14 Prettiest Towns In Colorado
Synonymous with the rugged and mountainous landscape, Colorado is one of America's most scenic states for its canyons, parks, and forests. It is often frequented by adventurers and nature enthusiasts chasing natural excellence. Home to the world-famous Rocky Mountains, the 14 prettiest towns of Colorado bring alive other enchanting elements of The Centennial State experience, such as culture and history, to a strong sense of community engagement. From the ancient cave-like dwellings of Manitou Springs to annual community gatherings like Aspen's Food & Wine Classic that bring out the best of local culinary skills, Colorado caters to all interests with its diverse attractions. Whether planning a luxury wellness retreat or cruising the scenic highways of colorful Colorado, here's a list of the 14 prettiest towns in Colorado to assist you in planning your next getaway or road trip.
Silverton
Silverton is a small tourist community in the San Juan Mountains and attracts visitors from all over for its scenic routes, like the Million Dollar Highway and the Alpine Loop scenic byway. The small town is also a quick stop for those visiting Durango and allows for an insightful journey through American history and tales from the once-booming coal mine industry that brought to life many small towns in Colorado. The town’s historic downtown district adds to its beauty with quirky tourist attractions like the old Silverton Wooden Jail and unique stays like the Historic Alma House just a walk from the town square.
Grand Lake
Grand Lake is one of the most underrated towns on this list and is mainly known for being a winter resort town nicknamed the Snowmobile Capital of Colorado; it is also considered a gateway town to the Rockies. However, as the name suggests, this small town is also home to one of the deepest lakes in the state, qualifying Grand Lake to rank as one of the best destinations for adventurists and glampers looking for an activity-intensive weekend getaway. Find secluded luxury cabins with scenic vistas like the far-out Grand Lake Lodge near Tonahutu Creek Trail or Western Riviera Lakeside Lodging for a mix of aquatic and mountainous atmospheres.
Durango
No list of the prettiest small towns in Colorado is complete without Durango. Stretching thousands of acres of beautiful forest and mountain backdrops, Durango is the world of the Rockies and the filming location of many cinematic classics like Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid, The Prestige, and Cliffhanger. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad excursions through and the historic route tops the list of beautiful vistas in Durango, with wilderness views of Cascade Canyon in the San Juan Mountains. Additionally, Durango Hot Springs Resort and Spa enhances the adventurous outdoor experience in Durango, turning your stay into a relaxing getaway.
Breckenridge
Breckenridge flawlessly blends nature with an upscale luxury escape experience. The town is yet another historic coal mining community that worked to develop a touristic edge to attract visitors. It is one of The prettiest small towns in Colorado, for its Boreas scenic route, its Sapphire Point Overlook located between Breckenridge and Keystone, and its world-class Breckenridge and Peak 9 Ski Resorts, a few of its many desirable destinations for Winterport enthusiasts. While many vacationers venture out to Breckinridge to get involved with nature and get active, some of the town’s most notable aesthetic features lie in the heart of its historic downtown. From community events like the Breckenridge Lightning Festival and the holiday time Race Of Santas on Main St to over 300 local small businesses to shop from, Breckenridge includes all the pretty atmospheres found in Colorado.
Ouray
Another small town in Colorado, located in the San Juan Mountain Range in the Rockies, Ouray is state-recognized as the Switzerland of America for its mountainous backdrops and stunning natural views. While the next neighboring town of Telluride tailors to the luxury vacationer experience, Ouray is more of a well-preserved historic community that emphasizes a rugged nature-centric feel with options, from camping at the Ampiteather campgrounds to rockclimbing granite cliffs and Iceclimbing at Ouray Ice Park. Stay amidst the town's natural beauty with lodging options like Hot Sprigs Inn, Ouray Riverside Resort for an eco-rich experience, or Hotel Ouray for a central stay in the heart of the cozy town.
Telluride
One of the more popular small towns in Colorado, Telluride adds a relaxing, luxurious twist to the untouched natural attractions of the area. Equally relaxing as it is pretty, Telluride sits 49.6 mi from Ouray and stands out with world-class natural attractions like Colorado’s highest freefalling waterfall, the Bridal Veil Falls, and San Miguel River that allows for a range of relaxing recreation, whether freshwater fishing or hiking the lakeside trails There is never a wrong time to visit Telluride. With endless fancy lodging options, like the Mountain Lodge, Fairmont Heritage Place, and The Peaks Resort & Spa, this pretty town can be a secluded, relaxing escape, a romantic getaway, or an activity-rich family weekend escape.
Crested Butte
Crested Butte ranks among the prettiest small towns in Colorado for being the ultimate ski resort in the winter and a flower wonderland during warmer seasons. Crested Butte enjoys over 100 different skiable terrains, from beginner-level slopes to more challenging options. In addition to winter sports options, the small mountainous town is also home to a sizeable mountain biking community and attracts off-road bikers from all over the state for its diverse scenic routes. Brush Creek, Snodgrass, and the trails near Lily Lake rank among the best destinations to appreciate the town’s wilderness and vibrancy through fields of lavender, dandelion, and more.
