8 often-overlooked mountain towns you must visit in Colorado
While many tourists headed to Colorado turn their sights toward places like Denver, Vail, and Aspen, some of the best outdoor recreation can be found in lesser-known small towns around the state – often at half the price. Here’s a list of towns that often get overlooked as overnight stays even though a trip to one of these spots can be perfect for an outdoorsy weekend getaway.
8. Rangely, Colorado
If you're into off-roading, Rangely is the spot for you. It's even home to a dedicated rock crawling park that attracts enthusiasts from around the state.
Photo Credit: Town of Rangely
8. Rangely, Colorado (cont.)
Rangely is also a great hub for those planning an adventure to the nearby Dinosaur National Monument. This national monument spans 210,000 acres of canyon country on the boarder of Colorado and Utah.
Photo Credit: John Fielder
7. Grand Lake, Colorado
Grand Lake, Colorado is best known as the less-crowded western portal to Rocky Mountain National Park. The town provides easy access to the park, but also a number of nearby trails.
Editor's Note: Recent wildfire activity has impacted this area. Check with official sources prior to planning a trip as closures and restrictions may be in place.
Photo Credit: inkknife_2000 (11 million views); (Flickr)
7. Grand Lake, Colorado (cont.)
The lake is also a popular draw to the location, which happens to be Colorado's largest natural body of water.
Photo Credit: Stephen Martin
7. Grand Lake, Colorado (cont.)
Home to a number of picturesque mountain town hotels. Grand Lake is a great place to visit regardless of the season. In the winter, this spot turns into snowmobiler heaven.
Whenever you visit, just make sure you don't miss a lakeside sunset.
Photo Credit: Stephen Martin
6. Cañon City, Colorado
Most people know Cañon City for the Royal Gorge Bridge, which is a great attraction, but hardly all that's there.
Photo Credit: CL_Reflections.
6. Cañon City (cont.)
Cañon City is also a popular spot for a number of outdoor recreation activities, including hiking, biking, climbing, and whitewater rafting.
This featured photo was taken along a classic Cañon City route called "Island in the Sky." Cañon City has also added a number of new trails in recent years.
Photo Credit: Jeff Gratzmiller
6. Cañon City, Colorado (cont.)
To get a great view of Cañon City, head to the very narrow, one-way Skyline Drive.
Photo Credit: Simon Morris (Flickr)
6. Cañon City, Colorado (cont.)
Another popular spot in the Cañon City area is Shelf Road. Attracting climbers from across the country, Shelf Road is home to more than 1,000 bolted sport climbing routes.
Photo Credit: Caitlyn Conklin
5. Woodland Park, Colorado
Nestled just outside of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Woodland Park is easy to get to and provides an escape from the nearby city life.
Photo Credit: Ken Lund (Flickr)
5. Woodland Park, Colorado (cont.)
Woodland Park is surrounded by a number of hills and mountains that make this part of the state perfect for many types of outdoor recreation.
Photo Credit: Kathryn Wanders.
5. Woodland Park, Colorado (cont.)
Woodland Park is also a popular spot for off-roading thanks to an extensive trail network found in the area.
Photo Credit: Nick Kohli
4. Frisco, Colorado
While most headed to Summit County seem to turn their eyes toward Breckenridge hotels, the town of Frisco is another spot that shouldn't be overlooked.
Photo Credit: ChrisYunker (Flickr)
4. Frisco, Colorado (cont.)
Conveniently located off of I-70, Frisco is perhaps best to visit during the summer months. It's location on Lake Dillon makes this the perfect place to stay if you're looking to boat or go kayaking.
Photo Credit: Mad Squid Productions.
4. Frisco, Colorado (cont.)
Frisco is also a great place to visit during the fall. Some of the nearby trails provide stunning views of Colorado's changing colors with stunning backdrop.
