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Amongst the vast mountains, extraordinary geological formations, and gorgeous glacial runoff lakes and streams, the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains outshines the mountain destinations that sit, literally, in their shadows. From the nine national parks in the region, highlights of which include Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park, to the approximately fifteen state parks, including Rifle Falls State Park and Eldorado Canyon State Park, this region is visited primarily by tourists looking to explore sites outside of the town in which they spend the night. But, when you explore the towns of this beautiful local, as we have done here, you will discover that some of the most unique and charming communities in all of the United States are found here.

Glenwood Springs, Home to Yampah, or ‘Big Medicine’ Hot Springs

As indicated by its name, Glenwood Springs, Colorado, is settled amongst the natural hot springs known by the Utes people as Yampah, or ‘Big Medicine.’ Glenwood Springs is home to the biggest hot spring-fed/mineral-water pool in the º£½ÇÉçÇø and is accessed through the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort. The largest pool is 405 feet long and 100 feet across, but there are also multiple smaller pools and a kiddie pool. Beyond the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort pools, there are many other ways to experience the local hot springs. Other popular hot springs access points include South Canyon Hot Springs, Iron Mountain Hot Springs, and Glenwood Hot Springs Pool. For those looking for a less developed hot spring experience, the South Canyon Hot Springs will be just what you want.

Leadville, the highest Elevation of a Town in North America

At an elevation of 10,152 feet above sea level, Leadville, Colorado, is the highest incorporated city in North America and sits beside Mount Elbert, which is the tallest mountain in the American Rockies at 14,433 feet above sea level. In and around town, you will want to explore some of the historical sites, including Dexter Cabin, now serving as the Healy House Museum, Leadville City Hall, and the Tabor Home, where you can learn about the scandalous marriage of Horace and Augusta Tabor. For those looking for a challenge and a unique experience, one of the most strenuous parts of the Leadville Trail 100 is just a 50-minute drive from Leadville. The Hope Pass Climb has a change in elevation of 4,500, making it one of the few hikes in all of the United States that brings hikers above the tree line.

San Luis, Oldest Town in the Rocky Mountains

Surrounded by Sangre de Cristo Mountain to the east and San Juan Mountain to the west, San Luis is the oldest town in the American Rockies. Sitting in the San Luis Valley, the community of San Luis was founded on April 5, 1851. The land on which San Luis was built has a storied past, as it was first part of the Spanish territory of New Mexico, then part of Mexico, and then became part of the United States. This Spanish and Mexican heritage can still be felt in San Luis, from its architecture to its local culture, celebrating events like the Fiesta de Santiago y Santa Ana in the summer and the multi-day Manito Christmas celebration in the winter.

Aspen, the Most Popular Ski Town in the Rocky Mountains

Every winter, alpine sport enthusiasts º£½ÇÉçÇøwide descend on Aspen, Colorado. Best known as the most popular ski destination in its region, Aspen is the access point to over 5,500 acres of skiable terrain. There are three skiing areas around Aspen: Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk Mountain, and Aspen Highlands, while Snowmass is located about fifteen minutes west of Aspen. Multiple shuttles run from Aspen to Snowmass daily during the peak winter ski season, as many tourists prefer to stay at accommodations in Aspen. Some fantastic ski-in-ski-out accommodations are in town, including The Inn at Aspen, Aspen Meadows Resort, and The Ritz-Carlton Club.

Crested Butte, Wildflower Capital of Colorado

Often called the ‘Wildflower Capital of Colorado,’ Crested Butte is in Gunnison County, Colorado. Sitting in the shadow of the Elk Mountain Range of the American Rocky Mountains, Crested Butte is unique in its tourist draw. Most local mountain destinations see the tourist population spike during the winter months far more than during the summer due to the excellent alpine sports facilities in the region. However, Crested Butte has tourists visiting primarily in the spring and summer. During the warmer months of the year, tourists venture along the sometimes tricky hiking trails near Crested Butte, including Snodgrass Mountain Trail, Judd Falls Trail, and Green Lake Trail, each of which takes hikers through gorgeous wildflower fields unique to this part of the Rockies.

Victor, the Last Active Gold Mine in the Rocky Mountains

Once known as the ‘City of Gold Mines,’ Victor, Colorado, is home to the last active gold mine in the Rocky Mountains. The Cripple Creek and Victor Gold Mine, which used to be called Cresson Mine. The mine produces approximately 300,000 troy ounces of gold annually. Today, Victor has a population of just under 400 residents, although at the peak of the Victor Gold Rush, the population of Victor was much higher. Founded in 1891, a year or so after Winfield Scott Stratton discovered gold nearby, at the height of the Victor Gold Rush, there were over 500 working gold mines. Today, the Victor is the perfect place to explore an authentic gold rush community, with little having been changed in the past century or so. 

Durango, Popular Movie Set Location

Called ‘The Hollywood of the Rockies,’ Durango, Colorado, is one of the larger destinations in the American Rockies. Over its century of existence, Durango has been used as a movie set in approximately 35 films, the first, The Limited Mall, filmed in 1925. Some of the more popular films shot in Durango include The Lone Ranger shot in 2012, National Lampoon’s Vacation shot in 1983, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid shot in 1969. In Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, the famous train explosion scene was shot along the local Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad line. There is also an annual film festival every year in Durango, where this community’s film legacy continues.  

Banff, Highest Elevation of a Community in the Canadian Rocky Mountains

The lovely settlement of Banff is found in the Canadian province of Alberta. Situated in the Canadian Rockies, Banff is the closest, easily accessible destination to the spectacular and unforgettable Lake Louise. Named after Banffshire, Scotland, Banff has the highest elevation belonging to a permanent community in all of Canada. In town, there are some fantastic and unique experiences, such as taking the gondola up to Sulphur Mountain’s summit. At the lookout point, you can see six mountain ranges simultaneously. For those looking for an adventure, a visit to Golden Skybridge is a must. The drive takes about an hour and a half to the west of Banff. However, the activities, including a zipline, alpine rollercoaster, ropes course, and canyon swing, make it well worth the drive. 

The Take Home

From spring wildflowers to Spanish and Mexican culture in the Rockies, all the way to some of the best skiing in the United States, this region is awash with unique communities to visit all year round. So, for those who are looking to visit, make sure to explore not only the natural beauty of this mountain range but also the culture, history, and fascinating geology that make so many Rocky Mountains towns such unique places to visit.