11 Most Hospitable Towns In Colorado

Picture gentle grasslands crashing into harsh, soaring mountains and ragged snow-covered cliffs tumbling into churning torrents of whitewater rapids. Could this seemingly inhospitable landscape actually contain congenial locals and welcoming villages? Yes! If you are looking for Colorado’s 11 most hospitable and welcoming towns, allow this list to be your guide. The first rule of Colorado is to always dress in layers, so put on your thermal underpants and pack your best coat. It is time to explore the infamous Rockies!

Evergreen

Nestled in the towering pine forests just 30 miles outside of Denver is the unassuming town of Evergreen. It is not just its beauty that makes it remarkable; the residents are friendly, the restaurants are tasty, and there are so many things to do year-round. Summers are ideal for a stroll through downtown, score a sizzling slice of pizza at Beau Jo’s before you unpack your bags at the river-adjacent Bear Creek Cabins. Load up the kids and rent a canoe at Evergreen Lake for a day of fun on the water. When the sun starts getting low, paddle over to the Evergreen Lake House to enjoy one of its many summertime events like the Jazz Festival or Summer Concert Series.

Gunnison

College towns like Gunnison are known for their welcoming atmosphere. Gunnison is no different, with hip restaurants and plenty of fun activities. Stop into High Alpine Brewing Company for tasty food and great beer, or visit The Pioneer Museum for an in-depth history of Gunnison’s pioneers.

The most alluring aspect of Gunnison is its incredible opportunities for outdoor adventure. From snowshoeing to backcountry backpacking, every season has its draw.

Do not miss this area’s main attraction: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. It features breathtaking canyons and stunningly sheer cliff faces. For the avid outdoorsperson, grab a wilderness permit and venture into the depths of the canyon for fishing, kayaking, and rock climbing.

Idaho Springs

In 1859, Colorado prospectors found more than gold in Idaho Springs. They discovered bubbling hot springs and abundant fish and wildlife, allowing them to build the foundations of a thriving mountain community. Just thirty minutes west of Denver (traffic allowing), Idaho Springs is more than a pitstop on the way into the Rockies.

If you’re craving unforgettable food, Smokin’ Yards BBQ will draw you in and leave you wanting more. From there, it’s a short drive to the healing waters of Indian Hot Springs Lodge. The hotel and spa features a large tropical mineral pool, private soaking tubs, sauna-like hot spring caves, and a variety of other services.

Nearby, the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway transports you to the top of Mount Blue Sky (formerly Mount Evens), one of Colorado’s 58 fourteeners.

Salida

If wild river experiences are on your to-do list, stop into Salida. It's known for its world-class river rafting. The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area features 148 miles of river park. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and rafting are the town’s main draws. Plus, when the locals see you with a watercraft, they’re eager to tell you the best spots to explore.

Beer aficionados will appreciate the Brewer’s Rendezvous, held in downtown Salida every summer. After enjoying some craft brews, jump on your innertube and take a lazy float down the river to your campsite. It’s an unforgettable way to spend an afternoon.

According to the Salida Chamber of Commerce, this stretch of the Arkansas offers up to 5,000 trout per mile. It’s Colorado’s longest section of Gold Medal Waters - a fisher’s paradise!

Steamboat Springs

Locals in Steamboat Springs thrive on tourism and are quick to greet out-of-towners with a smile. If you are visiting for the first time, try not to be overwhelmed by the diverse array of activities.

Summertime guests can take their pick from numerous outdoor adventures like kayaking around Pearl Lake, mountain biking through Steamboat’s gorgeous aspen tree forests, or enjoying a soak at the Old Town Hot Springs. Winter is the height of Steamboat’s popularity. Visitors flock to the Steamboat Ski Resort, especially for special events like the New Year’s Eve fireworks display.

One of the most enchanting ways to spend the day (or night) is at Strawberry Park Hot Springs. Aspen-covered mountainsides surround its stunningly terraced outdoor hot springs. After a day on the slopes, the springs are perfect for relaxing your muscles and soaking up Colorado’s natural beauty.

Frisco

Tourists from across the country visit the Rocky Mountains for outdoor adventure. You might think locals tire of the constant flux of outsiders, but that could not be further from the truth in the town of Frisco. Inhabitants always seem to be smiling and it’s easy to imagine why. This town has everything!

