11 Most Charming cities in Colorado
The state of Colorado is rich in cathedral mountains, big sunny skies, vast golden prairies, and standout cities. A huge part of the charm of living in the Centennial State is merging these upscale, urban scenes with magnificent backdrops and quick access to the slopes, trails, rivers, parks, and forests. Anyone visiting from out of state, or abroad, will most likely end up anchoring to a major city for flights, car rentals, and all the other resources that facilitate a wide range of travel experiences. So take stock of these eleven places. They are mostly grouped in smaller collections based on geography, so there can be multiple stops on your Colorado tour.
Denver
Good old Denver. The capital of Colorado is in the upper echelon of most populated American cities, and yet it is as charming and nostalgic as it is modern and vibrant. The Mile High City has distinct neighborhoods that show off the cosmopolitan's progression over the years. Starting the adventure downtown is always a good bet, particularly Larimer Square – Denver's oldest block. The Victorian-era buildings have been transformed into bars, coffee shops, restaurants, galleries, and boutique shops. Find out what drove gold miners, nature nuts, and Jack Kerouac's band of beatnik writers to come here, and what continues to entice energetic American's to this amazing place by lingering in Denver before or after your mountain retreat.
Aurora
Aurora is the third largest city in Colorado, and a significant suburb on the Eastside of Denver. It is part of Arapahoe, Adams, and Douglas counties, and is not only a gateway to the Rockies, but has charming attractions in town. Given that Aurora is blessed with 300 sunny days per year (on average), why not get outside and enjoy that fresh mountain air? Cherry Creek State Park invites everyone to flock to Aurora's Southern boundary to paddle around Cherry Creek Reservoir, hike the gentle surrounding trails, have a picnic, or even do some city camping. Over on the East side, the nearly 9,000-acre Plains Conservation Center offers a change of scenery, as does the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, on the North end.
Lakewood
Lakewood is another pristine and sizable suburb of Denver, this time on the West side. This means that this Jefferson Country city pushes right up against the edge of the Rocky Mountains – delivering the best views out of the trifecta of cities, and offering immediate access to many scenic parks. Between 10 and 30 miles away there is: William F. Hayden Green Mountain Park, North Table Mountain Park, Genesee Park, Clear Creek Park, Centennial Cone Park, White Ranch Park, Mount Falcon Park, Golden Gate Canyon State Park, and the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, to name a few! And if you don't feel like venturing into the mountains on a particular day, there are a surprising number of small lakes within town, and the downtown Belmar district is always a happening spot to explore.
Boulder
A mere 30 miles Northwest of Denver, the city of Boulder, in Boulder County, balances the much beloved mountain town vibes with the finer components of an urban environment. This chilled-out college town (home to the University of Colorado) is known for its restaurant and brewery scene. The quality stands on its own, but it never hurts to have incredible views and joyous company while you sip or munch away. One of the standout areas has to be Pearl Street. This brick-paved, pedestrian-mall packs a ton of social, shopping, and snacking options into a cozy area. Otherwise, catch a show at the old Boulder Theatre (just aim for the colorful marquee), and don't miss out on the local farmer's market that pops up every Wednesday and Saturday. In terms of outdoor recreation, there are lots of cool spots in the immediate vicinity, and then the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, and the ever-popular Rocky Mountain National Park are both only a short drive away.
Loveland
Roughly 50 miles North of Denver, and about 35 miles Northeast of Boulder, Loveland is ready to charm your pants off. "Sweetheart City," as it is affectionately dubbed, is part of Larimer County. It is home to one of the larger sculpture gardens in the country, Benson Sculpture Garden on the Northwest shore of the centralized Lake Loveland, and proudly shows off many other public works of art throughout town. Easy, low-key access to nature is available within city-limits, as Boyd Lake State Park, on the Western shore of the titular body of water. But Loveland is also one of the closest major hubs to base out of when visiting Rocky Mountain National Park – less than an hour's drive due West.
