8 Picturesque Towns in Colorado for a Weekend Retreat in 2024
Colorado is a central US state known for its diverse landscapes: from grassy plains to dramatic Rocky Mountain peaks, the Centennial State is both breathtaking and vast. While Colorado's large cities are bustling tourist destinations, it is the state's small towns that give it a well-deserved reputation for epic recreational opportunities, scenic natural beauty, and Rocky Mountain charm. From laidback havens like Pagosa Springs to iconic mountain villages like Estes Park, these are the most picturesque Colorado small towns for a weekend retreat in 2024.
Crested Butte
Known as the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado,” Crested Butte is a small, scenic mountain town in Colorado’s Gunnison Valley. Known for its off-the-beaten-track locale and abundance of year-round recreational activities, Crested Butte is an ideal spot for a weekend retreat in 2024.
While Colorado may be famed for world-class skiing destinations like Vail and Aspen, cozy towns like Crested Butte present plenty of exciting activities without the large crowds of Colorado’s more popular cities. The Crested Butte Nordic Center has a vast cross-country trail network, while Crested Butte Mountain Resort (one of Colorado’s best ski resorts), has skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, and lodging.
Though Crested Butte is undoubtedly a skiing haven, there is plenty to do during the warmer months, too. Crested Butte Mountain Resort offers a variety of summer activities, including mountain biking, hiking, archery, and an adventure park. Additionally, popular hiking and mountain biking destinations like Gunnison National Forest, Hartman Rocks, Signal Peak, and the Crested Butte Town Trails have hundreds of miles of backcountry trails that showcase the area’s natural beauty.
In between outdoor adventures, explore Crested Butte’s vibrant downtown area, including historical Elk Avenue, and the colorful Crested Butte Creative District. The quaint town also hosts many fun events throughout the year, including the Crested Butte Film Festival and the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival.
Estes Park
Estes Park’s spectacular natural setting and cozy small-town vibes make it one of the best Colorado weekend retreats in 2024. Located on the doorstep of one of the Centennial State’s most scenic spots—Rocky Mountain National Park—Estes Park has plenty of activities for vacationers seeking both R&R and epic outdoor adventures.
One of the most visited national parks in the US, Rocky Mountain National Park is the epicenter of Estes Park’s year-round outdoor activities. Here, visitors can enjoy everything from hiking, fishing, rock climbing, and horseback riding in the warmer months to cross-country skiing, winter hiking, sledding, and wildlife watching in winter. Estes Park is also known for its breathtaking Rocky Mountain vistas, and visitors can explore the area’s best views by sightseeing on the Estes Park Aerial Tram, road-tripping on the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, and exploring the Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved highway in North America.
Though known for its natural beauty and outdoor destinations, Estes Park also has its share of cultural and historical attractions. Places like the Lula W. Dorsey Museum and the Stanley Home Museum presents a glimpse into the mountain town’s past, while spots like the Riverwalk and Lake Estes offer one-of-a-kind Estes Park experiences.
Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs is an idyllic Colorado town in the Rocky Mountains. The perfect Colorado weekend escape, Steamboat Springs provides visitors both outdoor adventure and relaxing tranquility. Often referred to as Ski Town, USA, Steamboat Springs is a winter wonderland. From skiing and snowboarding at Steamboat Ski Resort and Howelsen Hill to ice skating at Howelsen Ice Arena and horseback riding in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness, the picturesque Colorado town has something for everyone.
The warmer months also bring plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, both in Steamboat Springs and throughout the surrounding area. Three state parks—Steamboat Lake State Park, Pearl Lake State Park, and Stagecoach State Park—are all less than one hour away and offer boating, fishing, camping, wildlife watching, and spectacular views. Visitors can also explore Steamboat Springs's natural beauty on the Yampa Core Trail, featuring scenic spots like Yampa River Botanic Park, or by visiting nearby Emerald Mountain Quarry.
After a long day exploring, visit one of Steamboat Springs’s historic hot springs for some rest and relaxation. Part of the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop, Steamboat Springs’s two historic springs—Old Town Hot Springs and Strawberry Park Hot Springs—are the perfect place to unwind and soak up the serene mountain setting.
Silverton
Perched over 9,000 feet above sea level amid the San Juan Mountains, Silverton is a small Colorado town known for its breathtaking scenery, historic charm, and distinctive Old West character. Once a mining town, Silverton celebrates its past with many historic attractions, including the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, the Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour at Galena Mountain, and the San Juan County Mining Heritage Museum. The Animas Forks Ghost Town—listed on the National Register of Historic Places—is another must-see destination that looks into Silverton’s impressive history.
Silverton is also known as a “basecamp for adventure,” with plenty of recreation opportunities available all year long. In warmer months, visitors can enjoy popular activities like whitewater rafting on the Animas River, fishing at Molas Lake Park, hiking the San Juan Mountains, and camping at the town’s many campgrounds. Fall is also perfect for exploring the region’s picturesque landscapes with a drive on the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway. Throughout the winter, destinations like Kendall Mountain Ski Area, Silverton Mountain Ski Area, and Ouray Ice Climbing Park offer epic outdoor activities for adventurers of every skill level.
