8 of the Most Overlooked Towns in the Rockies
The Rocky Mountains range stretches over 3,000 miles (4,800 kilometers) and up to 300 miles (480 kilometers) wide. Once a formidable challenge for explorers and settlers, the Rockies now serve as an adventurer's playground, dotted with many alpine towns nestled in its foothills. From the hot springs in Ouray, a town within a box canyon in Colorado, to the chance to see the Northern Lights in Whitefish, Montana, at the gateway to Glacier National Park, the spectacular North American range of the Rocky Mountains envelops you with dramatic sights.
Its underrated gems, often off the beaten path, offer pristine nature for adventures and an uncrowded feel downtown. Whether you're seeking solitude amid the peaks, wish to immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of nature, or aim to challenge yourself by conquering the terrain, the Rockies reward even those looking to relax in the views, the hot springs, and these charming towns.
Bragg Creek, Alberta
Bragg Creek, a quaint hamlet nestled within a stunning natural area, serves as a gateway to the spectacular Kananaskis Country. Just 30 minutes from Calgary, heading west towards the Rockies, it is often bypassed by those on the TransCanada Trail in their haste to reach the more popular towns in the Canadian Rockies. However, Bragg Creek is quickly gaining recognition as a destination with a cozy atmosphere, views of the peaks, and burgeoning businesses. As a unique trailhead community connecting east and west, Bragg Creek Trailhead welcomes travelers from far and wide for world-class outdoor recreation, drawing 200,000 annual visitors for its exceptional skiing, biking, hiking, snowshoeing, and equestrian network of trails.
Home to around 1,500 residents, there's a discernible thematic vibe in town that thrives on activity—a harmonious blend of value, nature, and community. This convergence of trails has a long history, from cowboys to the Indigenous peoples and mountain cultures still present in the surrounding foothills of the Rockies. Visitors can enjoy active hikes and leisurely sightseeing or activities like horseback riding and photography, with a lively atmosphere back in town, home to upscale lodging, classic saloons, and family fun, such as during the Tsuut'ina Pow Wow and Rodeo.
Cody, Wyoming
Just 84 kilometers (about 52 miles) from the eastern entrance to Yellowstone National Park, Cody, named after “Buffalo Bill” Cody, lies at the foot of the Absaroka Mountains, a subrange of the Rockies. With a Western ambiance dating back to when the showman explored the area in the 1870s and later established Cody in the foothills twenty years afterward, the small town remains an overlooked treasure trove of authentic mountain culture, devoid of tourist kitsch. A single visit is enough to captivate visitors with the charm of this small, friendly town, obscured within the rocky terrain, including the downtown Irma Hotel that Buffalo Bill built. Cody, the self-proclaimed “Rodeo Capital of the World,” attracts nature enthusiasts who celebrate the outdoors at this gateway to Yellowstone to the west. Visitors relish the Wild West ambiance, including historical relics and the summertime street performances of the Wild Bunch shootout in front of the hotel.
Just off the Yellowstone Highway, the Old Town features 25 restored historic buildings with their original structures, furnishings, and artifacts, while the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center provides insights into local history as a World War II-era Japanese American confinement site. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West houses five museums exploring the saga of the Wild West, including the Draper Natural History Museum, the Cody Firearms Museum, the Whitney Western Art Museum, and the Buffalo Bill Museum. The Plains Indian Museum hosts a traditional powwow in June, while Simpson Gallagher Gallery and Big Horn Galleries showcase art from renowned local and Western artists. Additionally, the free Historic Cody Mural and Museum, open from May through September, and the Cody Stampede Rodeo, a summer highlight since 1919, should not be missed. Don't forget to take a ride on the Cody Trolley Tour, which passes pioneer homes and the historic district, extending to the Buffalo Bill Reservoir.
Crested Butte, Colorado
Hidden and often overlooked, this underrated mountain town in Gunnison County nestles within a valley at the base of the Elk Mountains. Crested Butte is an ideal destination for skiers seeking downhill fun without the crowds, offering slopes for all levels of skiing ability, including lessons for adults and children alike. In summer, the town transforms into a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with lush trails for hiking and excellent mountain biking opportunities. Visitors can enjoy horseback riding and golfing against the backdrop of the iconic Rocky Mountains, while those looking for water-based adventures can take on the rapids in a raft or engage in serene fly fishing.
