8 Of The Most Captivating Small Towns In Colorado
When considering visiting Colorado, larger metropolises like Denver and Colorado Springs come to mind. However, the Centennial State's small towns offer an authentic Colorado feel. The smaller towns offer gorgeous mountain views, natural hot springs, vibrant downtown areas, and historical sites. Colorado is an excellent place for outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and fishing, but there are also plenty of cultural points of interest worth exploring, like museums and art galleries. These are eight of the most captivating towns in Colorado because of their natural beauty, multiple attractions, and outdoor adventure.
Leadville
Leadville is a 19th-century mining town filled with brick and wood storefronts, Victorian architecture, and captivating beauty. The historic downtown is lined with Victorian-era storefronts between 1880 and 1895, containing over 50 structures. One of the most unique is the Firehouse General Store, a massive brick-corner building that captures Leadville's aesthetic appeal.
Downtown Leadville also offers a wide range of cuisine, primarily the Golden Burro Cafe. The building dates back to 1898, but the decor has been restored to its 1940s luster, making it one of the more popular spots downtown. If you are in Leadville over the summer, attend the three-day Boom Days. The mountain festival and history celebration includes burro races, mining skills, and over 100 food and beverage vendors.
Telluride
Telluride is a well-known town, especially as a skiing destination. The Telluride Ski Resort is considered one of the best in the world. The Victorian-era mining town is in a valley surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, providing stunning natural scenery. It also has a charming historic district with much to see and do.
The brick and wood buildings are original 19th-century structures filled with shops, restaurants, and museums like the Telluride Historical Museum. The museum highlights Telluride's mining history with exhibits and vintage photos. Visitors should not miss visiting or booking a room at the Sheridan Hotel. The 1891 landmark hotel offers 26 luxurious rooms, three restaurants, and over 130 years of unique history.
Carbondale
Carbondale, at the base of Mount Sopris, offers striking views, a lively downtown, and many attractions. The town's history is best explored at the Dinkel Mercantile Museum, which features a log cabin built in 1887 and honors the man who started the first stage stop. Another must-see point of interest is the Creative District.
The Creative District is a town collective boasting over 200 artists and businesses where visitors can discover the local art scene. History buffs should not miss a Historic District Walking Tour leading past such significant structures as the Thompson House and the Jail and Cabin History Park. The Thompson House was built by one of the town's original settlers, and the park features the town's first jail and the Carbondale Historical Society.
Crested Butte
Gorgeous Crested Butte, in the Rockies, is famous for its biking and skiing trails, primarily at the Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Winter draws many ski enthusiasts to the Nordic ski trails through town and the West Elk Loop Scenic and Historic Byway. It is also known as the "Wildflower Capital of Colorado" and attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round for rock climbing, river running, and hiking.
The compact downtown is lined with multi-colored wooden shops along Elk Avenue. It is fun to walk around and has a lot to offer. Several galleries, like the Fine Art Gallery and Shaun Horne, are just off Elk Avenue. Restaurants range from casual fare at Pitas in Paradise to fine dining at The Wooden Nickel, Crested Butte's oldest saloon and steakhouse.
Trinidad
Trinidad is a hub for those seeking adventure and culture, with a vibrant downtown area that looks like an Old West movie. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains beckon adventure seekers with gravel bike trails and Fisher's Peak State Park, a 20,000-acre playground and popular hiking spot. After a day of adventure, A Walk Through the History of Trinidad will introduce you to the architecture that makes Trinidad captivating.
The Corazón de Trinidad National Historic District has brick-paved roads and historic sites like the Columbian Hotel and Trinidad Opera House. The Columbian Hotel, built in 1879, is the oldest structure on the northwest corner of North Commercial Street and is one of the most visited in Trinidad. The 1883 Opera House is the second oldest structure and contains some of the finest stonework in town.
Steamboat Springs
Adventurous Steamboat Springs is a popular ski resort town in the Yampa Valley in northern Colorado. Steamboat Ski Resort has six peaks, including Mount Werner. There are also state parks, two ski areas, and dozens of trails for outdoor adventure. For those seeking retail therapy, Steamboat Springs has hundreds of shops and boutiques in the quaint downtown area.
The downtown area also has luxurious accommodations like Old Town Springs. The premier springs have operated for over 100 years and offer a climbing wall and fitness classes. Several annual events, like the Winter Carnival, OktoberWest, and Art in the Park, celebrate outdoor adventure's natural beauty and love.
Durango
The historic mining town of Durango has a fascinating history and draws outdoor enthusiasts for its hiking, biking, and skiing opportunities. Located in the Animas River Valley at the base of the San Juan Mountains, Durango is a gateway to Colorado's largest wilderness area. Those interested can head out on the nearby Colorado Trailhead, a scenic route through forests and mountains. Moreover, many attractions, including a historic railroad, are in this area.
The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has transported passengers for over 140 years and is a National Historic Landmark. A ride on the rails is one of the best ways to experience Durango's historic significance. The ride passes through stunning scenery from Cascade Canyon and the San Juan Mountains.
Silverton
Silverton is a historic and scenic mining town just down the railways from Durango. It is located over 9,000 feet in elevation in the San Juan Skyway and has sweeping views of the valley and 13,000-foot peaks everywhere you look. The Historic District started in the 1860s when miners started prospecting the area, and many of the original buildings have been preserved.
Greene Street, the main road, is home to the gold-domed San Juan County Courthouse and Town Hall, the town's landmark structures. Several bed and breakfast inns are downtown and an ideal way to immerse yourself in the historic district. The 1898 Alma House offers era-appropriate furnishings and luxurious rooms a short distance from the main attractions.
Wrapping Up
Colorado is a famous destination for outdoor enthusiasts, especially in the winter. It is also home to many small, historic towns with a 19th-century aesthetic and vibe. What makes these small towns amazing is that the historic structures have jaw-dropping natural scenery as a backdrop. Towns like Silverton, high on top of the San Juan Mountains, have incredible panoramic views that Colorado is known for. Historic districts in Trinidad and Carbondale are ideal traveling destinations year-round. Whether looking for outdoor adventure or historic downtowns with modern amenities, these eight towns are the most outstanding in Colorado.
