The Rockies's 9 Most Laid-Back Towns

Something about a weekend in the Rockies makes Monday feel like it's a month away. In Montana, Choteau sits at the doorstep of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, where the 22-mile-long Chinese Wall escarpment runs along the Continental Divide. In Wyoming, Jackson is just down the road from Grand Teton National Park and its jagged peaks. And in Colorado, Aspen goes well beyond skiing, with the Maroon Bells and a gondola ride to a sundeck over 11,000 feet up. Here are 11 towns across the Rockies where it's easy to kick back.

Choteau, Montana

Situated along the Rocky Mountain Front of Central Montana is Choteau, a charming village that opens up to a treasure trove of natural wonders. The Old Trail Museum marks a good starting point for exploring these wonders, such as prehistoric dinosaur fossils and artifacts from past Blackfeet and Métis indigenous communities. Then, to the west of town, Ear Mountain Wildlife Management Area offers visitors prime opportunities to spot local wildlife like grizzly bears, black bears, bighorn sheep, and mule deer in their natural habitat. And a little farther west, the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex spans over 1.5 million acres, extends for some 60 miles along the Continental Divide, and preserves one of the world’s most pristine mountain ecosystems full of towering peaks, alpine lakes, running streams, coniferous forest, and the 22 mile-long Chinese Wall escarpment.

Back in town, travelers will find the perfect spot to kick back at the Stage Stop Inn. This locally owned and operated hotel offers complimentary hot breakfast every morning, an indoor pool and jacuzzi area, pet-friendly guest rooms, and the on-site Livery Saloon.

Big Sky, Montana

Just 50 miles southwest of Bozeman lies the dazzling Montana resort town of Big Sky, a place that seamlessly combines elevated luxury with grand adventures and down-home hospitality. In town, Big Sky Resort’s summer season lets guests do everything from 18 holes of golf at their Arnold Palmer-designed golf course to scenic lift rides and mountain biking on the trails. Then, for a more natural experience in the great outdoors, the Ousel Falls Trail leads out to a gorgeous corner of Custer-Gallatin National Forest with a 100-foot waterfall surrounded by lush coniferous forest. And a short drive south, folks will reach the world-famous Yellowstone National Park, the United States’ first national park and the place to discover natural wonders like Mammoth Hot Springs, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, and the Old Faithful Geyser.

For plenty more to experience in Big Sky, it’s worth the splurge to stay at Montage Big Sky. Here, the resort’s concierge can help set up activities like fishing trips, hiking excursions, and mountain biking outings, plus they have their own stunning indoor-outdoor pool complex, the full-service Spa Montage, multiple delectable restaurants on site, and a full array of spacious and opulent rooms and suites.

Jackson, Wyoming

Whether one prefers the scenic solitude of pristine Rocky Mountain wilderness or the cozy vibes of the classic “Old West” style town, Jackson is the perfect mountain town for escaping the troubles of the outside world. To the north lies Grand Teton National Park, a prime stretch of Wyoming's Teton Range with a diverse array of landscapes, wildlife habitats, and even historic settlements like Mormon Row and the Moulton Barns. Meanwhile, in town, visitors can head to the Center for the Arts for music performances and their on-site art gallery. And just across the street from the Town Square with the iconic antler arch, the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar has a delicious steakhouse, a well-stocked bar, and a calendar full of cool live music acts.

A few blocks west of the Town Square, The Rusty Parrot Lodge and Spa offers a great location and a wonderful lineup of amenities. Guests can check in to stay at the resort’s rooms and suites stocked with handcrafted and custom furnishings and a few extra special touches (like complimentary teddy bears and snacks), and they can also enjoy the soothing Body Sage Spa, The Wild Sage restaurant, and the outdoor deck and courtyard area that’s open year-round.

Soda Springs, Idaho

For anyone who’s ever been curious about the world’s only captive geyser, it’s worth the journey out to the Idaho town of Soda Springs (about 58 miles southeast of Pocatello). To see the geyser in action, folks can stop at Geyser Park and catch 70 foot-tall aquatic eruptions every hour on the hour. To experience Soda Springs’ fresh namesake water, it’s a short trek north to Hooper Springs Park, where visitors can try the natural sparkling water that’s been drawing people here for over 160 years. And to the west, Oregon Trail Park and Marina includes a segment of the original Oregon Trail alongside a swimming beach and a designated fishing area at Alexander Reservoir.

Whatever travelers decide to do in and around Soda Springs, they can retreat to a cozy, comfy, and welcoming environment at Cobblestone Inn & Suites. All suites at this hotel are equipped with microwaves, refrigerators, coffee makers, and premium bedding, and all guests get complimentary breakfast and high-speed wireless internet.

Park City, Utah

It’s only about 33 miles from Salt Lake City to Park City, yet this drive leads to an incredible year-round destination for outdoor exploration and worldly sophistication. Nearby, Jordanelle State Park is a wonderful oasis along Jordanelle Reservoir (part of the Provo River) for boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. Also in the area, visitors will find plenty of fun warm-weather activities at Park City Mountain, including the mountain coaster, the zipline, the alpine slide, and an extensive network of mountain biking trails suitable for cyclists at all levels. Then, for a different kind of exploration, Kimball Art Center is a fantastic community creative hub with a year-round visual art gallery and a full calendar of interactive classes and workshops where folks can learn painting, pottery, photography, and more.

