7 Darling Small Towns in Colorado

Colorado is a geographically splendid place that, coupled with its fascinating Frontier history, makes it a true treasure trove of the Western United States. Admitted to the Union in 1876, the “Centennial State,” the desert landscapes, canyon vistas, and mountainous plateaus are only rivaled by its intriguing Indigenous, colonial Spanish, and mining past. While cities like Denver or Boulder remain the most well-known, a number of smaller yet equally darling towns populate Colorado, ensuring that any trip here will be anything but dull. Indeed, Colorado is a place where one can experience the great outdoors, get better acquainted with American history, or encounter small-town charm. So wait no loner and come see the “Centennial State”, though a voyage of these darling towns!

Ouray

Affectionately known as the “Switzerland of America,” Ouray is one of Colorado’s most scenically alluring places. Established by miners in the 1880s, today, this seat of the same named county is home to a modest population of just under 1,000 inhabitants. Featuring a stunning alpine climate and majestic views of the San Juan Mountains, outdoor enthusiasts will definitely love Ouray. Enjoy awesome opportunities for hiking, cycling, and rock climbing while moderate year-round temperatures make the town a comfortable place to visit no matter the season.

Meanwhile, Ouray’s charm cannot be ignored, and guests can marvel at several late 19th-century and Victorian-era buildings. These include the County Courthouse, the Beaumont Hotel (1886), the Old City Hall, and Main Street, which is part of the Ouray Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Add in a cute assortment of shops and diners like the Outlaw Restaurant and Brickhouse 737, and any stay in Ouray will definitely satisfy the young and old of any traveling party.

Creede

While it maintains a very humble population of under 300 permanent residents, Creede is a lovely town in southern Colorado that any road traveler will not want to pass. Seat of Mineral County, Creede was founded as a mining town in the 1890s and it once had a booming population. Today, it remains a most scenically stunning locale, beautifully located within the San Juan Mountains. Featuring spectacular rock formations, dramatic cliffs, and cute little bodies of water like Shallow Creek, Creede is indeed the perfect place for photo and video memories. Enjoy fun activities like cycling, rock climbing, hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing in a place that is inviting year-round.

In addition, several late 19th and early 20th-century buildings continue to color Creede’s landscape, bringing guests back to the exciting days of the gold and silver rushes. Explore fascinating museums like the Creede Historical Museum and the Creede Underground Mining Museum that offer truly captivating looks into the history of mining, the Wild West, and the expansion of the United States.

Estes Park

Estes Park is a stunning mountain community, that beautifully lies adjacent to the Rocky Mountain National Park. Established in the 1850s and today home to just under 6,000 residents, Estes Park’s natural beauty is indeed a true sight to behold. In addition to the beautiful mountain panoramas, views of the Big Thompson River absolutely delight guests, and they can enjoy a number of fun outdoor activities. These include hiking and biking, while opportunities to get up close and personal with a series of pretty waterfalls, cute streams, and tons of lush greenery make it a very photogenic destination.

Furthermore, Estes Park offers visitors a number of landmarks in town that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Including the Baldpate Inn (1917) and the Stanley Hotel (1909), these markers of the past are fascinating links to another era. And with such tasty restaurant options like Hunters Chop House and the Big Horn Restaurant, an authentic Western style meal is never far away.

Silverton

The seat of San Juan County, the mining town of Silverton, was founded in the 1870s, and today, a most humble population of just over 600 call it home. A fascinating place of discovery, visitors to Silverton can definitely get a sense of stepping into the Old Wild West, and indeed, the entire town was listed on the National Register of Historic Places! Explore a number of preserved landmarks, including the Silverton Depot (1882), the Teller House (1896), and the First Congregational Church (1880), amongst many others. And with Silverton’s moderate climate, including cool summers and winters, spending time outside here is always welcome no matter what time of year. Marvel at the surrounding San Juan Mountains or take a special train ride on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Line, which scenically transports you to the equally charming nearby town of Durango (listed below).

Glenwood Springs

Founded in the 1880s, Glenwood Springs serves as the seat of Garfield County in northwestern Colorado, where a modest population of just under 10,000 reside. Beautifully situated at the confluence of the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers, the town has been a popular tourist destination for decades, in particular for those looking to enjoy its hot spring thermal baths. Indeed, with several hot spring pools and resorts in town and the surrounding area, a most relaxing day at the spa is never far away when you are in Glenwood Springs. In addition to the town’s placement along the aforementioned Rivers, guests can also partake in many fun water-based activities. Go swimming, sailing, rafting, and fishing in a climate that boasts hot summer temperatures. Meanwhile, a scenic bike ride awaits at the Glenwood Canyon Recreational Trail and the Rio Grande Trail.

And finally, visiting town could not be complete without taking in the sights of the summer Strawberry Days Festival, one of Colorado’s oldest and longest-running fairs. Established in 1898, today, wonderful foods, vendors, entertainment, and more bring the whole family together for this most delightful cultural event!

Durango

Connecting to the previously discussed town of Silverton (some 48 miles away) with the scenic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Train Line, Durango is a beautiful historic center. The seat of La Plata County, this former rail town, was established in the 1880s, where today, it maintains a population of just over 19,000 residents. Beautifully located within the San Juan Mountain Range, Durango is an outdoor lover's dream, and loads of exciting outdoor activities can be enjoyed here. Spend time hiking, biking, rock climbing, and even ziplining in the summer, while skiing is always popular in the winter. Take to the slopes of the Purgatory Resort while the fun Snowdown Festival attracts all ages with its parades and other events.

Finally, Durango’s 19th-century history also makes it a fascinating place to discover, and guests can explore several landmarks in town that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Including the First National Bank (1892) and the Strater Hotel (1887), amongst several others on the Main Avenue Historic District, these points of interest do indeed transport one to a different time. And, of course, riding the aforementioned Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Line is an experience that never gets old.

Paonia

Celebrated for its local population of peony flowers, the town of Paonia can trace its modern history to the 1880s, where today just under 1,500 people reside. A scenically inviting community, this Western Colorado town is known as an agriculturally rich place where many fruit and vegetable farms can be found. Indeed, the opportunity to buy some fresh, locally sourced food is a unique delight, while Paonia’s rustic North Fork Valley setting makes it a very pretty snapshot of small-town USA.

Meanwhile, a charming downtown district is decorated with late 19^th and early 20^th century edifices, accentuated by splendid views of the Rocky Mountains in the foreground. Add in such inviting cultural events like the 4^th of July Cherry Festival and the Fall Mountain Harvest Festival, and it is not difficult to see what makes Paonia such a wonderful Colorado town.

Exploring the Charm of Colorado’s Small Towns

One of the most splendid destinations in the Western United States, Colorado, or the “Centennial State,” is a wondrous place of geographic beauty and cultural allure. Known for its incredible desert vistas and canyon lookouts, Colorado’s natural charm is accentuated by its rich and fascinating history. From mining towns to European settlements, the darling small towns of the State are as equally captivating as major cities like Denver. So, when taking a trip to the Western USA, make sure to add Colorado to the itinerary, where the young and old in any traveling party will surely have something to marvel at. Indeed, whether it is enjoying the great outdoors or taking in the unique cultural character of small-town Americana, Colorado is always ready to delight its guests with a healthy dose of adventure and beauty!