Greeley
20 miles in the Easterly direction, the Weld County gem of Greeley comes into play. This quirky college town (home to the University of Northern Colorado) still features panorama views of the Rocky Mountains, but also starts to emphasize the vast beauty of the high plains. The South Platte River graces the South side of the city with its presence, while roadside farmer's markets and challenging corn mazes bring some of the rural outdoor fun to the table. Certain hobbyists will be delighted by the Colorado Model Railroad Museum, while others might prefer the energetic live entertainment at the Moxi Theater next door, or the breweries and Mexican-style eateries throughout the rest of the downtown core.
Fort Collins
Reigniting the Northbound trend, 15 miles up the Eastern boundary of the Rocky Mountain foothills from Loveland, one reaches Fort Collins, one of the fastest growing major cities in the state. Its downtown is so quaint and quintessentially American that it inspired the design of Disneyland's Main Street USA. This Old Town core was first erected back in 1864, and has since turned into a hip focal point of this college town (home to Colorado State University Fort Collins), rich in watering holes and live entertainment venues. When venturing West, as everyone is eventually beckoned to do, the long footprint of the summertime hotspot, Horsetooth Reservoir is well-worth stopping by, as is Lory State Park, on the Western shore of the artificial lake, before continuing onwards to the Northern reaches of Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forest.
Castle Rock
Changing gears and focusing on the stretch South of Denver, Castle Rock is the first city that deserves some attention. Just 30 miles below the capital, this Douglas County standout continues the Colorado blend of outdoor recreation and social engagement. The city takes its name after the formidable rock outcropping that has served as a notable landmark from the time of the original American Indian settlers to the modern-day, photo-hungry hikers. East of town, Castlewood Canyon State Park invites casual explorers, while the sprawling Pike National Forest offers an even bigger playground – so large, in fact, that legends of the elusive Big Foot have been able to flourish. Finally, Castle Rock hosts both an annual Artfest and Winefest, and is a regular golfing and shopping hub.
Colorado Springs
40 miles South of Castle Rock sits the state's second-largest city, Colorado Springs. "The Springs," as it is commonly known basks in the presence of Pikes Peak, one of Colorado's "fourteeners" (i.e. mountains over 14,000 feet tall), and Almagre Mountain, which also triumphantly breaks through the lush treeline – both to the West of the city, as well as other prominent, hikable peaks to the Northwest and Southwest. But the closest and quite possibly most-alluring natural attractions are right on the Northwestern outskirts of town: the colorful Red Rock Canyon, the curious subterranean world of Cave of the Winds Mountain Park, and the divine sandstone formations at Garden of the Gods.
Pueblo
Scooting South down Interstate 25 for another 45 miles will bring Colorado road-trippers to the pleasant city of Pueblo. The Arkansas River cuts right through this Pueblo County spot, setting the stage for the beloved Pueblo Riverwalk, which can be done on foot, or in an open-air excursion boat (or both!). Learn about the history of this culturally diverse region, while also enjoying the art displays and infectious positive spirits that radiate on sunny days (which are almost constant down here). On the Western edge of town, Lake Pueblo State Park offers another excellent option for a fair-weather hangout. Pick your own special spot anywhere along the 60 miles of shoreline.
Grand Junction
Jumping way over to the West-Central part of the state, in an area known as the Western Slope, Grand Junction represents one of the key cities of Colorado's wine country – something that is guaranteed to boost the charm-factor of any place. Located on the Northern shore of the Colorado River, at its junction with the Gunnison River (hence the incorporated name), this Mesa County city is both soothing and energetic. Grand Junction is a popular jumping off point for the beautiful red rock landscape of Colorado National Monument, and Grand Mesa, the largest tabletop mountain in the world. Mountain bikers are also delighted by the endless miles of single-track trail, white water rafters are well-served by the famous Colorado River, and golfers are in for a real treat as they play on well-nourished fairways in view of the arid red desert.
Nothing beats that Rocky Mountain high. And when touring around Colorado, it doesn't take intensive backcountry excursions to get it. Impeccable views are omnipresent from anywhere in these eleven charming cities, which means visitors can relax on a rooftop patio, casually stroll pedestrian streets, or kick back in a local park, all while still appreciating the heavenly landscape. If, however, the desire to delve deeper into the shadows of these colossal peaks emerges, one is never far away from the endless big adventures that this state provides.
