8 Undiscovered Small Towns in Colorado
A diverse topography of sweeping snow-topped mountain ranges, pristine lakes, rivers and creeks, and green river canyons combine with cosmopolitan cities to make Colorado a top vacation destination. Whether you want to ski down challenging slopes in the winter or hike through lush, green forests in the summer, the Western state is always an exciting place to visit. In addition, Colorado has an abundance of largely undiscovered towns that are ready for you to explore any time of the year. Uncover eight to put on your must-visit list.
Durango
For outdoor adventurers, there is no better vacation or weekend getaway destination than Durango. The beautiful Animas River is the star of the small town and is available for swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and white-water rafting. As a one-stop shop, you can stay in cozy accommodations and enjoy activities such as going down an Alpine slide or skiing and snowboarding at the Purgatory Resort. Other local adventures include hiking the Animas River Trails.
If indoor experiences are more of your thing, check out the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which offers round-trip rides. The Diamond Belle Saloon and Steamworks Brewing Co. are both known for their extensive menu and a wide variety of local fare and drinks.
Nederland
Situated just under 20 miles from the bustling city of Boulder, the pretty town of Nederland treats travelers to a relaxing respite filled with outdoor recreational opportunities. The mountain town is near the Barker Meadow Reservoir, which is ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding, and is known as the gateway to the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. The Wild Bear Mountain Ecology Center gives visitors an up-close look at the area's natural beauty via hiking and biking trails, as well as picnic spots for al fresco dining.
Another thing that makes undiscovered Nederland stand out from other towns is the Carousel of Happiness, a wooden carousel that dates back to 1910 and features hand-carved wooden animals that move to the music of the historic Wurlitzer band organ. Visitors of all ages can spend a few hours discovering the Nederland Area Historical Society's Mining Museum to experience what life was like for early local miners. If you are visiting during the summer, the Nederland Concert Series will be in full swing.
Pagosa Springs
Pretty Pagosa Springs is a year-round vacation paradise, whether you want to attend the popular Pagosa Folk 'N Bluegrass Festival in June or warm up in the area's natural hot springs at places such as The Springs Resort & Spa during the cold winter months. You can also treat yourself to hot stone massages, facials, and other treatments while at the spa. Convenient soaking pools are also available 24/7 for guests.
If you want to learn more about the town and its rich Native American heritage, stop by the Pagosa Springs History Museum, which offers interactive exhibits and historical artifacts. Outdoor lovers will delight in the Rocky Mountain Wildlife Park, a privately owned facility that allows visitors to see animals in their natural habitats. The San Juan River Walk is also available for peaceful strolls and provides a spot for anglers to test their luck with local fish.
Crested Butte
For those craving an action-packed vacation destination surrounded by pristine, untamed wilderness, look no further than undiscovered Crested Butte, which is dubbed "The Gateway to the Elk Mountains." When you arrive in town, make your first stop at the Crested Butte Museum, which gives visitors an in-depth look at local mining history through a variety of interesting exhibits and artifacts.
With a peak elevation of 8,885 feet, this stunningly beautiful small town draws in travelers with its Crested Butte Mountain Resort, which is known for top-notch skiing and snowboarding opportunities. If you would rather visit during the warm summer months, however, bring your own mountain bike or rent one to explore the area's many trails, such as Gothic Road.
Carbondale
Situated high up in the Rocky Mountains, the quaint town of Carbondale offers visitors all the best of the Roaring Fork Valley. It's the perfect destination for horseback riding, biking down picturesque mountain trails, or taking in the Wild West Rodeo, a one-of-a-kind holiday experience.
During the summer, you can experience the Annual Carbondale Mountain Fair, which is an exciting mix of local artists and food booths, live music, and activities for kids and adults of all ages. Since Carbondale is located at the confluence of the Roaring Fork and Crystal Rivers, there is no better place in Colorado to rent a kayak or canoe for the day and relax on the clear waters. The Carbondale Creative District is another fun activity, as it's filled with galleries featuring local artwork.
Estes Park
Sweet Estes Park is an undiscovered gem situated on the Big Thompson River near Rocky Mountain National Park. The small mountain town is an outdoor lover's paradise, as it offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing in a lush setting. Either bring your own canoe or kayak or rent one from a local outfitter such as Packraft Rocky and paddle along the pristine river, taking in native wildlife, flora, and fauna as you go. Since the region typically experiences mild summer and winter weather, it is the ideal year-round vacation destination.
If you are a history enthusiast, don't miss the Seven Keys Lodge, which was built in 1917, or the Stanley Hotel, which dates back to 1909 and was constructed in an impressive Edwardian style. Both buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, along with several other local landmarks. Shoppers will love browsing the one-of-a-kind boutiques and galleries, such as Patterson Glassworks and Earthwood Artisans, that line the streets of historic downtown Estes Park.
Creede
What the tiny town of Creede lacks in population (just over 200 people call it home), it more than makes up for in natural beauty and exciting recreational experiences. Once a lively mining boomtown, Creede has retained its Wild West spirit and vibrant energy amongst rugged mountain vistas, breathtaking rock formations, cliffsides, and sparkling waterways. No matter what type of adventurous outdoor activity you like to take part in, such as mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, alpine skiing, and more, you will have the chance to do it in cute Creede.
Since it has such a rich history, the town is full of vintage charm with its 19th and early 20th-century structures and a bustling downtown area lined with historic buildings. Check out the Underground Mining Museum to learn about the town's background or the Creede History Museum to view interesting exhibits and artifacts. If you are lucky enough to visit in November, don't miss a taste of the annual Chocolate Festival.
Glenwood Springs
The picturesque town of Glenwood Springs is nestled at the confluence of the pretty Roaring Fork and Colorado Rivers and has an interesting history dating back to the 1880s. The region is best known for its hot springs, which draw in visitors year-round, who take advantage of the relaxing waters, resorts, and spas. Glenwood Springs also attracts water lovers with its abundance of opportunities for sailing, boating, swimming, white water rafting, kayaking, and fishing.
When you are in the area, don't miss the exciting Western-themed Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, which features an elevation of more than 7,000 feet, thrilling zipline and amusement rides, and family-friendly attractions. You can also sign up for a cave tour and see thousands of once-in-a-lifetime formations, including stalactites, soda straws, flowstone, and cave bacon.
No matter what time of year you are fortunate to find yourself in stunning Colorado, you will come across an undiscovered small town just waiting to show you its riches. From jaw-dropping mountain vistas to charming downtowns steeped in whimsical Wild West history, this great state is the ideal vacation destination. Pack your bags, your mountain bikes, your skis, and your sense of adventure, and get ready for the experience of a lifetime in one of Colorado's small towns.
