8 Delightful Towns to Visit in Colorado Plateau
Searching for a thrilling adventure full of amazing rocky sights and natural or historical delights? If so, the Colorado Plateau may be the best option for any itinerary. Located around the center of the Four Corners of the southwestern U.S., the Colorado Plateau includes many distinct small towns that would appeal to any traveler wanting plenty of amusement and newfound memories, especially at locales or landmarks like the Mogollon Rim and the Petrified Forest National Park. These delightful towns within Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah are the ones to take a trip to during any season!
Durango, Colorado
Known as the "Hollywood of the Rockies," Durango is a southwestern paradise in Colorado full of ancient history and fascinating wonders. The Animas Museum brings to life the cultural heritage and historical significance of the 20th century through classroom trinkets and Ancestral Pueblo pottery creations. For science fans, the Powerhouse Science Center has the most interesting workshops full of coal-fired technology and hands-on demonstrations. For both historical and commercial outings, tourists may enjoy Historic Downtown Durango, a hotspot where it is easy to find innovative plazas, souvenir shops, and a delightful year-round tour of the mountains!
At Purgatory Resort, skiing enthusiasts will always find new ways to chit-chat with locals and take in the gorgeous sunlight and alpine climates around a delightful ski resort; it even has a luxury penthouse! The Colorado Trail offers a truly spectacular hiking route full of seasonal flowerbeds and golden leaves that may reel in outsiders. Potato Lake Trailhead has clear lily ponds and lakeside photography for travelers who like easy summer hikes. For dining options, the Diamond Belle Saloon has Old West-style themes and delightful cocktail conversations that are always worth the return visit.
Taos, New Mexico
A desert town in New Mexico, Taos lives up to its name as the "Soul of the Southwest!" The Kit Carson Home & Museum is a casual yet ambient delight for travelers who wish to observe 19th-century adobe architecture. The Taos Art Museum at Fechin House has a unique historical foundation with multiple fine art exhibits and Native American artistry that pays tribute to the Wild West. At the E.L. Blumenschein Home and Museum, 1800s-preserved estates and local hacienda architecture make for a delightful tour of the town's first settlements.
The Devisadero Loop Trail 108 Trailhead is an expeditionary stop with several rocky trails and a historical lookout point that the Pueblo Indians once used! The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is a high-rise splendor for newcomers who like to photograph arid landscape architecture. The Enchanted Circle Drive is the best byway detour for witnessing Carson National Forest scenery and local waters. For southwestern shopping delights, one can check out John Dunn Shops, a plaza-centric locale with fine art and Native jewelry, not to mention scenic porch resting stops! Hungry stomachs can enjoy fresh margaritas at Doc Martin's or shrimp tacos at La Cueva Cafe.
Vernal, Utah
Locals call this northeastern town "Dinosaurland," which is a hidden gem for travelers! Vernal is home to the Utah Field House of Natural History, a typical stop for anyone who appreciates delightful prehistoric displays and fun fossil findings. The Dinosaur National Monument also has prehistoric tours with the Quarry Exhibit Hall and bygone Native American artworks. The Uintah County Heritage Museum provides a storytelling atmosphere of the Uinta Basin and Fremont natives who spread Indigenous influence. For more ancestral delights, the McConkie Ranch Petroglyphs is a unique stop for observing stunning petroglyphs carved onto trailway cliff rocks!
Fantasy Canyon has natural exposure as a geological landmark full of beautiful rocky layers and self-guided clay bed tours. Dinaland Golf Course has a delightful 18-hole course that will satisfy sports enthusiasts and visiting rookies. The Vernal Utah Temple is a religious and historical stopping point with friendly churchgoers and captivating, colorful architecture that will attract just about anyone! The Sandau Fine Art Gallery is more up the alley for artistic expression and has cozy showrooms with down-to-earth photography. Visitors who love Thai cuisine may enjoy Khao Hom Thai Kitchen, a famous stop for amazing Southeast Asian dishes and savory chicken meals.
Telluride, Colorado
Telluride, sometimes called "To-hell-you-ride," is a Victorian town in the Rocky Mountains that is worth every moment! The Telluride Historical Museum is a grand stop for showcasing Ute heritage, festival history, and volcanic scenery. For outdoor travelers, Bridal Veil Falls has scenic and delightful waterfall sights, panoramic wilderness beauty, and iconic driving points for road-trippers who prefer to stay in their vehicles! Hikers will love Jud Wiebe Memorial Trail, an overlooked area with dog-friendly downhill pleasantries and surrounding mountainside splendors that will be remembered for a lifetime.
For tourists who love being around locals, Town Park has delightful areas for soccer players and kid-friendly play areas. It also doubles as a natural mountain landmark for Nordic history. The Telluride Mountain Village Gondola takes travelers across town in a fun gondola that offers quaint and stunning sunset views from high above! Newcomers can pay a visit to Main Street, where peaceful downtown scenery and quality sandwich shops make for a delightful trip. Brown Dog Pizza is the perfect place in town for Detroit-style tavern pizzas, while laidback tourists will admire The Butcher & The Baker for delicious cafe cheeses and homemade organic meals in a comfy setting.
