6 Friendliest Towns To Visit In Colorado Plateau In 2024
The Colorado Plateau, a vast region spanning across the Southwestern states of Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico, is well-known for its spectacular scenery. Characterized by high deserts, rugged canyons, and countless unique geological formations, the Plateau is, as a result, a magnet for adventurous types, boasting no end of fun outdoor activities and experiences.
The many friendly small towns across the region are also big draws for visitors. Serving as bases for those wanting to hit the hiking and biking trails, the ATV routes, and the many scenic drives that crisscross the area, these communities are also hotbeds of cultural activities. Find out more about some of the best places to visit with this list of six of the friendliest towns on the Colorado Plateau.
Moab, Utah
With nearly two million out-of-towners visiting every year, the small Utah town of Moab has made a point of being a friendly place to visit. Located in the southeastern part of the state, Moab is the gateway to some of the most iconic landscapes in the American Southwest, including Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. Both are huge draws for nature lovers and outdoor recreationists, including hikers, mountain bikers, and off-road enthusiasts, all lured here by those stunning red rock formations and dramatic canyons.
If you love a good concert, visit during the 2024 Moab Music Festival in August. Held in unique outdoor venues, including those dramatic red rock grottos, this hip, vibrant event attracts musicgoers from across the country for one of the world’s most unique concert experiences. You can also mix with friendly locals at the weekly Moab Farmers' Market, some of whom have stalls selling their homegrown produce and handmade crafts.
Durango, Colorado
Situated in the southwestern part of Colorado, Durango boasts a friendly Old West vibe. Highlights for a visit in 2024 include hopping aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a fun 45-mile long ride aboard a historic steam train through the San Juan Mountains. Better still, check out this year’s schedule of themed train rides, including a festive Polar Bear Express, a fall color tour, and even a quirky “cowboy poetry” event.
Other fun things to do in Durango in 2024 include the town’s popular Farmers' Market, running from May to October and providing a platform for local artisans and farmers to showcase their goods; and bringing (or renting) a kayak for a trip along the Animas River, a spot that’s also popular for fishing and rafting. Finally, the Mesa Verde National Park is a must-see, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings that offer fun tours from friendly guides and rangers.
Sedona, Arizona
Head up to northern Arizona, and you’ll find yourself in Sedona, another hub for outdoor enthusiasts. This great little town is surrounded by the Coconino National Forest, a huge swath of trees that’s home to numerous opportunities for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding. It’s also an area that’s held in high esteem by new agers and wellness gurus for its vortex sites, unique areas including Cathedral Rock and Boynton Canyon that are considered by some to be centers of spiritual energy and rejuvenation.
Visiting Sedona in 2024? The Sedona Arts Festival in October is a great time to visit, with local and national artists displaying their work in various mediums across town, including in the many art galleries lining Sedona Main Street.
Page, Arizona
Page is another Arizona community on the Colorado Plateau that’s worth visiting for a friendly small-town fix. A highlight of a visit here is nearby Lake Powell, a massive reservoir that offers boating, fishing, and water sports (rentals are available). And just a short drive away, Antelope Canyon’s spectacular scenery is a must-see for photographers and nature lovers.
And even if you haven’t made your 2024 travel plans yet, there’s still plenty of fun to be had in Page this year. One of the biggest and best events is November’s Page Lake Powell Balloon Regatta, a thrilling spectacle of around 100 hot air balloons filling the skies. Other highlights of a visit include meeting friendly local vendors at the always-interesting Lechee “Community” Market and grabbing some memorable photos at nearby Horseshoe Bend, a dramatic meander along the Colorado River south of Lake Powell.
Cortez, Colorado
Tucked away in the southwestern corner of Colorado, Cortez is popular among history buffs for its cultural references from antiquity. Mesa Verde National Park is the star attraction here, home to a fascinating collection of centuries-old Puebloan cliff dwellings. It’s a fun place to hike, with well-marked routes leading to the most impressive of these ancient structures. Better still, plan ahead for a 2024 guided tour, bookable in advance online. Cortez is also close to the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, which preserves numerous important archaeological sites.
In 2024, Cortez will celebrate its heritage at the Cortez Cultural Center, which offers interesting exhibits and performances that highlight Native American and pioneer history. And, of course, a summer, fall, or even winter driving tour along the Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byways is a must-do here, with plenty of opportunists to stop and engage with friendly locals along the way.
Flagstaff, Arizona
Flagstaff makes for an excellent Arizona day trip or getaway in 2024. Located at the base of the scenic San Francisco Peaks, the town’s elevation of 7,000 feet provides a cooler climate, making it a popular summer escape. This lively, friendly university town (it’s home to Northern Arizona University) is fun to visit when townsfolk roll out the welcome mat for events like the Flagstaff Hullabaloo, a community festival featuring music, art, and food that brings together residents and visitors for a weekend of fun in early summer (plans are already underway for the 2025 edition!).
The town’s proximity to the Grand Canyon National Park makes it a perfect base for exploring this natural wonder and certainly draws the crowds to historic downtown Flagstaff. Another highlight is the Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered in 1930 and which still offers stargazing programs throughout the year.
The Final Word
When it comes to friendly places to visit, these small towns on the Colorado Plateau roll out the red carpet for their guests. The fact that millions of tourists descend upon them each year to view top attractions like the stunning red rock landscapes of Moab and Sedona and the historic sites of Durango and Cortez, means they’ve each geared their economies to tourism… something they’ve done tremendously well. Together, these six of the friendliest towns to visit in the Colorado Plateau in 2024 emphasize both the hospitality and the beauty that make this region a top USA travel destination.
