7 Best Small Towns in Colorado to Visit in 2024
When visiting the Western United States, the naturally beautiful, culturally rich, and economically important “Centennial State” of Colorado should most definitely not be overlooked. With its fascinating American frontier history and its stunning geographic features, the towns of Colorado are great places to spend a holiday. Whether it is learning more about the Old West, enjoying alpine fun in the mountains, or simply looking for small-town charm, Colorado has it all.
Although such major centers like Denver will still attract much tourist attention, Colorado’s equally alluring and splendid smaller towns are too very much worthy of a first-hand discovery. Come see the great State of Colorado, and experience some of the very best of the West across an exploration of these awesome communities in 2024.
Carbondale
Carbondale is a wonderful Rocky Mountains community that is beautifully situated within the Roaring Fork Valley. Established in the 1880s, this most picturesque destination is home to a modern population of nearly 6,500 residents, where charming history and natural beauty come together. Visit Main Street and its cute assortment of local restaurants, shops, and businesses, most of which are located in restored 19th-century edifices.
For those visiting Carbondale in the summer, do not forget about the Mountain Fair, where live music, local artists, vendors, tasty food, and fun for the whole family await! Add in the unique sights and sounds for the Wild West Rodeo, for a truly memorable holiday experience. Finally, with its Mountain and Valley setting, outdoor adventurists passing by Carbondale will not want to miss the opportunity to go biking, hiking, rock climbing, and even horseback riding in the scenic surroundings.
Estes Park
Just under 6,000 people call the historic community of Estes Park home, where some of the best of Colorado’s natural splendor can be enjoyed. With a modern history dating to the 1850s, the town is situated along the Big Thompson River and on the edge of the Rocky Mountain National Park. With its stunning mountain vistas and scenic river ambiance, a relaxing outdoor adventure is never far away in Estes Park. Enjoy opportunities for rock climbing, hiking, and cycling, while the calming sounds and sights of the lush valley create a most alluring natural experience. And with warm summers and mild winters, spending time outside can be enjoyable throughout the year here.
Meanwhile, history lovers can also appreciate Estes Park and several landmarks listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Seven Keys Lodge (formerly known as Baldpate Inn) (1917) and the famed Stanley Hotel (1909), which was constructed in the Edwardian style. These old-world treasures create a charming atmosphere that is perfectly accentuated by the area’s natural wonder.
Creede
Seat of Mineral County in southern Colorado, the community of Creede was founded in the 1890s and today a most humble population of just over 250 reside here. Beautifully situated within the San Juan Mountain Range within a once-active volcanic caldera, Creede is a splendid place of nature. Here, dramatic cliffsides, rock formations, and spectacular local bodies of water fill out the landscape, making for a destination rich in photographic and video opportunities. With moderate temperatures year round, guests can enjoy loads of fun activities here including hiking, biking, rock climbing, alpine skiing, and even snowshoeing!
Creede’s historic charm is also on full display, and an assortment of late 1800s and early 20th-century buildings can still be found here. Add in several fascinating museum stops like the Underground Mining Museum and the Creede History Museum, where captivating insights into the old Wild West remind guests of the unique importance Colorado played in westward expansion.
Silverton
Just over 600 permanent residents call the town of Silverton home, which can trace its modern history to the 1870s. A historic mining center and the seat of San Juan County, Silverton remains a most fascinating and charming spot to learn about the Wild West and experience delightful natural beauty. Listed in its entirety on the National Register of Historic Places, a time travel like experience can certainly be felt in this town where many landmarks from the 19th century continue to stand. Of note these buildings include the Teller (1896), the First Congregational Church (1880), and the Silverton Depot (1882) amongst many more that bring the Old West vividly to life.
And with its stunning placement within the San Juan Mountains, breathtaking panoramas are never in short supply in Silverton. Enjoy truly picturesque views, cool winters, and warm summers.
Ouray
A scenic town with plenty of special 19th century character, Ouray is also lovingly known as the “Switzerland of America”. Established in the 1880s and with a modern population of just under 900 permanent residents, the natural beauty of Ouray is a delight that all ages of travelers can appreciate. The seat of the same named county in southwestern Colorado, Ouray is surrounded by the beautiful San Juan Mountains, where loads of fun outdoor activities await. Enjoy rock climbing, hiking, cycling, and camping against pretty alpine landscapes while moderate year-round temperatures ensure a pleasant experience.
History lovers can also appreciate Ouray. In the Main Street area (listed entirely on the National Register of Historic Places), several Victorian-style homes and buildings can still be explored. These include the Ouray County Museum, the County Courthouse (1881), and the Beaumont Hotel (1886), amongst others, sure to help create a time machine-like feeling.
Glenwood Springs
The seat of Garfield County in Western Colorado, Glenwood Springs, is scenically located at the confluence of the Roaring Fork and Colorado Rivers. Home to nearly 10,000 residents and with a modern history dating to the 1880s, this beautiful community is a nice spot to enjoy the outdoors and relax. Known for its popular natural hot springs, Glenwood Springs has several spas and resorts to visit that attract tourists from across the region. And with easy access to the rivers, fun on the water is never far away here. Enjoy opportunities for swimming, sailing, fishing, and even rafting for the truly adventurous outdoors enthusiast.
From there, visit the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, situated at an elevation of some 7,000 feet! Here amusement park rides and awesome cave tours combine for a truly special experience that will most definitely leave an impression. Finally, if visiting the town in the early summer, make sure not to miss the annual Strawberry Days Festival, which has been organized since 1898. Featuring loads of delicious berry treats and products together with live entertainment and music, this is one outing that will certainly have guests wanting to return and return.
Telluride
Situated within a box canyon, the historic town of Telluride was once a bustling silver mining center established in the 1870s. Right in the heart of the San Juan Mountains and situated along the San Miguel River, today, just over 2,600 inhabitants reside in this seat of San Miguel County. With its spectacular mountain scenery and intriguing 19th-century ambiance, Telluride is undoubtedly a most special Colorado community. A popular tourist destination, outdoor enthusiasts will certainly appreciate this town, where winter skiing and snowboarding never disappoint, while summer hiking and biking trails are truly breathtaking. Whether one visits in winter or summer, Telluride has something beautiful to offer guests of all ages.
Meanwhile, the town’s historic character is hard to miss, and many 19th-century landmarks and buildings continue to populate the area. Visit the Historic District (listed in its entirety on the National Register of Historic Places) and explore the streets of the Old West, while a cute assortment of shops, eateries, galleries, and a photo at the Telluride Penny Bear statue make for a most delightful afternoon and evening. Finally for those who love the cinema, Telluride will certainly be a familiar name. Host of the annual Telluride Film Festival, first held in 1974, thousands of filmmakers, actors, critics, and film enthusiasts from across the globe visit this scenic and charming town in the Fall.
Colorado, or the “Centennial State,” is one of the Western United States’ most geographically beautiful and culturally alluring destinations. Whether it is exploring the region’s stunning mountains and canyons, enjoying alpine sports, or immersing oneself in the history of the Old West, Colorado and its wonderful smaller towns are awesome places of discovery in 2024 and beyond. From the breathtaking vistas of Telluride to the historic ambiance of Silverton, these towns reflect some of the very best of Colorado that the traveling family or solo traveler alike can truly appreciate. So when planning a visit to the Western US, do not forget to include the great State of Colorado, where special memories, exquisite sights, and loads of American charm await.
