7 Must-Visit Small Towns in The Rockies
The Rocky Mountains are a must-visit destination for anyone looking for breathtaking views, lush green forests, and fresh mountain air. This majestic mountain range extends from New Mexico in the south through several states and across the northern US border into Canada. Many quaint mountain communities are nestled on the slopes catering to tourists and supporting a rich historical heritage dating back to America's westward expansion.
Leadville, Colorado
Leadville was founded as a silver mining town in 1877 at the headwaters of the Arkansas River and is nestled between two of the tallest mountain peaks in the state. The town enjoyed a vibrant lifestyle as miners from the region frequented its many establishments during the silver boom in Colorado. Today, it is a beautiful destination for hikers, campers, and history buffs.The former mining community has a population of only 2,613 people and serves as a gateway to many of the best hiking trails the mountains have to offer.
Turquoise Lake sits on the western edge of the town and is an excellent place for enjoying trout fishing, canoing and camping. In addition, there are various scenic routes, including the Top Of The Rockies Byway, a 115-mile drive showcasing panaromic vistas around almost every curve. For those who are more adventurous, there is Mosquito Pass, which is only accessible on foot or suitable ATV during the warmer summer months. Every August, the town celebrates "Boom Days," a three-day festival commemorating the rich history of the town's glory days of mining, with burro races, a craft fair, and other family-friendly activities.
Jackson, Wyoming
Jackson, also known as Jackson Hole, is a town in Teton County, Wyoming. Due to its proximity to the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, it has become a popular tourist destination. The town is known for its thriving art scene, with many artisans and craftsmen drawing inspiration from the beautiful surrounding landscapes. Exquisite dining and lodging options are plentiful, catering to the tourist population that descends on the community every year. At an elevation of 6,073 feet, Jackson is a wonderful base for families wanting to experience day trips to see Old Faithful in Yellowstone or hike up one of the many trails running through the Tetons.
Native American tribes initially settled in the town, but Jackson became an important trading post for trappers and mountain men in the early 1800s. Over the years, this small town grew to became a crucial player in the nation's efforts to make Yellowstone the first national park in the country. Today, much of the area surrounding the community is protected by the National Park Service and preserved for public enjoyment. Today, Jackson is known as a progressive, forward-thinking community attracting tourists year round.
Silverton, Colorado
Silverton is best known for the narrow gauge railroad running from Durango to this small town of 622 people daily. The train makes its way along some of the prettiest views in the San Juan mountain range and is a beautiful way to experience an old-time steam-powered locomotive. The town is sandwiched between tall peaks in a small valley, and at over 9.000 feet, it has a remote, isolated feel. With numerous historical buildings, the main street is a rustic reminder of the Wild West days when gunfighters and outlaws ruled the territory. (Silverton has been the backdrop for numerous Western films and the entire town is registered as a national historic landmark).
Silverton is a gateway location to many backcountry hiking trails and is near seven of Colorado's "fourteeners" (mountains with over 14,000 feet in elevation). There are many opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking and camping during the summer months and skiing, snowboarding, or ice climbing during the winter season. With the recent development of several ski resorts, like the town is open year-round and welcomes snowbirds regularly.
Taos, New Mexico
Taos derives its name from the native Taos language as "the place of the red willows." A popular tourist destination, this town of over 6,200 people exhibits an old-world charm with its Spanish and Native American adobe architecture. The town was initially constructed as a Spanish fort and found use as an important trade center for settlers using the Santa Fe trail to move westward toward California. Many mountain men found an ample supply of wildlife to hunt and made Taos their winter base. Over the years, Taos developed a vibrant arts community, filling the downtown historic district with many quaint shops, boutiques and artistic venues. (The city has over 80 art galleries).
During the summer, there are countless recreational pursuits, from horseback riding, golfing, hiking, and fishing. One of the best bike trails in New Mexico is located just east of town in the Carson National Forest. During the winter months, the town fills up with individuals looking for skiing opportunities on Wheeler Peak (New Mexico's highest peak at 13,161 feet). Winter activities include hot air ballooning, ice skating, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing.
Banff, Alberta
Located in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountain National Park, this resort town is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It boasts many mountainous trails, ski paths, and therapeutic hot springs, making it an ideal location for both those who love an active lifestyle and those looking for a bit of rest and relaxation. The town is home to 8,305 residents and is known for its abundant wildlife, offering nature lovers the opportunity to experience abundant outdoor recreational activities, such as fishing on Pyramid Lake. If visitors need something less active, they can ride the Banff gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for spectacular views of the surrounding Canadian Rockies. At night, the summit offers a vibrant night life, with great music, exquisite cocktails, and romantic nightspots.
Banff has enjoyed a reputation as a premier tourist destination since it was first settled in the late 1800s. Workers for the Canadian Pacific Railway discovered the natural hot springs gurgling out of Sulphur mountain and the railroad saw a way of bolstering ticket sales by making Banff an spa destination. Before long, the Canadian government annexed the location as their first national park.
Whitefish, Montana
One of the most pristine areas in the entire Rocky Mountain chain can be found in Glacier National Park just outside of Whitefish, Montana. The town is located on the western side of the continental divide near Whitefish Lake and offers some of the most comprehensive configurations of trails (there are nearly 42 miles of trails, loops and excursions that span over 6,100 acres. During the winter months, the region is a tourist destination for skiers and snowboarders from all over the world.
The downtown area of Whitefish hosts several arts and music festivals throughout the year, so there is often an event for visitors to enjoy. The Whitefish Arts Festival occurs every July 4th, and the Whitefish Winter Carnival every February are just two examples of local attractions. There are plenty of bed and breakfast locations, including a working dude ranch where visitors can navigate cowboy life, with horseback riding, cattle work, roping and rodeo events.
The vast array of small towns dotting the slopes of the Rocky Mountains offer many must-see experiences that will build memories and exhilirate the senses. With a healthy respect for the environment, many of these towns are centered around the mountain lifestyle catering to tourists and locals alike. The Rockies offer scenic vistas almost everywhere and are transformed from season to season as the mountains declare their beauty in both winter and summer months.
