8 Undisturbed Towns To Visit In Colorado
Sometimes, life signals you to reset, change pace, and brighten your days with scenery. There's no better place than the Centennial State for year-round recreation. From the sweeping mountain vistas along Pikes Peak Highway to an antiquing capital with colorful buildings, find your undiscovered corner with pristine nature and unique experiences.
Even a wildcard can be a winner. The nation's highest non-mountain town is home to the breathtaking Paint Mines Interpretive Park, a serene destination with striking natural formations. So are you looking for a Colorado getaway? Boasting the Rockies, many enjoy fantastic skiing and the après scene in Vail and Aspen. The first town offers access to these attractions, plus its own winter resort and foliage hikes.
Avon
Secluded by the peaks of north-central Colorado, Avon enjoys its undisturbed feel between the mega-popular Aspen and Vail. Defined by many parks and open green spaces, follow the Eagle River along the train tracks with a stop at the circular Nottingham Lake. Along its northern shore, the 48-acre Harry A. Nottingham Park is a favorite warm-weather hangout with a natural swim area, fishing, a playground, courts, and trails. Walking Mountains offers engaging walks with wildflower views or a challenging 3/4-mile trek to a lookout over Avon. In the colder months, Avon Recreation Center recreates an outdoor experience with a climbing wall, a vast swimming pool, a sauna, a lazy river, and slides. Grab breakfast or a coffee at Loaded Joe, a lively hangout by night with beer, wine, and music.
Just south, Beaver Creek Resort sprawls over mountains with three terrain parks and cross-country trails. You can score cozy lodging to enjoy the views and events alongside the best of skiers. Nearby, McCoy Park is perfect for snowshoeing. Summer through fall, East and West Lake Creek Trailheads attract hikers, leisurely picnics, and, later, leaf-chasers, aglow in yellow aspen trees. Other popular hikes include Cross Creek Trailhead to the south and Booth Falls Trailhead, 15 minutes east, with a lake and a waterfall. Take in the scenery on horseback with Bearcat Stables. You can browse local shops at Chapel Square or grab a picnic from the City Market to enjoy the riverside. Northside Kitchen is unmissable for a beef or filet mignon dinner with the local vibes of a rustic log house.
Calhan
Some 35 miles from Colorado Springs, welcome to the nation's highest non-mountain town at 6,535 feet above sea level. Established as a water station for the railroad, the former Calhan Rock Island Railroad Depot building is a touchstone to the past, still in its original location north of downtown. One of the state's most undisturbed in the eastern Pikes Peak region, Calhan has more than a few surprises up its sleeve. Just southeast, the breathtaking Paint Mines Interpretive Park is a gorgeous surprise in the otherwise plain landscape. The park is easy to explore with the views of the bright rock formations, the hoodoos and spires in fantastic forms, and a display of colors.
Named after the colorful bends in clay layers collected by American Indians to paint, bring a picnic to devour in the heart of nature and see how many clues you can find of human life dating back as far as 9,000 years ago. In the heart of nature, there’s nothing quite like a Paint Mines sunrise after hearing the nightly howls from the site’s coyote pack. Back in town, Roosters Grille & Pizzeria is a hidden hole-in-the-wall to refuel in a sports bar venue with a great menu. Just south along the highway, the top-rated El Paso County Raceway is a family-friendly place "where the love for racing begins." Next June, Calhan will host the annual El Paso County Summerfest.
Cascade
Some 11 miles from Colorado Springs, Cascade has long been a stopover for travelers on the Colorado Midland Railway in search of off-the-beaten-path scenery through Ute Pass. Most come to explore Pikes Peak Highway, a breathtaking journey to the top of Pikes Peak via tram, shuttle, or drive from Pikes Peak Highway Tollgate. Few attempt to hike its long, hard, 13.5-mile climb uphill with a gain of nearly 7,500 feet. Either way, enjoy stunning views and scenic stops along the way to the 14,000-foot summit with an amazing panorama. As a resort town from the 1880s through the 1920s, experiencing the beauty of Cascade Canyon remains a tradition for many, particularly in the fall season. RTP Trailhead offers beautiful mountain views over the green and then colorful forest.
