6 Breathtaking Towns to Visit in Colorado Plateau

The Colorado Plateau is undoubtedly impressive in scale… and natural splendor. This distinctive geological region of southwestern USA covers an impressive 130,000 square miles in what’s known as the Four Corners region, a spectacularly beautiful area where the states of Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico meet. Characterized by its high desert terrain, the plateau is known for its layered sedimentary rock formations and deep canyons, with elevations ranging from 2,000 to over 10,000 feet, creating diverse ecosystems and dramatic landscapes.

Adding to the allure of this spectacular scenery are several interesting small towns just waiting to be experienced. Serving as bases from which to visit some of the most beautiful natural scenery in all of North America, these breathtaking towns on the Colorado Plateau also boast unique characteristics that warrant further exploration. Read on to find out more…

Moab, Utah

Moab is not only the adventure capital of Utah, but it’s also a gateway to some of the most dramatic natural features in the United States. The big attractions here are the stunning Arches and Canyonlands national parks. Arches National Park is famous for its over 2,000 sandstone arches, including the iconic Delicate Arch, while Canyonlands boasts panoramic views from wonderfully named places like Island in the Sky. Bringing a mountain bike? Moab is home to the Slickrock Bike Trail, a 10.5-mile loop that presents challenging and thrilling rides on Navajo sandstone. Enjoy water-based adventures? The Colorado River provides activities from gentle scenic floats to exhilarating white-water rapids.

Downtown Moab complements its natural surroundings with a diverse collection of shops, museums, and dining options that cater to an eclectic mix of outdoor enthusiasts and casual tourists alike. Annual events like the Moab Music Festival (late August) and the Moab Easter Jeep Safari also draw crowds, while those interested in geology and paleontology should pop into Moab Giants Dinosaur Park and Museum with its kid-friendly interactive displays and life-size replicas.

Durango, Colorado

Durango’s unique blend of nature and culture makes it an engaging destination for travelers, whatever their interests. Top attractions include the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, an operational steam train dating from 1881 that journeys through the San Juan National Forest. Outdoor adventures include skiing at Purgatory Resort, just 30 minutes from downtown Durango, to hiking and mountain biking among the scenic trails that crisscross the area.

The Animas River Trail is another must-do and is a seven-mile paved path that follows the Animas through Durango with access to town parks and recreational spots. Downtown Durango bustles with activity and features a mix of southwestern art galleries, boutique shops, and eateries serving everything from quick bites to fine dining. The town's rich cultural heritage is showcased in The Powerhouse, a science and learning attraction set in an old power plant dating from 1893, and events like the Durango Cowboy Poetry Gathering in October and the Durango Film Festival in late February.

Sedona, Arizona

Sedona is where adventurers go to explore some of Arizona’s most remarkable red sandstone formations. The town is encircled by dramatic landscapes that beckon outdoor lovers with trails suitable for hiking and biking, as well as horseback riding. Iconic formations like Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock are must-sees here and offer great hikes and some of the most photogenic viewpoints in the West.

Sedona is also known for its numerous vortex sites, areas believed to be energetically aligned for meditation and healing. Wellness retreats like Enchantment Resort offer holistic experiences. Sedona's night skies have earned it the designation as the USA’s sixth International Dark Sky Community, attracting astronomers and stargazers alike from across the globe. Also, be sure to explore downtown Sedona for its thriving arts community, which is evident in its many galleries showcasing local and regional artists, as well as traditional Native American art.

Page, Arizona

Located on a mesa above the Colorado River in northern Arizona, Page is strategically positioned for visitors exploring the natural attractions of Lake Powell and Antelope Canyon. Lake Powell, known for its crystal-blue waters and scenic canyons, offers ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and water sports. Antelope Canyon, a breathtaking slot canyon with its flowing rock formations and light shafts, is one of the places to visit in America for landscape photography (access via guided tours only).

Horseshoe Bend, another geographic marvel, is just a short drive from Page and provides an overlook with great views of the Colorado River winding through the rock. The Glen Canyon Dam is located nearby and offers fun tours detailing its role in river management and power generation, and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, with its vast desert landscape and unique geological formations, is close by.

Monticello, Utah

Monticello is a breathtaking small town in Utah that serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby Canyonlands National Park and the historic Newspaper Rock. The town's proximity to the fascinating Needles District of Canyonlands offers adventurers a chance to explore the park’s extensive network of trails that pass towering rock pinnacles and dramatic desert scenery. Newspaper Rock itself is a significant cultural site and consists of a large collection of petroglyphs etched into sandstone that dates back thousands of years.

Monticello is also close to the Abajo Mountains, which are usually less crowded than other areas and offer a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, camping, and mountain biking. Annual events such as the San Juan ATV Safari in September add to the town’s vibe and bring together locals and visitors for days of guided rides through the picturesque backcountry.

Telluride, Colorado

Telluride is tucked into a scenic box canyon and is known primarily for its ski resort, which features some of the best skiing terrain in North America. The town also has a well-preserved historic downtown that offers a glimpse into its past as a bustling silver mining center and serves as a backdrop for fun events like the Telluride Film Festival (TFF) in late August and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in July contributing to the town's lively atmosphere.

The San Juan Mountains are another big draw and provide endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. The 12-minute long (and free!) gondola ride between Telluride and the nearby Mountain Village is a popular attraction and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks along the way. The San Miguel River, running through the town, not only adds to the town’s appeal but also provides spots for fly fishing and rafting.

Discover the Heart of the Colorado Plateau

There’s no doubt that the Colorado Plateau offers so much more than just picturesque landscapes. This stunning part of southwestern USA invites travelers to immerse themselves fully in the history, culture, and adventure of the region’s small towns. From Moab’s stunning red rock scenery to Durango’s historical railway and Sedona’s spiritual retreats, each of these towns provides a distinct and authentic taste of the American Southwest. Use this list of six breathtaking towns to visit in the Colorado Plateau to plan a memorable day trip, weekend getaway, or extended vacation.