Conveniently located at Canyons Village and right by the new Sunrise Gondola, Pendry Park City has the elegance of a big brand-name resort and the intimate vibes of a small boutique hotel. Here, guests will find sleek and stylish rooms and suites, along with tasty restaurants like KITA and Dos Olas, a full menu of treatments available at Spa Pendry, and a spectacular rooftop pool area open year-round.

Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Perched along the edge of Colorado’s Park Range, around 154 miles northwest of Denver, is the stunning and sporty town of Steamboat Springs. A key highlight near town is Fish Creek Falls, a gorgeous corner of Routt National Forest with a 280-foot waterfall set in a picturesque stretch of pine, oak, and aspen groves. Farther north, Steamboat Lake State Park is an idyllic place with a full-service marina, a sandy beach area, and plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. Heading back towards town, Strawberry Park Hot Springs makes the perfect spot to relax and recover with natural hot spring-fed soaking pools, as well as on-site massage and facial treatments.

After a busy day traversing the mountains (or, perhaps, chilling at the hot springs), it’s a pleasant return to town to stay and play at The Steamboat Grand. Located mere steps away from Steamboat Resort’s mountain lifts, this resort offers some of the easiest access to local hike and bike trails. Even better, they also offer spacious condo-style rooms and suites, an expansive outdoor pool complex, and a fully equipped fitness center.

Aspen, Colorado

Aspen might be a Rocky Mountain town that’s world-renowned for its high-end ski scene, yet this town also makes a lovely year-round destination for relaxing vibes and soothing views. For one, it’s a satisfying journey out to the Maroon Bells, the iconic pair of 14,000 foot-plus bell-shaped mountain peaks that sit by a gorgeous reflective lake and pretty wildflower fields. If anyone’s craving a more active and challenging outing, it’s a nice hike or bike along the Hunter Creek Trail into some breathtaking mountain and forest scenery. Then, for a much easier time up the mountains, folks can ride the Silver Queen Gondola from downtown to Aspen Mountain’s Sundeck (at 11,200 feet above sea level) and the nearby wildflower meadows.

Mere steps away from the Silver Queen and downtown’s central core, travelers will find The Little Nell, Aspen’s only true five-star luxury hotel. After a long day traversing the mountains, guests can kick back in their large and well-appointed rooms and suites, enjoy treatments at the hotel’s full-service spa, and savor award-winning cuisine at their restaurants.

Red River, New Mexico

Around 163 miles southwest of Pueblo (Colorado), the northern New Mexico town of Red River is the kind of place that makes every day feel like an amazing adventure. At Red River Ski & Summer Area, visitors can ride the chairlifts up 1,600 feet to the resort’s summit and partake in other seasonal activities like hiking, ziplining, mountain tubing, and mini golf. In addition, folks can hit the Red River OHV Trail in the nearby Carson National Forest for incredible off-road drives in the mountains. And to the west of town, the Elephant Rock Campground not only has rustic campsites available, but it’s also the ideal launchpad for fishing outings at the Red River.

Returning to town, Three Bears Lodge offers old-school cabins that provide plenty of space, classic comfort, and easy access to the town and the nearby mountains.

Taos, New Mexico

Nestled at the edge of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of northern New Mexico is Taos, a millennium-old village with a lasting legacy of artistic creation and daring exploration. While here, it’s definitely worth the trek out to Taos Pueblo to tour this UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s been continuously inhabited by Tiwa Puebloan indigenous residents for over 1,000 years. Meanwhile, in town, the Harwood Museum of Art showcases an impressive collection of works by 20th century New Mexico-based modernist artists. And for those who simply want to enjoy the great outdoors of the southern Rocky Mountains, Taos Ski Valley reopens for the summer season with a full mountain bike park, scenic lift rides, UTV tours, and even Via Ferrata rock climbing.

Staying at Taos Ski Valley, The Blake makes the ideal homebase with its convenient location by the resort’s lifts, a wonderful assortment of deluxe rooms and suites, and plenty more nearby amenities like a full-service spa, a fully equipped fitness center, and a whole lot of tasty dining options.

Enjoy the Laid-back Life High in the Rocky Mountains

The Rocky Mountains has many of North America’s tallest peaks and most pristine wilderness preserves, and this region has a number of small towns that open up to a wide range of possibilities. There’s Big Sky, the Montana ski town near the world-famous wonders of Yellowstone National Park. For more national park adventures, the Wyoming town of Jackson places folks within easy reach of the mighty peaks of Grand Teton National Park. Then, for a refreshing twist on Rocky Mountain life, the Idaho town of Soda Springs overflows in natural sparkling water and easygoing vibes. Out in Colorado, Aspen combines the simple pleasures of the nearby mountain wilderness with the elegance of a world-class resort town. And last, but certainly not least, the New Mexico town of Red River is picture-perfect for exciting excursions off the beaten paths.

However you prefer to relax and recharge, it’s easy to escape the ordinary and take your time experiencing the soothing atmosphere of these laid-back Rocky Mountain towns.