6 Whimsical Towns To Visit In The Rockies
Famous for being North America’s largest and grandest mountain range, the Rocky Mountains—known colloquially as “The Rockies”—are, without a doubt, iconic. Stretching 3,000 miles from Canada through the United States, the mountains boast some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes, landmarks, and state parks, along with some truly charming alpine towns.
While picture-perfect towns like Banff often take the spotlight, the Rockies are also brimming with quirkier towns some might overlook. These whimsical communities, while sharing in the beauty of the region, also present unconventional attractions, like hidden hiking trails, historic ghost towns, and bizarre mountain landscapes carved by time. So, if you are someone who loves all things unconventional or if you simply want to experience a fresh side to this stunning region, here are 6 whimsical towns to visit in the Rockies.
Ouray, Colorado
Nicknamed the "Little Switzerland of America" for its breathtaking setting in the San Juan Mountains, Ouray is a gateway to fresh alpine air and gorgeous summits. This southwest Colorado town sits 7,800-feet in the mountains, making it one of the best ski spots in the country. It also boasts the Ouray Hot Springs and serene hiking trails. This includes paths like Ouray's Perimeter Trail, a 6-mile serene escape passing 4 waterfalls and 5 bridges. One of which has a quirky secret: a hidden troll clinging to the foundation below.
But Ouray’s whimsy extends far past its summits. Visitors can venture to indoor attractions, like the Ouray Alchemist Museum to experience a Wild West pharmacy. As for outdoor experiences, the Ouray Ice Park is popular with ice climbing enthusiasts in the winter, offering 150 ice climbs around the Uncompahgre River Gorge. For a more family-friendly excursion, Ouray is also home to the “World’s Largest Continuous Dinosaur Trackway.” This collection of 134 fossilized sauropod prints (shaped during the Late Jurassic period) has only recently been opened to the public, accessible via the Silvershield hiking Trail.
Creede, Colorado
In gorgeous Creede, Colorado, adventurous hikers regard the Wheeler Geological Area as the most bewitching and bizarre geological marvel in the San Juan Mountains. Formed from ash flow eruptions millions of years ago (then sculpted by wind, water, and time) these eroded ash spires are nothing short of extraordinary. Located in a 60-acre segment of the Rio Grande National Forest, hikes to the formation are scenic and strenuous. But the trek is well worth the effort of witnessing the otherworldly landscape.
Beyond this whimsical terrain, Creede’s history as a mining town has impacted the town’s other attractions. Mining was the town’s main industry up until the 1980s, when the Homestake Mining Company closed its doors. But this heritage is still ingrained in Creede’s various mines and museums. Whether touring amethyst-embedded tunnels at the historic Last Chance Mine or trekking below ground to explore the Creede Underground Mining Museum, be prepared to have a gem of a time in this Colorado town.
Estes Park, Colorado
As a gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, the town of Estes Park boasts some of the best vistas in the country, along with some hidden treasures. Often called a “Land of Extremes,” this 265,807-acre park features a fabulous blend of landscapes, from shimmering alpine lakes to soaring mountain peaks. Estes Park is especially known for picturesque paths like the Lily Lake Trail and Gem Lake Trail. But the more challenging Longs Peak trail is arguably the most famous, as it leads you to the only mountain in the park that rises over 14,000 feet above sea level.
As for Estes Park’s hidden treasures, travelers in-the-know can find a hidden waterfall path in Rocky Mountain National Park. The Windy Gulch Cascades can be reached under half a mile into the Fern Lake Trail System, but requires a bit of an off-trail detour. While a bit steep, this off-the-beaten-track path rewards its visitors with a stunning picnic spot.
With tons of other secrets hidden in the depths of this massive mountain park, Estes Park is a great place to extend your stay. Visitors can find a range of quirky accommodations, like the Stanley Hotel, which inspired Stephen King's novel, The Shining. Other seasonal spots like the Seven Keys Lodge are well worth the wait. Set to reopen in the summer of 2025, this whimsical establishment is home to over 30,000 keys, making it the largest key collection in the world.
Crested Butte, Colorado
Located nearly 9,000 feet above sea level, like other Colorado mountain towns, Crested Butte’s lower oxygen levels can make for a tricky getaway. This is where unique attractions like the Sea Level Spa come in. The spa offers Oxygen Bars for those struggling with altitude sickness and Altitude Adjustment Chambers for those looking to acclimate. While unorthodox, the spa makes for a refreshing experience and a fun story.
With altitude sickness at bay, visitors can enjoy the town’s other attractions, like the bungee jump trampoline at Crested Butte Adventure Park and skiing the Crested Butte Mountain Resort’s 121 trails. For a more unusual experience, Crested Butte is also home to the Gothic Ghost Town. Surrounded by the West Elk Mountains, the once-popular mining town of Gothic was deserted back in 1914 when the price of silver crashed. Today, a handful of 19th-century structures remain, and the Rocky Mountain Biological Lab brings the town to life with scientists and researchers in the summer.
Taos, New Mexico
For a vibrant historic town that continues to thrive to this day, visit Taos, New Mexico, home of the famous Taos Pueblo. Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark, this Indigenous community is famous for its impressive adobe structures. Amazingly, these buildings have been continuously inhabited for more than 1,000 years. Visitors can take guided tours or explore the village on a more casual route, but the tour is highly recommended to learn more about the Puebloan people and their rich culture.
Elsewhere in Taos, the nearby Rio Grande Gorge is a landmark attraction, drawing people from across the country. For panoramic views of the river, travelers can take the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. At 600-feet-long and 565-feet-high above the river, this postcard path is legendary. For the more adventurous visitor looking to see the waters up close, the river’s 17-mile whitewater run is equal parts exhilarating and stunning.
Columbia Falls, Montana
Over in Montana, the charming town of Columbia Falls is best known as the southwestern gateway to Glacier National Park. Welcoming over 3 million visitors every year, people travel from across the world to behold the park’s striking icy terrain. Boasting 50 glaciers, over 200 alpine lakes, and jaw-dropping glacier-carved peaks, this 1.2 million-acre nature haven is truly bucket list worthy.
With 734 miles of trails to explore, Glacier National Park is sure to leave you breathless, offering spectacular scenery and challenging hikes. But if you feel energized enough to see more of Columbia Falls after your icy adventure, this Montana town has another whimsical hiking area in store. Described as a “genuine quantum or gravitational anomaly that defies the laws of physics and nature,” in reality, the Montana Vortex and House of Mystery is a unique hiking area with a tilted house and other optical illusions, fun for people of all ages.
Final Thoughts
When life gets a bit too serious, sometimes we all need a bit of whimsy in our lives. And while we generally associate the Rockies region with its natural splendor, you can also find your fair share of whimsical towns and attractions nestled in with the beauty. From Ouray’s famous dinosaur tracks to Crested Butte’s eerie ghost town, sometimes the quirky landmarks and sites are the travel experiences we remember most.