Photo Credit: milehightraveler (iStock)
3. Ridgway, Colorado
Ridgway is smack dab in the middle of several epic spots like Telluride, Ouray, Silverton, and Montrose. While there's also plenty to explore locally, this town also makes a great adventure hub to reach several other awesome spots within an hour minutes of driving.
Photo Credit: Christian Murdock
3. Ridgway, Colorado (cont.)
Ridgway State Park is another major attraction in the area. It's a popular spot for camping, fishing, and hiking.
Photo Credit: Ken Lund (Flickr)
2. Del Norte, Colorado
Perhaps the smallest town on this list, Del Norte is located in the San Luis Valley.
Photo Credit: Spencer McKee
2. Del Norte, Colorado (cont.)
Del Norte, Colorado is also home to a number of small, local businesses, including Haefeli's Honey Farm.
Photo Credit: Stephen Martin
1. Salida, Colorado
Salida steals the top spot on this list for a number of reasons, including amenities available and the wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities found locally.
Photo Credit: Jeffrey Beall (Flickr).
1. Salida, Colorado (cont.)
Salida is home to a vibrant small town scene, located among numerous mountains, and within driving range of other spots like Cañon City, Buena Vista, and Gunnison.
Photo Credit: Ken Lund (Flickr)
1. Salida, Colorado (cont.)
If you stop by Salida, check out one of the nearby fourteeners, hire a rafting guide, or simply enjoy the local cuisine – I recommend the pizza.
Photo Credit: Ken Lund (Flickr).
BONUS: Kremmling
A small town that's off-the-radar for most, Kremmling is found amid plenty of outdoor recreation. It's close to hot springs, countless multi-use trails, and soon-to-be Colorado's first human-powered ski area, Bluebird Backcountry.
Photo Credit: Justin Wilhelm
BONUS: Ouray, Colorado
Though well-known thanks to the International Ice Climbing Festival that's held there each year, Ouray is missed by many due to its remote location. If you happen to make it to this small town, don't miss the Box Canyon Falls.
Photo Credit: Craig Zebre (iStock)
BONUS: Ouray, Colorado (cont.)
Ouray's frozen slot canyon attracts ice climbers from around the world.
Photo Credit: Markus Van Meter.
BONUS: Silverton, Colorado
If Ouray is being added as a bonus town, Silverton should be added, as well. It's right down the road from Ouray along Red Mountain Pass. This historic mining town is a must visit.
Photo Credit: Spencer McKee
BONUS: Silverton, Colorado (cont.)
ATVs are all the rage in Silverton, Colorado. Use one to explore high-altitude trails around mining country.
Photo Courtesy: Spencer McKee
BONUS: Silverton, Colorado (cont.)
Silverton is especially beautiful to visit during the fall.
Photo Credit: equigini (iStock)
BONUS: Westcliffe, Colorado
The remote town of Westcliffe is known for its panoramic view. It's so far removed from city lights that it's a designated "International Dark Sky Community."
Photo Credit: Christian Murdock, The Gazette.
BONUS: Westcliffe, Colorado (cont.)
Westcliffe is nestled between the Sangre de Cristo mountains and the Wet Mountains, offering plenty of opportunity for outdoor recreation.
Photo Credit: Christian Murdock, The Gazette
5. Woodland Park, Colorado (cont.)
One popular attraction that's close to Woodland Park is Rampart Reservoir. It's a great place for hiking and kayaking.
Photo Credit: Mike Sinko Photography
Editor's Note: While planning a trip to any of these mountain towns, know that some COVID-19 restrictions may be in place and may vary from destination to destination. Check with an official local source prior to planning your trip.
Photo Credit: danicachang (iStock).
2. Del Norte, Colorado (cont.)
Del Norte is a popular spot for mountain biking and hiking, thanks to many trails spread throughout the area. Trail development has been a major goal in recent years, making many of the trails in this area relatively new and well-maintained.
Photo Credit: Stephen Martin
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