These 13 Charming Small Colorado Towns are Worth a Trip

For the past decade, I’ve explored countless destinations across the Rockies and down the Front Range. In this article, I’ll point you to my favorite small towns in Colorado, from artist enclaves and outdoorsy escapes to mountain towns with mining history.

Get a feel for each of these charming getaways with a quick list of things to do and places to stay. Plus, I share links to our other Colorado guides so you can learn more about wherever piques your interest.

13 Best Small Towns in Colorado

Prefer a video? Hit play for Abigail’s roundup of the best Colorado mountain towns:

Crested Butte

A historic mining town celebrated for world-class skiing and scenic mountain biking.

🏠 Population: 1,643 | 📍 Google Maps | Crested Butte Website | 👉 Best Places to Stay in Crested Butte

Due to its remote location in the East River Valley, Crested Butte draws fewer crowds than other small towns around Colorado. Its National Historic District is lined with Victorian buildings. Many have been converted into charming eateries, gift shops, and historic boutique hotels. 

The town holds to its values as Colorado’s “last great ski town.” Crested Butte Mountain Resort, one of the state’s best ski areas, is a popular winter destination. The same applies to the town’s Nordic center.

In the summer, Crested Butte switches its title to “the wildflower capital of Colorado.” Its Wildflower Festival held each July is a favorite annual event, as is Bike Week in June. Mountain biking is one of the most popular activities in Crested Butte, as the area offers 750 miles of biking and hiking trails.

Silverton

Admire this southwestern Colorado town by train, on ski lifts, and from mountain trails.

🏠 Population: 731 | 📍 Google Maps | Silverton Website | Best Places to Stay in Silverton

Silverton is one of Colorado’s most celebrated mining towns, designated a National Historical Landmark. The Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad independently holds the same title. It’s one of the most scenic train rides in the state, offering incredible views of the San Juan Mountains. 

Many things to do in Silverton revolve around the outdoors. Expert skiers and snowboarders love Silverton Mountain for its backcountry slopes. In the summer, Ice Lakes Basin, one of the best hikes in Colorado, draws hundreds of visitors to this tiny town.

When visiting, be sure to also tour Silverton’s historic downtown. Wandering past historic buildings and swinging through restaurants’ saloon doors feels like a step back in time.

Estes Park

Enjoy national park access and downtown excitement in one of the best towns in Colorado.

🏠 Population: 5,795 | 📍 Google Maps | Estes Park Website | Top Places to Stay in Estes Park

Estes Park is one of the best day trips from Denver. The town is best known as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. Visitors love the park’s year-round outdoor activities, like hiking, nordic skiing, rock climbing, and more.

Estes Park is especially lively during warm weather months. Downtown is often bustling with tourists enjoying beer tastings, souvenir shops, live music, and other Estes Park attractions. Elk Fest in October is a popular event, celebrating the fall season and local herds.

Breckenridge

A gold rush mining town now famed for Breckenridge Ski Resort and outdoor experiences.

🏠 Population: 4,892 | 📍 Google Maps | Breckenridge Website | Best Places to Stay in Breckenridge

Lovingly called “Breck” by locals, this Summit County town is famous for Breckenridge Ski Resort. Its snow-capped mountains are perfect for skiing and snowboarding.

But even outside of ski season, Breckenridge is one of Colorado’s best destinations. Many visit to experience whitewater rafting on the Blue River. Other outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the area by hiking and horseback riding. 

But before Breckenridge became known for outdoor recreation, it was a mining town. The Pike’s Peak Gold Rush drew prospectors to the region, and their former presence remains evident today. 

Of all Colorado’s small towns, Breckenridge is home to the largest historic district. Tour downtown and admire the Victorian architecture of restored structures. For an interactive experience, be sure to visit the Cowboy Mine which takes you deep into a mountain-side tunnel.

Pagosa Springs

Few Colorado towns are as relaxing and rejuvenating as Pagosa Springs.

🏠 Population: 1,793 | 📍 Google Maps | Pagosa Springs Website | Top Places to Stay in Pagosa Springs

Pagosa Springs is a relaxing destination nestled in the southwestern Rocky Mountains. The small town features several attractions, including some of the best hot springs. Enjoy three resorts and two free pools along the San Juan River. For centuries, it’s been believed that these natural mineral springs hold healing powers.

The Springs Resort is by far the most popular, having luxury suites and premier spa amenities. Lodge at the scenic health resort or purchase a day pass to experience all 25 soaking pools. Each is fed by The Mother Spring, which of all hot springs, is the deepest in the world. 

Paonia

Dubbed the “coolest town in Colorado” for its art, agriculture, and outdoor recreation.

🏠 Population: 1,464 | 📍 Google Maps | Paonia Website

Paonia is unique for its rich agriculture. Stone fruits such as peaches, cherries, and apricots grow especially well in the North Fork Valley, as do pears and grapes. The autumn season brings plentiful harvests and local festivals. This includes the September Mountain Harvest Festival and October’s Hard Cider Festival. 

When in Paonia, be sure to visit a farm-to-table restaurant and one of the town’s wineries. These include Stone Cottage Cellars and Azura Cellar & Gallery.

A certified Colorado Creative District, it’s no surprise that the latter tasting room would include works of art. Artists of all mediums are celebrated in Paonia, filled with studios and art galleries.  

Steamboat Springs

A Rocky Mountain resort town that celebrates the local history and culture.

