. Crestone is for the people who are looking for a scenic Colorado town with a bit of soul.

Golden

One of the closest mountain towns to Denver is a beautiful one set between the plateaus. It's a place called Golden. Named after a prominent gold miner, Golden has some of the most unique geography on this list. The red sandstone plateaus are a stark contrast to the spiky peaks found deeper into the Rockies. Two of the local favorites are Lookout Mountain and North Table Mountain, which contain dozens of trails to explore. But the town itself has a lot to offer, too. Gastronomy is big in Golden, with a delicious brewery seemingly on every corner. Even the famous Coors Brewery is open for daily tours and tastings. Walking up and down the main street offers great views of the mountains, the rushing waters of Clear Creek, and quiet parks to relax in.

Estes Park

Perhaps one of the most famous small Colorado towns on this list is Estes Park. Located a couple of hours from Denver, Estes Park has a reputation for being the gateway to Longs Peak, a popular 14,000-foot mountain. People from all over the world come to hike this peak and catch glimpses of elk wandering through neighborhoods and rainbow trout hopping in and out of the nearby waters. Estes Park has rustic cabin vibes with plenty of historic lodges to visit, including the Stanley Hotel, most commonly known for being haunted. Whether you're looking for a thrill at the local haunted hotel or to get in some hiking at the nearby Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is one of the country's favorite small Colorado towns and will not disappoint.

In Colorado, the scenic towns are endless

It seems that no matter where you go in Colorado, there's a cute mountain town calling your name. Whether it's the red sandstone plateaus of Golden or the high peaks around Telluride, Colorado towns offer adventure, views, and memories that can't be found anywhere else. The only question remains: which town will you visit first?