8 Breathtaking Towns To Visit In The Rockies
Have you been dreaming of spending the summer camping? Always wanted to pitch a tent and experience the great outdoors? Well, there is no better place than the mountains. With beautiful views, wildlife, and peaceful nights under the stars, an alpine getaway might be just what you need. The Rocky Mountains are a breathtaking stretch of rock formations that are separated between the United States and Canada. On the US side, they cover portions of Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Idaho. On the Canadian side, they can be seen in British Columbia and in Alberta.
Home to world-class skiing, hiking trails, massive waterfalls, and breathtaking glaciers, the Rockies are on millions of people's travel bucket lists. And with dozens of adorable small towns scattered throughout, you will find the perfect one to park at for the weekend and experience the delicious cuisine, adventures, and log-built lodges.
Sheridan, Wyoming
Just off Interstate 90, Sheridan is right near the Bighorn National Forest and is full of Western history. Embracing the rolling hills and rugged landscape surrounding it, it is home to dozens of ranches, rodeo events, and Equestrian sports. Watch some live polo at the Big Horn Equestrian Center, a ball game played on horseback. Or check out one of the nearby ranches, including Canyon, Double Rafter, Eatons, and Padlock. Here, you can practice some fly fishing, take part in a cattle drive, and go horseback riding along the trails. In July, you can head down to the WYO Rodeo and watch some skilled bull riding, drink at a genuine cowboy bar, have a blast at the carnival, and join the crowd as the parade makes its way through.
If Wild West-centric activities aren't your style, walk the Sheridan pathways, which connect parks to the town, or show off at Thorne Rider Park, which offers a BMX track, tennis, volleyball, and a skatepark. For the golfers, choose from the Powder Horn, Hidden Bridge, and Kendrick courses. In the winter, you can also participate in ice skating activities. In town, pick up a sweet treat at a cafe, creamery, or donut shop. Grab dinner at a saloon, taco shop, tavern, or local brewing company. As for shopping, find the perfect souvenir or gift at the many antique shops, galleries, leather goods stores, sports emporiums, and specialty food shops.
Wallace, Idaho
On the same Interstate as Sheridan, just in a different state, is Wallace, Idaho. It sits next to the Coeur d'Alene National Forest and is a prime spot for both summer and winter activities. In the winter, experience snowmobiling or snowshoeing through the various trails. You can also ski and snowboard at the Silver Mountain Ski Resort or the Lookout Pass Ski Area. In the summer, bring your own bicycle or rent an e-bike and ride amongst the trees, or skip the wheels and do the trek on foot.
If you want to step back into history, head to Pulaski Tunnel Trail, where you can see old abandoned mine shafts. In town, visit the historic buildings that still stand and the museums that explain the town's past in depth, including the railway museum, mining museum, and brothel. If you want to really get into the experience, choose from an array of unique accommodation options, including a converted chapel, Victorian-era homes, a stagecoach station, and retro motels. For dinner, the town offers options such as gastropubs, wood-fired pizza, smoked meat, and classic burger joints. Looking to shop? Browse gem stores, jewelry shops, florists, chocolate shops, and cigar stops.
Whitefish, Montana
Located right on Whitefish Lake and next to Whitefish State Park, this cheery mountain town is perfect for winter vacations and summer getaways. Head to the Whitefish Mountain Resort for some downhill skiing and snowboarding, as well as mountain biking and ziplining when the snow melts. It also has a popular alpine slide, allowing you to zoom through the trees. It is also in close proximity to Glacier National Park, which is only a 45-minute drive away. This opens up an entire catalog of fun activities for the whole family, including hiking, backpacking, cycling, rock climbing, and more.
For the adrenaline junkies, take part in skydiving at Sky Dive Whitefish, axe throwing at Hanks Hatchets, or a hot air balloon ride. If you want to take the more relaxing route, ride the scenic gondola or rent a bike and join a cycling tour. In the winter, you can also look forward to activities like snowshoeing and sleigh rides. In town, browse the local farmers market or shop at the many fine art stores, snowboard shops, organic grocers, yarn shops, and pet stores. Indulge in options like sushi, classic grilled dishes, and pizza for dinner. For breakfast and an afternoon treat, stop in at a crepery, bakery, ice cream parlor, or cafe like Folklore Coffee. Whitefish also has no shortage of beautiful accommodations, from ranch homestays like the Bar W Guest Ranch to glamping tents, chalets, and lodges with all the amenities, such as the Lodge at Whitefish Lake.
Park City, Utah
Park City is the place to be if you're a ski or snowboard fanatic, as it is home to over six ski hills, including the Brighton Resort, Solitude Mountain, Snowbird, Deer Valley, Park City Mountain, Alta, and Canyon Village. There are also a generous amount of courses for the golfers, such as Wasatch Mountain, Canyons, and Soldier Hollow. In winter, Park City and its surrounding area offer dog sled tours, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobile trails, and snow tubing. In the summer, look forward to rafting with Utah Outdoor Adventures, horseback riding, and mountain biking.
Take advantage of the town's free public transit, which will take you to popular locations like the Brighton Resort. It is also full of sightseeing and learning opportunities, like the Park City Museum and ghost tours, which explore the seemingly haunted buildings. If you want to be pampered, stop at a spa or massage parlor at one of the popular resorts like the Stein Ericksen and the Grand Summit. You can also spend your afternoon shopping and browsing the various storefronts, which include everything from unique spirits and beers to wellness stores, jewelry boutiques, fur clothes, and gem shops. Whether you have a sweet tooth or prefer something salty, there are also lots of delicious options for picking up a treat, like pretzel shops, chocolate stores, and bakeries serving up mouth-watering pastries such as Windy Ridge. For dinner, arrive on an empty stomach and choose from sushi, seafood, steak, burgers, and more at restaurants, including Freshie's Lobster and Park City Roadhouse.
