Top 15 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Colorado You'll Love Visiting

Last Updated on January 02, 2024 by Nikki Jain

Small towns in Colorado are some of the most charming places in the state. With their quaint shops and friendly people, they offer a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.

While each has its own unique character, they all share a sense of community that makes them special. If you're looking for a place to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life, one of these small Colorado towns is sure to be the perfect fit.

Still not motivated enough to visit the small towns in Centennial State? Here are more reasons why you need to plan a trip soon. Colorado is famous for its extensive encompassing of the southern portion of the Rocky Mountains.

As a part of the Mountain West, it is teeming with forested areas, verdancy, and a good deal of flora and fauna. This makes Colorado's small towns especially captivating to tourists, as these little settlements are often close at hand to various national parks, mountain peaks, canyons, and lakes.

It's hard to pick just a few of the best small towns in Colorado, as so many of them bring forth the full might of Western charm with the whimsy and relaxation of rural living. Still, some certainly stand out for their history, natural beauty, and proximity to various outdoorsy hotspots. Here are the most beautiful small towns in Colorado.

Best Small Towns in Colorado

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1: Durango

Durango
Dreamstime/Maurie Hill

Durango is situated in La Plata County with a population of approximately 20,000 and is a gem for history and nature buffs. For those who love to explore, this is one of the best small towns in Colorado!

One of the favorite attractions in Durango is Main Avenue, which is a Nationally Registered Historic District and boasts gorgeous historic architecture.

Main Avenue can be found in Durango's downtown area, where it is packed with various quaint boutiques, galleries, entertainment venues, businesses, bars, restaurants, and a pair of historic hotels. This is also where you'll find the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad depot.

Outdoor enthusiasts also love Durango, especially during the summer, when numerous activities are available in the town's surrounding wilderness.

The Animas River offers great whitewater rafting opportunities, and there are mountains scaling 14,000 feet to conquer.

Durango is also a gateway to the historic Mesa Verde National Park, where you'll be able to see relics of indigenous people from 1500 years ago.

Address: Durango, Colorado

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2: Silverton

Silverton
Flickr/Joe Ross

Silverton, as its name suggests, was once a silver mining town and now rests beautifully 9,000 feet above sea level in the San Juan Mountains.

It is the only incorporated municipality that boasts a history dating back to 1860 when the first claims were made toward the end of the Gold Rush.

A fair bit of snow falls here in winter, making it a haven for winter activities like skiing and ice climbing. Summertime brings the chance for backcountry exploration, so there's always something to do!

All of the Statutory Town of Silverton is considered a National Historic Landmark District and is formally known as the Silverton Historic District.

Originally named Bakers Park, it's a stunning location in the Animas River valley surrounded by gorgeous peaks, most of which are impressive thirteeners, including Storm Peak.

This is also one of the most famous gateways into the backcountry of Colorado, making this an especially premier choice among small Colorado towns.

Address: Silverton, Colorado

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3: Aspen

Aspen
Dreamstime/Wisanu Boonrawd

Aspen is probably one of the most famous small towns in Colorado, with worldwide renown due to its incredible views of the Rocky Mountains and its tendency to attract celebrities and the rich and famous. Aspen boasts barely over 7,000 residents.

There's no end to the things you can do in Aspen. Tons of nightlife and shopping options color the little locale, as do bars, restaurants, and numerous museums and historic buildings.

But what's most known about Aspen are its four ski areas: Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, and Aspen Snowmass.

All of them bring you over 5,000 acres of gorgeous terrain to ski on, so this is the perfect winter getaway.

But even in the summer, great recreational options still exist, like hiking, biking, fly fishing, and even visiting the nearby Maroon Bells.

Address: Aspen, Colorado

Also Read: Best Things To Do in Aspen

4: Crested Butte

Crested Butte
Crested Butte Resort | Dreamstime/Maomaotou

Known by some as the “Last Great Colorado Ski Town,” this little piece of wintery paradise has made an incredible transformation from a coal-mining town to a skiing destination over the last century.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love the East River Valley and the 750 miles of trails available to explore in the area.

At the perfect time of year, wildflower season provides a breathtaking experience of vibrant flowers, which earned Crested Butte its reputation as Colorado's wildflower capital.

And, of course, the winter months bring snowy sporting opportunities galore!

Throughout the year, Crested Butte hosts many fun festivals, including a wonderful Independence Day bash.

Address: Crested Butte, Colorado

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5: Manitou Springs

Manitou Springs
Dreamstime/Bdingman

Manitou Springs is situated at Pikes Peak's feet, a municipality of El Paso County with only about 5,000 residents.

It was originally founded in 1872 as a "scenic health resort". One of the town's unique attractions is natural mineral springs, with eight famous mineral springs that can be found throughout the town and several more nearby.

Manitou Springs has quite a lot of history, boasting plenty of attractions and old architecture, especially in the Manitou Springs Historic District area.

Miramont Castle is a particularly notable feature. The town is also an excellent gateway to Barr Trail, which brings you to Pikes Peak.

Simply put, there's a reason this Colorado small town is considered a resort town, and its nickname of the Saratoga of the West is well-earned!

Don't forget to try out the town's many tours to natural attractions, such as the Cave of the Winds and Rainbow Falls.

Address: Manitou Springs, Colorado

6: Telluride

Telluride
Dreamstime/Paul Brady

"Stunning" is an excellent word to describe Telluride and its surrounding area. Incredible mountains, sheer cliffs, tumbling falls, and glacial lakes are just a few of the natural wonders you can access from this beautiful little town in Colorado.

Telluride is situated inside a box canyon with the stunning Bridal Veil Falls at the very head of this canyon.

Telluride's life began in 1878 as a mining town, boasting silver, copper, zinc, lead, and the gold telluride that eventually gave the town its name.

Telluride is commonly referenced in many songs and pieces of pop culture, and it's also known for its winter slopes and ski resorts.

It also has an impressive lineup of summer events, with a Hot Air Balloon Festival in June and numerous other festivals throughout the season. Telluride Historic District is also a great visit and part of the National Register of Historic Places.

Exploration is enriching in Telluride. With just under 3,000 residents and an 80-acre downtown area that was once a camp for silver mining, you can feast your eyes on boutiques, restaurants, and landscapes.

Hike up to the waterfalls or go for a drive! You can even hop onto a free gondola ride to be brought to Mountain Village, another one of the small Colorado towns and Telluride's companion town.

Address: Telluride, Colorado

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7: Ouray

Ouray
Charming Ouray located between high mountains | Dreamstime/Golasza

Often referred to as the Switzerland of America, Ouray has just about a thousand residents and a gorgeous 360-degree view of the San Juan Mountains.

The alpine environment is a must-visit for many adventurous outdoor enthusiasts who stop here to hike in the Box Canyon Falls Park or to go ice climbing in the winter at Ouray Ice Park.

Ouray was wealthy in its heyday thanks to the many gold and silver mines in the area, and you can see much of that wealth reflected in the historic brick buildings and their stunning architecture.

At 8,000 feet above the ground, the beautiful small town offers much to do, with mine tours, breweries, Victorian architecture, and parks to enjoy.

Address: Ouray, Colorado

8: Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Springs
Flickr/Jason Cipriani

Glenwood Springs is an incredibly popular mineral spring town with fewer than 10,000 residents.

Situated at the confluence of the Colorado River and the Roaring Fork River, this relatively populous town offers plenty of activities and is known as the state's land of water.

Glenwood Springs is fairly famous as an arts environment, with a vibrant small-town charm that makes it a popular hotspot for food, drink, and culture.

This is especially true in its downtown area, which provides thrift shops, quaint boutiques, local bookstores, and outdoor dining.

If you're more outdoorsy, you can head to the Hanging Lake and hike on its boardwalk or go fishing, paragliding, and even rafting.

The Sunlight Mountain Resort offers great skiing opportunities. And, of course, we can't forget the numerous restorative hot springs to soak and relax in!

Address: Glenwood Springs, CO

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9: Breckenridge

Breckenridge
Dreamstime/Bdingman

With under 5000 residents, this small Colorado town captures the quintessential feel of a small town USA.

This is the epitome of Christmas towns in Colorado, renowned for Breckenridge Ski Resort, a skiing destination popular since its opening in 1961.

Simply called "Breck" by locals, it's a fantastic winter destination, and holiday lights greet you early as snow begins to fall. This is also where the International Snow Sculpture Championship is held!

Other seasons can also be pretty fulfilling in Breckenridge, especially for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking trails, fly-fishing spots, mountain biking trails, and blooming wildflowers make for some great adventurers.

There are also numerous rivers and lakes to raft or boat in. Festivals are often held during the summer, and the yearly Fourth of July parade is fantastic.

And, of course, no matter the time of year, Breckenridge's historic Main Street still has many logs and clapboard buildings, with charming restaurants and local shops to explore and enjoy.

For a town that was originally a mining settlement, it sure has grown and changed over the years!

Address: Breckenridge, CO

Also Read: 25 Best Things To Do in Breckenridge, Colorado

10: Trinidad

Trinidad
Dreamstime/Emmanuel Teijeiro

Trinidad is an early Colorado settlement, settled even before the state was a state at all. Now, it has a population of just under 10,000.

Its convenient location near the Santa Fe Trail, a historic trading route, is why Mexican and Spanish settlers chose this spot to build their home.

Trinidad is informally known as Weed Town, as it is home to a whopping 25 marijuana dispensaries. As such, you can expect quite a bit of counterculture in this fascinating, charming locale.

History lovers will enjoy exploring the Trinidad History Museum, and art lovers will appreciate that the settlement is a Certified Colorado Creative District with loads of art galleries.

All in all, this is one of the unique Colorado small towns to add to your list.

Address: Trinidad, CO

11: Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs
Dreamstime/Bdingman

Steamboat Springs is well-known as a winter ski resort destination. With close to 15,000 residents, it's one of the great small cities in Colorado for holiday travelers.

With the wonders of the Steamboat Ski Resort in the Park Range on Mount Werner and the Howelsen Hill Ski Area, there are many ways to enjoy a cold season here.

This little city has produced more Winter Olympic athletes than any other North American town!

Steamboat Springs, often called "The Boat" by locals, can be found on the Yampa River's upper valley.

The river, as you can probably guess, offers great white-water experiences. Cyclists will also enjoy biking in the area, as this is a League of American Bicyclists-approved prime spot.

Address: Steamboat Springs, CO

12: Leadville

Leadville
Dreamstime/Bdingman

Leadville is a statutory city and one of the most beautiful small cities in Colorado, serving as Lake County's seat.

It boasts a population of fewer than 3,000 and can be found 10,152 feet above the ground, at the headwaters of the Rocky Mountains' Arkansas River.

Once upon a time, it was a silver mining town, and it now holds its legacy with historic sites and buildings in the Leadville Historic District.

You can see all sorts of peaks from the town, some scaling 14,000 feet. A bit of a hidden gem, Leadville boasts Colorado's two tallest peaks, Mt. Massive and Mt. Elbert, and is close to the stunning Turquoise Lake.

All around you, red-barked pines and ponderosa pines make for an incredible, rustic panorama.

Address: Leadville, CO

13: Lyons

Lyons
Dreamstime/Joe Sohm

The statutory town of Lyons is situated in Boulder County, boasting just above 2,000 residents.

You'll find it at the confluence of the South and North St. Vrain Creek. It is incredibly scenic but is often overlooked among stunning small towns in Colorado.

Its location near Rocky Mountain National Park has earned it the name of Double Gateway to the Rockies.

On three sides of Lyons, you'll see red sandstone rocks soaring up to the sky, with rock that is impressively 260 million years or so old.

The town is also very focused on historic preservation, and 15 of its sandstone buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. You should visit the Lyons Redstone Museum to learn more about the town's history!

Recreational options in Lyons are diverse. You can go class II-V whitewater kayaking, mountain biking, fly-fishing, climbing, and mountain biking. Regular concerts are also held here, and public art installations are commonplace.

Address: Lyons, CO

14: Snowmass Village

Snowmass Village
Dreamstime/Fang Zheng

Snowmass Village is just about a 15-minute drive from Aspen, yet it feels a world away.

This is another one of the Colorado small towns dedicated to skiing and winter sports, technically a part of the four mountains that make up the Aspen Snowmass.

The Limelight Snowmass is a fantastic place to ski in Snowmass Village. Just over 2,000 people live here permanently, so it's a charming small locale perfect for quaint holidays and relaxed exploration.

In the summer, head to the Elk Mountains to hike and bike.

Address: Snowmass Village, CO

15: Creede

Creede
Dreamstime/Mikekarcher

The incredibly small town of Creede boasts only a population of fewer than 300. Despite its tiny population, the highly historic site is relatively popular among travelers and known as one of the most beautiful small towns in Colorado. 

Originally, Creede was a silver mining town and was quite large, with 10,000 residents before shrinking after the silver boom met its end.

Filmmakers love the location today, as it's highly picturesque and has been used in many shows and movies.

Funnily enough, Creede is also known for being the site of the World's Largest Fork, a roadside attraction measuring 40 feet and made from aluminum.

Address: Creede, CO

Rounding Up

Colorado small towns put their best feet forward in terms of tourism, offering gorgeous, lush forested mountains, crystalline lakes and bodies of water, and a long heritage with a rich history. With unique cultures and great stories to tell, most of these towns have something to offer no matter what season you plan to take your vacation. It's hard to choose between them, but this list of beautiful small towns in Colorado should help you narrow down your choices for a lovely holiday.

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