The dog-friendly Crowe Gulch Picnic Area is great for rock climbing and photoshoots against the big rocks highlighted by the bright aspens. Commemorate your journey after a hike atop the Cascade Observation Site, and stop by Pike's Peak Rock Shop for a souvenir or to display on your mantle. The central Cascade Community Park features a gazebo where you can enjoy a picnic near the confluence of Fountain and Cascade Creeks, as well as access to Heizer Trailhead, a six-mile one-way hike. Right on the highway, Santa’s Workshop-North Pole, a vibrant Christmas playland, is open from May to December to enjoy magic shows, ride the carousel, and visit with Mr. Claus. Wines of Colorado whips up buffalo burgers to wash down with flowing reds and whites in your close group of friends.
Divide
Divide feels undisturbed north of Mueller State Park, a 5,000-acre outdoor playground of spring-fed meadows, ponds, forested ridges, and massive rocks to go camping, hiking, and fishing. Epitomizing the divide in tastes for Colorado's diverse mountainscapes, enjoy views of Raspberry Mountain, or scale the scenic peak via a moderate mountain trail through forested terrain and seasonal wildflowers. Crags Trail Head offers craggy ridge views. Some 12 minutes west of downtown, Florissant Fossil Beds is a national monument and park with petrified redwood stumps. From Big Stump to Hornbeck Homestead, discover thousands of insect and plant fossils on a guided walk. Next door, the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center offers tours and programs on wolves and wild canines.
From the family-friendly Hayden Divide Park to Coulson Lake on the outskirts, Women’s Trail 375 is great on a hike, bike ride, or horseback. To the east, the alpine lakes of North and South Catamount Reservoirs feature rugged shores and serene trails, perfect for hiking, trail running, fishing, and paddling. At about 9,000 feet in elevation, Catamount Recreation Area offers a challenging hike through the trees, which provide shaded breaks to the “Garden of Eden.” You can share your impressions at Russ' Place, a top-rated spot with a patio and bright red umbrellas serving delicious burgers, beer, and margaritas. Drop by Paradox Beer Company for an evening with the boys.
Florence
Colorful mid-century buildings define the antiquing capital of Colorado. Below the roaring Arkansas River, the small town's two big attractions include Dakota Hot Springs and Skyline Drive to the northeast and northwest, respectively. Both unique Colorado scenic experiences, the drive feels like a roller coaster with top views over the whole valley, plus cool dinosaur footprints. The springs are a natural retreat, with hot water sans a tourist vibe to soak in the benefits. Score a parking spot for your camper through the night, and relax in the springs or soothe your sore muscles post-hike. One of the filming locations for the Netflix original Our Souls at Night, the region's only scenic byway follows old stagecoach and railroad routes through rich fossil sites.
Red Rosebud Bed & Breakfast is a top-rated spot for comfort creatures. On a stroll down Main Street along its famous array of antique stores, Florence Brewing Company is a railside watering hole in bright retro digs with food trucks, fresh beer, and friendly staff. Pathfinder Park features a rolling, dog-friendly grass field with a beautiful wooden kids' playscape. Along the river east, Florence River Park offers maintained and accessible trails plus small, rumbling falls to relax in the sounds of after. Just across the river, Blue Heron Park is a beautiful ecological park, worth a short hike to throw a line and catch bass for your dinnertime campsite. Next door east in Penrose, the iconic 2 Sisters café serves breakfast staples and ice cream treats.
Leadville
Defined by stately red-brick buildings and the National Mining Hall of Fame, Leadville takes pride in its high-altitude, down-to-earth lifestyle. Discover the highest incorporated city in America with eight museums and 50 historic structures, like the Leadville Irish Miners' Memorial. The small mountain town under Prospect Mountain to the northeast may lack glorified ski runs, but its Turquoise Lake is spellbinding to step right out to from Sugar Loafin' Campground. Mayqueen Campground offers access to Colorado Midland Trailhead and Windsor Lake Trailhead. Imbibe the warm local vibes at the brick-clad City on a Hill Coffee & Espresso with fresh sandwiches, sweets, and coffee drinks. Melanzana Outdoor Clothing nods at the national forests and public lands from the doorstep.
