9 Small Towns In Colorado Were Ranked Among US Favorites
Colorado offers a seemingly infinite list of fascinating small towns to visit. These towns' proximity to natural wonders, their many historical and cultural attractions, and thriving downtown areas make them some of the country's most favorites among tourists. Fun and adventure await those who venture to these nine gorgeous Colorado small towns, brimming with attractions and activities that make for a most memorable vacation.
Idaho Springs
Founded in 1859 by George Andrew Jackson and shaped by the Colorado Gold Rush, modern Idaho Springs has retained much of its Gold Rush history, including the preservation of mining-era buildings and retired mines so that tourists and locals can experience what mining for gold was like during the Colorado Gold Rush. Both Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel, located within the town line of Idaho Springs, and Phoenix Gold Mine, located less than ten minutes by car from town, showcase this history.
Beyond its Gold Rush history, Idaho Springs has lots more to offer. Outside of town, there are a plethora of fascinating and beautiful natural wonders to explore, including St. Mary's Glacier, Echo Mountain, and Summit Lake Park, the highest state park in the United States. A popular adventure activity in Idaho Springs is white water rafting down Clear Creek, which runs directly through town. Another attraction around Idaho Springs, which is an absolute must-go, is visiting Indian Hot Springs, which is located less than a ten-minute walk from Idaho Springs's historic downtown district on Miner Street. With attractions such as these, it is not hard to understand why Idaho Springs is one of the most famous towns in all of Colorado.
Bayfield
Known as the "Heart of the Pine River Valley," the town of Bayfield is located beside San Juan National Forest in the southwest corner of Colorado, in La Plata County. With a population of just under 3,000, this town represents quintessential small-town America, from the friendly residents to the charming Bed and Breakfasts. Contrary to its small population, there are many fantastic in-town activities, as well as innumerable out-of-town, day-trip destinations just waiting to be explored.
In town, there is the Pine River Heritage Museum, which is a great place to learn about the history of Bayfield and La Plata County collectively. There is also the historic downtown district of Bayfield, which runs along Mill Street. If you are interested in seeing a variety of historical buildings all around town, there is a self-guided historical tour, the information for which can be accessed on the town's webpage.
Outside of town, there are many fantastic parks to visit, including San Juan National Forest, as mentioned above, Lemon Reservoir, Eagle Park, Decker Park, and, if you are willing to go a little farther afield, Mesa Verde National Park is an hour's drive west of Bayfield. With so much to do, you are sure to return to town exhausted, and there is no better place to spend the night than Elk Trace Bed & Breakfast.
Mancos
Sitting at an elevation of 7,028 feet above sea level, the town of Mancos, Colorado, is appropriately known as the 'Gateway to Mesa Verde.' This town is located less than ten minutes away by car from the entrance of Mesa Verde National Park. Mancos is the perfect place to stay if you are looking for a base camp for exploring this iconic park, particularly the Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in North America. To the north of Mesa Verde and Mancos, there is another lovely park, Mancos State Park. The nearby Jackson Gulch Lake area, open to fishing all year round, offers a multitude of hikes and has 32 campsites and two yurts available to the public. But you will want to book early as these sites go fast.
Crested Butte
Often called the 'Wildflower Capital of Colorado,' Crested Butte, Colorado, is located in the state's heart in Gunnison County. Sitting amongst the Elk Mountains, a range in the Rocky Mountains, Crested Butte has tourists visiting in the summer and winter for very different reasons. In the winter, tourists arrive to stay at one of the two local ski resorts in Crested Butte, Crested Butte Mountain Resort, popular with alpine winter athletes, and Crested Butte Nordic, popular with cross-country skiers and snowshoe enthusiasts.
In the summer, visitors descend to Crested Butte to experience the abundance of wildflowers that bloom in the warmer months of the year. During this time of year, the hiking paths are accessible and well groomed with some local trails, including Snodgrass Mountain Trail, Judd Falls Trail, and Green Lake Trail, which get you up close and personal with the wildflowers. While the wildflowers are certainly the most popular reason for visiting this town, there are many other summer excursions, such as exploring Elk Avenue, where you can do some local artisan shopping and visit one of the half-dozen art galleries in town. With so much to do, it's hard to believe Crested Butte is a small town with less than 2,000 residents.
Aspen
For all the pomp and circumstance surrounding Aspen, Colorado, one would be forgiven for assuming it is a big city. In reality, Aspen has a population of just under 7,000 residents. Famous for its winter alpine amenities, there is no shortage of activities in and around Aspen during every season of the year. Every year, around 1.5 million tourists visit Aspen, with the majority descending on this town during the winter months. With four ski areas, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass Ski Resort, there is no shortage of downhill runs for all types of alpine sports.
