9 Overlooked Towns In Colorado Worth Visiting
Colorado is home to several of the United States’ most famous and beloved destinations. Especially during winter, ski towns like Aspen and Vail draw huge crowds seeking fairytale-like snowy dreamscapes. In addition to world-class ski resorts, Colorado boasts steamy hot springs, sprawling sand dunes, fascinating historic monuments, and an abundance of cozy small towns that warm visitors’ hearts during the icy winter months.
While Colorado’s biggest cities and flashiest ski towns certainly have a lot to offer, they barely scratch the surface of this state’s treasure chest of natural and cultural wonders. Find gems like Durango, Frisco, and Steamboat Springs, and uncover more overlooked towns in Colorado worth visiting.
Steamboat Springs
Perched in the Rocky Mountains of northwestern Colorado is Steamboat Springs, a daring ski town that may not be as famous as Aspen and Vail, but it is just as much fun on and off the slopes. The main attraction here is Steamboat Ski Resort, a world-class resort that sports an average of 274 inches of annual Champagne Powder® snowfall, 184 trails across 3,741 acres, and up to 3,666 feet in vertical drop. But for those who prefer a more old-school ski experience in town, there is also Howelsen Hill Ski Area, Colorado’s oldest continuously operating ski area (since 1915!), that also has North America’s largest and most complete natural ski jumping complex.
After a busy day on the slopes, it is understandable to want to slow it down and take it easy. Fortunately, Steamboat Springs also has some great natural hot springs. A key highlight is Strawberry Park Hot Springs, a gorgeous retreat in the mountains with multiple spring-fed thermal pools, along with massage and facial treatments available to book. For some additional rest and relaxation, there is the Steamboat Grand, a full-service hotel resort at the base of Steamboat Ski Resort with spa services, a fitness center, year-round heated pools, and on-site dining.
Grand Lake
Estes Park tends to be tourists’ most popular gateway to Colorado’s most visited national park, but there is another side of Colorado’s most imposing mountains to experience at Grand Lake. Yes, this town sits right by the western entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, the 415-square-mile preserve straddling both sides of the Continental Divide where travelers can climb mountains like the 14,259 foot-tall Longs Peak, ride down the Hidden Valley Sledding Hill, go cross-country skiing in the backcountry, and spot local wildlife like snowshoe hares, white-tailed ptarmigans, mule deer, and bald eagles.
Even better, Grand Lake also sits by the protected lands of Arapaho National Forest, which covers more of the region’s grand mountain peaks and forests. For a more groomed experience on open snow, this town also has the Grand Lake Nordic Center, featuring about 20 miles of classic and skate skiing trails suitable for cross-country skiers at all levels.
Frisco
Breckenridge is another Colorado ski town that can get very booked and busy during winter, but travelers can find a more laid-back alpine oasis in the nearby town of Frisco, about 72 miles west of Denver. From here, it is easy to reach Keystone Ski Resort, an expansive 3,148-acre ski area that gets 230 inches of annual snowfall and has 140 trails offering up to 3,138 feet in vertical drop. Also in the area is Arapahoe Basin, one of the continent’s highest ski resorts with a base at 10,780 feet above sea level, around 350 inches in annual snowfall, and an abundance of advanced and expert-level terrain.
While Frisco places visitors close to several of Colorado’s top Alpine ski resorts, it also has the Frisco Nordic Center with almost 10 miles of groomed trails for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing, as well as the nearby Adventure Park for tubing and casual snow play. Once one is ready to settle down, Frisco Lodge provides a warm welcome with its classically comfortable guest rooms and a full gourmet breakfast every morning.
Colorado City
About 25 miles south of Pueblo lies Colorado City, a town in southern Colorado’s Greenhorn Valley, where visitors can experience a different side of Colorado. Nearby is Bishop Castle, the always-under-construction landmark that towers 160 feet above the ground with special touches like stained-glass windows, winding staircases, and even a “fire-breathing dragon” that has been added since 1969.
Also in the region is Pueblo Mountain Park, a gorgeous 600-acre preserve with a wide network of scenic hiking trails. And at San Isabel National Forest’s Lake Isabel Picnic and Day Use Area, a great spot to access even more wilderness trails to explore the area’s mountain terrain. After spending the day exploring the region’s wondrous mountain wilderness, visitors can return to town and check into the Days Inn by Wyndham Colorado City for a good night’s sleep.
Crestone
Nested at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Range, around 189 miles north of Santa Fe (New Mexico), is the otherworldly beautiful and quirky town of Crestone. Just to the south lies Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, home to North America’s highest sand dunes, the “disappearing water” at Medano Creek, and alpine wilderness areas soaring over 13,000 feet above sea level. Meanwhile, to the east of town is Crestone Needle, the 14,196-foot-tall mountain that’s a wonderland for expert climbers and mountaineers.
