6 Best Towns in Colorado to Visit in 2024

The 90 million travelers who visit Colorado every year do so for a variety of reasons. For many, it’s the allure of the state’s stunning scenery, which also serves as a backdrop for countless fun sports and outdoor activities. Still others come for the history and culture, with some of the most interesting small towns in the “Centennial State” being especially popular among artists and other creative types as places to live, work… and play.

Whatever your reason for visiting Colorado, 2024 is looking particularly good for festivalgoers and lovers of cultural, sporting, and other events. From the celebrations of great cinema in Telluride to the music festivals in places like Aspen and Durango, these towns offer truly authentic Colorado experiences.

Telluride

Located in Colorado’s rugged San Juan Mountains region, Telluride is famous for its world-class ski resorts and transforms into a winter wonderland when the snow flies. Skiers and snowboarders flock here from around the globe, with the town's ski terrain catering to all levels with its beginner slopes and more challenging backcountry trails. Telluride is also well known for its gondola, the only free public transportation system of its kind in North America and which boasts superb views of the surrounding peaks.

Telluride is also a hub for fun events and festivals, and 2024 is already shaping up to be one of the best years ever for the town’s cultural scene. Topping the list is the Telluride Film Festival which this August celebrates its 51st anniversary with a rich program of independent cinema and documentary. The 2024 Telluride Bluegrass Festival in June is another big draw, and this year includes headliners Lyle Lovett, the Sam Bush Band, and many others. Other must-visit events include the Telluride Jazz Festival (August) and the Mountainfilm Festival (May), a documentary film festival that celebrates stories of environmental, cultural, and social significance.

Aspen

Aspen is another hot destination that promises plenty of fun things to do in Colorado in 2024. One of the best ski resort towns in the USA, winter fun here centers around Aspen's four ski areas: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk (famous for hosting the X Games), and Snowmass. Boasting some of the best skiing and snowboarding experiences in North America, these resorts cater equally to beginners and seasoned skiers and are complemented by upscale amenities, accommodations, and après-ski scenes.

Culture vultures will want to mark their calendars for fun events like the Aspen Music Festival and School, one of the most prestigious classical music festivals in the United States. Established in 1949, this summertime event attracts top-notch talent for concerts and educational programs and transforms Aspen into the state’s cultural epicenter with performances ranging from orchestral concerts to opera and chamber music. Another popular event for 2024 is the Aspen Ideas Festival in June which attracts leaders and influencers from around the globe to discuss pressing global issues.

Breckenridge

Its location 80 miles west of Denver just off the I-70 makes Breckenridge an excellent day trip destination from the state capital. This is especially true for festivalgoers as the town hosts numerous annual events that draw crowds from across the country. Topping the list of winter events is the Breckenridge Ullr Fest in December, a fun tribute to the Norse god of snow featuring a town-wide celebration including dancing, parades, and various quirky events. Another notable event for 2024 is the International Snow Sculpture Championships in January, with participating artists creating intricate sculptures from blocks of snow.

Breckenridge is also another of the best ski resort towns in Colorado, with the snow action here taking place around the Breckenridge Ski Resort. Spread across five peaks of the Tenmile Range, this popular ski resort offers diverse terrain that caters to all skill levels. Come summer, the town becomes a haven for hikers, mountain bikers, and nature lovers, all here to explore picturesque trails leading to places like Mohawk Lakes.

Steamboat Springs

Picturesque Steamboat Springs is another Colorado town that’s equally popular for its skiing as it is for its cultural events and festivals. Topping the bill here is the Steamboat Winter Carnival, a tradition since 1914 that celebrates the town's Western heritage. Highlights for 2024 include ski racing, ski jumping, and a fun street parade where high school students are pulled on skis by horses down the town’s main street. Horses feature again in the summer with the Steamboat Pro Rodeo Series, classic rodeo competitions that last pretty much the whole season.

In addition to winter sports, Steamboat Springs is famous for its natural hot springs. Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs is one of the best such experiences for those enjoying a day at the ski slopes, while the Old Town Hot Springs, located in downtown Steamboat Springs, offers a family-friendly hot spring experience with multiple pools and slides.

Crested Butte

While not quite as buzz-worthy a name in the winter sports world, Crested Bute is starting to make a name as a great “dupe” for more established ski resorts like Aspen and Breckinridge. Set in the Elk Mountains in West Colorado, this attractive small town is also becoming increasingly popular for its artsy, laid-back atmosphere. Visitors will be able to experience this fun side of the town during the 2024 Crested Butte Wildflower in July. This cool festival celebrates the town’s title as the "Wildflower Capital of Colorado" with activities such as guided hikes, photography workshops, and garden tours.

Another notable event is the Crested Butte Music Festival, a popular summer happening that features a diversity of musical genres ranging from symphony to opera, and jazz to bluegrass. Other fun things to do include skiing and snowboarding at Crested Butte Ski Resort, exploring its historic downtown area, and hiking and mountain biking.

Durango

Durango is located in southwestern Colorado in the Animas River Valley and is surrounded by the San Juan Mountains and makes for an excellent day trip or weekend getaway. The town’s vibrant cultural scene features several quirky annual events and festivals, including the always-fun Durango Cowboy Poetry Gathering. Slated for October 2024, this year’s event celebrates the rich history and culture of the American Cowboy with music, poetry, and storytelling. The 45th Snowdown Festival is another popular event, and this year features a variety of activities and competitions, bringing a festive atmosphere to the winter months.

Whether you’re here for a festival or not, there’s plenty to do in Durango. Highlights include exploring the historic downtown with its Victorian-era architecture and visiting top-rated attractions like the historic Powerhouse Science Center and the interesting Animas Museum, a 1904 former schoolhouse that now features displays related to local history.

The Final Word

These six best towns to visit in Colorado in 2024 – Telluride, Aspen, Breckenridge, Steamboat Springs, Crested Butte, and Durango – each offers visitors a variety of unique and fun experiences to participate in. From the movies and documentaries shown during Telluride's film festivals to first-rate music events in Aspen and Crested Butte, each of these distinctive communities are among the top destinations to visit in Colorado for 2024.