Crested Butte vibrantly celebrates its mountainous spirit, especially during the annual Crested Butte Wildflower Festival in July, a tribute to the area's stunning wildflowers. The Crested Butte Mountain Resort and Elk Avenue offer shopping and dining options for winter visitors, alongside ice climbing and fishing activities. The Crested Butte Center for the Arts provides a perfect retreat for rainy days, showcasing works that capture the beauty of the region. Attracting both outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking leisurely pursuits, Crested Butte offers picnics, photography, and vibrant town life, all set against a magnificent mountain backdrop.
Durango, Colorado
Located in the southwest corner of Colorado, Durango sits at 6,500 feet, making it one of the highest cities in the Rocky Mountains—surpassing even Denver's Mile High elevation. This often-overlooked town is a shame, given its family-friendly attractions, such as the Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which offers scenic journeys especially beautiful in early autumn when the leaves start changing. Thanks to its prime location, Durango has been the backdrop for numerous Hollywood films. As the most populous town in La Plata County, its nearly 20,000 residents cherish their stunning geography and are eager to share it with families, adventurers, and nature lovers alike.
Embark on a journey along the country's number one scenic railroad, as rated by USA Today, from the Durango Depot into the Rockies or to the charming town of Silverton. This experience offers a chance to connect with the Golden Age of trains over unmatched views of the San Juan National Forest and the Animas River. For a more extended adventure, the five-hour Cascade Canyon Express travels between the two towns with a scenic stop at Cascade Canyon. Durango also serves as a gateway to Mesa Verde National Park, the ancestral home of the Pueblo people, while offering accommodations in one of the most iconic hotels in the Western US, the Strater Hotel, which doubles as a living museum.
Ouray, Colorado
Tucked into a breathtaking box canyon in southwest Colorado, Ouray, dubbed the "Switzerland of America," stands out as one of the most picturesque mountain villages in the Rockies. Nestled within the San Juan Mountains, this postcard-perfect town, situated at 7,792 feet (2,375 meters) above sea level, embodies the quintessential alpine spirit, surrounded by 360° views of towering peaks. Ouray is a haven for both adventure-seekers and those in search of relaxation, famed for its natural hot springs. These springs are a destination in their own right or a perfect way to unwind after a day of hiking, climbing, or four-wheel driving, offering breathtaking scenery of the surrounding peaks. The town provides stunning views for all levels of activity, from easy trails for families, like the short, colorful trail along the old water pipeline that clings to the cliffs, to the challenging Imogene Pass for thrill-seekers.
The popular Baby Bathtubs Trail starts right in town, and the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway, which towers above Ouray, offers jaw-dropping vistas of the town ensconced in snow-capped peaks, making it feel as though it's cradled in the palm of your hand. Despite being isolated by the Box Canyon, Ouray remains a beloved tourist destination, drawing photographers, adventurers, and those seeking solitude to its dramatic setting. Experience the raw power of nature amidst the canyon walls and towering peaks, or challenge yourself with ice climbing, followed by a relaxing dip in the hot springs. This charming town of fewer than 1,000 residents is also home to the awe-inspiring Cascade Falls Park waterfall and the Amphitheater Campground, which offers views as grand as its name suggests. For those seeking more comfortable accommodations, the Beaumont Hotel provides a luxurious stay.
Red River, New Mexico
This picturesque town in the Rockies region of New Mexico, abundant with trails, is an outdoorsman's paradise. With its namesake river flowing through the heart of town and blessed with warmer temperatures than many other Rocky Mountain locales, Red River offers a plethora of waterside activities. Visitors can enjoy strolls along the river, take a dip on a hot summer day after a hike, or bask in the sun within the breathtaking mountain landscape. The area's rivers, lakes, and streams provide year-round fly-fishing opportunities for a true mountain experience, alongside horseback riding adventures in the stunning surrounding scenery. From Mardi Gras in the Mountains to Spring Break Beach Weeks, the summer season starts with Bacon & Brews, while the annual Oktoberfest celebration occurs on Columbus Day weekend, all set against the Old Western charm of this northern New Mexican town.
