9 of the Most Charming Towns in The Rockies to Visit in 2024
Eighty million years ago, the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains was planted in what would become North America. Today, approximately 13 million people live across the valleys and peaks of this stunning domain, and the towns they occupy have as much personality as the cliff faces around them. For some, the region is one to be experienced with a backpack or skis, and others spend their days planted firmly on the vistas that they call home. So, what will you make of the wondrous communities scattered amongst this alpine wonderland?
Hailey, Idaho
Named after renowned Idaho politician John Hailey, you will never want to leave after you behold the breathtaking landscape of Hailey, Idaho. This town enjoys a continental climate (practically Mediterranean on a good day), so it is your choice to either bask in its warm summers or see the snow during winter.
The Draper Preserve is the first place to go and take in that natural beauty; any time of the year is a good time to see why this famous, well-kept expanse is also a great picnic spot. The terrain and climate allow for all sorts of activities, from hiking and biking to skiing and snowboarding.
Make sure to dine at Power House for its “exceptional dining experience in a unique, historic atmosphere.” Also, and speaking of history, every year the town celebrates Independence Day through its 'Days of the Old West' festival, which is definitely something for the event-seeking traveler to look into.
Laramie, Wyoming
Yet another child of the benevolent Rocky Mountains, Laramie sits at a towering 7,200 feet above sea level. Founded in the mid-1860s and home to the Laramie River, you will certainly find the views breathtaking and the city’s history quite interesting.
Besides the unmissable Geological Museum standing in the middle of this charming Albany County, this community harbors a fairly interesting landmark for its tourists and travelers: the Wyoming Territorial Prison is registered as a Historic Site (and former agricultural experiment station). In addition to this community’s railroad history, the Laramie WTP is a local attraction that speaks to this place’s rich heritage. It is also 10 minutes away from a Starbucks.
Of course, you would not want to visit Laramie without also taking in the scenery. LaBonte Park is a quaint slice of land adjacent to Spring Creek and Huck Finn Youth Fishing Pond—an excellent way to enjoy what Laramie has to offer near the end of an enriching journey.
Black Forest, Colorado
Black Forest was named from the Pineries north of Colorado Springs, a 1,000 square-mile green expanse of tall trees and silvery creeks. Ponderosa pine trees give this slice of American outdoors its nameworthy beauty, and the Rockies ever more reason to visit.
The destination planner would be remiss for not passing through The Pineries Open Space, an excellent expanse for experiencing what the Black Forest has to offer, be it mountain biking, hiking, or horseback riding. There is more than one such location (like Black Forest Section 16) for the outdoors enthusiast. This unincorporated community is also home to a rich Native American and pioneer history; naturally, the region's timber which was scarce elsewhere was at the center of trade in these parts.
Looking for some good food and a cold beer to wash it down after seeing Colorado’s finest? Black Forest Brewing Company is also an excellent choice for dining, with no small degree of Black Forest hospitality. The outdoorsy traveler would find no shortage of things to do in this vibrant, welcoming community.
Helena, Montana
As Helena has the fifth least populated state capital, this destination maintains the perfect balance of city life and countryside. With Mount Helena being the centerpiece of this former gold camp, Helena is guaranteed to give its visitors an experience they will not soon forget.
Helena rapidly became a center of wealth during the Montana gold rush, which contributed not only to the city’s prosperity but also its rich history. With various Indigenous peoples and European settlers having been through this prized land, Helena’s past is best unraveled with a trip to the Montana Historical Society or even ExplorationWorks, a contemporary museum featuring a variety of science-related exhibits & educational programs.
The curious traveler could also sign up with Last Chance Tours for a more thorough trek through this great Rocky Mountains state capital. A trip there would not be complete without passing by On Broadway for its diverse menu on your way to check out the Original Governor's Mansion.
Pleasant View, Utah
Known to be the suburban community of Ogden, the aptly named Pleasant View city harbors around 11,000 residents and some of the best sunsets an explorer could ever hope to capture on camera. This popular tourist spot used to be considered part of North Ogden and got its current name near the end of the 1800s, and rightly so. With incredible mountain ranges everywhere, beautifully well-kept roads, parks, and urban areas, the explorer would hardly feel the need to visit any parks, but if they did, the scenic beauty of Shady Lane Park or Henry Barker Jr. Park would also suffice. A hearty meal at the Lost Texan BBQ restaurant should precede any adventure one might undertake in Pleasant View. That is to say, it is essential to fuel up for a trip to see the famous all-natural hot springs in the northwestern corner of the city.
Canmore, Canada
Found in the bosom of Alberta's Rocky Mountains, a trip to the Bow Valley is not complete without a visit to Canmore. This humble town got its namesake from the Gaelic term ceann mòr, or "Big Chief," and its green mountain chains have much history for the traveler to uncover. Every step in Canmore has the potential to take one’s breath away; the humbling scenery is best experienced through the Cougar Creek Trail or the Canmore Cave Tours. A visit to the Canmore Museum may yet enlighten the curious traveler, but this ascent through the Rockies cannot begin without filling up at the famous Rocky Mountain Bagel Company—the local life-giving bakery around those parts.
Durango, Colorado
A small town with towering mountains just north of Lake Nighthorse, simply walking through the suburbs of Durango will feel like getting a glimpse into paradise. Rich in history and natural beauty, this popular tourist destination starts at Main Avenue, a Nationally Registered Historic District. One could go during winter for the Snowdown, the annual midwinter event where the Parade of Lights takes place. For the shutterbug and nature enthusiast, there are many areas around the town that can be explored, or one can simply visit the Durango Wildlife Museum and get a full idea of what these mountains have to offer.
Taos, New Mexico
Located in the southernmost area of the Rocky Mountains, Taos is just south of Wheeler Peak—the highest point in New Mexico. The days are hot in this small town of 6,000, but the nights cool off quickly, and there is much to do during both. This former Spanish colony is home to more than twenty sites on the National Register of Historic Places, and visitors will have a lot to check out, starting with the Devisadero Loop Trail 108 Trailhead. One could visit the Taos Visitor Center/Taos Pueblo Collective to get an idea, but certainly, coming to Taos means coming to the Hacienda de Los Martinez Museum. The Hanuman Temple is also the go-to landmark for anyone interested in Hindu traditions and meditation.
Salmon Idaho
Known to be the "Birthplace of Sacajawea," this small town of 3,000 has all the trappings of a mountainous region: snowy roads, large lakes, and a slew of green ridges and sheltering creeks. Start your day with a hearty meal at Odd Fellows Bakery before hopping on the Middle Fork Wilderness Outfitters and Salmon River Rafting Trips. Of course, there are trails to traverse and parks to visit, such as Salmon City Park. If you are really looking for an experience, the Salmon Meadows Campground offers a place to sleep under the stars or check in at the Sacajawea Inn with its unique, nature-themed rooms.
Final Thoughts
When planning a trip anywhere, it is easy to fall into the commercial trap. It is all right to have a few familiar places to retreat to when wandering so far from home, but with the sheer amount of hidden gems to uncover, sights to behold, and delights to bask in, it becomes more obvious that the best places are indeed the least visited. What is equally important to appreciate is that the richness of the world is in the world itself; you do not need to be a millionaire to enjoy yourself on a trip. There are worlds beyond worlds to see if you know your history or have a keen eye for it. What this means, essentially, is that you are getting twice your money's worth when you visit a place, such as in the Rockies, that is not only rich in nightclubs, bars, and restaurants but also rich in its history, geography, and outdoor activities.
