9 Small Towns in the Colorado Plateau To Visit For A Weekend Getaway
The Colorado Plateau is a physiographic region of the Intermountain West, covering approximately 130,000 square miles. It is characterized by a high desert landscape, including plateaus, mesas, canyons, and valleys, largely shaped by the erosive forces of water and wind. This region spans across four US states: Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico. The area is distinguished by its elevation, with much of the plateau sitting above 5,000 feet, leading to a cooler and somewhat more temperate climate than the surrounding desert lowlands.
The Colorado Plateau is dotted with numerous small towns that serve as ideal bases for weekend getaways.
Durango, Colorado
Durango, Colorado, is a town in the southwestern part of the state, where the San Juan Mountains meet the high desert. The Animas River snakes through the town, creating a natural corridor flanked by valleys and steep peaks. Durango's history is linked to the Old West and the indigenous Puebloan peoples who inhabited the area for centuries before European settlers arrived. Founded in 1880 by the Denver & Rio Grande Railway, the town was populated by miners and settlers during the Colorado Silver Boom. For a distinctive stay in Durango, book a room at the historic Strater Hotel. It is known for its Victorian decor and craftsmanship.
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a historic train that journeys through the San Juan Mountains. It passes through the same routes miners and settlers once traveled. Another must-visit is the Powerhouse Science Center, located in the coal-fired, steam-generated AC power plant that once powered the town. It is an interactive museum where visitors interact with exhibits on science, technology, and the history of energy. Just a short drive from Durango, the San Juan National Forest has trails for hiking, biking, and exploring. The forest brings visitors solitude and lookout points.
Gallup, New Mexico
Gallup, New Mexico, often referred to as the "Indian Capital of the World," embodies the spirit of the American Southwest. Nestled near the borders of the Navajo and Zuni reservations, it is encircled by red sandstone cliffs. Gallup's history is intertwined with the Native American tribes that have lived in the area for thousands of years, as well as with the railroad's arrival in the early 20th century, which transformed it into a hub for trade and travel. The El Rancho Hotel has historic significance and Southwestern charm, hosting movie stars and travelers alike. It is ideal for visitors interested in the Old West.
Just on the outskirts of Gallup, Red Rock Park is a natural amphitheater with cliffs and vistas. The park's trails are a prime location for hiking and bird watching. Within Gallup itself, the Rex Museum is housed in a historic building and has artifacts, photographs, and stories that capture the town's local history. Another significant attraction is the Gallup Cultural Center, located in a restored train station. It educates visitors on the region's Native American, Hispanic, and pioneer cultures through galleries, exhibitions, and educational programs.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona, Arizona, is most known for its red sandstone formations, which glow at sunrise and sunset. This feature is part of the Sedona-Oak Creek Canyon area, comprising steep canyon walls and lush vegetation, contrasting with the surrounding desert. The first evidence of human habitation in Sedona dates back over 10,000 years. Sedona's buildings harmonize with the surrounding red rocks, incorporating native materials and colors. For an intimate experience in Sedona, stay at the Casa Sedona Inn. Its guestrooms have Southwestern decor and gas fireplaces.
In Sedona, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is a non-denominational chapel and a place of reflection for visitors of all backgrounds. The chapel is built into the red rocks and has views of the surrounding desert. Another in-town attraction is the Sedona Heritage Museum, located in the Jordan Farmstead. This museum is a comprehensive look at Sedona's history, from its early Native American inhabitants to its development as a place for artists and healers. Just a short drive from the town center, the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park is a spiritual experience. This sacred site, open to people of all faiths, has a 36-foot-tall stupa (a Buddhist monument) and inspires meditation and contemplation.
Page, Arizona
Page, Arizona, perched atop the Colorado Plateau, overlooks the waters of Lake Powell and the canyons of the Colorado River. This small town was established in 1957 as a housing community for workers building the Glen Canyon Dam, a project that created Lake Powell, one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the U.S. The region is connected to the Navajo Nation, which surrounds the town. A great base for exploring Page is the Hyatt Place Page/Lake Powell. Guestrooms have views of Arizona's desert and are within proximity to attractions.
The John Wesley Powell Museum in Page informs visitors about the Colorado River and its canyons, the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam, and the culture of the Navajo Nation and other Native American tribes in the area. Another notable attraction is the Glen Canyon Dam Overlook, also known as the "White House Overlook." This easily accessible viewpoint has views of the dam, Lake Powell, and the surrounding canyons. Finally, the Horseshoe Bend, located just outside Page, is a bend in the Colorado River, viewed from a high cliff above. It is a testament to the power of natural forces in shaping the landscape and has views of this geological formation.
Kanab, Utah
Kanab, Utah, is a town in the American Southwest and a gateway to national parks and monuments. Kanab's heritage includes Native American cultures, pioneers, and Mormon settlers, all of whom have left a mark on the area. Throughout the years, Kanab has also earned the nickname "Little Hollywood" due to its popularity as a filming location for Western movies and TV shows. The Canyons Boutique Hotel in Kanab has a terrace, garden, lobby fireplace, and on-site restaurant. Amenities include a business center and free in-room WiFi.
