“Extraordinary” could be the perfect word to describe Colorado. Picture its unique landscapes and historic communities that offer something for everyone. While Colorado has many notable cities, including the beautiful Denver, but there are mountain towns that stand out with their striking beauty.
The gems tucked away in the mountains have the best landscapes for alpine skiing, biking, rafting, and hiking. Longing to witness some of Colorado’s most outstanding settings? These 10 mountain towns in Colorado are always bursting with captivating colors and ensure the Wild West allure lives on.
10 Ouray
Ouray, a hidden gem in the San Juan Mountains, is an utterly stunning gateway to some of Colorado’s most gorgeous sceneries. Nicknamed the “Little Switzerland of America,” the town has picture-perfect mountain peaks, scenic hiking trails, magnificent canyons, and other attractions that add to its beautiful feel.
Top activities include exploring downtown Ouray, taking a scenic drive to Animas Forks, and getting a touch of history on a mine tour. Adventurous souls who want to get in the thick of it can try challenging hikes before relaxing to enjoy the majestic views.
9 Telluride
Telluride is a hub for skiing and snowboarding, most notably at the Telluride Ski Resort in the northwestern San Juan Mountains. History buffs also find this mountain town intriguing with its rich Wild West and mining history. Telluride Historical Museum has engaging and themed rooms dedicated to this town’s history.
Thrill seekers get an adrenaline rush at the Telluride via Ferrata, also known as Krogerata. Adventurers have free access to the via Ferrata, except when they need a hiking guide or equipment. This whole challenging yet rewarding adventure takes around 2 hours to complete.
8 Frisco
Despite having scenic trails, a marina bay, signature restaurants, and a Nordic Center, Frisco still has that small-town feel. Families looking for an outdoorsy vacation spot in summer head to the Frisco Bay Marina at the 3,300-acre Lake Dillon. This reservoir lake has 27 miles of shoreline that attract boaters and beachgoers.
Other activities travelers indulge in at the lake are fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, as they admire the majestic views of the mountain peaks.
7 Keystone
Keystone has much more to offer other than the Keystone Ski Resort, which caters to all the needs of beginner and advanced skiers. From ice skating at Dercum Square to snowshoeing at the Keystone Nordic Center, this town guarantees an unforgettable winter vacation.
Mountain bikers hone their skills at the Keystone Bike Park. The park has well-maintained trails varying from rocky, high-speed, and steep drop terrains. Cycling leisurely on the easy-to-navigate paved trails is a thing for those looking for less strenuous activity.
6 Crested Butte
Crested Butte is an all-season, historic but remote town tucked away in the rocky mountains. Nature lovers will appreciate the 10-day flower festival that happens every July. It holds various workshops that enlighten people about Crest Butte’s botany, geology, and birding.
Exploring Gothic Town, 20 minutes from Crested Butte, is a must-do activity. This famous ghost town has several 19th-century mining-era buildings and the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory. The lab attracts field biologists and is open to the public every summer.
5 Leadville
With a population of 2642, Leadville boasts signature events, scenic hiking trails, and numerous museums. Visitors explore this town’s miners’ history at the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum, which displays 70 story exhibits. Adventurers looking to get a first-hand look at what mining was like in the 19th century can tour the Hopemore Underground Mine or the Matchless Mine.
Leadville Boom Days Festival, which happens on the first weekend of August, is another must-attend activity. It features donkey or burro racing, gunslingers, and contests to celebrate the Old West.
4 Breckenridge
Home to Colorado’s highest ski resort, with an elevation of 3,914 meters, Breckenridge is a mountain town worth visiting. It has a lot in store for tourists besides skiing, including fat biking, taking historic mine tours, and hiking.
A hands-on mining experience at the Lomax Placer Mine happens after touring the mine area and learning how miners used water to collect gold. This mine also has 1860s buildings and cabins, which are worth exploring.
The Bawdy Breckenridge Tour conducts a unique libelous tour of the town’s past, suitable for adults above 21 years.
3 Silverton
Although Silverton is a small mountain town, it brims with winter and summer activities for visitors to enjoy. From riding an authentic mine train at the tunnels of the Old Hundred Gold Mine to admiring Greene Street’s historic buildings, there’s a lot to keep travelers excited.
Rafters satisfy their adrenaline cravings in the Upper Animas River from late May to early August. This river has the most challenging rapid waters, making water rafters have the adventure of a lifetime. The nearby water rafting professionals offer guided services to beginners at a fee.
2 Steamboat Springs
This mountain town in Colorado may be famed for powder skiing, but it offers tourists more than that. Adventurers can hike to Fish Creek Falls, mountain bike at Steamboat Bike Park, or visit Yampa River Botanic Park.
After a tiring day of hiking, travelers can soak in the Old Town Hot Springs. This natural beauty features a spacious pool, two water slides, and a small pool perfect for kids, each filled with geothermally heated mineral water. There’s also a full-service massage center for anyone who needs more relaxation.
1 Glenwood Springs
One of Colorado’s most perfect mountain towns, Glenwood Springs is a destination for adventure and relaxation. The Glenwood Caverns and Adventure Park, a top attraction in this mountain town, takes guests to a wonderland of fun. It has several adrenaline-inducing highlights, like the Canyon Flyer and a giant swing.
The town is also home to the world’s biggest mineral hot springs pool, Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, which draws millions of visitors yearly. The natural healing water is a source of rejuvenation and a remedy for various skin ailments.