Greene Street in Silverton, Colorado. Image credit Ian Dewar Photography via Shutterstock

8 Coziest Towns to Visit in Colorado in 2024

Officially nicknamed the "Centennial State," Colorado is the best destination for a cozy 2024 escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The state is home to several small towns that blend natural beauty, charm, and history. Step off the beaten path to explore towns with welcoming locals and picture-perfect settings. For those looking to unwind, relax, and enjoy a vacation in the lap of nature, visiting these eight coziest towns in Colorado in 2024 is a must.

Manitou Springs

Beautiful street view in Manitou Springs, Colorado
Beautiful street view in Manitou Springs, Colorado.

A stunning escape at the foot of Pikes Peak, Manitou Springs is just outside Colorado Springs. This breathtaking town is a popular resort town known for its natural mineral springs. There are eight springs dotted around town, which visitors can view on a self-guided walking tour. Given its location, driving to the top of Pikes Peak to enjoy the beautiful view is a popular activity.

For hiking enthusiasts, there are several options, such as the Manitou Incline (2,744 steps at a steep incline) and the Rampart Reservoir Trail System, a 10-mile trail that loops around the Rampart Reservoir. Visitors can also fish or enjoy a picnic at the reservoir.

Estes Park

Hikers walking cross a tree trunk bridge over Tyndall Creek on Emerald Lake, Estes Park, Colorado.
Hikers walking cross a tree trunk bridge over Tyndall Creek on Emerald Lake, Estes Park, Colorado. Image credit Sean Xu via Shutterstock

A small town that serves as a gateway to the Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is surrounded by gorgeous views. When in town, the best activities are outdoors. From May to October, the Rocky Mountain National Park is open to visitors. The park has 355 miles of trails for hikers, while wildlife viewing of elk, bighorn sheep, and mule deer is popular. For a panoramic view of the town, Estes Park Aerial Tramway is a must. Rock climbing at Performance Park or mountain biking at Hermit Park Open Space are other great adventures to enjoy while in Estes Park.

Breckenridge

Breckenridge, Colorado, USA, downtown streets at night in the winter with holiday lighting.
Breckenridge, Colorado, downtown streets at night in the winter with holiday lighting.

With a rich gold mining history, Breckenridge is a small town that promises visitors year-round activities. There are over 100 miles of trails in total. Some of the best trails include Breckenridge Peak 8 Trail, and the Sawmill Reservoir trail system.

During summer, horseback tours allow visitors to enjoy the scenic beauty of Breckenridge from a unique vantage point. Breckenridge Stables offers hour-and-a-half long trail rides to small groups tailored to each rider's experience. During winter, the Breckenridge Ski Resort has 187 trails, five peaks, and 2,908 acres, and it is open for skiing, snowboarding, and more.

Crested Butte

Street view of Crested Butte, Colorado.
Street view of Crested Butte, Colorado. Image credit Kristi Blokhin via Shutterstock

Known as the "Wildflower Capital of Colorado," Crested Butte is a quaint mountain town that welcomes hikers, skiers, bikers, and adventure lovers with open arms. There are over 60 miles of trails for hiking and biking in Gunnison Valley, like the Crested Butte Town Trails, Cement Creek, and Hartman Rocks. The Crested Butte Mountain Resort sees avid skiers seeking steep downhill slopes during winter.

The town is extremely beautiful. Therefore, it is no surprise that art is easy to find around town. Opened in 2014, the Redline Gallery in town is a great place to purchase colorful artwork to commemorate the trip.

Salida

Rafting through Salida, Colorado.
Rafting through Salida, Colorado.

Like Crested Butte, Salida is an artistic community near the Arkansas River in Chaffee County, Colorado. It is home to one of the country’s largest hot spring pools, the Hot Springs Aquatic Center. The hot pools are enjoyable for the entire family and are filled with mineral-rich water pumped directly into the pool from natural springs located eight miles away. For a calmer activity, the Salida Museum is an excellent place to learn about local history.

Also in Salida is the Arkansas Headwater Recreation Area (AHRA), where visitors can go kayaking or whitewater rafting. Hiking, camping, picnicking, rock climbing, wildlife watching, and mountain biking are also available at AHRA.

Ouray

Ouray, Colorado, in fall.
Ouray, Colorado, in fall.

Ouray is a small town with only 949 residents, often called the "Switzerland of America." The town is nestled amidst the San Juan Mountains and sits at 7,800 feet above sea level. This charming town is home to wildlife, waterfalls, and wildflowers. A few popular attractions around town include the Ouray Ice Park (in winter), Ouray Hot Springs Pool, and Box Cañon Falls Park.

The Ouray Ice Park opens in mid-December. It is a man-made park built inside a gorge that welcomes ice climbers from around the world. The Hot Springs Pool is a sulfur-free mineral-rich pool open daily; it is family-friendly. Lastly, Box Cañon is a 285-foot waterfall that falls into a canyon and is surrounded by nature.

Glenwood Springs

Springs in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.
Springs in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Image credit Kristi Blokhin via Shutterstock

Like Estes Park, Glenwood Springs is in the Rocky Mountains and surrounded by the White River National Forest. The Hanging Lake Trailhead is a popular trail near the Hanging Lake. The trail, which is 1.2 miles long, is steep and rocky but memorable. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is a good place for families to spend the day. Visitors can explore King’s Row Cave and Fairy Caves or enjoy a gondola ride to the top of the Iron Mountain. There is also live entertainment and a Ferris wheel.

Glenwood Springs also has hot springs at the Iron Mountain Hot Springs. These are a series of geothermal pools, a freshwater pool, cafe, spa, and bar.

Silverton

The main street of Silverton, Colorado.
The main street of Silverton, Colorado. Image credit Bob Pool via Shutterstock

Silverton is a town that boasts 13,000-foot peaks, gorgeous wildlife, and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. To take in the beauty of this town and the surrounding area, traveling down the railroad on a scenic train ride is a must. When in town, visitors should book a whitewater rafting adventure with Durango Rivertrippers. They also offer paddle boarding, kayaking, and tours. In winter, skiing in the Silverton Mountain ski area is popular. Visitors can book the Ice Pirates Snowmobile Tours to explore Silverton’s natural beauty by exploring 55,000 acres of terrain on snowmobiles.

Scenic Small Towns In ColoradoWhile many may have already visited the larger and more popular towns in Colorado, such as Aspen or Denver, the state is also home to some very picturesque small towns where one can enjoy biking, skiing, natural hot springs, and much more.

The small towns in Colorful Colorado are cozy, charming, and welcoming, and offer visitors unique opportunities to explore nature. Moreover, these picturesque towns abound in tranquility and offer an escape from fast-paced city life. From rock climbing in Estes Park to hiking in Crested Butte and whitewater rafting in Silverton, these towns promise an unforgettable journey that is guaranteed to refresh one's spirit. So, when planning your next 2024 adventure, consider these eight cozy towns in Colorado.

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Amanda Jennings July 7 2024 in Places

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