Pagosa Springs
Situated over 7,000 feet above sea level, Pagosa Springs is a southern Colorado town surrounded by the majestic San Juan Mountains. Pagosa Springs’s bucolic natural setting and famed hot springs make it a serene Colorado weekend retreat, with destinations like The Overlook Hot Springs, Healing Waters Resort & Spa, and The Springs Resort providing both relaxing vibes and breathtaking backdrops.
In addition to its signature tranquility, Pagosa Springs also has an abundance of history and culture. Nearby sites like Chimney Rock National Monument and the Southern Ute Cultural Center & Museum explore the area’s rich cultural history, while Pagosa Springs’s historic downtown area offers a glimpse into the town’s origins and significant Native American heritage.
Pagosa Springs’s location in the heart of the San Juan Mountains and on the doorstep of the San Juan National Forest provides endless opportunities for exploring. Town spots like Reservoir Hill Park and Cloman Park also has year-round recreation, while the San Juan River is a great destination for tubing, rafting fishing, and exploring the San Juan Riverwalk.
Snowmass Village
Snowmass is a picture-perfect Colorado village just 15 miles from Aspen. However, its peaceful Elk Mountains setting makes it feel a million miles away from its bustling, touristy neighbor. Complete with an Alpine atmosphere and year-round activities, Snowmass is as cozy as it is beautiful.
Outdoor adventure abounds throughout the Elk Mountains and the surrounding area, with destinations like The Lost Forest, the White River National Forest, and Snowmass Ski Area providing four-season opportunities for everything from hiking to ziplining; winter sports to mountain biking. Sightseeing is another popular Snowmass pastime, with spots like the Rockies Colorado Scenic Byway, the Silver Queen Gondola Ride, and the Maroon Bells offering some of the area’s most spectacular views. Balloon rides are also a unique way to sightsee while getting a birds-eye view of Snowmass’s landscapes.
There is also plenty to see and do throughout Snowmass’s quaint village. Destinations like the Anderson Ranch Arts Center and the Snowmass Art Walk highlight the town’s vibrant artistic character, Collective Snowmass hosts community events and live music, and the Snowmass Balloon Festival is a popular annual event featuring balloon flights and family-friendly activities.
Salida
Salida is a cozy hamlet in the heart of the Rockies, less than three hours from Denver. However, despite its relative proximity to the state capital, the lovely Colorado town remains an off-the-beaten-track destination. With its artsy vibes, historic downtown, and abundance of outdoor adventures, Salida is an ideal Colorado weekend getaway.
Salida has plenty of ways to explore the great outdoors all year round, from whitewater rafting and fishing on the Arkansas River to winter sports on Monarch Mountain. More popular Salida activities include hiking the Sawatch Range, biking the Monarch Crest Trail, and mountain biking/off-roading to area ghost towns.
While Salida is known for its four-season recreation, it also offers visitors the chance to relax in between outdoor adventures. The Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center—one of the nation’s largest indoor hot springs pools—is a popular spot for the whole family to unwind; while local Chaffee County favorites like Charlotte Hot Springs & Botanical Gardens and Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort are tranquil retreats less than one hour from Salida.
Trinidad
Often described as “The Hidden Gem of Southeastern Colorado,” Trinidad is one of the top Colorado weekend retreats in 2024 because of its historic charm, colorful art scene, and breathtaking Sangre de Cristo Mountains setting.
Once southern Colorado’s coal mining capital, today, Trinidad’s rich heritage is reflected throughout its vibrant downtown area. Discover El Córazon de Trinidad, or “the heart of Trinidad,” a National Historic District home to the town’s Creative District and many of its most historic buildings. Here, culture and history combine with historic architecture like the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, the Bloom House Mansion, Trinidad City Hall, and the First National Bank of Trinidad, existing side by side with cultural institutions like the A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art and the Louden-Henritze Archeological Museum. Learn more about Trinidad’s history with a Historic Walking Tour or a visit to the Trinidad History Museum and the Coal Miners Memorial Museum.
Trinidad’s mountain landscape and proximity to the Purgatoire River provide many outdoor opportunities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and watersports. Nearby lakes and recreation areas such as Trinidad Lake State Park, North Lake State Wildlife Area, and Fishers Peak State Park are also great spots for watersports, trails, scenic views, and more.
Famed for its breathtaking beauty and diverse year-round recreation, the Centennial State is a top tourist destination for both adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. And while Colorado's largest cities may offer some of its most well-known attractions, it is the state's small towns that give Colorado its character and charm. Whether it is a Rocky Mountain gem or a cozy Alpine village, Colorado's prettiest small towns have something for everyone looking for an unforgettable weekend retreat in 2024.
