7 Loveliest Small Towns to Visit in the Colorado Plateau This Summer
Spanning more than 130,000 square miles (336,700 sq. km.), including sizeable chunks of New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah, the Colorado Plateau is as vast as it is hot and hard — but extremely breathtaking. The area’s desert beauty is like a canvas of flat plains, awe-inspiring mesas, immense canyons, razor-thin ridges, and rushing rivers, including the violent Colorado River, one of the longest in North America. This jaw-dropping expanse is dotted with numerous lovely small towns that one can set as a base from which to experience natural beauty in its wild and whimsical form. Starting with Payson, Arizona, discover the seven loveliest small towns to visit in the Colorado Plateau this summer.
Payson, Arizona
One reason Payson is a perfect summer vacation destination is the fact it is perched about 5,000 feet above sea level, making it cooler than many of its peers in the state. It is also just 90 miles from Phoenix, a road trip that should be less than two hours. Payson brims with outdoor attractions, including the 2,000-foot-high, 200-mile-long Mogollon Rim, a short drive from downtown. This immense escarpment is a sight to behold, showcasing the geological grandeur of the Colorado Plateau. The nearby Tonto National Forest provides swimming, hiking, fishing, and hunting opportunities.
Back in town, Buffalo Bar & Grill, a casual but rustic spot along S Beeline Highway, is all about delicious buffalo burgers, chicken gizzards, and tasty mountain air. Although less famous, Fairways @ Payson Golf Club is an excellent option, especially for its serene atmosphere on the patio. As the sun falls, a night spent inside a tent at Houston Mesa Campground should be a fitting finale to what will be a memorable summer trip.
Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Colorado is home to numerous hot springs, many of which have long been places of healing and peace. Pagosa Springs, an authentic town along the San Juan River in southern Colorado, is one such destination, featuring mineral-rich waters from the world's deepest geothermal hot spring. The Mother Spring, known for its turquoise hue, boasts a maximum depth of approximately 1,000 feet. That is about the height of Chicago’s Franklin Center.
If you want a spot to experience Colorado’s healing waters, plan with The Springs Resort & Spa, where you will enjoy easing yourself into the water and experiencing arguably the best bath in the world. If you do not want to spend a dime, you can still access these pools at spots along the San Juan River in downtown Pagosa Springs. Alternatively, head to the Piedra River Hot Springs or the more remote Rainbow Hot Springs north of town. After relaxing in the springs, one can relish a meal at the local Mountain Pizza and Taproom, perfect for food and drinks.
Brian Head, Utah
Although Brian Head is a ski resort town known to attract hordes of crowds in the winter, it is just as sought-after in the summer. This Utah gem boasts an elevation of around 10,000 feet, making it the "Highest Resort Town" in America — not just in the Colorado Plateau. This means it is an ideal spot for those who want to escape the punishing heat characteristic of summer. A summer vacationer here can explore lots of hikes to centuries-old trees, chase waterfalls in the surrounding areas, and marvel at a small but pretty national monument called Cedar Breaks, a low-key version of the world-famous Bryce Canyon. What is not mentioned is that the campground at Cedar Breaks — a gorgeous spot — is one of the very few “dark skies parks” in the world.
Remember that Dixie National Forest, the largest in Utah, is in Brian Head’s backyard. Thus, outdoor enthusiasts will find endless exploration opportunities, from hiking through thick foliage to relaxing along Panguitch Lake. What’s more? You can drop a line at Brian Head Reservoir or just sit by the water and while away a slow afternoon.
Durango, Colorado
The city of Durango — known across the globe for the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad — is perched where the mountains meet the desert, providing a one-of-a-kind landscape that has a little bit of everything. A summer vacationer here will have access to hot springs, ski areas, and numerous mountain biking trails. Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa, about 8 miles north of town, is a perfect place to relax and let the body heal and recover. Expect beautiful mountain views, flowers, and a variety of pools. Plus, there is plenty to do at the trout-filled Animas River that runs through town.
For those looking to experience local culture, BAR D Chuckwagon, open Memorial Day Weekend through September, offers live music, delicious meals (especially suppers), and rib-cracking comedy shows. Similarly, be sure to ride the 19th-century Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad to Silverton, which climbs nearly 3,000 feet in less than 50 miles.
Panguitch, Utah
Panguitch, a lovely eye candy boasting many enticing summer attractions, captures Utah’s enduring pioneer spirit, especially with its rural charm and strong heritage. A summer vacationer will enjoy ambling through Panguitch’s downtown area, much of which sits on the National Register of Historic Places. Alternatively, Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Capitol Reef national parks — can all be accessed in less than two hours. These parks showcase everything from massive sandstone bluffs radiating with heat to thick forests perfect to cool off.
Closer to town, Paragonah Reservoir, Panguitch Lake, Panguitch Creek, and Asay Creek — all Blue Ribbon Fishery sites — will gift avid anglers tons of delicious catches. Those more interested in local culture can visit during Panguitch’s Quilt Walk Festival. This event takes place in the town every summer, honoring the original Quilt Walk, an emotional adventure now treasured in the annals of Panguitch history.
Prescott, Arizona
Prescott is a great place to visit, especially if outdoor fun makes one tick. It is a quiet, slow-paced town with lots of stuff to leave a summer vacationer mesmerized. To spend some time in nature, head down to Watson Lake, the site of outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, and hiking. Alternatively, lock eyes with a Mountain Lion at the Heritage Park Zoo, a non-profit wildlife sanctuary dedicated to conserving and protecting wildlife. Other fun outdoor venues include Thumb Butte, known for its magical sunsets — and Willow Creek Reservoir — where one will enjoy paddling to the center and inhaling tasty views in every direction.
Back in town, Whiskey Row, known for its dated bar scene, is filled with lively saloons and eateries, including the one-of-a-kind Whiskey River Tavern, whose back patio is often the venue for live music and delicious food in summer. For a more lively experience, Prescott Frontier Days, known as the World’s Oldest Rodeo, takes place in town every July 4th weekend.
Gallup, New Mexico
Rounding off the list of the seven loveliest small towns to visit in the Colorado Plateau is Gallup, New Mexico, which, partly because of its rich history of military service, was named America’s Most Patriotic City. In summer, children can discover their artistic side at GallupARTS’ Summer Art Classes, while adults unleash their painting genius at a Paint and Sip class. Gallup Artscrawl, held on the second Saturday of every month from April through October, features live performances, art demos, and open galleries.
Downtown Gallup, adorned with over a dozen eye-catching murals, is also an evocative space worth exploring on foot. A first-time visitor may have to choose between experiencing the captivating beauty of Red Rock Park, known for its spectacular red cliffs — or learning the extraordinary story of the Navajo Code Talkers at the two-story Gallup Cultural Center, which also houses a museum of Native American art. And if you have read about the fabled “Seven Cities of Gold,” a tour at Zuni Pueblo may finally put everything in perspective and shed light on one of the world’s most heart-gripping stories.
The Takeaway
If there is one thing the Colorado Plateau teaches — it is that beauty comes in many forms and shapes. The ice-clad peaks of Switzerland are just as beautiful as the desert plains of the Colorado Plateau. To experience the Colorado Plateau’s austere beauty, one should pick a lovely small town, both quaint and charming, and set it as the base from which to launch out to nearby sites and attractions. That said, many of these small towns, including Durango, Colorado, are lovely in and of themselves. For a more enjoyable and tolerable experience, look for small towns with high elevations, such as Payson, Arizona, or Brian Head, Utah.
