9 Best Small Towns To Visit In Colorado

Nothing conjures that Rocky Mountain high quite like a classic Colorado small town. Everything is sweetened by the grandiose terrain and sweeping vistas. And nature at its boldest has a way of softening people's hearts, but also sparking their adventurous spirits. So by stepping into any of these nine unique places, one is bound to find a genuine community that seizes each and every day. Plus, given that many of these towns came about during the pioneering and prospecting days commonly associated with the Wild West, bittersweet tales resonate in each old-fashioned saloon, train depot, and Victorian-era heritage building. 

Leadville

The highest incorporated city on the continent (sitting at 10,152 feet above sea level) is elating to visit, not only owing to the rarefied mountain air, but because of its infectious spirit. Leadville is a defunct silver mining town that decided to use its jaw-dropping position between the Mosquito and Sawatch ranges, and at the base of two of Colorado's highest individual peaks (Mount Elbert and Massive), to become one of the leading adventure/endurance sport meccas in the world. The Victorian-era architecture and Wild West aesthetic still holds strong, but now ultramarathoners and long-distance mountain bikers regularly flock to this Lake County settlement (which as of 2020 posted a population of 2,633) to compete in any of the numerous challenging events that are part of the ever-growing Leadville Race Series. 

Telluride

Telluride pairs with Mountain Village like a craft beer after a hard hike. This seat of San Miguel County once prospered from its mining exploits, but now thrives on its picturesque location that is also the source of fun activities for outdoor-recreation nuts. Telluride was founded in 1878 on the San Miguel River, in a vibrant box canyon within the San Juan Mountains of Southwestern Colorado. The highest concentration of 13 and 14ers (as the big peaks are locally known) in North America beckon fit sightseers to climb high, but visitors can also take advantage of the free gondola up to Mountain Village (adjacent to the popular Telluride Ski Resort) to enjoy spectacular views without the exhaustive effort. There's also no need to stray far for long, since downtown Telluride is a National Historic Landmark filled with great art, food, and shopping outlets. 

Ouray

Just a short skip Northeast of Telluride as the crow flies, but about a 50-mile roundabout drive in actuality (on the eye-popping San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway, that is), Ouray is another spectacular small town in the gigantic San Juan Mountains. With a population of only about 900 permanent residents, this old-school Ouray County settlement is even more chilled out than Telluride, and also has a few extra tricks up its sleeve. The naturally-fed hot springs throughout town are a welcomed delight, regardless of the season, and the 285-foot tall Box Canyon Falls is only a short and sweet hike away. Ouray is also a big hit with ice climbers and off-roaders. 

Silverton

To get from Ouray to the even smaller, even more remote San Juan mountain town of Silverton, simply continue another 25 miles South on the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway, or expand the adventure with a scenic (electric-vehicle-friendly) drive through the old mining roads that make up the 63-mile Alpine Loop Scenic Byway. Upon arrival, this San Juan County community will continue the trend of connecting visitors with the region's mining boom/bust dynamic of the late 19th and early 20th century while in a distractingly-beautiful environment. Some of the more popular landmarks include the Old Hundred Gold Mine, the Mayflower Gold Mill, the stout, 134-year-old Grand Imperial Hotel, and the San Juan County Historical Society Mining Heritage Center. 

Durango

Half the fun of visiting these Colorado mountain towns is simply getting there. From Silverton, motorists can gobble up another 50-mile section of the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway, or indulge in the 140-year-old Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad – a National Historic Landmark and celebrated year-round heritage railroad that passes through the otherwise inaccessible high county of the San Juan National Forest. Upon reaching the depot at the La Plata County seat of Durango, plan to spend some extra time at the sizable and colorful D&SNGRR Museum, which offers free admission and a chance to see these stalwart steam engines up close and personal. Along with all of the expected outdoor activities, Durango also sports relaxing B&Bs as well as rustic alpine cabins to support the ongoing adventure, and a slew of alpine lakes and reservoirs freshen up the otherwise arid environment. 

Pagosa Springs

60 miles due East of Durango, Pagosa Springs – home to the world's deepest hot spring, awaits. The San Juan River, the rugged setting of the San Juan Mountains, the endless sunny days in the summer and the state's snowiest slopes in the winter form a natural quadruple threat that is tough to beat. Aside from soaking up the mineral-rich waters, visitors also love rafting and tubing down the cooler, more rambunctious waterways, and anglers love fishing for trout from the calmer streams. Pagosa Springs also sees colorful hot air balloons drifting through its clear skies most days of the year, but especially come September's ColorFest, when they ascend en masse. And if you're feeling inspired for a reasonable and rewarding day trip, check out Chimney Rock National Monument – home to 200 Ancestral Puebloan structures that date back 1,000 years – located just 20 miles West of town. 

Paonia

Paonia is pegged as one of the "coolest" towns in Colorado. This Delta County community was settled by a mix of farmers, ranchers, and miners, and has since seen an influx of artists and active outdoorsy folks to round out the wholesome, eclectic culture. The moderate climate is favorable for the organic farmers that still thrive in the area, and fruit lovers will be particularly pleased by the wide assortment, including: apples, nectarines, pears, plums, peaches, grapes, and of course, cherries. Paonia is actually home to the state's oldest continually-operating community-run festival: Cherry Days, which takes over the town each Fourth of July long weekend. But this place fosters more than just nutritious bounties, for Paonia is also a Certified Colorado Creative District, so expect to consume plenty of the imaginative fruits of this artistic community too. 

Crestone

Central Colorado's Crestone is a hub for several global religions, New-Age eccentrics, creatives, and welcomes anyone looking to be inspired by the diverse cultures and magnificent mountain backdrop of the Northern San Luis Valley of the Western Sangre de Cristo Range. Though only home to approximately 141 residents, this Saguache County settlement harbors a Hindu temple, a Zen-Buddhist center, multiple Tibetan-Buddhist centers, a Mesopotamian-inspired Ziggurat tower, a Carmelite monastery (i.e. a mendicant branch of the Roman Catholic Church), and other somewhat fringe ideologies that draw power from living humbly in nature (which suits small-town Colorado perfectly). The fact that Crestone, with its minimal infrastructure and remote location, is an International Dark-Sky Community undoubtedly fuels the spirituality of the community even further, regardless of the specific sect. 

Marble

The Gunnison County Town of Marble enjoys the shelter of a dead-end canyon within the Elk Mountain Range of West-Central Colorado, next to Beaver Lake, where the Yule and Carbonate Creeks join the Crystal River. This unique town lays claim to the Yule Marble Quarry and Marble Mill Site Park (listed on the National Register of Historic Places), which famously provided the heavenly rock from which the Lincoln Memorial, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and other important monuments were built. Each July, respected carvers from all over come to sculpt more impressive works. The other famous landmark in Marble is the rustic Crystal Mill, which sits precariously above the Crystal River – just begging to be photographed. 

The Centennial State is chock full of character-rich and scenic small towns. The mountains are the clear cornerstone of Colorado's tourism, and for good reason: they don't get much bigger in the lower 48 and they are the source of so many beloved and exhilarating pastimes. But these nine small towns aren't just for athletes, they are equally well-suited for those seeking leisure, sunny skies filled with beautiful sights, radiant histories, and friendly communities.