Payson, Arizona
Located in the "Heart of Arizona," Payson is a must-visit mountainous destination for travelers. The Rim Country offers landmarks like the Rim Country Museum and Zane Grey Cabin, an underrated set of stops with local Crook and Apache knowledge that is as enticing as the delightful gift shop inside! At Shoofly Indian Archaeological Site, visitors can experience historical trails that once were inhabited by native settlers as early as A.D. 1000-1250! Natural amusement can be had at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, known for its one-of-a-kind rustic tunnel thrills as the largest natural travertine bridge in the entire world!
The Mogollon Rim is a typical hotspot for any tourist in Payson, as it offers unmatched scenery of the town and historic horseback routes that take people through the most precious backcountry areas. At the Mazatzal Hotel & Casino, newcomers can try their hands at friendly poker sessions or gaze out at splendid views 5,000 feet above sea level. For an interesting detour, one can visit the Paleo Site Monument, where tourists of all backgrounds can mingle while looking for delightful roadside fossils among scenic hills. Duza's Kitchen is quite welcoming with its casual American breakfast dishes and outdoor patio vibrance.
Gallup, New Mexico
Labeled the "Heart of Indian Country" and "The Bridge" among Navajo tribes, Gallup makes itself known with so many wonderful stops! At the Gallup Cultural Center, museum lovers can appreciate heritage artworks and cultural foundations related to Southwestern Native tribes. For sculpture admiration and semi-circular wall architecture, one can check out We The People Park, a landmark that has mining industry creations and small but delightful footbridge scenery. For travelers who prefer canine-friendly adventures and fountain scenery, the City of Gallup Dog Park has everything one needs for a good time, while Red Rock Park has historical bench areas and cute horse stables!
Shoppers may enjoy Tanner's Indian Arts, a goods store full of handmade Native American relics and rare collectibles lost to time. The Indian Touch of Gallup is a delightful locale with assorted jewelry trinkets and wholesome craft collections that go as far back as the 1970s. Travelers will find delights over at Bill Malone Trading, a cozy rug store with local artistry fabrics that doubles as a famous stop for saying hello to the owners! Travelers who like authentic Mexican cuisine can stop by Jerry's Cafe, a southwestern diner with various iconic jalapeno meals and culinary delights.
Moab, Utah
Also known as "Adventure Capital of the West" and "Grand Valley" to the locals, Moab is everything delightful and nothing boring. The Arches National Park is a big motivator for tourism here, as visitors can check out over 2,000 scenic and historic red rock arches, and it even has amazing sunset viewpoints! Canyonlands National Park is also a viable option for diverse desert landscapes, and it has rugged terrain that is perfect for capturing the heart of Moab. On Slickrock Bike Trail, travelers can take in sandy dune splendors and cycling delights within the Colorado Plateau's finest mesas.
At the Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage, history fans can check out rural history related to Moab and the greater Canyonlands through insightful filmmaking creations and cowboy exhibits. For a delightful, family-friendly itinerary, travelers can enjoy Moab Giants, a virtual paleo aquarium theater and museum with breathtaking dinosaur models and prehistoric desert trails that cannot be found elsewhere. For even more entertainment, Moab Backyard Theater is one of the most underappreciated locales around town, with friendly residents and belly dancing competitions. Moab Food Truck Park brings out appetizing paninis and custom gelatos that will always leave a smile on anyone's face.
Holbrook, Arizona
Holbrook is not only a delightful town to consider for travel but also a key trading center in northeastern Arizona! Most people who take a trip here may enjoy the Petrified Forest National Park, a landmark full of interesting petroglyphs, eye-popping desert formations, and beautifully paved hiking trails ideal for adventurous minds. The Navajo County Historical Society has lots of delightful museum antiques related to the town's oldest members and their most valuable contributions to the banking and ranching industries. For kid-friendly exhibits, the Rainbow Forest Museum has enough dinosaur skeleton showrooms and lovely gift shop memorabilia to guarantee a return trip!
Hidden Cove Golf Course is a nice commercial segue from history with its lush greenery and mountainous comfort all within a niche part of town that caters to open-field admirers. The Empty Pockets Saloon is a couples-friendly spot for lively karaoke nights and delightful bartenders, while others may enjoy the DoBell Ranch, an overlooked mineral and excavation stop with petrified wood finds, huge tree minerals, and intriguing rock piles that are just as precious as the town itself! For dining delights, one can visit Mesa Italiana Restaurant for romantic Italian parmesan dishes or scrumptious pizza specialties.
All of these towns in the Colorado Plateau region are the best destinations to consider for any travel itinerary. With so much to absorb, regardless of the trip's duration or length of time, there is nothing short of adventure and comfort in many ways. This list not only provides a successful itinerary but also an unparalleled experience in the Four Corners states that will leave anyone speechless for years to come!