Telluride, Colorado
Surrounded by towering peaks and lush green forests, Telluride is a photographer and sightseer's dream. With no shortage of outdoor activities, it will keep you entertained your entire trip. Ski at the Telluride Resort or at The Peaks. You can also participate in winter activities like sledding, skating, and ice climbing. Hike, cycle, or drive to the nearby waterfalls like Bridal Veil Falls and Bear Creek, or take a dip in a natural hot spring. These relaxing pools include locations like Durango, Dunton, and Orvis. For those wanting to really get out in nature, backpack through the San Juan Mountains and experience the fields of colorful wildflowers, stunning blue lakes, and mind-blowing views from up top.
In the summer, you can go canoeing, fishing, and ziplining. Telluride is unique because it is connected to a mountaintop town called Mountain Village by a free gondola. At Mountain Village, you can stay in the alpine lodges or dine next to massive windows overlooking the world below. Shop for gifts, books, leather crafts, clothing, toys, and tea between the two villages, and relax at the artisan bakeries and coffeehouses. Experience many dining options such as tacos, Japanese food, French cuisine, and Italian food. For the adults, stop in at a wine bar, saloon, rooftop bar, or brewpub. Telluride is also home to two popular festivals, including the Telluride Balloon Festival, featuring adorable hot air balloons, and the Mountainfilm Festival, which showcases documentaries. You'll surely find something to do and love in this Euro-style mountain town.
Taos, New Mexico
Taos is full of centuries' worth of history, as well as amazing opportunities for sightseeing and adventure. Visit the Taos Pueblo, a village constructed from adobe and built by the aboriginal people in the area back between 1000-1450 CE It has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and offers guided tours. You can also take part in a scenic railroad tour in the surrounding area or ride the trolley tour in town.
Taos Ski Valley is only a short drive away, and while it offers skiing and snowboarding in the winter, it is also home to tons of summer activities. You can rent a mountain bike or bring your own and explore the trails that wind into the Carson National Forest. It also has a scenic chairlift, mountain climbing, and hiking. Around Taos, take advantage of the relaxing hot springs or try your hand at sports like pickleball, tennis, and golf. A local company offers hot air balloon tours for those wanting to see New Mexico from above, or you can stay on land and get around via horseback tour or rafting. Taos also has places perfect for fly fishing.
Want to get your heart racing? Walk the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge and explore the caverns of the gorge below. Find the perfect souvenir or support a small business in town by shopping at the many leatherwork, gems and rocks, folk art, jewelry, quilts, and pottery stores. When it's time to eat, look forward to Latin French cuisine, burritos, Peruvian food, and local cantinas.
Philipsburg, Montana
A quaint mountain town crafted from historic architecture and surrounded by forest, Philipsburg is known for its gem mining, specifically sapphires. You can search for your own sapphires at the Gem Mountain Mine, which also offers a small campsite for free. Though the area doesn't have cell service, so be prepared. In the summer, practice fly fishing or hike the many trails and explore the dozens of creeks, viewpoints, and picnic areas. In the winter, ski and snowboard at the Discovery Ski Area, or try kiteboarding in the snow. There are also nearby lakes for ice fishing and places to rent all the necessary equipment, such as Georgetown Lake and Silver Lake.
Want to step back in time? Visit the Granite Ghost Town, which is full of crumbling buildings, stunning views, and informational plaques. You can also tour through Tower Town, another abandoned mining area. Back in town, watch a summer performance at the Opera House Theater, or relax and take a horse-drawn carriage tour. For dinner, try a slice at Friday Night Pizza, and for those who want to keep the night young, try something new at Bunkhouse Whiskey, White Front Bar, or the Philipsburg Brewing Company.
Estes Park, Colorado
Surrounded by mountains, lush forests, and winding creeks, Estes Park could be considered an amusement center that takes up an entire town. There is no shortage of activities for the entire family, from adrenaline-boosting adventures like the Mustang Mountain Coaster to guided tours and nature walks in Moraine Park. Located right near Rocky Mountain National Park, spend the day backpacking or hike to a picturesque picnic spot at Sprague Lake. Get your heart racing with some white water rafting or rock climbing. Want to see all the best sights?
Take a tour either by horseback, jeep, 4x4, or e-bike. There are also places for go-karting, bowling, and mini golf, such as Fun City and Cascade Creek. When it's time for dinner, get your fill at Hunters Chop House, and afterward, grab a local brew at the Latitude 105 Alehouse. In the morning, look forward to some delicious brunch at the Egg of Estes before getting out and browsing the shops. There's everything from boutiques to gift stores, candle shops, mountain gear storefronts, and homemade jerky vendors. There are also lots of spots to grab a treat, like caramel corn, ice cream, and cinnamon buns, at places such as Squatchy Donuts and the Sundae Saloon. Need to rest your legs? Sit down to a latte at an adorable coffeehouse such as Raven's Roast, or try something new at SereniTea tea room. As for accommodations, choose from adorable bed and breakfasts, massive mountain lodges, wood cabin rentals, or campgrounds perfect for setting up your tent or RV.
The Rockies cover all the bases, from relaxation to exploration. Enjoy endless adventures such as snowboarding, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, and ziplining. On the quieter side, destress at a natural hot spring, a mountain-top spa, or just by sitting amongst nature. With crystal blue lakes, towering trees, and snow-capped peaks, the Rockies are a beautiful creation easily accessible by plane, car, and train.
