9 Towns in the Colorado Plateau With the Best Downtown Areas in 2024

The Colorado Plateau straddles four iconic states of the American Southwest: Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico. It is characterized by its dramatic red rock landscapes and canyons. Hiking and outdoor exploration define this stunning region. However, the region's charm doesn't end in the great outdoors. Scattered throughout are charming small towns offering a different side of the Colorado Plateau experience.

Their downtown areas serve as cultural hubs where rural charm meets amenities and services. 2024 presents a fine opportunity to discover vibrant community spaces with unique history and culture. The following towns in Colorado Plateau and their prized downtown districts are sure to entice newcomers. From desert settlements to mountain villages, explore lively main streets nestled amid Southwest splendor.

Kanab, Utah

This desert village in Kane County is surrounded by magical scenery, from dunes and deep canyons to rolling mountains and pink coral cliffs. While visitors can enjoy numerous opportunities in this town’s vast wilderness, a charming downtown area ensures you do not stray too far to have a good time in Kanab. Learn more at the Kanab Visitor Center, which has valuable information about the town and what to see and do. Exploring downtown will bring you to the Little Hollywood Land, an exciting museum showcasing Kanab's long love affair with the American movie industry.

Also, the Kanab Heritage House Museum offers a background of the town. This institution takes guests back to bygone eras with a fine selection of period artifacts and furnishings. A guided tour through the rustic interior of the historic home feels like reliving the old times.

Cortez, Colorado

This quaint community is a famous gateway to Mesa Verde National Park and is considered the cultural hub of Mesa Verde Country. Its rich cultural heritage is evident in the downtown district, which hosts several galleries, cultural centers, and performance venues. You can interact with the arts community at the Notah Dineh Trading Co., which has a broad collection of Native American pottery, rugs, jewelry, and other crafts along Main Street. The art exploration continues at Turquoise Raven Art Gallery, whose exhibits symbolize the beauty of the planet.

Meanwhile, the Cortez Cultural Center provides a neat perspective of the town's culture and history using dance, poetry, Native American crafts, and Western art. Downtown hosts lively craft breweries welcoming newcomers to sample homegrown beer brands at establishments like WildEdge Brewing Collective.

Durango, Colorado

Situated near the New Mexico-Colorado border, this modest town harbors a rich historical heritage dating back to the 1880s. Part of this is well-preserved inside the Animas Museum, a rustic 20th-century school with various exhibits. In addition, the Powerhouse Science Center provides a more inclusive experience curated for kids and adults alike. Inside lie interactive exhibits on science and energy that promise to interest all visitors.

Thanks to the family-friendly Durango Arts Center, art lovers have something to look forward to. The venue offers visual and performance art opportunities, hosting lovely exhibitions by local artists and entertaining live shows on stage. Finally, stop by Steamworks Brewing Company and sample freshly crafted beer before leaving downtown Durango.

Holbrook, Arizona

Rooted in Native American Culture, this Navajo County village invites tourists for an immersive journey through rare history and rich heritage. Holbrook hosts a modest downtown region that stands out for its numerous antique and gift stores. Stopping by the Painted Desert Indian Center is an excellent way to discover traditional crafts and land a fabulous souvenir. Silver Screen enthusiasts can make the most of the historic Roxy Theater for a family-friendly movie.

However, those who prefer nostalgic experiences should consider visiting the Navajo County Historical Society. This rustic building houses a broad selection of documents, archives, manuscripts, and other artifacts preserving the region's colorful past.

Gallup, New Mexico

Appreciate Native American heritage in this charming village along historic Route 66. Gallup exudes deep cultural vibes through the dense cluster of culture-based venues and attractions across its walkable downtown area. You can start your itinerary at the Gallup Cultural Center, which offers a look into the history of the American Southwest through Indian crafts and artifacts. Souvenir collectors looking to land a pleasant Native American treasure can speculate at Richardson Trading Company or Indian Touch of Gallup.

The creative community is well-represented by ART123 Gallery, which exhibits works by Native and non-Native artists. Finally, one of the best downtown experiences involves interacting with the friendly townsfolk during the buzzing Gallup Flea Market. You can purchase fresh produce and cute handcrafts while bargaining with local vendors.

Moab, Utah

Moab's claim to fame is the gateway to the Arches National Park, surrounded by dramatic red rock formations inviting adventurers to explore a vast desert wilderness. The downtown area hosts a decent mix of attractions, starting with the Moab Museum. This delightful facility highlights the natural and cultural history of the town, presented through awesome geology, paleontology, and archeology artifacts. Those who don't mind collecting quirky souvenirs will be excited by the fossil collection sold at the Moab Rock Shop.

Additionally, the Moab Backyard Theater is a must-visit for performance art lovers. This open-air theater brings together locals and foreigners for exciting stage shows, ranging from plays and musicals to dance and movie screenings.

Jemez Springs, New Mexico

Situated about an hour north of Albuquerque, Jemez presents a more friendly and less chaotic scene than its famous neighbor. This town has around 200 permanent residents, which entices tourists who appreciate secluded escapades. While there isn't much to do downtown, a couple of attractions ensure it's never a dull time. For instance, booking a room at Jemez Hot Springs offers luxurious accommodation with exotic baths in clean mineral pools outside.

Tourists will fancy a unique therapy session at the Jemez Springs Bath House. This cozy spa features dipping in healing mineral waters alongside refreshing massage therapy sessions. Finally, history lovers and archeology enthusiasts will be amazed by the Jemez Historic Site, which harbors an authentic pueblo from the 16th century.

Telluride, Colorado

One of the best Victorian towns in Colorado Plateau you can visit, this mining boomtown has a rich heritage dating back to 1878. Telluride’s downtown hosts a busy main drag where you can explore the culture and heritage of the local community. Inside the Telluride Historical Museum, 10 rooms full of exhibits transport you back to eras gone by, reflecting the mining peak and other major events in the town. The district hosts a rich mix of restaurants, coffee shops, and boutique shops. Those with a soft spot for pizza will enjoy dining at Brown Dog Pizza.

Meanwhile, guests with no expenses to spare can enjoy accommodation fit for a king at the New Sheridan Hotel. The historic inn offers several luxurious experiences, including fine dining.

Flagstaff, Arizona

Flagstaff is home to stunning natural scenery punctuated by picturesque mountain peaks and vast desert landscapes. Although many first-timers are compelled to venture into the great outdoors, the downtown district offers enough touristy delights to keep you entertained. These include the Museum of Northern Arizona, which provides an interesting account of local and regional history. Additionally, Mother Road Brewing Company invites first-timers to enjoy the fresh taste of locally crafted beer.

Those visiting with kids can take the young ones to FlagTagAZ, an interactive laser tag center with remarkable family-friendly entertainment. Lastly, astronomy enthusiasts hoping to witness meteor showers should consider stopping by Lowell Observatory. The facility was established in 1894 and is a designated National Historic Landmark.

Whether situated in remote desert outposts or tucked into high valleys, each downtown district of these lovely towns in Colorado Plateau presents a snapshot of local life through talented makers, cultural activities and welcoming atmospheres. For visitors seeking to dive beyond scenic trails in 2024, downtown exploration ensures a well-rounded experience of rural charm against dramatic backdrops. Both history and progress shine through the main drags of these photogenic towns scattered across the storied Colorado Plateau.