7 of the Most Walkable Towns in the Rockies
Although SUVs and sedans have their conveniences, sometimes exploring a town on foot is the best way to experience it. One can stop on a whim and strike up a conversation with a local, pop inside an eatery, and appreciate — in a more meaningful way — a town’s architecture. Plus, there will be no need to worry about parking slots. The Rockies is known to provide the ultimate mountain experience, complete with razor-thin ridges, sparkling lakes, rolling hills, and noble peaks. If you are looking for a walkable town to set as a vacation base, discover below the seven most walkable towns in the Rockies.
Carbondale, Colorado
Carbondale, one of America’s most walkable small towns, is tucked away south of Glenwood Springs and billed as the "Ultimate Rocky Mountain Hideout." Once known for agriculture, then coal mining, this town today is a much sought-after tourist jaunt. Restaurants and shops are next to each other, making it easy for a first-time visitor to get around. One of Colorado’s 26 Creative Districts, this town brims with art, and local venues such as Kahhak Fine Arts & School will awaken every sense and ignite a taste for all things beautiful. A fun way to explore the town and its history is via the Carbondale walking tour, which takes one through the town’s most historic buildings and sites. There is the Thompson House Museum as well, one of a few museums in America that houses furnishings by its original pioneer family. The 42-mile Rio Grande Trail runs through the town and features colorful murals, paintings, and sculptures. Have dinner at Brass Anvil then spend the night at Marble Distilling & The Distillery Inn, possibly the first inn in the world to be housed in a working distillery.
Park City, Utah
Although less than an hour away from downtown Salt Lake City, Park City is known to be much more intimate, authentic, and slow-paced. While one can get to wherever one wants by using the free municipal bus, Park City is also walkable, making it ideal for those who do not like the stress of cars and looking for parking slots. Historic Main Street — and the area around it — are particularly pedestrian-friendly. Kimball Art Center is known to leave first-time visitors in awe of human creativity, while Park City Museum, with its basement jail, is filled with fascinating exhibits and artifacts that engagingly tell Park City’s story. There is also McPolin Barn, a serene place to rest and soak in incredibly beautiful views. If you feel like you are starving, dash to Top of Main Brew Pub, a casual spot known for steak sandwiches and pumpkin beer. Spend the night at The St. Regis Deer Valley, especially if you want a luxurious stay.
Sheridan, Wyoming
Although not a big name, Sheridan is vintage Wild West and an excellent base for exploring the Bighorn Mountains. This town is among the most walkable in the Rockies, and miles of public pathways lead out to Old West storefronts, inviting restaurants and classy boutiques. Aside from being walkable, Sheridan often sees fewer crowds and, hence, provides enough elbow room for those ambling through it. Kickstart your trip with a hearty breakfast at the veteran-owned Bison Union Coffee Company on Main Street. A few steps from here, Centennial Theatre is the perfect venue to catch a show and while away a slow afternoon. Sit on the patio at Black Tooth Brewing Company and enjoy a glass of cold beer as you relax and people-watch. Alternatively, the nearby McGregor’s is known to provide stunning views of the Bighorn Mountains and should be the place for sandwiches and cocktails. What’s more? Embark on a self-guided walking tour of Historic Downtown Sheridan, especially to have a feel of the town’s history and rich heritage.
Englewood, Colorado
Known for its hometown feel, Englewood is a vibrant town rich in culture and natural beauty. The town is close to the Platte River, on whose sides are picturesque trails ideal for walking and biking. The iconic Gothic Theater, which hosts around 130 live performances every year, first opened its doors in the 1920s. Get in early here, especially if you want a balcony view. There is the Cushing Skate Park as well, which is quiet and near shopping lines — and Hampden Hall, which hosts art exhibits and musical performances. Englewood’s main drag is quite walkable, especially the stretch around Broadway, where you can pop inside eateries such as Breakfast Queen for something yummy and filling. If you are looking for the kick that coffee is known to give or just the distinctive aroma and taste, work your way to Kaladi Coffee Roasters and order Kaladi lattes with oat milk. Another nice thing about Englewood is that downtown Denver is just a heartbeat away.
Whitefish, Montana
Known for its storybook beauty (Conde Nast ranked it as among the most beautiful towns in America), Whitefish, Montana is a big name in vacation circles. It is also one of the best ski towns in the country — mainly because it hosts the world-famous Whitefish Mountain Resort. What’s more? The town is located near Glacier National Park, making it a nice jumping-off point to a vast, iconic landmark billed as “the Crown of the Continent.” Whitefish Lake, on whose shores the town sits, elevates the town’s aesthetic appeal, making it even more swoon-worthy. What is not as appreciated about Whitefish is its walkability. Downtown Whitefish is a delight to explore on foot and brims with delicious eateries. For example, Jersey Boys serves kick-ass pizzas while Tupelo Grille, known for finger-licking Bison fillets, is the place to be, especially during the last minutes of daylight. Do not miss to catch a magical sunset at City Beach or Les Mason State Park.
Northglenn, Colorado
Just 15 minutes north of downtown Denver, Northglenn can be a quick getaway for residents of Colorado’s largest city. It also makes sense to stay in Northglenn while working in Denver because the commute is short and not tiring. Although nicely laid out and walkable, the well-planned Greenway Trail System connects the community, making movement much easier and almost hassle-free. Work your way to Boondocks Food and Fun, where two miniature golf courses, both meticulously landscaped, feature waterfalls, bridges, caves, and rivers. Shop at Sam’s Club or paddle an afternoon away at E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park, a lovely green space with a lake in the middle. Just a stone’s throw away, Northwest Open Space has beautiful paths perfect for walking or biking. Plus, Northglenn hosts Denver Escape Room, previously voted the best escape room for families in Colorado.
Rifle, Colorado
The desert beauty of the area, representing the paradox of life at its two extremes, envelops Rifle with a surreal hue that is hard to get out of the mind. Many may associate Rifle and the entire Western Slope with the boom and bust of the ill-fated oil shale industry. Today, however, Rifle is a ranching community known for world-class fishing and hunting. It features a charming downtown area with almost everything within walking distance. Colorado River, the site of numerous water-based activities, meanders through the town and adds a layer of rustic charm to the town’s appearance. You will enjoy ambling through Railroad Avenue and sampling the eateries that line the stretch, including Whistle Pig Coffee Stop & Cafe, known for delicious homemade bagel sandwiches.
Metro Park, still along Railroad Avenue, features a skate park and family pool — while Centennial Park, set along Park Avenue, has lovely paths ideal for a mid-morning stroll. For just $5, catch a mood-lifting show at Brenden Rifle 7 Theaters while ensconced in a plush high-back recliner chair. Outdoor enthusiasts cannot afford to miss top-notch outdoor venues in the area, such as Rifle Falls State Park (and its iconic triple waterfall), Rifle Gap State Park, and the Grand Mesa.
The Takeaway
The Rocky Mountains, the largest mountain system in North America, is world-renowned for spectacular scenery and outdoor adventure. Whether one wants to climb a mountain, drop a line for a unique catch, hit up a scenic trail, or spend a weekend in a rustic cabin overlooking a sparkling lake — this vast expanse checks the box. Leave your car behind, however, and set a walkable town as your adventure base. Otherwise, you will get to the Rockies, but the Rockies will not get to you. Some of the most walkable towns in the Rockies include Carbondale, Colorado; Park City, Utah; and Sheridan, Wyoming.