Aspen
Aspen ranks as one of the prettiest and most romantic small towns on this list for its dining experiences, many community events, and vibrant art scene. The Aspen Art Museum, the classic Aspen Music Festival, and the annual Filmfest are all contributing elements to the town’s popularity, while the X Games are an iconic winter sports competition series that brings locals and visitors together in excitement to support competitors from all over. Fine dining options in Aspen include The Wild Fig Bistro on East Hyman Ave and Steakhouse No. 316 on East Hopkins Ave, but the ultimate culinary experience in town is only experienced through the Food & Wine Classic, a summer event featuring over 40 of the finest local vendors.
Estes Park
Estes Park is a small village known at the base of the Rockies; States Park stands out for being a quick weekend escape from major cities like Denver for its 70-mile proximity. Whether a luxury vacationer or a hard-core camper, Estes Park has an outdoor experience for all interests. The abundance of wildlife, from elk to deer and bears, that can be spotted during your visit to Estes Park qualifies the small town to rank as one of the prettiest towns with untouched nature. Stay at the wooden cabin luxury Mountain village of Estes Park, or bring your tent during warmer months and stay in the family-friendly Estes Park Campground at Mary’s Lake.
Salida
Located along the Arkansas River, Salida is surrounded by mountains and offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and river rafting. It is one of the prettiest towns in Colorado for its downtown district that makes the National Register of Historic Places and endless challenging mountain hikes like the Tenderfoot Hill, The rocky South Mountain Trail, and more. Adding to Salida’s attractions and welcoming old-school town feel are its famous healing springs and Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center, one of the largest Mineral Water Indoor Pools in the country.
Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Springs makes almost every list of scenic towns, not only as a Colorado special but as one of the most scenic towns in America for its wild-west theme that compliments its mountainous setting, its Hanging Lake, and Glenwood Canyon. The town is particularly beautiful in the winter when its mountaintops are covered in fluffy white snow, romanticizing its steamy hot springs and turning the entire town into a massive therapeutic resort. Sitting 41 mi Northwest of Aspen Glenwood Springs, it is state-renowned as a relaxing vacation spot for being home to some of the world’s largest hot spring pools and unique wellness experiences like the underground Yampah Spa & Vapor Caves and Iron Mountain Hot Springs.
Manitou Springs
Manitou Springs is a gateway town to the geological marvel of the Garden of the Gods, which is a portal to simpler times. The town derives its name from eight mineral springs, with Cheyenne Spring being one of the most notable for its natural soda waters. This sweet-water spring is fed by limestone aquifers that delve a mile deep and are believed to date back over 20,000 years. Travel back to pre-settling times when visiting the Manitou Springs Dwellings that were home to Native residents of the area more than 1000 years ago, and learn more about history at Manitou Springs Heritage Center. Wrap up your scenic adventure with a relaxing day at Sunwater Spa, and take in the natural beauty from the comfort of your hot tub.
Palisade
Palisade stands out as a pretty agricultural community and is state-renowned for its peach orchards and vineyards. Located in the Grand Valley, some of the best times to Visit Palisade are during its summer months harvest season for farm tours and fresh farm-to-table cuisine. Go on a self-guided exploration tour of the town’s redbrick Main St, and show some local support to creative businesses like the Craig Gallery Fine Art with Colorado portrait pieces and Nana’s Fruit and Jam Shack for homemade goods and fresh local produce. Better yet, Palisade is home to some of the best nature-centric lodging options for a wilderness-themed escape, like Wine County Inn near Mt. Garfield Trailhead and The Homestead Near the Palisade Rim Trail along the Colorado River.
Trinidad
Finally, Trinidad is one of the less frequented towns on this list, tucked away in the Purgatoire River valley, and is a trading post community that dates back to the mid-1800s. One of the prettiest towns in Colorado for its festive local community and aesthetically pleasing architecture, like the Victorian Trinidad History Museum and the Second Century Bloom House built in 1882. Despite having one of the liveliest communities and coziest downtowns, Trinidad still depicts the centennial state’s natural gifts with vast wild lands like Trinidad State Park and its Riley Canyon.
The Centennial state differentiates itself as a historically rich and adventure-centric tourist destination, offering a diverse, memorable experience for all visitors with its well-rounded 14 prettiest towns. These towns showcase the rugged and mountainous landscapes and bring forth cultural richness, historical significance, and a strong sense of community. Colorado's towns cater to all interests; whether seeking an adrenaline rush of outdoor adventures or a tranquil romantic weekend escape, this is your sign to pack your bags and head out to explore the beauties of Colorado.
