The Best Small Towns in the Colorado Plateau To Chill Out In 2024
The Colorado Plateau is a vast high-elevation region in the southwestern United States, known for its awe-inspiring landscapes and unique geological formations. Spanning approximately 130,000 square miles across northern Arizona, southern Utah, northwestern New Mexico, and western Colorado, this region offers incredible small towns to visit for those who are looking to rejuvenate and connect with nature. Durango, Colorado, is a paradise for tranquility and adventure, while the small town of Mexican Hat, Utah, offers a laid-back atmosphere for those who truly want to get away. Whether meditating in one of Sedona, Arizona’s vortexes or exploring Historic Route 66 in Holbrook, Arizona, there are several small towns in the Colorado Plateau to chill out in 2024.
Durango, Colorado
For those looking to relax and unwind, it is difficult to find a better place than Durango, Colorado. Nestled in the San Juan Mountains, Durango offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Outdoor enthusiasts can choose to enjoy the scenic views while fishing at Haviland Lake, hike or bike through stunning landscapes at Oxbow Park and Preserve or Animas Mountain, or add a touch of excitement by whitewater rafting on the Animas River. The town is also a gateway to the 1.8 million-acre San Juan National Forest, an idyllic setting for hiking and horseback riding along high-desert mesas with views of stunning alpine peaks.
Along with incredible nature to explore, visitors can enjoy Durango’s vibrant art scene. Explore the dozen art galleries that are part of the Art Galleries of Durango, including local artworks at Earthen Vessel Gallery and regional photography at Scenic Aperture. For those looking to simply sit back and relax, hop aboard the scenic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. The vintage train ride is a National Historic Landmark, offering visitors some of the best views through the Rocky Mountains in southern Colorado.
Moab, Utah
Since the Colorado Plateau is the perfect spot to chill out in nature, Moab, Utah, known as "Nature's Masterpiece,” is one of the top places to relax and enjoy the great outdoors. The town itself is surrounded by fiery red rock landscapes and serves as the gateway to Arches National Park. This wonderland has more than 2,000 towering sandstone arches, petrified dunes, and scenic hiking trails. For more tranquility in nature, take a relaxing guided float tour down the Green River and Colorado River at Canyonlands National Park. Canyonlands and Arches National Parks are also two dark sky parks in Moab, offering a breathtaking and relaxing nighttime experience.
Visitors can also escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life in town by visiting Moab’s unique museums. Learn more about the town’s history and culture at the Moab Museum, showcasing regional and ancient artifacts. For a look at prehistoric history, chill out with dinosaurs at the Moab Giants Dinosaur Museum. Explore the interactive dinosaur exhibits in the museum, stroll along fossilized paths in the incredible landscape, and view ancient Earth in the museum’s 3D cinema.
Holbrook, Arizona
One of the quirkiest places to chill out in the Colorado Plateau is Holbrook, Arizona. Located along Historic Route 66, the town is known for its roadside attractions, including the famous Wigwam Motel and the Rainbow Rock Shop, featuring dinosaur statues. Along with the kitsch stops on the historic road, visitors can also explore the town’s Navajo County Historical Society Museum. Exhibits include the Pony Express, chuckwagon, pioneer quilt, and regional memorabilia. Nearby is the Navajo County Fair and Rodeo, featuring rodeos and concerts throughout the year, as well as the annual county fair in September.
Although there are plenty of places to chill out in town, Holbrook is also surrounded by serene natural attractions. Outdoor enthusiasts can discover the vibrant hues of the Painted Desert, Arizona’s colorful badlands that stretch southeast of the majestic Grand Canyon. More breathtaking scenery is on display on a hike or bike ride along the banks of the Little Colorado River in Holbrook. However, one of the best places to chill outdoors in Holbrook is the Petrified Forest National Park, where history buffs and nature lovers alike can wander along ancient pueblos and hike scenic trails.
