9 Secluded Towns in The Rockies
The Rocky Mountains stretch from the northern reaches of Canada down to the American Southwest, stretching over 3,000 miles. It is a place where large cities have trouble growing and where small towns thrive. And what is wrong with a little solitude?
Here are some of the most secluded Rocky Mountains towns that you can get lost in and possibly find yourself in along the way. Let's embark on an adventure together along this iconic range!
Crested Butte, Colorado
Tucked away in the Elk Mountains of central Colorado, Crested Butte remains one of the Rockies’ best-kept secrets. This rugged little town offers a true sense of isolation while maintaining access to the essential amenities you'll need for any trip to the mountains.
If you love being outside, you will find year-round appeal here, from skiing in the winter at Crested Butte Mountain Resort to hiking and mountain biking in the warmer months at trails like Snodgrass and Elk Creek Waterfall. The nearby Gunnison National Forest and the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness offer miles of trails through pristine wilderness.
It’s also a hub for wildflower peepers, as the surrounding meadows explode with color for a brief period in the summer.
Jackson, Wyoming
Located at the southern entrance to Grand Teton National Park, the town of Jackson in Wyoming is renowned as a place for park visitors to stay.
Surrounded by the jagged peaks of the Teton Range and the vast expanses of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, Jackson serves as a gateway for outdoor adventurers of all kinds, including hikers, skiers, and landscape photographers, with the Snake River providing options for rafting and fishing. The area is home to diverse wildlife, including elk, moose, and bison, making it a prime spot for wildlife photography.
Jackson's historic downtown features a blend of Old West themes with modern art galleries, shops, and fine dining. The town’s iconic elk antler arches mark the entrance to its central square, where you can find many of the town's upscale amenities.
Despite its popularity with tourists, Jackson remains a tranquil escape from big city life, offering unparalleled access to some of the Rockies’ most awe-inspiring landmarks.
Telluride, Colorado
Set within a box canyon surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, Telluride is a secluded yet appealing small town in southwestern Colorado. Known for its dramatic scenery, Telluride's narrow streets are flanked by towering cliffs, creating a sense of isolation and beauty in the Rockies
Historically a mining town, Telluride's heritage is evident in its Victorian architecture and notable historic district, which is an official National Historic Landmark. The Telluride Film Festival and Bluegrass Festival also attract fans of movies and music alike to the mountains.
Today, the town thrives as a spot for skiing in the winter and hiking, mountain biking, and festival activities in the summer. Access to the surrounding wilderness, including the San Juan Mountains and the Uncompahgre National Forest, also makes Telluride a perfect base for exploring the Rockies’ more remote landscapes, whether you want to go backcountry camping or embark on a scenic drive along the local highways.
Questa, New Mexico
Located at the base of the magnificent Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Questa, New Mexico, is a quiet, remote town north of the more well-known town of Taos. Like many entries on this list, it was once a bustling mining town and now retains its charm, this time with adobe-style buildings that reflect New Mexico's unique native culture.
Close to the Carson National Forest and the Río Grande del Norte National Monument, Questa makes for a nice place to rest your head for a night or two during a weekend getaway. The nearby Río Grande River also provides visitors with more water-based activities, like fishing or waterfront picnics.
Questa is also known for its proximity to the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, which winds through some of northern New Mexico’s most stunning terrain, including valleys, high plateaus, and alpine forests.
Ouray, Colorado
Nestled in the heart of Colorado's Rocky Mountains, Ouray is one of a few American towns referred to as the "Switzerland of America" due to its mountainous setting.
Ouray's rich mining history is evident in its historic buildings in its downtown core and the Museum of the Mountain West, which showcases the area’s past through an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits. The town is also renowned for its hot springs, which have been a draw for visitors seeking relaxation in mineral-rich waters for over a century.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of activities nearby, from hiking and climbing to off-road jeep tours. Ouray is also a base for exploring the nearby Uncompahgre National Forest and the surrounding wilderness areas, which offer some of the most scenic and remote landscapes in the state of Colorado.
Philipsburg, Montana
Resting in the Pintler Mountains, Philipsburg has a strong Old West vibe with amazing Rocky Mountain views to match. With several gorgeous lakes, parks, and other wildlands nearby, it is among the best places to leave modern society mostly behind in Montana.
Georgetown Lake is the local place to go for boating and fly-fishing, while the vast Bob Marshall Wilderness and the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness are full of hiking trails and backcountry campsites.
Besides the wonderful nature around it, be sure to check out some of the attractions in town too, like Granite County Museum or one of the local eateries, like the highly rated Silver Mill Restaurant, a steakhouse conveniently located in the middle of one of America's best beef producing regions.
Silverton, Colorado
Another town seated high in the San Juan Mountains, Silverton is surrounded by steep peaks and deep valleys that are full of potential fun and adventure.
The town is a designated National Historic Landmark, with much of its original 19th-century architecture still intact. Silverton’s mining-related past is celebrated at the San Juan County Historical Society Museum, and you can also check out the remains of the Old Hundred Gold Mine nearby for yourself.
Outdoor activities are abundant here, including hiking, off-road tours, and winter sports at the nearby Kendall Mountain Ski Area. Silverton will allow you access to the Weminuche Wilderness and the Animas River which leads to incredible areas like the American Basin and the Cinamon Pass (the latter being a world-class offroading route). The nearby Ice Lake, which requires a strenuous hike to get to, is another huge draw for its impossibly blue glacial water.
Stanley, Idaho
Stanley, Idaho, is a secluded mountain town surrounded by the towering peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains. This remote destination offers unparalleled access to the lush wildernesses and a true sense of isolation one can find in Idaho's northern half.
With countless trails leading to alpine lakes, meadows, and rugged mountain vistas within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area it is a real haven for outdoorsy people. The Salmon River runs through the valley as well, providing ways for you to go fishing, kayaking, and rafting.
During winter, the town transforms into a base for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing adventures.
Despite its small size, Stanley offers a number of cozy lodges, restaurants, and shops that cater to visitors seeking both adventure and relaxation. Book a room at the Stanley River Retreat & Cabins, where, as you can imagine, several riverside lodges are available.
Furthermore, the Stanley Museum provides insight into the area’s mining and ranching past, a fun and educational way to spend an afternoon here.
Waterton, Alberta
Located in the southern foothills of the Canadian Rockies a few hours south of Calgary, Waterton (officially called "Waterton Park"), Alberta, is part of Waterton Lakes National Park, one of the most remote yet recognizable parks in the country. With a tiny population of under 200, the town provides a quiet escape, surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Rockies and the deep blue waters of Waterton Lake.
In the summer, you can explore numerous hiking trails that wind through the national park's breathtaking landscapes, from colorful pebble beaches to canyons laden with vibrant red rocks. In winter, the park transforms into a haven for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on its trails, many of which skirt the lake.
If you can, try to book a room at the nearby Prince of Wales Hotel, one of the most recognizable and luxurious national park lodges in Canada.
Get Lost in These Rocky Mountain Towns
The secluded towns of the Rockies offer an interesting and serene way to immerse oneself in the natural beauty and rugged landscapes of one of the most striking mountain ranges in the world. Many can use a little solitude from time to time.
From historic mining towns to lakeside retreats, each destination chosen here is sure to provide you with a peaceful escape and easy access to outdoor adventure and rich local culture.