Kanab's Little Hollywood Museum shows the town's cinematic past through movie sets, memorabilia, and exhibits. It gives insights into the making of some of Hollywood's classic westerns. Another must-visit is the Kanab Heritage Museum, which shares the town's local history, from the area's indigenous cultures to its pioneering days. The Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is a natural phenomenon—the park's shifting sands are colored a shade of pink due to the eroding Navajo sandstone. It grants opportunities for photography, hiking, and off-road vehicle adventures.
Farmington, New Mexico
Farmington is located in northwestern New Mexico at the junction of three rivers: the San Juan, the Animas, and the La Plata. This location made it a gathering place for Ancestral Puebloans thousands of years ago and later for Navajo, Ute, and Apache communities before becoming a settlement for European pioneers in the 19th century. The Casa Blanca Inn and Suites is a retreat in Farmington. This Spanish Colonial Hacienda, with its gardens, courtyards, and fountains, is in a quiet residential neighborhood that overlooks downtown.
For families with kids, the E3 Children’s Museum & Science Center encourages learning and discovery for young minds. This facility has interactive exhibits and educational programs focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). Just a short drive from Farmington, the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area is a landscape of hoodoos, spires, and rock formations. This remote area of the Badlands has trails that run through the shapes carved by natural forces over millions of years. Additionally, the Salmon Ruins shed light on the ancient Puebloan culture. The site has remnants of an 11th-century dwelling.
Bluff, Utah
Bluff, Utah, is a small town surrounded by expanses of desert, rock formations, and the meandering San Juan River. Established in 1880 by Mormon settlers, its history includes the likes of Native Americans, Spanish explorers, and pioneers, with remnants of its past visible in the town's architecture and at the Bluff Fort. The Desert Rose Resort & Cabins in Bluff has rustic chic accommodations in cabins. There is also an on-site restaurant named Duke's, and an indoor swimming pool.
The Bluff Fort Historic Site has reconstructed cabins that show off the lives of the early Mormon pioneers who settled in the area in the late 19th century. Guided tours share information on the perseverance and faith that shaped Bluff. Just a short drive from Bluff, the Sand Island Petroglyph Panel is a collection of ancient rock art carved by Indigenous peoples over thousands of years. This accessible site allows visitors to see the intricate designs first-hand. Another attraction is the Valley of the Gods. This valley has towering sandstone mesas and buttes, often compared to a miniature Monument Valley.
Winslow, Arizona
Winslow, Arizona, is a town steeped in Americana, immortalized in the Eagles' song "Take It Easy." Located on the historic Route 66, the town has a high desert landscape and is near the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest. The town's origins date back to the late 19th century when it was established as a railroad town by the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway. La Posada, designed by architect Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter, has guestrooms that include handmade Ponderosa pine beds, handwoven Zapotec rugs, and Mexican tin and Talavera tile mirrors. The Turquoise Room, the hotel's restaurant, serves contemporary Southwestern cuisine.
One of the town's notable attractions is the Standin' on the Corner Park, a tribute to the Eagles song mentioned above. The outdoor exhibit captures the spirit of the song with a mural and a statue—a photo opportunity and a tangible connection to American rock history. Just outside Winslow, the Homolovi State Park has a collection of Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites. The park also has trails for visitors to explore the ruins. Another natural attraction is the Meteor Crater. This site was formed by a meteorite collision around 50,000 years ago. The crater's visitor center has guided tours.
Silverton, Colorado
Silverton, Colorado, is located high in the San Juan Mountains at an elevation of over 9,000 feet. Founded in 1874, the town was the epicenter of the silver mining boom in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The geography of Silverton includes steep mountain passes, alpine lakes, and the remnants of historic mining operations. Guests will find a mix of wooden storefronts and brick structures that have stood the test of time in this town. The Avon is an excellent hotel choice for visitors. It has comfortable 14 guestrooms, a main floor lounge serving craft cocktails, and a century-old basement transformed into a music venue.
Within this mountain town, the San Juan County Historical Society operates the Silverton Historical Museum. The museum narrates the life of miners, the operation of the railroads, and the daily existence of early settlers. Just beyond the town's limits, the Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour gives vintage mine tours. Donning hard hats and boarding the mine train, guests are transported into the Galena Mountain, where guides recount the methods, struggles, and triumphs of mining life. Finally, the Ice Lake Trailhead is a moderately challenging hike that leads to views of Ice Lake, set against the backdrop of peaks and meadows.
In Summary
The Colorado Plateau serves as a natural backdrop to a collection of small towns that are ideal weekend escapes in the American Southwest. Sedona dazzles with its red rock vistas, whereas Silverton transports visitors back in time to the silver mining era in the San Juan Mountains. Still, Bluff and Gallup reveal the deep cultural narratives of the Native American tribes and the pioneering spirit that shaped the West. These destinations, among others on the plateau, stand out for their ability to blend history, culture, and natural beauty. They are weekend getaway destinations that captivate the imagination and refresh the spirit.
