7 of the Quirkiest Towns in The Rockies
There's a lot of quirkiness in the Rockies region, home to hearty mountaineers and nature lovers. Each town nestled in the Rockies offers a unique vibe, making them some of the most distinctive in this 'wild bunch!' Buffalo was the former roaming ground of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, while Park City boasts the biggest character on this list. Visit this small Utah town to find out why now, and you may spot a celebrity.
Head north to Idaho Falls, where you can see the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple set against the backdrop of the shimmering falls, or south to Granby, with its two rivers and a lake. Fraser, another Colorado town sitting at an elevation of over 8,700 feet, offers an otherworldly experience with its stunning vistas, lush forests, and abundant wildlife. If you find yourself near Montana, don't miss Hamilton during the Daly Days, which offer a variety of family-friendly activities like arts and crafts, food, sales, and the Microbrew Fest.
Buffalo, Wyoming
Nestled in the rolling plains of the beautiful Big Horn Mountains, these towering peaks shield Buffalo from the outside world, preserving its quirky character, unique culture, and a Western sense of community. Sitting at 4,646 feet above sea level, with a population to match, Buffalo is known for its beautiful scenery, open spaces, and sweeping views, all contributing to its cozy atmosphere. Boasting over a dozen historical downtown buildings, there's the infamous “Hole in the Wall,” where the “Wild Bunch," including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, hid. You can explore shops for gifts and visit art galleries, along with a wide selection of lodging for every comfort level and budget, like guest ranches and the historic Occidental Hotel, where Teddy Roosevelt and Calamity Jane once stayed.
Buffalo, your perfect base for outdoor recreation, nestles against the serene Bighorn National Forest, offering camping, fishing streams, and alpine lakes. You can stay at South Fork Campground and explore around, or, alternatively, choose the Paradise Guest Ranch. Welcoming you right from the Cloud Peak Scenic Highway, it's easy to connect to Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park! When the scenery turns frosty, you can enjoy snowshoeing, downhill, and cross-country skiing, then find local warmth in history museums and the welcoming mountain hospitality. From family sit-down meals to candlelit fine dining, the Busy Bee Cafe, a popular breakfast spot and a key location in the hit book and television series 'Longmire,' was inspired by the Buffalo area.
Fraser, Colorado
Just 75 miles from Denver and neighboring Granby along the famed mountain range, Fraser is your ultimate year-round outdoor getaway. In summer, enjoy mountain biking, wildlife trails, and fishing at 8,754 feet above sea level! Fraser offers unique alpine activities, including exhilarating dog sled rides, snowmobiling tours through the national forest, and trips up the Continental Divide. With everything within reach, explore the idyllic mountain town and visit Winter Park Resort, one of the nation's best, attracting thousands each year.
Drawing visitors with its local history, Cozens Ranch Open Space features an on-site museum, one of the valley's oldest homesteads, and exhibits like a full-size stagecoach replica that ran between Georgetown and Hot Sulphur Springs from 1876 through the early 20th century. Fraser maintains its idyllic mountain feel and close-knit community charm. Warm up at a welcoming cafe with hot chocolate after a day at Colorado Adventure Park and the Fraser Tubing Hill. Locals happily share breweries and distilleries, offering places to unwind and chat about upcoming winter or summer adventures through the stunning alpine landscape.
Granby, Colorado
This sleepy mountain village in a gorgeous Rocky Mountain valley is becoming a hip destination for vacationing families and friends. With an ideal location, favorable climate, and proximity to Denver, Granby is a perfect romantic escape. Enjoy strolls along the charming main street with fantastic restaurants, outfitters, rentals, and unique shops. Offering unbeatable views of the Continental Divide, just a hike or drive away, Granby's can't-miss attractions include downhill skiing and snowboarding at Granby Ranch ski resort and gondola rides with sweeping views over a winter wonderland. Within a 20-mile radius of the town, you'll find Winter Park Ski Resort, Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake, and Hot Sulphur Springs.
Truly one of Colorado's hidden gems, the Fraser River runs through its heart, offering some of Colorado's finest fishing, alongside a portion of the Colorado River designated as Gold Medal Waters. Lake Granby, the state's third-largest lake, is just 10 minutes away, perfect for summertime water fun. Don't wait for summer, though, as snowmobiling adventures, ice fishing, and picturesque cross-country skiing trails await now. Create unique memories with dog-sled or horse-drawn sleigh rides during the Three Lakes Ice Fishing Contest in January. Plan for the "biggest small-town parade" on July 4th and cowboy up at one of Grand County's authentic dude ranches, especially in the fall when larches set the hills ablaze with color.
