8 Best Small Towns In The Rockies To Visit In 2024
When most people talk about the Rockies, they mention places such as Yellowstone National Park or Banff. The small towns in the Rockies usually don't get mentioned but are hidden gems to visit. While they don't receive as many visitors as National Parks or neighboring cities, this is part of their charm. In Canmore you can experience the stunning views of the Canadian Rockies, being less than an hour from Banff National Park. In Taos, you can experience a unique blend of mountain views and rich artisan culture. While there are many small towns in the Rockies, these eight are the ones you should consider visiting in 2024.
Canmore, Alberta
Canmore is less than an hour's drive from Banff National Park making the town the perfect destination to explore the Canadian Rockies. There is the opportunity to hike, mountain bike, and canoe, all while enjoying spectacular mountain views. The town itself is home to the iconic Three Sisters Mountains. The mountains stand at 10,000 feet tall and are hard to miss. The Three Sisters Pathway is a great hike to enjoy scenic views of the mountains. Many people see the mountains and want to hike them. The first two peeks are small enough to scramble up but the final peek is for serious rock climbers. A more leisurely walk to enjoy in Canmore is the Historic Railway Bridge. The bridge goes over the Bow River and offers stunning mountainside views.
One of the most famous sites in town is the Giant Head. The Giant Head is a sculpture on Main Street created by the artist Al Henderson. While on Main Street check out the cute shops and restaurants.
Durango, Colorado
Another town in the Rockies worth visiting in 2024 is Durango in Colorado. The small town offers the Animas River, stunning views of the San Juan Mountains, and an interesting history. Walking down the Main Street of the town you will see the Old West Roots. The downtown is recognized by the by the National Register as a Historic District. There are preserved historic buildings and other 1800s relics and fixtures around the town. Another remnant of the town's past is the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. The railroad dates back to the 1800s when it was an important transportation source for ore. The train originally transported ore from Silverton. Today, the train is a great way to enjoy views of the San Juan Mountains and the natural scenery of Durango. For adventure lovers who want to enjoy more of Durango's scenery, there is also a beautiful biking trail that goes along the Animas River. The town's vast single-track mountain biking system connects to the legendary Colorado Trail. This is the trail that goes all the way to Denver.
Taos, New Mexico
One of the most unique towns on this list is Taos, New Mexico. The town is in a desert valley with the backdrop of the Rimson Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The town's history of artisans and Spanish culture is felt everywhere. A great place to start exploring the history of Taos is by visiting Taos Pueblo. This is a multistory adobe village that the indigenous tribes inhabited for more than a millennium in the area. Beyond this, you can learn more about the Spanish history of the town at the Hacienda de Los Martinez or the San Francisco de Asis mission.
The town's history and natural landscape have attracted artists as early as the 1920s. Since then, many artists have settled in the town. You can enjoy their work at one of the town's museums or galleries. A couple of great places to see art include the Harwood Museum of Art and the Taos Art Museum. Beyond exploring the town's history and art, there is endless opportunity for outdoor recreation in Taos. Hikers will enjoy the challenge of some of the local hikes, including the gorgeous hike at Williams Lake. To enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains and valley, consider a hot air balloon ride where you can kick back and enjoy.
Ouray, Colorado
Ouray is a small town in Colorado that will mesmerize you with the natural scenery and the numerous outdoor activities to enjoy. You can enjoy hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and snowshoeing in town. Cascade Falls and the River Walk trail are two easy hikes in town. There is also an experience called Via Faretta that is great for people who are first-time rock climbers. This is a guided adventure experience up the mountains. A more relaxing way to enjoy the outdoors in Ouray is by checking out the hot springs. This is a great place to unwind with friends and family after a long day. End your stay in Ouray by visiting a restaurant with a rooftop patio or beautiful porch. Brickhouse 737 is a restaurant with a patio that has magnificent views of the rocky mountains.
Gardiner, Montana
With less than 1,000 residents, Gardiner, Montana, maybe a quiet town, but it is another hidden gem. Gardiner is the town at the entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Being so close to Yellowstone this makes the town the perfect spot to stay at while exploring the natural scenery in Yellowstone. Some of the most iconic spots to explore include the Roosevelt Arch, Mammoth Hot Springs, and the Yellowstone River. Besides being near Yellowstone National Park, Gardiner is also home to Custer Gallatin National Forest. This is a 13 million-acre forest that borders the town. Here, you can hike and enjoy the lush green forest and mountain views. After exploring so much outside, you will have worked up an appetite and should visit Wonderland Café & Lodge. This is a great local spot to grab a burger and coffee.
Jackson, Wyoming
Jackson, Wyoming, is a town that offers a Western vibe with rodeos and culture combined with the inspiration of the mountains. The town is next door to Grand Teton National Park, a great place to hike and see unique rock formations. Snake River flows through Grand Teton National Park and is a great spot to visit if you are looking to relax. There are rafts available to book so you can float down the river and enjoy scenic views. Just outside Grand Teton Park is the National Elk Refugee. Here, you can learn more about conservation efforts and current research. Jackson has a unique art gallery that combines people's love of nature and art. The National Wildlife Museum of Art features all different art forms with a theme of nature. Here, you will find everything from sculptures to paintings and photographs. Many of these pieces even adorn outdoor walkable spaces.
Truckee, California
Truckee is one of the most charming towns in the Sierra Nevada and makes for a great vacation spot. The town is just a short ride away from Lake Tahoe, a stunning spot with bright blue water and lush green mountains. In town, Truckee also has some picturesque locations, including Donner Lake. This is a beautiful lake with the backdrop of the mountains. A visit to Donner Lake is a great spot for a picnic. There are also opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking around the lake. You can also pay a visit to Donner Memorial State Park to learn more about the area's history. The visitor center explains the history of key events in town. You can learn about the Donner Party, railroad construction, and the Emigrant Gap. The Donner Summit Bridge is just 15 minutes from downtown Truckee and is a unique landmark. This is a petroglyph site with sweeping mountain views. The petroglyphs are located between the bridge and the China Wall.
Whitefish, Montana
Whitefish, Montana, is one of the few towns on this list that receives a lot of tourists throughout the year, and for good reason. The town is the gateway to Glacier National Park. In the winter, people travel to Whitefish to ski the slopes of Whitefish Mountain Resort. The local ski hill, Big Mountain, is a great adventure spot any time of year. In the summer, you can enjoy zip lining, mountain biking, tubing, and hiking on the mountain. Playing on the mountain offers great views of Flathead Valley and Glacier National Park. A visit to Whitefish isn't complete without visiting the lake. Whitefish Lake State Park is a great spot to go swimming or kayaking.
After exploring the outdoors Whitefish has to offer, explore the culture in town by visiting the downtown. Here, you can visit the Whitefish Farmer's Market on Tuesday nights. The market features local farmers and craftsmen selling the best of “Made in Montana” products.
Planning Your Trip
Whether you want to enjoy a thrilling hike or explore the history of a quaint mountain town, these eight towns have something for everyone. In Truckee, you can experience the charm of the Sierra Nevada region, enjoying iconic places such as Lak Tahoe and some unique spots, including The Donner Summit Bridge. Many towns on the list are great spots to explore some of the most famous and beautiful national parks. This is the case for Gardiner, Montana, which is right next door to the adored Yellowstone National Park. For those feeling adventurous, visit Ouray with the via Faretta experience. Whatever town you choose to visit, you are guaranteed to have a fabulous time. There is something magical about being in the Rockies in a small town. The combination of natural beauty and small-town charm makes for a great vacation.
