Happy family with arms around each other enjoying beautiful mountain view on winter hiking trip. Glenwood Springs, Colorado, USA.

7 Most Laid-Back Small Towns in Colorado Plateau

The Colorado Plateau, with its dramatic landscapes and storied past, is home to some of the most laid-back small towns in the West. The rugged cliffs of Durango and ancient ruins near Cortez weave its history into a tapestry of land, interwoven with a relaxed ambiance. Visitors can take casual walks through charming historical districts, relax in hot springs, or visit national monuments that tell the stories of the natives who once occupied the land. No matter which town you happen upon, these are some of the most laid-back in the region.

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Durango

Historic Strater Hotel in downtown Durango with magnificent facade. Editorial credit: Ian Dewar Photography / Shutterstock.com Known as the "Hollywood of the Rockies," Durango is a southwestern paradise in Colorado full of ancient history and fascinating wonders. The Animas Museum brings to life the cultural heritage and historical significance of the 20th century through classroom trinkets and Ancestral Pueblo pottery creations. For science fans, the Powerhouse Science Center has the most interesting workshops full of coal-fired technology and hands-on demonstrations. For both historical and commercial outings, tourists may enjoy Historic Downtown Durango, a hotspot where it is easy to find innovative plazas, souvenir shops, and a delightful year-round tour of the mountains! At Purgatory Resort, skiing enthusiasts will always find new ways to chit-chat with locals and take in the gorgeous sunlight and alpine climates around a delightful ski resort; it even has a luxury penthouse! The Colorado Trail offers a truly spectacular hiking route full of seasonal flowerbeds and golden leaves that may reel in outsiders. Potato Lake Trailhead has clear lily ponds and lakeside photography for travelers who like easy summer hikes. For dining options, the Diamond Belle Saloon has Old West-style themes and delightful cocktail conversations that are always worth the return visit. Taos, New Mexico Scenic overlook of the Williams Lake and Wheeler Peak in the background, Taos New Mexico. Scenic overlook of Williams Lake and Wheeler Peak in the background, Taos, New Mexico. A desert town in New Mexico, Taos lives up to its name as the "Soul of the Southwest!" The Kit Carson Home & Museum is a casual yet ambient delight for travelers who wish to observe 19th-century adobe architecture. The Taos Art Museum at Fechin House has a unique historical foundation with multiple fine art exhibits and Native American artistry that pays tribute to the Wild West. At the E.L. Blumenschein Home and Museum, 1800s-preserved estates and local hacienda architecture make for a delightful tour of the town's first settlements. The Devisadero Loop Trail 108 Trailhead is an expeditionary stop with several rocky trails and a historical lookout point that the Pueblo Indians once used! The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is a high-rise splendor for newcomers who like to photograph arid landscape architecture. The Enchanted Circle Drive is the best byway detour for witnessing Carson National Forest scenery and local waters. For southwestern shopping delights, one can check out John Dunn Shops, a plaza-centric locale with fine art and Native jewelry, not to mention scenic porch resting stops! Hungry stomachs can enjoy fresh margaritas at Doc Martin's or shrimp tacos at La Cueva Cafe. Vernal, Utah Giant pink dinosaur welcomes people to Vernal, Utah. Editorial credit: Chris Augliera / Shutterstock.com Giant pink dinosaur welcomes people to Vernal, Utah. Editorial credit: Chris Augliera / Shutterstock.com Locals call this northeastern town "Dinosaurland," which is a hidden gem for travelers! Vernal is home to the Utah Field House of Natural History, a typical stop for anyone who appreciates delightful prehistoric displays and fun fossil findings. The Dinosaur National Monument also has prehistoric tours with the Quarry Exhibit Hall and bygone Native American artworks. The Uintah County Heritage Museum provides a storytelling atmosphere of the Uinta Basin and Fremont natives who spread Indigenous influence. For more ancestral delights, the McConkie Ranch Petroglyphs is a unique stop for observing stunning petroglyphs carved onto trailway cliff rocks! Fantasy Canyon has natural exposure as a geological landmark full of beautiful rocky layers and self-guided clay bed tours. Dinaland Golf Course has a delightful 18-hole