Hamilton, Montana
As the county seat and cultural hub of the Bitterroot Valley, Hamilton may seem serious at first glance. However, its colorful downtown—the heart of the valley—will swiftly change your mind! Enjoy strolls among historic buildings, browse unique shops, and dine at excellent restaurants. Located in southwestern Montana, in a breathtaking valley at 3,570 feet, Hamilton embodies all the qualities of an all-American town, reminding visitors of what's truly important. Once a trade epicenter, forget the meaning of routine as you explore a valley brimming with farms, ranches, and orchards. Hamilton celebrates Daly Days in honor of its founder with family-friendly activities like arts and crafts, food vendors, sidewalk sales, and a Microbrew Fest.
The Daly Mansion, transformed from a small farmhouse into a magnificent 24,000-square-foot estate in the late 1800s, offers wander-worthy grounds and tours of the residence of one of Montana's renowned "Copper Kings." The Ravalli County Museum, housed in a 1900 courthouse and a nationally registered site, is one of the finest museums for a town of this size, having been saved from demolition in 1979. Originally home to the Bitterroot Salish Indian Tribe, the valley retains its pristine beauty and is a favorite spot for outdoor enthusiasts and gardeners. Blodgett Canyon is the most popular trailhead for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, while Skalkaho Falls, just east of Hamilton on Montana Hwy 38, showcases picturesque Skalkaho Pass.
Idaho Falls, Idaho
With a population of just over 58,000 and at an elevation of 4,705 feet, Idaho Falls serves as a gateway to natural wonders, including national parks. Conjuring up a "happy place" image, Idaho Falls features picture-perfect scenery, especially with its Idaho Temple set against the shimmering backdrop of the falls. Despite its larger population, the town maintains a small-town rural feel, where everything, including the bustling downtown and outdoor activities, is within walking distance. The Snake River, flowing through the town and featuring a tumbling waterfall, is behind the city's illustrious name.
Begin your visit along the River Walk, easily accessible from waterfront accommodations or the 30+ hotels in the area. The Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park, known as the “best little zoo in the west," hosts exotic species from continents like Patagonia, Africa, Asia, and Australia. The city's foodie scene, with a multicultural mix of restaurants and craft breweries, caters to every palate. There are scenic loops through Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, and just 15 miles along Hwy. 26, you'll find Heise Hot Springs, featuring two natural hot spring pools for relaxation and warmth.
Park City, Utah
Park City, a small town in the north of Utah with a population of around 8,000, enjoys disproportionate popularity. Known for its exceptional ski conditions and world-class outdoor activities, this charming mountain town also hosts the world-renowned Sundance Film Festival. Its compelling character ensures you're never bored, whether you're here to mingle with celebrities, ski down gorgeous slopes, or enjoy a resort stay, all set against the backdrop of the Wasatch Range. Be a film connoisseur with movies set against scenic views, or visit the bustling Park City Mountain Resort, one of the nation's top destinations, featuring family-friendly attractions, music festivals, food tours, and extreme sports events!
The Sundance Film Festival in January is a must-visit, revealing Park City's true personality along with its Utah Olympic Park. Built for the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, the park, together with Deer Valley Resort, hosted Winter Olympics events. Enjoy traditional winter activities, a vibrant après-ski scene, or scenic gondola rides in any season. Later in the year, the town adopts a more small-town vibe. Its quaint downtown is dotted with experiences and charming 19th-century architecture, situated at an elevation of 7,000 feet, against the stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains.
Taos, New Mexico
Yes, the Rockies extend into New Mexico, where Taos, with a population of 5,731 at 6,969 feet above sea level, lies at the end of the Rocky Mountain range, in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Boasting a history of over 1,000 years, Taos is renowned for its traditional adobe buildings—a burst of color and personality in the valley. Taos Pueblo, a small village, is the only Native American community designated both a National Historic Landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Still home to about 1,000 Native Americans after centuries, Taos Pueblo sparks immense curiosity, attracting scores of photographers annually. Taos itself is a thriving artist colony that captivates visitors with its architecture, history, and museums, showcasing diverse local artwork. There’s no better time than now to immerse in this unique culture in northern New Mexico’s high desert. Enjoy the town's galleries and artist studios, walking tours, and venture out to explore the Rio Grande Gorge on foot or by water in the summer.
With many hidden gems, the Rockies begin in the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Alberta and stretch south through the US states of Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. Spanning North America for over 3,000 miles, when you find yourself in the southern reaches of the Rockies, Taos will captivate you with its colorful adobe buildings and the unique, welcoming Taos Pueblo.
