7 Picture-Perfect Towns in the Colorado Plateau
The Colorado Plateau is a stretch of red desert, mountains, and badlands that often falls under the appreciation of most travelers, making it an ideal spontaneous and surprising getaway to an important and beautiful biosphere of the United States. However, prospective travelers should underscore the variety of amenities and experiences available, from exploring the extraterrestrial rock formations of Arches National Park in Moab, Utah, to enjoying the boutiques and saloons of Prescott, Arizona's Whiskey Row. Here are the seven most picture-perfect towns in the Colorado Plateau.
Ouray, Colorado
The staple of attraction in Ouray, Colorado is the Ice Park: an ice-climbers paradise between December and March where outdoor extremists use ropes, pickaxes, and helmets to climb tantalizing walls and sculptures of the river in the valley of the Uncompahgre River, the water source of the Uncompahgre National Forest that is complete with Cascade Falls Park and Box Cañon Falls Park. Near the winter climbing, and aside the Million Dollar Highway, is the Switzerland of America Lookout Point, where the town glows below a majestic sunrise or sunset in any season. Multiple unique amenities are scattered within the town, including the relaxing natural hot spring water of the Ouray Hot Springs Pool and Fitness Center.
Chimayo, New Mexico
Chimayo, New Mexico, is a lesser-known jewel in northern New Mexico. The iconic symbol of the town is the Santuario de Chimayo, a colonial-style church built in 1816 and a National Historic Landmark famous for its round pit of "holy dirt." Many travelers will come here after a stop at the Chimayo Museum and then lunch at the popular pueblo-style Rancho de Chimayó. The natural beauty of the surrounding badlands is best explored in an overnight stay at the North Lake Campground, where Santa Cruz Lake is on special display, especially from the heights atop the nearby Overlook Trail.
Prescott, Arizona
Prescott, Arizona, has a lively culture in its downtown streets and majestic natural landscapes bordering Prescott National Forest. A relic from the Gold Rush Era, Whiskey Row is a block on downtown Montezuma Street with saloons and other entertainment venues, like the Palace Restaurant & Saloon, the Superstition Meadery, and the Founding Fathers Collective. Travelers should otherwise spend time at unique museums like the Sharlot Hall Museum and the Museum of Indigenous Peoples or relax in the wide green spaces of the Courthouse Plaza. For more expansive and secluded natural scenery, take a day trip to Watson Lake Park.
Moab, Utah
Moab, Utah, is a town of extraterrestrial landscapes in eastern Utah. It is placed along the Colorado River that winds between the town's two interceding natural wonders: Dead Horse Point State Park and Arches National Park. The former is defined by momentous cliffs of red rocks and cliffs along the river, and the former is recognized for its unique and perplexing rock formations. Natural attractions closer to Centertown include the Mill Creek Waterfall and the outdoor activities of the Sand Flats Recreation Area. After outdoor explorations, the downtown area is perfect for relaxation, such as afternoon picnics at Swanny City Park and quality dining at Zax Restaurant.
Telluride, Colorado
Telluride is host to world-class outdoor activity and scenery in both winter and summer seasons. A hike along the Bear Creek Trail will reveal the best in rugged mountainous but greenly forested hillsides, while San Miguel River offers the best in fishing and relaxing walking paths. Town Park is an ideal summer venue for family picnics, swimming, and festivals, especially when complemented with a meal at the Smuggler Union Restaurant & Brewery. In the winter months, the main attraction is the challenging but rewarding Telluride Ski Resort, which can also be enjoyed in the summer months with the help of the Telluride Outside outdoor tour service.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is spectacularly surprising in its architecture and its natural landscape. Slide Rock State Park is a popular visit for most travelers to enjoy calm water in the hot summer months, complete with a natural water slide on Oak Creek. The best hikes are the West Fork Oak Creek Trailhead, the Broken Arrow Trail, and the Devil's Bridge Trail. Even more intriguing and unique to the town, however, are the religious landmarks: the Chapel of the Holy Cross is a striking monument of architecture built into the surrounding red rock buttes, and the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park, deemed a holy 14-acre monument.
Midway, Utah
Midway, Utah's greatest recognition is derived from the Utah Crater at Homestead Farm. The Crater is a geothermal spring, fitted with tours of its history in geology and archaeology, and offers the only warm water scuba diving in the United States. The spring is fed by the melted waters of Wasatch Mountain State Park, a scenic reserve of rolling hills with full, lush greenery, especially enjoyed in the red foliage of the fall season, and outfitted with full amenities of outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and golfing. Near the Olympic-level Soldier Hollow Nordic Center is the recently opened Ice Castles evening show, and within the suburban area is a particularly renowned dairy store, Heber Valley Mix & Artisan Cheese.
Visit in Any Season
The commonly unexpected but ever-present natural diversity in the Colorado Plateau, from greenery like Prescott National Forest to the bright red buttes of Sedona, Arizona, ensures that travelers in any season can enjoy the majestic and spectacular landscape. Unique festivals, cafes, and historical monuments make these towns worthwhile destinations for families or travelers without any taste for outdoor activities. While this list may provide those most noteworthy towns, there is always more to explore in the Colorado Plateau.