Inspired by the unspoiled nature around, the town caters to a great après scene through many art galleries and restaurants. The Hall of Fame and Museum delivers mining history with exhibits like a mine replica, minerals, and a model railroad. Nearby, Leadville National Fish Hatchery welcomes you for a gorgeous day in the watery scenery with history plaques, easy trails, fish feedings, and a picnic shelter. Heading east, stop by the beautiful Monarch Mine, Mosquito Pass, and, if you dare, Mt. Sherman. This well-known 14,043-ft. peak with an old mine is one of the state's easier fourteeners. You'll feel more than qualified to snatch the last slice from your table spread at High Mountain Pies, a must-stop for pizzas, calzones, and sandwiches in a snug, laid-back feel with a patio.
Rangely
Rangely is framed by mesas and blue skies. The welcoming town attracts many looking for high desert adventures in the state's northwest corner near the Utah border. Find yours along the iconic Dinosaur Diamond Scenic and Historic Byway, a 512-mile route with traces of prehistoric dinosaurs. Most known for its Dinosaur National Monument, the big national park offers rafting, hiking trails, and campsites near cliffs full of dinosaur fossils. For thrills, the Wagon Wheel Trails comprise a 160-mile network through canyons and pinyon, a free 4X4 spot to explore anytime. The Chamber of Commerce offers maps, while the annual three-day Rangely OHV Adventure Rally features guided rides and fun for all, like a poker run, shrimp boil, rodeo, and scavenger hunts.
The Rangely Rock Crawling Park, the state's only designated natural area for this extreme form of off-roading, offers more than 560 acres of terrain with trails like Chain Break and Poison Ivy. The Canyon Pintado Historic District boasts the largest concentration of archaeological sites along the Dinosaur Diamond. Find clues of life 11,000 years ago through rock art, the petroglyphs, and pictographs along the sheer sandstone walls at eight marked sites along Highway 139. Rangley Outdoor Museum shares artifacts on those who shaped the landscape, from dinosaurs to early Indigenous peoples, pioneers, ranchers, and oil field workers. Don't miss the 35-classic car collection owned by a local at the Automotive Museum. Once owned by Warner Brothers Studios, you may recognize the McFarlan from movies.
Victor
Home to roughly 360, Victor takes pride in being called a true Colorado ghost town, particularly since it was once a-bustling during the Pikes Peak or Bust Gold Rush Days. Perfect for history hunters and scenery chasers to revel in the slower pace of the heyday, visit in time for Halloween for a real ghost vibe on a tour of the old cemeteries. As a National Historic District, check out its Midland Terminal Railroad Depot and check in to the top-rated Victor Hotel. The Victor Lowell Thomas Museum, with mining artifacts, boasts rooms on the second floor that appear as if people just got up and left for a day of work. From summertime hikes to the great snowshoeing in the winter, get fueled at the local favorite Gold Camp Bakery with homemade baked goods and sandwiches.
The “Trails of Gold” meander through the wealth of mining history, with old gold mines that brought prosperity to the area, a legacy of fame, plus tourism into the region. The area in the heart of nature showcases vibrant springtime wildflowers in spring and colorful wildlife trails in the fall. Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mining Company, the richest gold mine in the state's history, is its only remaining significant producer of gold. Just northeast, the old Stratton's Independence Mine and Mill on the south slope of Battle Mountain boasts an altitude of some 9,780 feet. West of town, embark from Little Grouse Mountain Trailhead to one of the most charming yet nightmarish sites, Rita the Rock Planter. It’s a very light and easy hike for the little ones to feel the magic, plus killer views to bond over the landscape below.
Colorado’s Scenic and Historic Towns
Framed by mountains and blue skies, Colorado is a year-round treasure, offering everything from skiing and foliage to serene lakeside towns like Leadville. The vibrant hues of the Paint Mines bring a splash of color to your journey in Calhan, while Florence’s hot springs provide the perfect retreat, complete with RV camping and soothing post-hike soaks.
Spellbinding in every season, channel your inner explorer with a Lewis and Clark vibe through these scenic small towns. Whether it’s Rangely’s rugged off-road trails or Divide’s tranquil alpine reservoirs, each destination showcases Colorado’s stunning natural beauty.
For outdoor thrills or moments of quiet reflection, these towns promise memories that will linger long after your visit.
