Enjoying ice cream is the ideal way to cool down and indulge in a sweet treat after a tiring day of playing hard in Colorado’s mountains.

Here are some of the best ice cream shops to stop by in Colorado’s mountain towns after hiking, camping, and more:

1. I Scream Gelato

This gelato shop is located in Breckenridge, and serves up artisanal gelato using ingredients imported from Italy, as well as hot or iced coffee. It’s also conveniently located on the town’s main street.

2. Paradise Bakery & Cafe

Locally owned and operated in Aspen since 1976, this Aspen institution serves gelato, baked goods, and light bites including soups and sandwiches.

3. Beard & Braid

Located in Steamboat Springs, this spot serves up unique, house-made ice cream flavors including earl grey honeycomb and strawberry matcha, as well as affogatos and root beer floats.

4. Mountain High Ice Cream

This ice cream cart is located in Telluride at Elk’s Park. It serves 14 flavors daily, including ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and root beer floats. The cart uses Glacier Ice Cream from Boulder, Colorado.

5. Sundae

This ice cream shop in Vail features a variety of creative ice cream flavors made from scratch. Creations include worms & dirt and the cookie jar.

6. Hayley’s Ice Cream

Estes Park is home to this ice cream shop, which serves milkshakes, fudge and candies, and cookies as well.

7. Third Bowl Homemade Ice Cream

This ice cream shop has locations in Hotchkiss and Grand Junction, and is also found in mountain shops all across southwestern Colorado. Unique seasonal flavors include honey lavender, cinnamon cayenne honey, spicy chocolate praline, and raspberry coconut cake.

8. Louie’s Ice Cream Shop

Found on Main Street in Buena Vista, this ice cream shop features gourmet flavors, an outdoor patio, and a play area for kids.

9. Higgles Ice Cream

With views of the ski area, Higgle Ice Cream is located on Main Street in Breckenridge, and features daily rotating flavors including key lime pie, and the classics like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry.

10. Cream Bean Berry

Made with locally sourced, seasonal, and organic ingredients, customers are in for a treat when they visit this ice cream shop in Durango.

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