7 of the Most Charming Towns in Colorado
Diverse and dynamic, the Western state of Colorado has it all, from sweeping, snow-covered Rocky Mountain peaks to arid deserts filled with blooming wildflowers each spring. While Colorado's geography is breathtaking, its small, charming towns make the state worth visiting as well. Whether you are looking for a destination where you can relax and get away from it all or go on outdoor adventures, you will find it in a small town in Colorado.
Breckenridge
Beautiful Breckenridge is known as a legendary skiing destination, but it makes an ideal vacation spot all year long. Nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains' Tenmile Range, has a rich gold rush history, as well as an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities, ranging from snow skiing to mountain biking. The charming, adventurous town is also home to the Breckenridge National Historic District, which features colorful vintage buildings dating back to the 1880s and 1990s.
Start your visit to this warm, welcoming community by strolling through downtown, taking in the Victorian-era architecture, shopping at unique boutiques and galleries, and sampling local delicacies at eateries and cafes. If you are a skier visiting during the snowy winter months, head over to the Breckenridge Ski Area, where you can practice your sport on the Matterhorn, the area's most popular peak. You can also immerse yourself in Breckenridge history by visiting the Edwin Carter Museum and Park.
Telluride
Situated in Colorado's breathtaking San Juan Mountains, Telluride is a former Victorian gold mining town that's known as a skiing, as well as a golfing, mecca. The charming town is situated in a lush box canyon surrounded by some of the state's most rugged, forested peak, making it a vacation destination like no other. Depending on what season it is, you can go hiking, biking or skiing on the area's 14,000-foot mountain peaks, and check into the Telluride Ski Resort for year-round fun.
You can explore the local wildlife, flora, and fauna along either the Bear Creek Trail or the Jud Wiebe Trail, which provide something for hikers and bikers of all skill levels. The Mountain Village Adventure Activity Center is the ideal place to spend a day with your family, as it offers a bungee trampoline, a ropes course, and a mining sluice where you can hunt for gold. History lovers won't want to miss the Telluride Historical Museum, which is located in a former 1896 miner's hospital.
Durango
Located in Southwestern Colorado near the New Mexico border, the small, charming town of Durango is the ideal destination for anything from a girls' weekend to a week-long family vacation. Durango was once a wild frontier town with a mining background, but today it's a modern town with an abundance of natural beauty, such as sweeping snow-capped mountain views and pristine rivers, Durango is known as the "Hollywood of the Rockies" as it served as a backdrop for more than 30 films, including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
During your stay in Durango, don't miss a dinner and live entertainment at Bar D Chuckwagon, a popular venue offering an authentic chuckwagon supper, along with kids' activities and nightly musical acts. Take a ride on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and has been giving passengers rides into the remote and scenic wilderness for over 140 years.
Steamboat Springs
Set in the majestic Rocky Mountains, quaint Steamboat Springs feels both remote and "in the center of it all" at the same time. The authentic mountain town is surrounded by rustic wilderness, but is also rich with arts, culture, and history. The small town is perfect for both those who seek outdoor adventures or a relaxed retreat on their next vacation. Visitors from all over come to town to experience the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo, Fish Creek Falls, and the Yampa River Botanic Park, which features six acres of gardens, ponds, and sculptures.
Adults can sip their way along the Steamboat Brew Trail, an almost 3-mile path that follows the Yampa River and is dotted with local breweries. Check out Mountain Tap Brewery, Storm Peak Brewery, and Yampa Valley Brewing along the way. If you are visiting during the summer months and are feeling especially adventurous, rent a stand-up paddleboard and use it at the Stagecoach Reservoir.
Silverton
Scenic Silverton is an outdoor lover's paradise, as it gives visitors endless opportunities for backcountry exploration, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, swimming, and camping in the wild Weminuche Wilderness. Situated on the San Juan Skyway, Silverton offers 13,000-foot-tall mountain peak views and a historic downtown with an authentic Western ambiance. No matter what time of year you visit this charming town, you will find an interesting special event, such as the Summertime Outdoor Farmers Markets.
If you are an experienced skier, check out the Silverton Mountain Ski Area in the snowy winter months, as it features a natural skiing terrain with tree runs and rugged slopes. The Kendall Mountain Ski Area has more of a family-friendly setting, with opportunities for sledding, tubing, and snowboarding. If you want to learn about the area's history, stop in at the San Juan County Historical Society.
Pagosa Springs
Another charming town to visit is pretty Pagosa Springs, which is situated in the Southwest region of the state, and is known for its hot springs. Surrounded by the stunning San Juan Mountains and miles of rugged national forest, Pagosa Springs makes an ideal trip destination for those craving a nature-inspired experience. Visitors flock to Pagosa Springs from all over to experience the San Juan River, filled with trout, and the downhill runs and cross-country trails of the Wolf Creek Ski Area.
To relax in the area's mineral-rich natural hot springs, check into a local resort such as the Healing Waters Resort and Spa, or the Springs Resort. The Overlook Hot Springs Spa provides a relaxing setting with majestic mountain and river views. For live entertainment lovers, the Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts offers shows from a professional theater company. Another fun way to enjoy the area is visiting the Riff Raff Brewing Company, a brewpub known for its local craft beer in a Victorian-era building.
Paonia
Last but not least, head to Paonia, one of Colorado's certified Creative Districts, which are designed to attract creative entrepreneurs and artists of all kinds. The quaint town is known for its special events that celebrate local art and culture, such as the Pickin' in the Park free summer concert series, and the Mountain Harvest Festival. The charming mountain town is also home to several venues that present live entertainment, including The Blue Sage, a community-owned performing arts center, and The Paradise Theater.
If you love spending time outdoors, don't miss Paonia State Park, which treats visitors to over 1,500 acres of magestic Ragged Mountain views, wildflowers in the springtime, campsites, a boat ramp, and miles of hiking trails. Paonia is also highly regarded as an agricultural haven, so try out local produce at Orchard Valley Farms, where you can pick your own cherries, peaches, raspberries, and more.
No matter what region of Colorado you find yourself in during your next getaway, there will be no shortage of charming towns in which to spend a few days or even weeks. Whether you desire a relaxing respite from city life or a heart-pumping skiing experience on rugged slopes, you will find it in this Southwestern state. Colorado's small town also offer an abundance of arts and cultural attractions, for those who prefer to stay indoors.