In the summer, Aspen also sees lots of tourists and, as a community, has come up with unique and fun ways to make their mountain location just as fun in the warm months of the year as in the colder months. Visitors can enjoy the Silver Queen Gondola, go paragliding, enjoy a free Snowmass Thursday Night Concert, visit the Lost Forest Adventure Park, and take an adrenaline-filled ride on the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster. So, while Aspen may seem intimidating and only accessible to the rich and famous, it is a great town to visit no matter who you are or what time of year it is.
Durango
The city of Durango is located in southwest Colorado in La Plata County. Appropriately named Durango, derived from the Basque word urango meaning 'well-watered place' or 'water town,' has the Animas River running directly through it. Historically inhabited by the Ancestral Puebloans, Durango also has a fascinating origin story. Rather than being a product of the Gold Rush, Durango was established as a thoroughfare to get supplies to the San Juan mining district by the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad Company.
Today, Durango is a popular vacation spot for both residents of Colorado as well as the rest of the United States. In town, many wonderful entertainments include the Durango Wildlife Museum and Fish Hatchery, the Powerhouse Science Center, and the Fort Lewis Center of Southwest Studies. One of the most popular activities in Durango is to catch one of the restored steam engine trains and tour the wilds around Durango along the passenger historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. For those who love architecture and history, consider staying at the Historic Strater Hotel, built in 1887. There are also tours of this historical landmark that run during the summer, which are open to the public. But make sure to book a spot in advance; this popular tour fills up fast.
Littleton
Littleton, Colorado, is a home-rule municipality city. In town, you will find some lovely shopping areas, but nothing compares to downtown Littleton, where you will find a fantastic summer arts and crafts market. This outdoor market runs along a pedestrian-only walkway and is filled with artisan craft booths selling everything from fine jewelry to handmade dog toys. Other activities in town include visiting Breckenridge Brewery, not to be confused with Breckenridge Brewery & Pub, Robert Clement Park, and the Town Hall Arts Center.
For those looking to explore the outdoors around Littleton, have no fear; Littleton is surrounded by some beautiful parks and recreation areas that offer a variety of outdoor activities. To the south of town, there is Chatfield State Park, Bear Creek Lake Park and Mount Falcon Park are to the west, Cherry Creek State Park to the east, and Ruby Hill Park to the north. No matter which park or parks you choose to explore, you will surely have a fantastic time you will never forget.
Glenwood Springs
As indicated by the name, the town of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, is situated amongst various natural hot springs. Located 158 miles west of Denver, Colorado, the highlight of visiting the town of Glenwood Springs is swimming in the hot springs that this town is named after. Popular spring water access locations include South Canyon Hot Springs, Iron Mountain Hot Springs, and Glenwood Hot Springs Pool. Which spring is right for you to visit depends on what you are looking for. For those more comfortable in a spa setting, Glenwood Hot Springs will be just what you are looking for. South Canyon Hot Springs will be the perfect fit if you want to visit an undeveloped hot spring.
Besides the lovely hot springs, Glenwood Springs has much more to offer. For the outdoorsy person, there are a variety of white water rafting adventures you can go on. For the history buffs out there, you can visit Doc Holliday's Grave. And, if you are looking for a leisurely day, you can wander down the historic downtown of Glenwood Springs and do some shopping while admiring the picturesque mountains all around you.
Grand Junction
Grand Junction, Colorado, located on the shores of the Colorado River, is a town with many facets. It is the county seat of Mesa County, Colorado. It is the center of Colorado's wine country, an important location in the United States for food production, has a fascinating Colorado Gold Rush history, and is the perfect place to vacation, especially for nature lovers. In town, you will find some lovely summer events, including the 'Market on Main,' a farmer's market open every Thursday in Grand Junction during the late spring and summer months. As you wander through downtown Grand Junction, keep your eyes out for the six buildings in the area, which are all over 120 years old.
You will find many outdoor recreation spaces outside town, including Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area, Glade Park, the Colorado National Monument, Rim Rock Drive Historic District, and Grand Valley OHV Recreation Area. These parks have some excellent hiking trails, many allowing on-leash dogs to accompany hikers, making this town a favorite amongst locals and tourists.
The Take Home
From serving as gateways to the natural wonders of Colorado to providing the opportunity to stay at heritage mansions repurposed to homestays to spending the night at a campground located inside of a spectacular national or state park, setting up your vacation 'home base' in one of these small towns will not only save you a lot of time it will also, most definitely, save you a lot of money. But more than any of this, the highlight of staying in a small town in Colorado is experiencing that 'small town America' ambiance, which will convince you to return to a Colorado town whenever you get the chance.