course that will satisfy sports enthusiasts and visiting rookies. The Vernal Utah Temple is a religious and historical stopping point with friendly churchgoers and captivating, colorful architecture that will attract just about anyone! The Sandau Fine Art Gallery is more up the alley for artistic expression and has cozy showrooms with down-to-earth photography. Visitors who love Thai cuisine may enjoy Khao Hom Thai Kitchen, a famous stop for amazing Southeast Asian dishes and savory chicken meals. Telluride, Colorado Stunning scenic fall drive along Colorado 145 near Telluride Colorado on a sunny afternoon. Stunning scenic fall drive along Colorado 145 near Telluride, Colorado, on a sunny afternoon. Telluride, sometimes called "To-hell-you-ride," is a Victorian town in the Rocky Mountains that is worth every moment! The Telluride Historical Museum is a grand stop for showcasing Ute heritage, festival history, and volcanic scenery. For outdoor travelers, Bridal Veil Falls has scenic and delightful waterfall sights, panoramic wilderness beauty, and iconic driving points for road-trippers who prefer to stay in their vehicles! Hikers will love Jud Wiebe Memorial Trail, an overlooked area with dog-friendly downhill pleasantries and surrounding mountainside splendors that will be remembered for a lifetime. For tourists who love being around locals, Town Park has delightful areas for soccer players and kid-friendly play areas. It also doubles as a natural mountain landmark for Nordic history. The Telluride Mountain Village Gondola takes travelers across town in a fun gondola that offers quaint and stunning sunset views from high above! Newcomers can pay a visit to Main Street, where peaceful downtown scenery and quality sandwich shops make for a delightful trip. Brown Dog Pizza is the perfect place in town for Detroit-style tavern pizzas, while laidback tourists will admire The Butcher & The Baker for delicious cafe cheeses and homemade organic meals in a comfy setting. Payson, Arizona Kayaking at Lake, Payson, Arizona. Kayaking at Lake, Payson, Arizona. Located in the "Heart of Arizona," Payson is a must-visit mountainous destination for travelers. The Rim Country offers landmarks like the Rim Country Museum and Zane Grey Cabin, an underrated set of stops with local Crook and Apache knowledge that is as enticing as the delightful gift shop inside! At Shoofly Indian Archaeological Site, visitors can experience historical trails that once were inhabited by native settlers as early as A.D. 1000-1250! Natural amusement can be had at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, known for its one-of-a-kind rustic tunnel thrills as the largest natural travertine bridge in the entire world! The Mogollon Rim is a typical hotspot for any tourist in Payson, as it offers unmatched scenery of the town and historic horseback routes that take people through the most precious backcountry areas. At the Mazatzal Hotel & Casino, newcomers can try their hands at friendly poker sessions or gaze out at splendid views 5,000 feet above sea level. For an interesting detour, one can visit the Paleo Site Monument, where tourists of all backgrounds can mingle while looking for delightful roadside fossils among scenic hills. Duza's Kitchen is quite welcoming with its casual American breakfast dishes and outdoor patio vibrance. Gallup, New Mexico Looking west down Route 66 on First St. in downtown Gallup, New Mexico. Editorial credit: PICTOR PICTURES / Shutterstock.com Looking west down Route 66 on First St. in downtown Gallup, New Mexico. Editorial credit: PICTOR PICTURES / Shutterstock.com Labeled the "Heart of Indian Country" and "The Bridge" among Navajo tribes, Gallup makes itself known with so many wonderful stops! At the Gallup Cultural Center, museum lovers can appreciate heritage artworks and cultural foundations related to Southwestern Native tribes. For sculpture admiration and semi-circular wall architecture, one can check out We The People Park, a landmark that has mining industry creations and small but delightful footbridge scenery. For travelers who prefer canine-friendly adventures and fountain scenery, the City of Gallup Dog Park has everything one needs for a good time, while Red Rock Park has historical bench areas and cute horse stables! Shoppers may enjoy Tanner's Indian Arts, a goods store full of handmade Native American relics and rare collectibles lost to time. The Indian Touch of Gallup is a delightful locale with assorted jewelry trinkets and wholesome craft collections that go as far back as the 1970s. Travelers will find delights over at Bill Malone Trading, a cozy rug store with local artistry fabrics that doubles as a famous stop for saying hello to the owners! Travelers who like authentic Mexican cuisine can stop by Jerry's Cafe, a southwestern diner with various iconic jalapeno meals and culinary delights. Moab, Utah Panorama cityscape view along Main Street US Highway 191 in Moab, Utah. Editorial credit: Ian Dewar Photography / Shutterstock.com Panorama cityscape view along Main Street US Highway 191 in Moab, Utah. Editorial credit: Ian Dewar Photography / Shutterstock.com Also known as "Adventure Capital of the West" and "Grand Valley" to the locals, Moab is everything delightful and nothing boring. The Arches National Park is a big motivator for tourism here, as visitors can check out over 2,000 scenic and historic red rock arches, and it even has amazing sunset viewpoints! Canyonlands National Park is also a viable option for diverse desert landscapes, and it has rugged terrain that is perfect for capturing the heart of Moab. On Slickrock Bike Trail, travelers can take in sandy dune splendors and cycling delights within the Colorado Plateau's finest mesas. At the Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage, history fans can check out rural history related to Moab and the greater Canyonlands through insightful filmmaking creations and cowboy exhibits. For a delightful, family-friendly itinerary, travelers can enjoy Moab Giants, a virtual paleo aquarium theater and museum with breathtaking dinosaur models and prehistoric desert trails that cannot be found elsewhere. For even more entertainment, Moab Backyard Theater is one of the most underappreciated locales around town, with friendly residents and belly dancing competitions. Moab Food Truck Park brings out appetizing paninis and custom gelatos that will always leave a smile on anyone's face. Holbrook, Arizona Wigwam Motel, part of a motel chain built during the 1930s and 1940s on historic Route 66 in Holbrook, Arizona. Editorial credit: Heidi Besen / Shutterstock.com Wigwam Motel, part of a motel chain built during the 1930s and 1940s on historic Route 66 in Holbrook, Arizona. Editorial credit: Heidi Besen / Shutterstock.com Holbrook is not only a delightful town to consider for travel but also a key trading center in northeastern Arizona! Most people who take a trip here may enjoy the Petrified Forest National Park, a landmark full of interesting petroglyphs, eye-popping desert formations, and beautifully paved hiking trails ideal for adventurous minds. The Navajo County Historical Society has lots of delightful museum antiques related to the town's oldest members and their most valuable contributions to the banking and ranching industries. For kid-friendly exhibits, the Rainbow Forest Museum has enough dinosaur skeleton showrooms and lovely gift shop memorabilia to guarantee a return trip! Hidden Cove Golf Course is a nice commercial segue from history with its lush greenery and mountainous comfort all within a niche part of town that caters to open-field admirers. The Empty Pockets Saloon is a couples-friendly spot for lively karaoke nights and delightful bartenders, while others may enjoy the DoBell Ranch, an overlooked mineral and excavation stop with petrified wood finds, huge tree minerals, and intriguing rock piles that are just as precious as the town itself! For dining delights, one can visit Mesa Italiana Restaurant for romantic Italian parmesan dishes or scrumptious pizza specialties. All of these towns in the Colorado Plateau region are the best destinations to consider for any travel itinerary. With so much to absorb, regardless of the trip's duration or length of time, there is nothing short of adventure and comfort in many ways. This list not only provides a successful itinerary but also an unparalleled experience in the Four Corners states that will leave anyone speechless for years to come! Share Home Places Cities 8 Delightful Towns to Visit in Colorado Plateau Rohan Jani August 22 2024 in Places More in Places Commercial Street is the main street for food and entertainment in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Image credit Rolf_52 via Shutterstock 6 Most Bike-Friendly Towns on the Atlantic Coast Historic Uptown District of the City of Butte, Montana. 8 Most Laid-Back Small Towns in Montana Downtown Bisbee, Arizona. Image credit melissamn via Shutterstock 7 Undiscovered Small Towns in Arizona Bikers in the Adirondacks, New York. 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Historic Strater Hotel in downtown Durango with magnificent facade. Editorial credit: Ian Dewar Photography / Shutterstock.com