Jemez Springs, New Mexico
The tranquil town of Jemez Springs, New Mexico, offers an oasis in the Jemez Mountains, making it an ideal spot to chill out in 2024. Just as the name suggests, the town offers natural hot springs to enjoy. Nestled along the Jemez River, the Jemez Springs Bath has been one of the best places in town to relax in hot springs since 1876. Beyond its natural hot springs, the town is also a gateway to adventure. The Valles Caldera National Preserve, a 13-mile-wide volcanic depression, offers stunning meadow views along hiking trails and fly fishing in pristine creeks.
Jemez Springs also offers a glimpse of the area's rich history. History buffs can explore the Jemez National Historic Landmark, featuring remains of an ancient village of the Jemez People dating back over 700 years. Visitors can take the 1,400-foot interpretive trail to learn more about the Indigenous people, view the remains of the village, and view remnants of the San Jose de los Jemez church from the 17th century.
Cortez, Colorado
Located in the heart of the Colorado Plateau is Cortez, Colorado, offering a unique blend of relaxation, cultural immersion, and outdoor adventure in 2024. Located near the Four Corners region, the town is a great basecamp to chill out while visiting Mesa Verde National Park. Visitors can view ancient cliff dwellings and sites of the Ancestral Puebloans that are more than 700 years old. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is also a tranquil area to hike along beautiful trails and learn more about the legacy of Indigenous people nearby at the Anasazi Heritage Center.
Cortez itself offers much more than just a glimpse into the past. Main Street is a great area to rejuvenate and explore the town’s locally owned shops, enjoy local cuisine such as yak burgers at the Farm Bistro, and discover hidden artistic gems like the Turquoise Raven Art Gallery. The gallery offers meditative art classes along with exhibits of local and Native American art.
Mexican Hat, Utah
With a population of only 22 people, Mexican Hat, Utah, is one of the best small towns in the Colorado Plateau to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life. This small town is named after the unique rock formation resembling a sombrero, fondly known as Mexican Hat. Visitors can view the 300-foot talus cone from the ground or climb the 250 million-year-old formation. Nearby, the San Juan River offers relaxing river trips, fishing, and wildlife viewing, allowing visitors to connect with nature in a peaceful setting. Visitors can also unwind, overlooking the picturesque river at the Olde Bridge Bar and Grill, which offers local Navajo cuisine.
For those seeking more adventure, the Goosenecks State Park offers dramatic views of the meandering San Juan River from high above. The park's unique geology and sweeping vistas provide a perfect spot for picnicking, hiking, and enjoying the quiet beauty of the desert. The laid-back and uncrowded town is also a great base for exploring the iconic landscapes in Monument Valley. The valley's towering sandstone buttes and mesas create a breathtaking panorama, with a 17-mile scenic car drive and tranquil hiking trails.
Sedona, Arizona
The picturesque town of Sedona, Arizona, is an incredible spot to chill out in the Colorado Plateau in 2024. The town is renowned for its striking Red Rock formations, spa and wellness services, and tranquil atmosphere. Towering formations, such as Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Snoopy Rock, offer hiking trails for all levels, creating a breathtaking backdrop for relaxation and exploration. The scenic views and serene environment make it easy to unwind and connect with nature. For those seeking adventure, Oak Creek Canyon and Red Rock State Park are natural playgrounds for swimming, picnicking, and exploring Arizona's unique landscapes.
Sedona is also known for its spiritual and wellness offerings. The town is famous for its energy vortexes, believed to be centers of healing and spiritual renewal. The Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon are four vortexes in town where people often go to meditate. Visitors can learn more about the town's serene and rejuvenating atmosphere at the Sedona Chamber of Commerce Affinity Group, the Sedona Metaphysical Spiritual Association.
Rejuvenate In The Colorado Plateau
The Colorado Plateau's small towns offer the perfect places to rejuvenate and unwind in 2024. From taking a scenic train ride through the Rocky Mountains in Durango, Colorado, to the hot springs in Jemez Springs, New Mexico, each town offers a chance to connect with nature. Whether exploring sandstone arches in Moab, Utah, or the Four Corners region near Cortez, Colorado, the Colorado Plateau offers memorable and peaceful retreats for all who visit.
