10 Most Charming Cities in the Colorado Plateau
The Colorado Plateau, also known as the Colorado Plateau Province, spreads across the Four Corners region in the southwestern United States. Centered around where Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona meet, the area is largely rural, offering stunning landscapes. Local waterways, including the Colorado River, provide a source of water and add visual tranquility to the surrounding scenery. Surrounded by extraordinary geological formations, mountains, and forests, cities within and around the Colorado Plateau are rich with Native history, National Parks, and an abundance of outdoor activities.
Flagstaff, Arizona
In the heart of the Colorado Plateau is the city of Flagstaff, Arizona. The city is full of both Native and automotive history. Visitors to Flagstaff can participate in a self-guided tour with Walk This Talk, Route 66. The unique tour highlights structures, events, and people affected by Route 66. Flagstaff's proximity to the Coconino National Forest, Grand Canyon, Oak Creek Canyon, Walnut Canyon, Wupatki National Monument, Sunset Crater National Monument, and San Francisco Peaks is why the city is known as "The City of Seven Wonders."
With sunny skies most of the year, visitors who enjoy the outdoors can participate in activities with breathtaking scenery. While hiking Arizona's diverse terrain, visitors may encounter elk, black bears, badgers, or coyotes, to name a few. Birdwatchers can spot bald eagles and Peregrine falcons. For visitors looking to take a break from the sun, Starlite Lanes offer 16 lanes of bowling, a snack bar, a welcoming lounge, and a video arcade. Local FlagTagAZ is a multi-level interactive laser tag arena lit with black lights.
When the sun sets, visitors of all ages can participate in a "Ghosts of Flagstaff Ghost Tour," for a walking tour of Flagstaff's haunted locations. Once a train station, the Flagstaff Visitor Center welcomes visitors with maps, guides, and brochures. The visitor center's gift shop provides train-themed souvenirs, clothing, books, and locally crafted Route 66 collectibles. Flagstaff, Arizona, offers a range of opportunities for every age and interest.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico, located on the Rio Grande. Albuquerque is a vibrant city that mixes culture, art, and outdoor adventures. Visitors can enjoy a recreational hike along the foothills of the Sandia Mountains with the reward of enchanting geological formations and local desert wildlife such as roadrunners, deer, or hawks. Located to the west of Albuquerque is the Petroglyph National Monument. Visitors can walk along ancient lava flows to view sketches in stone.
In October, spectators gather to marvel at the annual International Balloon Fiesta, the world's largest hot-air balloon festival. Hundreds of hot air balloons take flight for the most photographed event in the world. Sightseeing flights can be reserved to see the desert from a bird's eye view. New Mexico's geothermal heated mineral springs also provide the perfect atmosphere for relaxation. The Tamaya Mist Spa at the Hyatt Tamaya Resort and Spa is just outside the city limits in Santa Ana Pueblo. Services offered use local ingredients such as clay, blue cornmeal, juniper, and sage to soothe and pamper for a luxurious day at the spa.
Diners, grills, wineries, and cafes welcome patrons to splurge. Local cuisine uses corn, beans, and chiles to combine Mexican, Native American, and Spanish flavors. Everything from campgrounds, hotels, motels, and vacation rentals is available for a restful slumber. Albuquerque is a desert oasis welcoming visitors year around.
George, Utah
The city of St. George, Utah, lies in the southwestern corner of Utah, and is the largest in the region. Its proximity to the Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks makes St. George a perfect place for hiking, climbing, and mountain biking. Zion National Park is home to Zion Canyon, where climbers and hikers can explore colorful vertical cliffs and curving dirt paths.
Tourists also enjoy the waterfalls and canyon walls showcasing a variety of colors. Visitors can walk along the cobbled trails of Emerald Pools, Weeping Rock, and Riverside Walk for those looking for a shorter hike. Angels Landing, Observation Point, and Hidden Canyon trails offer hikers a challenging terrain to view panoramic scenery on higher ground. The Virgin River is Utah's wild and scenic river. Flowing through the city and Zion National Park, the river contributes to the breathtaking scenery. Zion Outfitters is an outdoor rental and retail shop near Zion National Park's visitor center. Zion Outfitters offers equipment rentals to enjoy the water with tubing, scale the cliffs with rock climbing, or paddle along paths on a bike. The company also offers guided tours.
Famished visitors can quench their thirst and tame their hunger at St. George's many cafes and restaurants. Local Xetava Gardens Cafe offers tranquil patio seating to enjoy both the view and the food. Red Fort Indian Cuisine is a family-owned and operated restaurant offering bright decor as a background to enjoy flavorful customizable curries. Resorts, vacation rentals, and hotels welcome visitors to St. George as they eat, hike, and climb through stunning national parks. St. George is an outdoor enthusiast's dream to soak in vitamin D while marveling at nature's immense masterpieces.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City is the state capital of Utah and the world capital of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, otherwise known as Mormons. The city is easy to reach by car, with immediate access to major highways or the city's international airport. Surrounded by impressive scenery, Salt Lake City is less than an hour away from Utah's Great Salt Lake and sits at the base of the Wasatch Mountains.
