One great aspect of living in or visiting Colorado is that finding a completely new and worthwhile experience is often just a town away.

Here’s a quick description of 34 of the many cities and towns worth checking out in the Centennial State:

1. Alamosa: It’s in the middle of nowhere, literally – or at least so it seems at a glance. Alamosa is a small city in the middle of the largest high alpine valley in the world, surrounded by a few small towns, an alligator farm, the UFO Watchtower, and the Great Sand Dunes National Park – plus, there are plenty of stunning mountain trails in the area that can be reached with a short drive.
2. Aspen: A outdoor recreation lover’s paradise… if you’re making well over six figures and can work remotely. Otherwise, plan to visit, but don’t bank on being able to stay too long. But don’t overlook this spot because it’s expensive – a backpacking trip is the perfect way to explore these mountains for a lower cost.
3. Boulder: Close to Denver, but tucked along the mountains, Boulder is one of the state’s wealthiest, most outdoorsy cities, also doubling as a college town. It’s best known for the Flatirons rock formation found just outside the city, but there’s no shortage of other trails in the immediate area.
4. Breckenridge: Typically considered to be more affordable than ski towns like Vail and Aspen, Breck delivers the benefits of a big resort while still appealing to the middle class family. Don’t forget to track down the troll that’s lurking in the nearby woods.
5. Buena Vista: Known for summer festivals, whitewater rafting, and fourteeners, Buena Vista is the perfect weekend getaway for city folk on the Front Range, but most of them have figured that out by now.
6. Cañon City: It’s all in the name – a small city built beside a massive canyon that plays host to rafting, a scenic train, and plenty of local trails (seriously, their local trail systems have grown in a big way in recent years). Don’t skip the nearby rock climbing though – it’s some of the best in the American West.
7. Castle Rock: Smack dab between Denver and Colorado Springs, Castle Rock has been known as a ‘bedroom community’ in the past, mostly serving as a hometown for commuters into Denver. That said, the city continues to grow and add new reasons to visit – Roxborough State Park is nearby and don’t sleep on the Castle Rock Outlets for great shopping deals. It’s also worth noting that Castle Rock was recently dubbed one of the best places to live in the country.
8. Creede: Born in a silver boom and called “the last great place to drink and fight” more than 100 years ago, the Wild West vibes are alive in the very remote town of Creede. Head there in the summer to take the less-trafficked hiking route to the top of 14,014-foot San Luis Peak.
9. Crested Butte: A true Colorado mountain town that’s getting more crowded by the day, Crested Butte is one of the best spots for wildflowers, fall colors, and outdoor recreation in the state. It’s no surprise the secret is out about this mountain enclave.
10. Colorado Springs: A true city on the rise, Colorado Springs continues to grow with no signs of slowing down. Outdoor recreation and nature are ever-present here, but a shift toward city life is slowly starting to take hold. The big perk of visiting Colorado Springs over other major Centennial State metro areas is that a trip to the trailhead means a much shorter drive, whether that’s the Pikes Peak summiting Barr Trail, the Manitou Incline, or the Garden of the Gods.
11. Denver: A mile above sea-level, Denver has the vibes of a Midwest City, but the people of the West Coast. The mountains are close enough to see, but not close enough to walk to.
12. Durango: Though this spot is often-overlooked, anyone who visits will know there’s a reason one of the most iconic American SUVs is named after this southwestern Colorado spot – and there’s a good chance they’ll also say its their favorite spot to visit in the state. Not only does Durango provide access to the stunning San Juan mountain range and all of the outdoor recreation opportunities this terrain has to offer, it’s also home to one of the state’s most affordable ski resorts, a pretty great hot spring resort, and a vibrant dining scene.
13. Estes Park: Picturesque Colorado at its finest, most people know Estes Park as being home to the main entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, but it offers so much more than that. Local trails provide the chance to see all of the stunning scenery here year-round and the iconic Stanley Hotel can’t be missed.
14. Fort Collins: Perhaps the brewery capital of the United States, this college town-meets-outdoor recreation hub is a can’t-miss in northern Colorado. From the charming Old Town district to Horsetooth Reservoir, this spot is one of the ‘most coveted’ places to live in the country for good reason. 
15. Georgetown: A lot of people simply pass through Georgetown, but they’re missing out. This spot is steeped in mining history and found right on I-70, home to a scenic train ride and plenty of great restaurants and shops complete with a vibrant Wild West vibe. And don’t forget about those vehicles racing around on a frozen Georgetown Lake during the winter months – a classic Colorado activity that’s sure to shock and awe.
16. Glenwood Springs: While most people tend to stop through Glenwood Springs either on their way farther west down I-70 or as a pitstop during a winter ski trip to Aspen, this spot is worth a weekend stay in itself. The charm of Glenwood Springs is alluded to in its name – and the hot springs here can’t be skipped, both those that are commercialized and those you might have to do a bit of digging to find. And don’t forget about Sunlight Mountain Ski Resort – the perfect spot for a family weekend spent on the slopes. 
17. Golden: Ask any Denverite that’s into outdoorsy things where they’d rather be living in the Mile High City metro area and there’s a good chance they’ll say Golden. Instead of making the 30 minute drive from the city to find mountainous trails and dealing with all that city traffic, everything an outdoorsperson could want is right here – though it does come at a higher cost of living. Pop by for summer tubing and top off the trip by stopping at a couple of the restaurants and bars on the main city blocks… oh – and COORS!
18. Grand Junction: About as far west as you can get in Colorado, stepping into Grand Junction feels like stepping into another state entirely. Leave the towering green peaks behind and explore the red rocks that helped to earn Colorado its name at places like Colorado National Monument.
19. Grand Lake: Home to the ‘other side’ of Rocky Mountain National Park, expect fewer crowds and all of the mountains you’re hoping for in Grand Lake. With great opportunities for water recreation in the summer, snowmobiling in the winter, and moose sightings year-round, this is true Colorado.
20. Greeley: Greeley might be known for the many cows that call the area home, but it’s also home to a vibrant music and arts scene. Don’t sleep on Greeley.
21. Leadville: It’s the highest incorporated city in the United States – what’s not to love. With plenty of Wild West vibes to go around, numerous massive mountains in the backdrop, and an annual event where horses pull skiers through Main Street blocks, a trip here won’t be soon forgotten. And don’t forget about booking a reservation at Melanzana long before your trip to purchase one (or two) of the most sought after pieces of outdoor recreation gear around.
22. Morrison: Catch a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre or simply plan a hike in the local area. There are plenty of scenic drives to track down in this part of the state and the local dive bar scene is top-notch.
23. Ouray: Often referred to as the ