8 Picturesque Towns in The Rockies for a Weekend Retreat in 2024
The Rocky Mountains stretch 3,000 miles from Northern Alberta, Canada, to New Mexico in America's southwest region. At least 100 mountain ranges are connected to the Rockies, providing stunning topography and geological features. The range is an attractive travel destination for outdoor adventures, and many visit it for ample skiing, hiking, and bouldering opportunities. The scenic towns that comprise the range are also ideal for a weekend retreat. Apart from outdoor activities, these charming towns provide stunning scenery, live entertainment, and cozy lodges and restaurants. Here are eight picturesque towns in the Rockies for a weekend retreat in 2024.
Vail, Colorado
Vail, Colorado, is a famous ski resort town at the base of Vail Mountain. The renowned Vail Ski Resort offers over 5,000 acres of terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels and luxurious accommodations. The resort also provides stunning gondola rides, horseback riding, and training classes. Winter is not the only time to visit Vail; the alpine village offers year-round outdoor activities and a lively downtown filled with cultural attractions and art galleries.
Along with elegant art galleries like Raitman, Vail Village, and Vail International galleries, Vail has several public art murals throughout the town. Kindred is a set of paintings on the five ventilation stacks downtown, and the vibrant Mrs. Charles in the Sun at the Ice Bar was painted in the 1960s. Vail not only offers more than its share of outdoor adventures, the artistic town is fun to discover, making it one of the best towns in the Rockies to visit in 2024.
Ouray, Colorado
Historic Ouray, Colorado, is a picturesque San Juan Mountains town established in 1876. Known as the "Switzerland of America," this scenic town is the outdoor recreation capital of Colorado, with over 60 outdoor activities like rock climbing, hiking, Jeeping, and much more. The walkable downtown area has nostalgic brick storefronts with stunning views of the mountains bordering all sides for a unique experience.
One of the best outdoor attractions is the Ouray Ice Park in the winter months. The man-made park was built on a natural gorge and offers over 150 named ice climbs. It stretches almost two miles through the Uncompahgre Gorge. Cascade Falls Park, at the end of 8th Avenue, is the lowest waterfall out of seven in Cascade Creek, with walking access to the base. The town is just as scenic, with attractions like the Ouray County Museum. The museum was built in 1896 as a museum and has many exhibits and live events detailing the unique history of this classic mountain town.
Durango, Colorado
Historic Durango is one of the top places to visit in Colorado because of its beauty, outdoor activities, and entertaining town. The changing foliage colors in the fall are simply amazing, and the town has incorporated a "Leaf-O-Meter" on its website that gauges the color phase of the leaves in downtown, La Plata Canyon, Hermosa Area, and other regions. A great way to experience color changes is by booking a Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad trip.
The railroad has transported passengers for over 140 years through the scenic San Juan National Forest and is considered a National Historic Landmark. One of the stops is the Durango Depot, which houses the 12,000-square-foot D&S Roundhouse Museum. There is much more to experience in town, especially for foodies. The Subterrain, James Ranch, and College Drice Cafe are just a handful of culinary delights that await guests in downtown Durango.
Aspen, Colorado
Famous Aspen, Colorado, is a year-round outdoor destination with sophisticated restaurants and upscale amenities. It is also a bucket list destination for skiers around the world. Snowmass Ski Resort is one such destination, featuring luxurious accommodations and four different mountains right outside the front door. Downtown is lively and sophisticated and offers many historical sites, such as the Wheeler Opera House.
The opera house has been a town hallmark since 1889 and has continually connected Aspen to the live arts. The Aspen Art Museum is a bold, innovative, artist-driven gallery featuring classes, exhibitions, and bold sculptures. Admission is free, and the gallery offers a peaceful respite when taking a break from the slopes.
Taos, New Mexico
Artistic Taos, New Mexico, claims a World Unesco Heritage Site, Taos Pueblo, a pueblo community. The Native American community boasts over 1,000 years of tradition with its traditional architecture, live events, and guided tours. The eclectic downtown area has colorful buildings and sharp views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains centering around the Taos Plaza.
The Plaza has been the communal heartbeat of Taos since 1796 and is the gateway to the Historic District. The district includes several notable structures, like the original location of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and the R.C. Gorman Home. Booking a room at the historic Hotel La Fonda de Taos downtown is an ideal way to submerge yourself in the town's culture and aesthetic while being within walking distance of most of the attractions.
Jackson, Wyoming
Jackson is in the Jackson Hole Valley and is home to three famous ski slopes: Jackson Hole, Snow King, and Grand Targhee Resorts. It also has a famous Western culture and is a notable rodeo circuit stop. The Jackson Hole Rodeo was started in 1890 by the Wilson Family, and six generations later, the Wilsons still host several events throughout the year.
Town Square was dedicated as a park in 1934 and is the hub of the community. The 19th-century storefronts are reminiscent of a bygone era and lend an air of nostalgia. The Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum offers guided walking tours during the summer, and the square transforms into a skating rink during the winter. Jackson offers plenty of attractions and is one of the best towns to visit in 2024.
Whitefish, Montana
Whitefish, Montana, is a famous flyfishing destination that boasts the spectacular natural scenery of Glacier National Park. The resort town centers around the natural wildness while providing modern amenities, restaurants, and micro-distilleries. After hiking, flyfishing for trout, or exploring the stunning area, people head downtown to dine at Buffalo Cafe or imbibe at Spotted Bear Spirits.
The famed bar utilizes seasonal produce to complement its homemade syrups and vodka, most notably the huckleberry. Known as "Montana Gold," huckleberries are found in everything from pies to micro-brews. The Glacier Symphony and Chorale provide a nice balance with the natural setting with several yearly concerts. Whitefish is one of the most remarkable towns in the Rockies and is one of the best destinations year-round for a weekend retreat.
The Rockies are replete with picturesque towns that ought to be visited in 2024. Each offers stunning mountain views, outdoor activities like hiking and snow skiing, and vibrant downtowns. Aspen and Vail in Colorado are world-renowned skiing destinations with many culinary and shopping options to boot. Jackson, Wyoming, provides a unique glimpse into traditional Western culture and is the gateway to several National Parks.
Taos, New Mexico, is an artistic town with a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Taos Pueblo. Though many towns throughout the region are famous for winter sports, these eight towns are pleasant during any season. Whitefish, Montana, is a world-famous fishing location with spectacular natural scenery and a quaint town with modern amenities. Whether cultural attractions or outdoor activities, these are the best towns to visit in the Rockies this year.