At the foot of the mountains is the Natural History Museum of Utah. A few miles from downtown Salt Lake City, the museum offers programs geared toward adults and families, making it a place with something for everyone. Exhibits include artifacts and lessons from astronomy, geology, and biology. Budding archeologists can learn about the first peoples of Utah or the history of the Great Salt Lake. In downtown Salt Lake City, visitors will find The Leonardo. The museum has hands-on laboratories, which include math, science, and art. For a full day of sightseeing, the Salt Lake Connect Pass offers access to many of the city's attractions, including This is the Place Heritage Park, Clark Planetarium, Hogle Zoo, and Red Butte Garden.
Dining establishments welcome patrons with food trucks, restaurants, and microbreweries. Salt Lake City offers many accommodations. Visitors can reserve rooms at full-service hotels, mountain resorts, and vacation homes. Campgrounds for tents and recreational vehicles are also available. With history and science museums, outdoor attractions, numerous accommodations, and splendid scenery Salt Lake City offers a place full of academic adventure.
Colorado Springs, Colorado
A small Victorian town in the 1800s, Colorado Springs, Colorado, has grown into a major modern city. South of Denver, Colorado Springs hosts walkable historical neighborhoods and natural attractions. Visitors to Colorado Springs have their choice of outdoor adventures, including a visit to Pikes Peak and the Royal Gorge Bridge. The Royal Gorge Route Railroad takes visitors on a magnificent tour of the Colorado Rockies.
Visitors to the Garden of the Gods, a National Natural Landmark, can explore the untamed beauty of geological history and wildlife. Tours are available, including jeep, segway, and horseback riding. The recent discovery of Theiophytalia Kerri, a new species of dinosaur, can be viewed at the park's visitor center. The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum educates through exhibitions and programs on the region's natural and native history. A trip to the Western Museum of Mining and Industry explores Western history through interactive exhibits.
Downtown Colorado Springs or Old Colorado City greets visitors with pubs, cafes, bakeries, breweries, and many styles of cuisine. After dining, visitors can stroll through art galleries and studios. Unique accommodations include the Broadmoor, the Mining Exchange Hotel, and the Garden of the Gods Club & Resort. Great Wolf Lodge Resort offers an indoor water park for interactive family fun. Colorado Springs welcomes visitors to engage in history with hands-on experiences while enjoying spectacular views.
Denver, Colorado
Denver is fondly known as the "Mile High City" due to its elevation. East of the Rocky Mountains and sitting in the South Platte River Valley, the city is the capital of the state of Colorado. Denver has lots to offer visitors every season. For outdoor aficionados, Confluence Kayaks offers kayaking adventures on whitewater chutes in Confluence Park. The City Park is Denver's regional park containing the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and a trail that follows a 3.1 mile (5.0 kilometers) path along the outskirt of the city. The City Park's Berkeley and Rocky Mountain Lakes are open for hand-launched boating.
Outdoor activities incorporate tennis courts, picnic sites, and playgrounds with baseball, basketball, and soccer fields. In the fall, visitors appreciate the spectacular colorful foliage. Winters in Denver are cold and snowy, the perfect weather for ice skating and hot chocolate in Skyline Park. Visitors who like to ski or snowboard can visit nearby Echo Mountain.
Denver hotels offer unique accommodations. The Source Hotel was formerly an iron factory. The hotel highlights incredible views of the Rocky Mountains, an artisanal bakery, eateries, and a rooftop restaurant! The impressive architectural design of The ART Hotel features post-modern art in every guest room, an art gallery, and is steps away from the Denver Art Museum. In downtown Denver, cultural cuisines blend, offering visitors a tour around the world. Restaurants feature Italian, Japanese, and Mexican flavors. A visit to Denver offers opportunities to engage physically, visually, and nutritionally every day of the year.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Sitting on the edge of the Colorado Plateau, Las Vegas, Nevada, welcomes visitors to enjoy the hustle of metropolitan life while being accessible to magnificent national parks. Officially founded in 1905, the city was a railroad stop between Salt Lake City and Los Angeles. The city is most famous for its gambling facilities and over-the-top shows. As a city in the desert, visitors will experience hot sunny days and see little rain. Numerous shopping facilities, movie theatres, and shows in Las Vegas provide places to hide from the heat.
The Immersive Van Gogh exhibit invites visitors to experience art interactively. Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay is an aquatic exhibit. The facility features a touch pool to pet sting rays, a virtual reality experience, and a shark reef that houses five species of sharks. For visitors seeking an adrenaline thrill, the Big Apple Coaster at the New York Hotel & Casino showcases multiple loops and views of The Strip. Vegas Superkarts challenges visitors on a racetrack containing hairpin turns and fast acceleration straightaways.
For outdoor fun, the Las Vegas Marina offers water vehicles for rent to explore a day on the water. Sunset Park Pond is a lush park perfect for fishing in Sunset Pond. The pond hosts channel catfish, largemouth bass, and crappie. To the west of Las Vegas lies Red Canyon National Park offering summer programs, hikes along scenic trails, and geology education. Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area sits south of the city. The conservation area showcases distinctive geological details and assorted recreational activities. Visitors can camp, climb, bike, and hike through the desert wilderness. Las Vegas, known as "The City That Never Sleeps," has activities at all hours. Famous for gambling and parties, Las Vegas offers many activities both inside and out to captivate any age.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Located north of the Rio Grande, Santa Fe, New Mexico, reflects the history of its previous conquerors. Battles for the territory between the Pueblo Natives and the Spanish in the 1600s were followed by the conflict between the Spanish and Mexicans in the 1800s. The city's distinctive Spanish-Pueblo-style architecture of mud, straw, and wood adds to its charm. Downtown Santa Fe radiates with history. East De Vargas Street is home to the oldest house in Santa Fe. The house is estimated to have been built between 1740 and 1767. The building showcases unique local architecture and serves as a gift shop and museum.
The historic plaza hosts Native and Spanish markets, as well as annual events and concerts. Many visitors plan their travel to Santa Fe to coincide with events such as the Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta. At this festival, visitors can look forward to a week of seminars, cooking classes, and guest chef luncheons with wines from around the world. Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration welcomes visitors to celebrate the cultures of 23 Tribes, Nations, and Pueblos. This three-day experience includes dancing, drumming, and singing on The Plaza.
Visitors can welcome the new year sipping hot chocolate and biscochitos around a warm piñon bonfire. Next to the plaza is the Palace of the Governors. Constructed in 1610 by the Spanish, the building houses local history. San Miguel Chapel, Loretto Chapel, and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi are historical buildings with architectural character. Visitors to Santa Fe can reserve a room at La Fonda on the Plaza, the city's first inn. In addition to Spanish and Mexican cuisine, visitors can enjoy Asian, French, and Italian flavors. The city's historic traditions, combined with preserved architectural beauty, make Santa Fe an enchanting place to visit.
Ft. Collins, Colorado
In the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, north of Denver, is the city of Fort Collins. The city was built in 1862 as a camp to protect travelers along the Colorado branch of the Overland Trail. Present-day Ft. Collins offers visitors historical tours. Guides dressed in period pieces with Traces of the Past History Tours escort groups on walking tours. Majestic Mountain Scenic Rides take tourists on a drive along the Cache la Poudre River and Peak Highway.
Local Horsetooth Reservoir provides visitors with water activities, including swimming, stand-up paddle boarding, water skiing, and sailing. Visitors can participate in mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking on trails surrounding the reservoir. Fort Collins has many museums and art galleries educating visitors about environmental and global issues through art.
In addition to art and history, Ft. Collins is "Colorado's Craft Beer Capital." Beer connoisseurs can tour local breweries and sample experimental brews. Cooper Smith's Pub & Brewing features an on-site brewery with vegetarian and regional specialties. At Equinox Brewing Company, patrons appreciate live music on the weekends while enjoying a cold glass of brew. The Marriot Hotel, Best Western Hotel, and local Armstrong Hotel provide cozy comforts for sleeping. Museums, local breweries, historical tours, and water activities are why Fort Collins is the cultural center of northern Colorado.
Phoenix, Arizona
To the east of the Sonoran Desert, is Phoenix, Arizona, a city that offers desert adventures and urban comfort. A strenuous hike on the Cholla or Echo Canyon Trails to the peak of Camelback Mountain yields stunning 360-degree views of the city. Hikers should watch out for native species, including rattlesnakes. Papago Park offers visitors a stroll around red rock buttes.
Located in the park are the Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden. Trails in the garden thrive with beautiful desert plants, including the saguaro cactus that only grows in the Sonoran desert. Visitors to Papago Park can also visit the AZ Heritage Center to explore Arizona's history. The center offers special events and children's programs in the summer. Downtown Phoenix merges historic Roosevelt Row and Grand Avenue with the modern City Scape and Phoenix Convention Center. Live music, local street art, galleries, pro sports, and boutiques are easily accessible with the Valley Metro Rail.
Dining in Phoenix ranges from an extravagant rooftop to a casual patio scene. Food trucks offer southwestern and Mexican dishes with local ingredients. Visitors to Phoenix can reserve a room at the lavish Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. The resort includes lush gardens, Frank Lloyd Wright-influenced architecture, and seven pools! Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort offers spacious suites, waterfalls, a water slide, dining, a full-service spa, and mountain views. Phoenix welcomes visitors to the charm of a city in the desert.
The Colorado Plateau is home to many National Parks and many geological wonders. Delicious restaurants and unique accommodations provide welcoming environments to dine and rest. Outdoor activities and museums encourage visitors to exercise their bodies and mind. The cities within and around the Colorado Plateau are home to extraordinary scenery. From small beginnings, these cities have embraced their history and blended cultures providing distinct municipalities. These charming cities of the western United States urge visitors to return to enjoy sunny skies and adventure.