Stop into Frisco Adventure Park for a day of tubing, snowboarding, skiing, and more. Located within the Peninsula Recreation Area, the Adventure Park offers year-round activities including biking, skateboarding, and disc golf.

One of the best lakes within 90 minutes of Denver is Dillon Reservoir. The reservoir’s Frisco Bay Marina is your portal to boating, fishing, and paddle boarding. You may find this lake is your favorite Colorado getaway.

Glenwood Springs

This inviting mountain oasis features a beautifully designed downtown hub loaded with restaurants, galleries, and shops. Try the breakfast burritos at Sweet Coloradough for a quick pick-me-up before you hit the sights.

Glenwood offers several hot springs resorts, including Iron Mountain, Yampah Spa, and the aptly named Glenwood Hot Springs Resort. Each has its own unique appeal.

Speaking of unique, schedule a day at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park to take your Colorado experience to new heights. You can catch a gondola to the top of Iron Mountain before enjoying amusement rides, cave tours, and more.

Georgetown

Since 1868, this picturesque mountain town has been enticing visitors with its charming architecture and natural beauty. Take a ride on the Georgetown Loop Historic Railroad to see the town as its early settlers did. If the train piques your interest in the region’s history, stop into the Hammil House Museum to learn more.

Georgetown is the gateway to Guanella Pass, a wilderness area offering hiking, fishing, and mountain biking. The views from Guanella Pass overlooking Georgetown each fall are sure to make you reach for your camera.

Georgetown Lake is enjoyed year-round by fishing enthusiasts for its easy accessibility (even for ice fishing) and abundant rainbow trout.

Hot Sulphur Springs

Picture yourself under a glistening blanket of stars, steam gently rolling off the natural hot pools surrounding you. A gentle waterfall trickles nearby and all your worries float away. This scene could become reality when you visit Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa in Grand County. The attraction boasts 18 manmade pools of gravity-fed mineral water. It’s the perfect spot to start or end your tour of Hot Sulphur Springs.

If hot springs aren’t your thing, there is still plenty to see and do in this welcoming town. Pioneer Park offers 80 acres of fishing, hiking, and mountain biking. Or, grab your discs and hit the 18-hole disc golf course for free.

Visit the Dean Public House for a rustically charming bite to eat. The spot is the former home of the town’s first saloon and you can still score a potent cocktail while you dine near the pot-bellied stove.

Telluride

The tiny town of Telluride is tucked between monumental mountains in an idyllic box canyon. It’s just eight blocks wide and twelve blocks long, but it is packed with hospitality and charm. Vibrant Victorian-era homes, inviting boutiques, and gourmet dining converge to create this mountain escape.

Locals love the upscale dining offered at 221 South Oak, complete with an extensive wine list. After a bite to eat, transport yourself to the adjoining town of Mountain Village via scenic gondola to take in the entire awe-inspiring valley. The gondola welcomes skiers in the winter and cyclists in the summer, ideal for adventure any time of year.

The beauty of this unpretentious town can not be overstated, but it's also historically significant. In 1964, it was designated a National Historic Landmark District due to its role in shaping the American West.

Granby

This former logging and railroad community has transformed into an unassuming escape in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Its deceptively flat landscape sits at an elevation of 7,935 feet above sea level and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Every season is enticing in Granby, so grab your skis or your lakeside attire and prepare to explore.

Lake Granby is arguably the town’s most spectacular attraction. It encompasses more than 7,000 acres, making it Colorado’s third-largest body of water. Boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking abound on this manmade wonder. In the winter, ice fishing and snowmobiling are favorite pastimes of the locals.

If the weather is frightful, pass the time at the Moffat Road Railroad Museum or the Emily Warner Field Aviation Museum for a superbly curated glimpse into the region’s past.

This list of Colorado’s most hospitable towns is just the start of your Rocky Mountain adventures. This region offers wild landscapes, friendly residents, and remarkable ecological diversity. There is so much more to see and do than could ever be captured in one article. But if feeling at home while you are on the road is at the top of your Colorado travel bucket list, this guide is a great place to start!