The 1-mile long Main Street offers stunning scenery against a backdrop of Old West storefronts, restaurants, gift shops, and lodging options like the Riverside Lodge and Cabins. Visitors have direct access from Main Street to trails for jeeps, OHVs, and motorcycles that lead into the surrounding forests, such as the Carson National Forest. With trails catering to various difficulty levels, the hiking and mountain biking landscape transforms into a winter sports haven for skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing during the colder months, thanks to the over 200 inches of annual snowfall at the Red River Ski and Summer Area. This recreation paradise also serves as a cultural hub, featuring a year-round live music scene, including the annual songwriter's festival in January and Larry Joe Taylor's music festival and Bluegrass Festival in August. Special events such as chuckwagon dinner shows, cowboy singers, and family-friendly entertainment in July during the western culture festival, American Westfest, add to the town's vibrant community life.
Revelstoke, British Columbia
Revelstoke, nestled in southeastern British Columbia, impresses visitors as a laid-back town set amidst the stunning Canadian Rockies. Often bypassed due to its distance—641 kilometers east of Vancouver or 415 kilometers west of Calgary, Alberta—the town is a hidden gem of adventures for the enthusiastic. Situated along the scenic Columbia River, a must-see is a hike north to the Revelstoke Dam or a visit to the confluence of the Illecillewaet River, perfect for a hot summer day by the water. In warmer weather, visitors can enjoy the town's lush public golf course, while winter offers Revelstoke Dogsled Adventures through snowy landscapes.
The true highlight, however, is the eastward vista of the Selkirk Mountains and Glacier National Park, with Rogers Pass providing easy access via the Trans-Canada Highway or the Canadian Pacific Railway. Southward down the Columbia River lie Arrow Lakes and the Kootenays, while Eagle Pass opens to the west. Revelstoke is a year-round hub of activity, most famously known as a prime winter skiing destination in the Rockies, boasting fresh powder slopes. Summer in town is serene, with attractions like the Revelstoke Railway Museum awaiting visitors. The renowned Mount Revelstoke National Park features the world's only inland temperate rainforest, with the Giant Cedar Boardwalk Trail offering an awe-inspiring walk among ancient trees.
Whitefish, Montana
Scenic and unassuming, Whitefish draws both new and returning visitors who appreciate the charm of this lesser-known Montana town in the Rockies. Situated in the state's northwest, it offers a plethora of activities within an authentic mountain atmosphere, untouched by mass tourism and with easy access to Glacier National Park. Those in search of luxury or comfortable accommodations will find Whitefish Mountain Resort expansive; alternatively, the lakeside camp base on Whitefish Lake provides numerous excellent lodging options with stunning lake and mountain vistas, such as the Belton Chalet.
The town's rustic downtown is filled with local shops, galleries, and restaurants, perfect for seasonal exploration and souvenir shopping. From Whitefish Lake State Park to the Swift Creek Trailhead and the Whitefish Trail, to City Beach in the summer, visitors can refuel with delicious eats amidst their adventures, surrounded by the peaks that tower over this alpine community. Whether you're mountain biking, hiking through the vast, renowned Glacier National Park, or skiing down the slopes of Whitefish Mountain, the dramatic mountain scenery captivates. This welcoming town of fewer than 9,000 people also serves as an excellent base for viewing the Northern Lights, with Glacier National Park being among the best spots in the US for witnessing this natural wonder.
In the vast expanse of the Rockies, home to eager mountaineers and overshadowed by the majestic Mount Elbert, the highest peak at 14,433 feet (4,399 meters), it's the small, overlooked towns that truly shine as welcoming destinations.
Spanning parts of Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, British Columbia, and Alberta, these towns share the common trait of being hidden gems. They offer a bittersweet sanctuary with a tourist-free ambiance for exploring their pristine natural wonders, making them cherished destinations for those in the know.