Durango is tucked into southwestern Colorado, where history and nature meet. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad offers scenic steam train excursions through the San Juan Mountains. For history buffs, this explores the frontier past at the Animas Museum. The town is also the launching point for the Animas River Trail, which is good for a pleasant walk along the river. Nearby and close to this town lies the famous San Juan National Forest, which has many hiking and biking trails with stupendous views all around. The attraction, in this case, is Mesa Verde National Park, making this city a place for best impressions.

Glenwood Springs

Historic buildings lining a street in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Image credit Kristi Blokhin via Shutterstock
Historic buildings lining a street in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Image credit Kristi Blokhin via Shutterstock

Glenwood Springs lies along the Colorado River and is a prime destination for outdoor pursuits and the source of thermal hot springs. History-laden Glenwood Hot Springs Pool has hosted bathers for over a century amidst its glorious mountain views. Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves offer historic underground steam baths just off the town's main street. Adventurous spirits and history buffs can head to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, which is complete with subterranean cavern tours. Meanwhile, downtown is awash with funky shops, fabulous old buildings, great dining spots, and just good buzzes—all perfect for a mellow day wandering around. Outdoor recreation is thoroughly enjoyed on the Glenwood Canyon Bike Path.

Cortez

Cliff Palace in Mesa Verde National Park near Cortez, Colorado.
Cliff Palace in Mesa Verde National Park near Cortez, Colorado.

Cortez is an underappreciated town that lies just a few miles away from Mesa Verde National Park. , visitors come up close to the ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings of more than 700 years. The Cortez Cultural Center highlights the locale's Native American heritage and presents performances and exhibits on Native culture. National monuments are dotting the ancient ruins in the Canyons of the Ancients area. In town, explore Hawkins Preserve, a natural area exemplifying local flora and fauna, as well as geological formations. The Crow Canyon Archaeological Center nearby is complete with educational programs as well as digs to get your hands dirty experiencing the area's full, rich history.

Ouray

Ouray Hot Spring in winter. Editorial credit: Arina P Habich / Shutterstock.com
Ouray Hot Spring in winter. Editorial credit: Arina P Habich / Shutterstock.com

Ouray is one of the best small towns for a weekend escape. The Ouray Hot Springs Pool also makes for great relaxation with stunning views across the surrounding mountains. Nearby, Box Canyon Falls Park features a beautiful waterfall and picturesque hiking trails, in addition to rare birds known as black swifts, which nest in the canyon walls. The Ouray County Historical Museum will give visitors a great idea about the mining heritage of the town and take them back in time to be a part of history. The town is at the head of the Alpine Loop, a 65-mile drive passing through some of the most beautiful high-country scenery in Colorado.

Telluride

Main Street in Telluride, Colorado. Editorial credit: Nick Fox / Shutterstock.com.
Main Street in Telluride, Colorado. Editorial credit: Nick Fox / Shutterstock.com.

Telluride beautifully combines old roots with natural beauty. Here, the Telluride Historical Museum exposes the community's historical past in depth, and the Sheridan Opera House transports visitors to other periods with numerous cultural events that occur throughout the year. The best way to see all this is to take a ride on the free gondola, which connects Telluride and the neighboring Mountain Village, and provides one with jaw-dropping views of the San Juan Mountains. It’s no surprise that this town has the best hiking and skiing trails in the entire state of Colorado. Not to be forgotten is the Bridal Veil Falls, which is actually the tallest free-falling waterfall in the state.

Pagosa Springs

Golf course and homes in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
Golf course and homes in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

Pagosa Springs is one of the most charming towns in Colorado and famous worldwide for its natural, hot, thermal springs; a few meters of these are some of the deepest in the world. The main attraction in town is The Springs Resort & Spa, with a number of soaking pools overlooking the San Juan River. History enthusiasts may be attracted to the San Juan Historical Museum, which reveals the past of the town with exhibits on early settlers and the area's Native American culture. It is currently undergoing reconstruction but will open again in May 2025. A bit further from Pagosa Springs is Chimney Rock National Monument, which is home to ancient Puebloan ruins set against towering rock formations.

Silverton

The charming town of Silverton, Colorado. Editorial credit: Kristi Blokhin / Shutterstock.com
The charming town of Silverton, Colorado. Editorial credit: Kristi Blokhin / Shutterstock.com

Silverton is an old mining town that has, for the most part, held onto its historic character. The Mayflower Mill offers tours to one of the most complete gold mills in this country to show off the area's mining background. The Mining Heritage Center, with exhibits on the local mining industry and a walk through an old mine tunnel, is operated by the San Juan County Historical Society. Visitors can also take a stop by the Hillside Cemetery. The San Juan National Forest is also located nearby and offers unlimited hiking opportunities. The Handlebars Food & Saloon is a great place to grab a bite to eat.

More in the Colorado Plateau8 Towns in the Colorado Plateau with the best downtown areas

Within the towns of the Colorado Plateau, there is much more than just a retreat; they are stagnant pieces of Colorado's history and nature. From ancient cliff dwellings in Cortez to the Victorian streets of Silverton, the towns themselves vary with the landscapes that surround them. To all of these, their destination beckons the traveler to slow down just a touch and take the time to experience this American West that will remain forever timeless.

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Mia Sims August 31 2024 in Places

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