Colorado is known for its breathtaking Rocky Mountains which are dramatic and accessible landscapes. But the most iconic thing about this mountain is Colorado’s top small towns that are located across the Central and Southwestern Rocky Mountains. This beautiful journey starts from Crested Butte as the state’s Wildflower Capital to Ouray as the Switzerland of America and many more. These small towns are full of golden history, creative, stunning landscapes and open-air activities that offer a reliable family-friendly vacation destination. So let’s find the best small towns in Colorado and learn some essential things that make your trip stress-free.
Best Small Towns In Colorado To Visit
These small towns are a great mix of historic charm and adventurous soul. Every place has its own uniqueness. From Crested Butte’s ski resorts to Silverton’s mine rides let’s get to know about each town in detail.
Telluride
Telluride sits deep within the canyons of the San Juan Mountains. It has a rich history of mining and the Telluride Historical Museum will take you back to that past. This Colorado town now offers many great experiences to its visitors. One of the most visited places in Telluride is the Bridal Veil Falls. This is the largest fall in Colorado falling from a height of 365 ft. A hike to the top of the waterfall is 1.8 miles long. Hiking is not the only recreational activity here as you can go for a skiing session in the Ski Resort. It has one of the best skiing facilities in the world.
Crested Butte
Crested Butte is a beautiful destination near Elk Mountain. If you visit this place you will find two twin towns here. One is the former mining town of the 1880s but now a proper residential area. This downtown has many art galleries and popular spots like the Secret Stash. The other town is 3 miles higher and is home to Crested Butte Mountain Resort. It has all the facilities for skiing, off-road biking, and hotels to stay at. To reach Crested Butte take a car rental or the Colorado charter bus service. Avoiding personal vehicles is encouraged to get rid of parking charges and unpredictable terrain roads.
Ouray
Ouray is often referred to as the “Switzerland of America”. This town will stun you with some of its locations, like the Ouray Ice Park. Here you can carry out many activities like ice climbing and snowshoeing. This is also the reason why people visit this town in the winter. But even in summer you will get an opportunity to do a lot of things here. How about visiting the numerous waterfalls present in Ouray? That is a great idea because Box Canyon Falls in Ouray is famous in all of Colorado. It is also known for the Hot Springs Pool which is perfect after hiking all around the mountain town.
Silverton
Silverton is one of the most beautiful small towns in Colorado known for its rich history of mining. The best way to know about its mining legacy is the Old Hundred Gold Mine tour. Here you will not just get to see mining demonstrations but you can also dig for gold or silver fragments. Along with that Silverton is famous for the train ride that starts from Durango and ends here. This rail journey allows you to see the Rocky Mountains, the Animas River and the San Juan National Forest altogether. Other things that make this town special are the jeep tours and visiting its downtown which is a National Historic Landmark District.
The Rocky Mountains is the most famous place in Colorado. You will get to know everything about it here.
Creede
Creede is a small and remote town in Mineral County which can be a nice spot for a vacation with family and friends. This mountain town is famous for a lot of outdoor activities. A boat ride to the Rio Grande River is best for activities like fishing. Hikers know Creede for its trails in the Weminuche Wilderness. But to explore the best of this town beyond nature you must visit the Underground Mining Museum and Creede Repertory Theatre. You can go to the website of CRT to get more information about the events they conduct and their ticket prices.
Durango
Durango is an absolute treat that Colorado offers you. It is located in the Animas River Valley and is also referred to as a gateway to Mesa Verde National Park. These are your first two spots to visit in Durango. This town offers a lot of options when it comes to exploring it. One of those places is the Purgatory Resort. Here you can enjoy its vast trails and skiing ranges any time of the year. But in winter, a special occasion draws a lot of tourists which is called Snowdown Festival. It brings alive the town with unique themes, games, skits and light parades. That is how you can have a trip to Durango in any season.
Leadville
Leadville is the highest incorporated settlement in the United States. It is not a major tourist location like other small towns but it is worth a visit. The most notable spot here is the Turquoise Lake Recreation Area which is known for its boating facilities. While boating is a fun activity for the summer, in winter, you can visit Ski Cooper. But one thing that tourists love doing in Leadville is hiking. For that you have to drive on the Rocky National Scenic Byway and stop near two of the most iconic mountain ranges in this state- Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive.
Check this blog out to know about more such mountains in Colorado.
Best Ways To Travel In Small Towns In Colorado
Visitors need to know the right ways to travel in mountain towns in Colorado. These towns can pose a geological challenge for travellers and cause a lot of issues. To travel in Colorado’s small towns you need to know what kind of transport you can avail here.
- Gondola rides in Telluride and Mountain Village are the most accessible form of transport in the region.
- Durango will offer special chartered car services on the US-550 highway.
- There are charter bus services available in northern towns like Crested Butte and Leadville.
- Avail the popular sprinter vans for high altitude driving in steep terrain places like Silverton and Ouray.
- Mini coach buses run primarily in cities like Creede for 20-30 passengers.
- Charter vans can cover your whole trip to almost all these towns.
Why Is Navigating The Small Towns Of Colorado Difficult?
It is absolutely difficult for a traveller to navigate Colorado’s mountain towns. We must shed light on all the reasons behind it.
- The high terrain is the primary reason because without proper maps and navigation tools it will be difficult to find these small towns.
- Telecommunication is a real issue here because these small towns lack the proper infrastructure for it.
- Crowds pack Colorado towns during the holiday season. Finding these otherwise remote places becomes very difficult in such situations.
Things That Can Make This Vacation Comfortable
Besides the travelling options the first thing you need to prepare for this vacation is yourself. Keep these things in mind when you travel to rural Colorado.
- Stay hydrated at all times because at higher altitudes one can face dehydration.
- Understand the limits of your body well because hiking in these rocky and stiff mountains is not child’s play.
- Moisturisers and lip balms will be very helpful in fighting the dryness in higher areas.
- It is better to avoid personal vehicles because in chartered and rental services you will get experienced drivers who understand these conditions better.
- Wear hiking boots all the time outside whether it’s necessary or not.
Final Thoughts
If the beautiful small towns in Colorado are not on your wish list for an incredible vacation you will miss out on a lot. Colorado’s mountain towns are not just holiday spots but places with deep history. Every hike here tells a story of towns that grew from being mining grounds to becoming some of the best attractions in the country. This state has a lot more to offer you. Read this article and explore the best places to visit in Colorado. Book your flights now for an unforgettable experience!