🏠 Population: 13,620 | 📍 Google Maps | Steamboat Springs Website | Where to Stay in Steamboat Springs

Regardless of season or interests, there are so many things to do in Steamboat Springs. Winter athletes will love the champagne powder at Steamboat Ski Resort. Backcountry mountain bike trails sprawl endlessly in the Roosevelt National Forest. Fish Creek Falls amazes summer hikers, and soaking at Strawberry Park Hot Springs is a favorite year-round activity. 

But aside from outdoor recreation, Steamboat Springs offers incredible historical and cultural sites. Learn about the region at the Tread of Pioneers Museum, and enjoy a performance by the Steamboat Symphony Orchestra. To meet the locals, check out the Steamboat Brew Trail, featuring a series of local craft breweries. 

Salida

A scenic town that serves as a base for Arkansas River and Collegiate Peak adventures.

🏠 Population: 6,007 | 📍 Google Maps | Salida Website

Salida is loved for its abundance of outdoor recreation. The Arkansas River flows right through this small town, making whitewater rafting a popular activity. Tubing, kayaking, and lounging by the water’s edge are other great ways to spend a summer afternoon. 

Incredibly scenic, Salida is also located near the Collegiate Peaks range. This draws skilled hikers and aspiring mountaineers looking to “peak bag” several nearby 14,000-foot summits.

👉 Pro Tip: After a long day of adventuring, soak your sore muscles at Mount Princeton Hot Springs. They’re located in the neighboring town, Buena Vista, which offers more great things to do and places to stay. 

Manitou Springs

Enjoy a variety of unique experiences at this accessible small town.

🏠 Population: 4,607 | 📍 Google Maps | Manitou Springs Website

Manitou Springs is one of the best day trips from Colorado Springs, as well as Denver. But despite being near major metropolitan areas, Manitou Springs looks and feels like a far-off mountain town.

Colorful historic structures line downtown, filled with eclectic eateries and shops. The town’s natural springs provide cool water to eight drinking fountains, making for a unique walking tour.

Other nearby attractions include the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, Cave of the Winds, and the Manitou Incline. There’s also the The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway, one of the best things to do in Colorado.

Ouray

From extreme sports to relaxing soaks, the historic town of Ouray delivers.

🏠 Population: 912 | 📍 Google Maps | Ouray Website

Nicknamed the “Switzerland of America,” it comes as no surprise that this small mountain town offers incredible scenery. Ouray is located within a box canyon, surrounded by tall, dramatic cliffs. It’s a premier destination for ice climbing thanks to Ouray Ice Park and the annual Ice Festival, one of Colorado’s best festivals.

Like many communities in the San Juan Mountains, Ouray was once a boomtown for silver mining. Main Street, a National Historic District, is lined with charming Victorian buildings.

Restored to its original era, the Beaumont Hotel & Spa is one of the more well-known structures. Other relaxing amenities can be found at Wiesbaden, offering lodging and the opportunity to soak in an Ouray hot springs pool.    

Lake City

A small Colorado town surrounded by public lands and famed for its ice climbing scene.

🏠 Population: 413 | 📍 Google Maps | Lake City Website

Lake City is a remote town found along the Silver Thread scenic byway. It’s the only town in Hinsdale County, 96% of which is public lands. Jagged snow-capped peaks sprawl throughout the landscape, making it a mecca for outdoor activities.

San Cristobal Lake, which the town was named after, is the most popular attraction. In the summer, it draws anglers and boaters. Winter visitors can enjoy ice skating on the frozen lake and have the opportunity to experience the Lake City Ski Hill. 

In February, the town holds the Lake City Ice Climbing Festival at the Lake City Ice Park. The annual competition is loved by skilled winter athletes, as well as spectators.  

Creede

Fans of both history and performing arts are drawn to this little mountain town.  

🏠 Population: 281 | 📍 Google Maps | Creede Website

Few are familiar with the mountain town of Creede, largely due to its remote location and population of less than 300. But in the late 19th century, this Wild West town boasted 10,000 residents. Many were prospectors, lured by the now-retired silver mines.

But the history of the industry lives on in this small town. Creede is most known for the Underground Mining Museum, whose tours are hosted by locals who previously worked in the mines. Complement the experience with a visit to the Creede Historical Museum, along with a free tour of Last Chance Mine. 

The Creede Repertory Theater is another popular attraction in Creede. Nationally recognized, it was recently highlighted in The New York Times for its classic and modern performances. 

Surrounded by dramatic cliffs, the picturesque town has also been featured in several films. It was the perfect backdrop for The Shootist, The Lone Ranger, and The Assassination of Jessie James.  

Trinidad

A storied past makes Trinidad a unique destination, now famed for cannabis and creative arts.

🏠 Population: 8,183 | 📍 Google Maps | Trinidad Website

Trinidad is an eclectic town in southeastern Colorado near the border of New Mexico. It’s one of the best small towns to live in the state given its accessibility and affordability.

In the 1800s, residents largely relied on the historic Santa Fe Trail. Travelers on the commercial highway brought business to local ranchers and traders. Later, as described at the Trinidad History Museum, the town became greatly involved in the coal mining industry.

In 1965, the first rural “hippie commune” popped up just north of Trinidad. Known as Drop City, the community consisted of liberated artists and filmmakers. Today, counterculture lives on with Trinidad’s nickname, “Weed Town USA.” The tiny town boasts 25 marijuana dispensaries, which according to High Times, has revitalized the economy. 

📚 Related Reading: Just west of Trinidad is the San Luis Valley, home to Great Sand Dunes National Park.

***

Hopefully, you’re now better prepared to explore these towns! Start packing with our guide to Colorado travel essentials — and be sure to download the list for easy reference!