7 Picture-Perfect Towns in Colorado
Located within the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado is known for its captivating landscapes, natural wonders, and enchanting small towns. From the snow-capped peaks that pierce the sky in the winter to rolling hills adorned with wildflowers in the spring and summer, Colorado's diverse geography adds to the state’s natural beauty. Small towns throughout the southwestern state delight visitors with panoramic outdoor adventures, Old West architecture, and vibrant history. From taking a scenic hike to an old mine in Ouray to experiencing the high desert beauty in Cortez, several small towns in Colorado celebrate the beauty of the American Southwest. For those looking for a stunning getaway, here are seven picture-perfect towns in Colorado to visit.
Ouray
Best known as the "Switzerland of America," Ouray is one of the most beautiful towns in Colorado. The high alpine valley town is surrounded by mountain peaks of 12,000 to 13,000 feet, cascading waterfalls that run through the town, and tales of mining history. Ouray offers its very own “Wonder of the World” at Box Cañon Falls, where outdoor enthusiasts can view thousands of gallons of water spilling over the falls each minute. Another waterfall visible from nearly anywhere in town is Cascades Fall, located in the breathtaking Cascade Falls Park. The hiking trail to the falls is rated easy to moderate, but those looking for a more difficult hike should take the trail to the Chief Ouray Mine, a former lead-zinc mine, to the picturesque Upper Cascades Fall.
The town also offers the unique winter experience of ice climbing at the Ouray Ice Park. The largest man-made public ice-climbing park in the world, outdoor enthusiasts enjoy spectacular views of the town while ice climbing from December to March.
Gunnison
The Old West town of Gunnison showcases stunning landscapes against the town's western buildings, providing picture-perfect scenes for visitors. Tourists can explore the downtown area and the westward expansion history of the charming town at the Gunnison Pioneer Museum. Home to the town’s unique railroad history, the museum showcases railroad exhibits, including Cinder Ella, an engine from 1882.
The picturesque town is also located in the Rocky Mountains and a gateway to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. As the name suggests, the park is home to deep canyons, which can be explored by hiking along the park’s many trails. Outdoor enthusiasts can also hike and mountain bike along 45 miles of trails at the scenic Hartman Rocks Recreation Area. In the winter, several miles at Hartman Rocks are groomed for cross-country skiing and fat biking, providing incredible views of the area blanketed in snow.
Durango
Located in the rugged San Juan Mountains is Durnago, a small town that blends the spirit of the Old West with the area’s natural beauty. Visitors can stroll along the Animas River near downtown Durango, a Nationally Registered Historic District. The area offers views of the town’s Victorian architecture and Western heritage, including the iconic Strater Hotel. Built in 1887, the hotel is a living history museum of the era and features an authentic Wild West saloon.
For an exciting nature excursion, hop aboard a scenic train ride on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Leaving from the historic Durango Depot year-round, nature lovers can take in the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and the San Juan National Forest. During the summer, the National Forest is a great spot for horseback riding and hiking. In cold-weather months, outdoor enthusiasts can ski and snowshoe among the snow-covered ponderosa trees in the forest.
Cortez
The idyllic town of Cortez is located in the high desert country along McElmo Creek, a tributary of the San Juan River. Cortez is known for its archaeological sites, including Yucca House National Monument, an untouched ancient pueblo near Ute Mountain. The town is also a gateway to the Mesa Verde National Park, a sacred place to Ancestral Puebloan people for over 700 years. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, visitors can view the Pueblo communities built on the sides of the majestic mesas while hiking along scenic trails. The enchanting National Park is also an International Dark Sky Park, providing some of the darkest night skies in the contiguous United States. More American Southwest history can be explored in town at Notah-Dineh Company and Museum. The downtown area is also home to the Cortez Cultural Center, which shares the history and culture of the town.
Crested Butte
Crested Butte, often referred to as the "Wildflower Capital of Colorado," is a storybook town surrounded by pristine wilderness. The town is picture-perfect during all four seasons, particularly when the winter season blankets the town in snow. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy skiing on the 121 trails at Crested Butte Mountain Resort and viewing the incredible landscape from 12,162 feet. In the late spring and summer, the town is engulfed with blooming wildflowers on the Rocky Mountains. Although the flowers begin to bloom in late May, the peak viewing season is in July when the town hosts the 10-day Crested Butte Wildflower Festival. During the fall, outdoor enthusiasts flock to the town to enjoy scenic hikes along Green Lake and the alpine peak atop Snodgrass Mountain.
Throughout the year, visitors can explore the town’s coal mining and eclectic history at the Crested Butte Museum. Located in the historic downtown, visitors can take guided tours and learn about the town’s historical architecture on Elk Avenue. A stroll along the historic district offers views of buildings from the 1800s with 360-degree views of the mountains surrounding the town.
Manitou Springs
Nestled at the foot of Pikes Peak, Manitou Springs is known for its incredible outdoor adventures and vibrant art scene. Throughout the town are public art installations, local art galleries, and art museums, including the Rockey Art Museum. Strolling through the historic downtown offers views of the eclectic art, Rocky Mountains, and iconic architecture, such as the Penny Arcade built in 1931. The downtown is also home to eight natural mineral springs that are open to the public.
Along with its art community, the town is a haven for both outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs. The Manitou Cliff Dwellings provides a glimpse of 1000-year-old Ancestral Puebloan ruins and Native artifacts. Nature lovers can explore ancient rock formations in the Manitou Grand Caverns at Cave of the Winds. For a challenging adventure, walk the 2,744 steps up the Manitou Incline. Not for the faint of heart, the one-mile staircase takes adventurers up a steep incline with a 2,000 ft elevation gain.
Aspen
Located in the White River National Forest, the stunning town of Aspen is renowned for its outdoor adventures and history. Surrounded by the Elk Mountains, Aspen is stunning in the winter when snow-capped mountains are visible throughout the town. With its world-class skiing, winter enthusiasts can hit the slopes atop the 1,212-foot Aspen Mountain, known as the Ajax. During all four seasons, visitors can take the Aspen Mountain Gondola to the peak for sweeping views of the Roaring Fork Valley. The town is also home to Maroon Bells, one of the most photographed mountain ranges in North America. The 14,000-foot bell-shaped peaks overlook Maroon Lake and meadows of colorful wildflowers in the spring and summer.
In the quaint downtown, tourists can explore Aspen’s history. Visitors can tour the local history exhibits at the Wheeler/Stallard House, located in a Queen Anne style building from the late 1880s. For those who want to immerse themselves in history and enjoy a live performance, a trip to the Wheeler Opera House is a must. Built in 1889, travelers can enjoy the ballet, comedy acts, live music, and other performances at the cultural center.
Discover The Beauty Of Colorado
These small towns in Colorado offer unique views and outdoor activities for all who want to discover the charm of the American Southwest. Whether viewing local artwork, majestic mountain ranges, or pristine forests and lakes on scenic hikes, Colorado offers captivating adventures. From hitting world-class skiing slopes in Aspen to exploring an authentic Wild West saloon in Durango, these picture-perfect towns in Colorado provide the perfect getaway.
