7 Most Scenic Small Towns in Colorado

Colorado, a mountain state in the United States, has a lot to offer to its visitors, especially outdoor enthusiasts. The state is partially located in the beautiful Rocky Mountains and borders states like Nebraska, Wyoming, Kansas, New Mexico, and Utah among others. While many may have already visited the larger and more popular towns in Colorado, such as Aspen or Denver, the state is also home to some very picturesque small towns where one can enjoy biking, skiing, natural hot springs and much more. Time to explore these towns!

Salida

Nestled in the core of the Rocky Mountains, Salida is a small town in Colorado that wows its visitors with its charming, historic, friendly and artistic vibe. It is surrounded by natural gems like the Arkansas River, Monarch Mountain and the Sawatch Range. Among the things to do in Salida, taking a hiking tour of the Sawatch Range should be on top of one’s itinerary.

Tourists love soothing their weary muscles by relaxing in the hot water springs, located within the city limits. Other popular activities in Salida include fishing and whitewater rafting, both of which can be enjoyed at the Arkansas River. From steaks and sushi to Mexican and Italian, tourists have a huge variety of dining options in Salida. Some recommended eateries include the Iron Chest Steakhouse, The Biker & the Baker, and Foodshed Alliance, among others.

Pitkin

Pitkin is one of the lesser known quaint mountain towns in Colorado, encompassed by the beautiful Gunnison National Forest. The town is home to several historic buildings as well as a thriving main street. Most people looking to visit Pitkin, plan their trip in the summer. Some of the key attractions of the town include the Alpine Tunnel, which is almost 1,772 foot long railroad tunnel that cuts across the Continental Divide, thirty miles away from town. Pitkin is also known for its high-elevation Cumberland Pass, which is essentially a pretty forest road connecting Pitkin and Tincup. It’s important to note though that the pass is shut between November and May. Cumberland Pass gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy hiking, camping and kayaking.

Paonia

Nestled in the picturesque North Fork Valley, Paonia is a small Colorado town that sits at a height of 5,682 feet. It is known for its lush landscape, which produces a variety of vegetables and fruits. The top crop on the list is cherries. Paonia produces an abundance of cherries each year and hosts the Paonia Cherry Days event every July.

Other popular activities in the town include river floating, hiking and fishing. One of the key attractions of Paonia is its scenic downtown district, which is full of vibrant historic buildings. One can spend an entire day strolling the streets of the district, browsing all kinds of shops, art and restaurants circling Grand Avenue. For those who enjoy the outdoors, a visit to the Paonia State Park is a must. This is an isolated park sitting in the center of the Rocky Mountains. Activities to enjoy here include boating, fishing and camping.

San Luis

Colorado’s southern side is home to the world’s highest and largest alpine desert, and it nestles the scenic town of San Luis. Known to be Colorado’s oldest town, San Luis is primarily populated by Hispanic families that came and settled here in 1851.

One of the key attractions of San Luis houses Colorado’s oldest church, where communal livestock grazing is permitted. However, the most popular feature of the town is the Stations of the Cross, a line of stunning bronze statues that climb the mesa bordering the town. What’s interesting about these stations is that each of them is a representation of a crucial moment from Christ’s crucifixion. Another popular spot in town is the San Luis Community Park, a brilliant gathering spot for the community. It has several barbeque grills, picnic spaces, and also a kids’ playground.

Manitou Springs

Manitou Springs, is a scenic mountain town in Colorado, located between Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods. Besides being a beautiful destination, Manitou Springs also has much to offer with its historic art galleries, creek-side restaurants, and boutique stores among other things. Tourists can expect to enjoy free concerts at the Soda Springs Park, located in the heart of the town.

For those who like the idea of family picnics, there is Schryver Park, which has a stocked pond, indoor pool and picnic area. When in Manitou Springs, don’t miss a tour of the famous Miramont Castle Museum, a National Historic Landmark, that dates back to the Victoria era. With 33 rooms, this museum combines nine unique architectural styles! Another major attraction of the town is the Garden of the Gods. Within this historical attraction is the Trading Post- a fun place for some shopping, refueling and also gathering more information about the history of the park.

Creede

With perhaps the least amount of population, Creede is among the most stunning small towns in the southern part of Colorado. It has the maximum amount of forest land in Colorado, which means visitors can expect to enjoy quite a bit of outdoor adventure in the wide-open wilderness. For art lovers, a visit to the Creede Repertory Theatre is highly recommended. On the other hand, history buffs can enjoy walking tours at the Creede Historical Museum or the Underground Mining Museum. Before leaving Creede, don’t forget to experience a memorable drive through its scenic byways, such as the Silver Thread or Bachelor Loop.

Silverton

Silverton is the ultimate basecamp for those who wish to enjoy epic outdoor adventures. Nestled in the center of the beautiful San Juan Mountains, Silverton is located at an elevation of 9,318 feet. The town is a National Historic Landmark District, in close proximity to Colorado’s seven renowned 14,000-foot peaks. Spend a day exploring the history of the town by visiting the San Juan County Historical Society. Other popular attractions among tourists include the Old Hundred Gold Mine, the Victorian Grand Imperial Hotel and the Mayflower Gold Mill. Hop on to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and enjoy some open-air adventure while snailing along the cliff edges.

Small Town Wonders

It seems like the most scenic small towns of Colorado offer the most memorable mountain views and thrilling experiences like whitewater rafting, hiking and skiing. There is also the ranching and cowboy culture to explore for first-time visitors. So, go ahead and plan your next vacation in one of these striking small towns in Colorado!