9 Top-Rated Small Towns In Colorado

Colorado is known for its natural outdoor beauty and recreation in and around the Rockies. Whether you're looking to escape the city and reconnect with nature, get active on a vacation skiing, hiking, or golfing, or if you're looking for a relaxing retreat with a loved one, this state is full of hidden gems easily accessible by car from the Denver International Airport. Here is our list for the top 9 places to sneak away to in Colorado this year. 

Erie

In Boulder County, Erie is a former coal town just a 30 minute drive from Denver. The town's main industry slowly shifted from coal to agriculture, today boasting delightful farm to table dining such as at the 24 Carrot Bistro on Briggs Street. The small town is home to over 1,143 acres of public-access open space, 13 public parks including the Coal Disk Creek Golf Course, and 3 trails, leaving no shortage of outdoor activities for any vacationer. For animal lovers, the town is home to the Anderson Farm and Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary, where the whole family can spend the day in nature petting local farm animals and enjoying other on-site activities such as tours and corn mazes. If the outdoors is less your pace, Erie is home to a handfull of local breweries, such a the Echo Brewing Co., that boast their own selection homemade beers and pizzas. While there is no shortage of places to stay in and around Erie, we recommend the Omni Interlocken Hotel, just south of Erie, for your gettaway. The hotel is home to an impressive golf course in the foothills of the rockies, a full spa, large outdoor pool, and counltess dining options to enhance your stay. 

Eldorado Springs

Calling all rockclimbers! Located just south of Boulder, Eldorado Springs is the optimal place to dust off your climbing gear with over 500 routes to climb and explore. Our smallest town on this list is home to under 600 people inside the Eldorado Springs State Park. If rockclimbing isn't your speed, the municipality is also home to 12 miles of hiking trails and the famous Eldorado Springs Swimmng Pool open throughout the summer months. The best way to explore the park is through their all-year camping. The park offers both site and backcountry camping as well as a select number of cabins, yurts, and a four-person guest house all located within the park. RVs are also welcome on site if you want to bring a slice of home with you to the back country!

Littleton

Situated across three counties, this historic farm town offers no shortage of history, culture, and recreation to spend a wonderful weekend away from home. The charming downtown is a hub for shopping, dining, and personal care services such as salons and massage parlours. Whether you're looking to let your creativity run wild at The Crazy Merchant or you want to pamper yourself at the Hand & Stone Massage & Facial Spa, there is something for everyone in this little downtown core. The town is also home to the Littleton Museum and Town Hall Arts Center where you can learn all about Littleton's history and present. Of course, it wouldn't be a visit to Colorado if it didn't include an opportunity to connect with the outdoors. The Littleton Golf & Tennis Club hosts four golf courses with distinct terrains to suit your taste. Just steps from downtown, the WoodSpring Suites Littleton-South Denver is the perfect spot to rest your head after exploring all day. 

Golden

Truly a glimpse into the gold-rush past, Golden Colorado is home to one of the most photographed sites in the USA: the "Welcome to Golden Arch." Upon entering the town, you'll feel like you've entered the past without sacrificing any modern comforts. While there is no shortage of hotels and similar lodging options in and around the town, we recommend a stay at The Eddy Taproom & Hotel to act as your home base for your adventures. With views of the downtown and the Colorado Rockies, you are sure to kick this vacation off on the right foot when you wake to a gorgeous view. Golden is home to several excellent guided tours, where you can choose to explore the arts scene, the town's gastronomy, or the mountains around you, it will be impossible to see it all in a weekend. For dinosaur enthusiasts, you can get up and close with countless fossils at the Dinosaur Ridge or on the Triceratops Trail. You can also plan your visit to coincide with one of Golden's many festivals and events, such as the Colorado Cowboy Gathering in January, or the Environmental Film Festival in the Spring. 

Cañon City

Aptly named for its location alongside the Arkansas River, Cañon City is a unique natural site to see. Home to America's highest suspension bridge, the Royal George Bridge crosses the Arkansas River at a daunting 956 feet. The town is the third-oldest in Colorado but proudly maintains its small-town feel. This town is any adventure-seeker's dream, with whitewater rafting, ziplining over the canyon, and ample rockclimbing space. After a day full of thrills, the downtown is the perfect spot to unwind in one of the many inns, cabins, and cottages available for rent year-round. For a meal you won't forget, hop on the First Class Dinner Train where you will enjoy a fine meal all while surrounded by the changing scenery of the town and canyon. We recommend Cañon City for anyone who is keen on a warmer vacation, as the city is known to be 10 degrees warmer than major Colorado cities on average. 

Fountain

Mixing urban with country, Fountain is a great stop in the mountains for a weekend getaway. Although small, the downtown core is full of excellent dining options such as the Peaks n Pines Brewery and the Last Drop Coffee Shop & Cafe. Fountian's main attraction other than the outdoors? Racing. The town is home to the former NASCAR and Indy Racing League Pikes Peak International Raceway where you can watch races and even learn to drive a racecar yourself. Close to the raceway is the Super 8 by Wyndham, a conveniently located stay that will get you rested and ready to race. 

Fruita

Fruita is a camping haven in Western Colorado with its most famous campsite, the Saddlehorn Campground being located in Colorado National Park. While there are countless places to stay, both in a tent and in a hotel, Fruita is the ultimate Colorado spot to reconnect with nature. If you're visiting during the winter, this is an excellent spot for skiing and snowboarding. From truly backcountry slopes to curated cross-country routes, this town has every level of thrill-seeking in the outdoors, from the tame to super adventorous. While in town, be sure to check out the town's array of boutique shops and dining options such as the Lithic Bookstore and Gallery for bookworms or the Karma Kitchen if you're craving some Nepalise cuisine. 

Evergreen

Last, but certainly not least on our list is Evergreen. The town is known for its forests, meadows, and abundant wildflower cover, known today for its bustling cultural scene and lavish resorts. For a beautiful stay, we recommend a room at the Highland Haven Creekside Inn, offering an eclectic assortment of rooms from the TreeHouse to the Gardener's Cottage. There are numerous galleries and local artisans to visit in Evergreen, such as the Evergreen Gallery and Marmalade Artisan Jewelry. It is also home to the Ovation West Performing Arts Centre where you can catch a live theatre or music show throughout the year. Evergreen is also close to countless famous ski towns and resorts, such as in Vail, making it an excellent base to hit the slopes without the chaos and cost of staying in a luxury village. 

There is no shortage of places to stay, explore, and visit in Colorado, with each town proudly displaying their own rich history and culture. Whether you're a keen outdoor enthousiast, looking for an art-filled getaway, or you're looking for a relaxing retreat, this state is certainly home to anything your heart desires.