In case anyone feels like exploring other realms of Crestone, they can stay in town and peruse local shops like Elephant Cloud Market, a uniquely Crestone kind of “one-stop shop” with a boutique organic grocery market and a tasty cafe with an all-day breakfast menu. And just steps away is The Bliss Inn, a comfy and cozy boutique hotel with homestyle accommodations and eclectic “fine-ish dining” at their in-house restaurant.
Leadville
Denver may be known as the “Mile High City,” but Leadville is the “Two-Mile High City” with its heavenly 10,152-foot base elevation and its proximity to some of Colorado’s tallest “14er” mountain peaks. A short drive southwest is the trail to access Mount Elbert, Colorado’s tallest mountain (at 14,439 feet above sea level) and the highest summit of the Rocky Mountains overall. Or, for an easier day in the wilderness, Big Mac Fishing Site is not just great for fishing and hunting, but also for nature photography and simple strolls by the Twin Lakes.
Long before Colorado became famous for winter sports, the Rockies were treated as fertile ground for precious minerals, and Leadville’s National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum provides visitors a fully immersive deep dive into the region’s hardscrabble past with the Hardrock Mine, the Prospector’s Cave, and a host of exhibits pointing out where mined minerals fit into our everyday lives today. Staying in town, visitors can kick back and relax at The Timberline, a “modern mountain motel” with retro-chic decor, contemporary touches like smart TVs and super-fast wifi internet, and top-notch Parachute bedding.
Glenwood Springs
Colorado’s Western Slope may be fully loaded with high-end ski towns, but there is a whole new world of recreation and relaxation available in Glenwood Springs. Even the drive into town through Glenwood Canyon makes for an exceptional journey with amazing views of the Rocky Mountains above and the Colorado River below. Yet for those wanting more thrills on open snow, Sunlight Mountain Resort offers a more affordable and accessible alternative to the flashier ski resorts of Aspen, and it still sports 250 inches in average annual snowfall and up to 2,010 feet in vertical drop.
After a long day skiing the slopes or exploring the canyon, visitors can treat themselves to a serene experience soaking in the geothermal mineral pools of Iron Mountain Hot Springs. And for plenty more quality time at Glenwood Springs’ legendary hot springs, guests can book a stay at the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort. Not only does this resort have brand new rooms at Hotel 1888 and recently renovated rooms at The Lodge, but it is also home to the world’s largest hot springs pool and several more geothermal pools open year-round.
Palisade
Colorado isn’t usually thought of as a major winemaking state, yet the roughly 14-mile drive from Grand Junction to Palisade reveals fertile ground for vibrant and delectable creativity. At the west end of town lies Carboy Winery at Mt. Garfield Estate, a scenic array of vineyards with lovely views of Mt. Garfield and the Book Cliffs, where guests can try some of the state’s finest sparkling wines. Meanwhile, on the south side of the Colorado River, Carlson Vineyards is a family-run winery making award-winning white and red varietals. And at Restoration Vineyards, guests can try some of their fascinating lineup of wines in a welcoming and festive environment.
While there are several solid options for accommodations around town, it is easy to feel right at home at The Homestead Palisade. This is a family-owned boutique inn set on a working farm and within easy reach of the region’s wineries, national parklands, and much more.
Durango
At the southwestern end of the state, about 85 miles northeast of the Four Corners Monument, is the strong and sporty town of Durango. A short drive north leads to Purgatory Resort, a spot that tends to enjoy consistent snowfall throughout the season, and one with 107 trails offering up to 2,029 feet in vertical drop. Or, for a wilder time in the mountains, one can venture up to Molas Pass to go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing over 10,000 feet above sea level, take in the phenomenal views of the surrounding San Juan Mountains, and even connect to the Colorado Trail for a longer expedition.
Meanwhile, for an easier ride into the mountains, one can hop aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and do a five-hour round-trip journey through the snowy winter wonderland of Cascade Canyon. Once guests are back in town, they can make their way to The Rochester Hotel, a historic landmark (originally built in 1892) that now has 15 stylish rooms with special touches like Aesop bath products, high-speed internet, and a charming garden on site.
Hidden Gems Worth the Detour
Colorado may have some of the United States’ most famous and prestigious resort towns that tourists pour into every winter, but they are not all that this state has to offer. There is another side of Rocky Mountain National Park to explore at Grand Lake, and there are the surreal landscapes of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve to experience at Crestone. Frisco and Glenwood Springs offer less crowded and more laid-back alternatives to the usual go-to ski towns, while Palisade marks Colorado’s own wine country paradise. Whether one wants to hit the slopes, soak in the hot springs, or taste highly acclaimed wines, Colorado has a whole lot to offer off the beaten path.
