6 Towns in the Colorado Plateau with Thriving Local Businesses
The Colorado Plateau is a region of outstanding natural beauty and rich cultural history that has attracted entrepreneurs and tourists for decades. Spanning an area known as the “Four Corners” - it’s here the states of Colorado, Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico all meet - the Colorado Plateau is home to countless dramatic canyons, mesas (those famous flat-topped hills), and mighty rivers that attract millions of visitors each year.
Numerous small towns have sprung up to satisfy the demands of visitors for everything from accommodations to food and drink experiences to adventure experiences and sports providers. The best of these businesses are thriving as a result and play a significant role in their local economies, providing not only unique experiences and products that reflect the character of their community but also job opportunities for those tempted to move here. Find out more by visiting these six towns in the Colorado Plateau region of the Southwest United States.
Grand Junction
Located on the western edge of Colorado, Grand Junction is the largest city in the Colorado Plateau region and serves as a gateway to the Colorado National Monument, an area of remarkable beauty that’s known for its towering monoliths and breathtaking scenery. Its proximity to so much natural splendor has led to the town becoming a hub for outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, river rafting, and more. Grand Junction’s thriving local businesses are a testament not just to the tourist appeal of the surrounding area, but also to the ingenuity and creativity of those who’ve set up businesses here.
The family-owned Two Rivers Winery is a local favorite and offers wines produced from Colorado-grown grapes, complete with a tasting room and vineyard tours. Another standout business is Main Street Bagels, a bustling café that has become a cornerstone of downtown Grand Junction since it opened up in 1995. Check out their freshly baked bagels, pastries, and artisanal coffee and pull up a seat to chat to the many locals and tourists who flock to this must-visit café. Market on Main is another successful commercial venture worth experiencing. This weekly event showcases local artisans, farmers, and food vendors, highlighting the town’s commitment to supporting local entrepreneurship.
Montrose
Montrose is situated in southwestern Colorado and is a tourist magnet as it serves as the gateway to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, a dramatic and lesser-known gem of the national park system. Countless small locale businesses benefit from the fact Montrose has become an ideal base for exploring the Colorado Plateau, including several creative beverage makers. Of these, Horsefly Brewing Company is one of the most highly regarded. Known for its craft beers made from locally sourced ingredients, the brewery’s lively taproom and frequent fun events make it a social hub for both residents and visitors.
Storm King Distilling Co., which produces high-quality spirits such as gin, whiskey, and vodka, boasts a first-rate distillery tasting room experience that includes samples and the chance to learn about the distillation process. Another thriving local business hub is the Montrose Farmers Market, which operates year-round and features a wide range of produce, artisanal goods, and prepared foods created by entrepreneurial locals.
Cortez
Down in the southwestern corner of Colorado, Cortez has done a great job of tapping into tourist interest in the Plateau’s fascinating history. Most visitors will be aware of the town’s importance as a gateway to Mesa Verde National Park, home to some of the best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings in North America. More can be learned about this fascinating historic attraction at the Cortez Cultural Center which offers a look at the region’s Native American heritage through exhibits, performances, and educational programs. Be sure to visit the center’s gift shop, which has handmade crafts and jewelry from local artisans, with purchases that not just support the local economy but also help preserve traditional crafts.
Another standout business is the Notah-Dineh Trading Company, a family-owned store that specializes in Native American art and crafts. The store’s extensive collection of rugs, pottery, and jewelry is a huge draw for collectors and tourists interested in authentic Southwestern art. While in Cortez, pop into Stonefish Sushi for a unique fusion of Japanese cuisine and local ingredients. Cortez is also close to the Four Corners Monument, where Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico meet at one of the Plateau’s most popular selfie spots.
Durango
Let’s face it: Durango just sounds a little wild and adventurous, doesn’t it? Founded in 1880 to serve the hundreds of gold mining camps that had sprung up after the discovery of gold in the area 20 years earlier, Durango has managed to preserve its Old West vibe, with many prospering local businesses riffing on the same theme. Wander the well-preserved historic Durango Downtown area, and you’ll find numerous local businesses in these attractive old Victorian-era buildings, including the Animas Chocolate Company. A local favorite, they produce handcrafted chocolates using high-quality ingredients and serve up excellent coffees to wash it all down
Ska Brewing Company is another thriving downtown business to get to know. Considered one of Colorado’s top craft breweries, its innovative beers and sustainable practices have made it a well-respected (and frequented) community fixture. The leading star of the show here, though, is the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This authentic heritage railway experience takes visitors on a fun 45-mile scenic train ride through the San Juan Mountains (allow at least four hours for this must-do Durango experience).
Glenwood Springs
Its location in the Rocky Mountains has certainly helped Glenwood Springs prosper. As its name suggests, the town is named after its hot springs, including the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, the largest mineral hot springs pool in the world. Open to the public, this bucket-list attraction is easy to spend a day at. Other fun things to do here include visiting the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, located atop Iron Mountain, with its fascinating cave tours and thrilling rides (and yes, they also boast spectacular views while you play).
Local businesses have been thriving in Glenwood Springs since it first attracted tourists and continue to do well. One of the newer businesses to set up shop here is Iron Mountain Hot Springs. Set on the banks of the Colorado River, it features 16 mineral hot springs pools with varying temperatures and stunning views. Peckish after all that relaxing and rejuvenating? Book a table at The Pullman, a modern American restaurant serving up farm-to-table dining experiences that change with the seasons. The Glenwood Vaudeville Revue is another option and provides family-friendly entertainment with a variety of performances ranging from comedy to musical acts.
Fruita
A 100-plus-year-old pioneer community that’s still home to descendants of the region’s first settlers, Fruita is well worth including on any Colorado Plateau travel itinerary. Popular as a base from which to explore the Colorado National Monument, many businesses have sprung up over the decades to serve curious travelers and locals alike. Visit popular places like Over the Edge Sports, a bike shop that caters to Fruita’s mountain biking community, and you’ll meet enthusiasts from across the country, here for bike rentals, sales, and repairs (they also offer guided tours of the area’s renowned trails).
Adventure in Fruita isn’t all outdoors. The town’s dining scene has evolved tremendously, with eateries like The Hot Tomato serving some of the best pizzas you’ll ever taste. Made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, this must-visit pizzeria has become a favorite among both locals and visitors for its casual, welcoming atmosphere… and its great grub.
The Final Word
Together, these towns on the Colorado Plateau paint a fascinating picture of the region’s energetic and thriving business communities. From the historical significance of Cortez and Durango to the natural wonders of Grand Junction and Glenwood Springs, each town provides not only a glimpse into the region’s diverse heritage and vibrant community life but also an opportunity to experience and embrace that same entrepreneurial spirit that saw the region open up to commerce during the Gold Rush. These six towns in the Colorado Plateau with thriving local businesses are perfect for curious travelers to explore.
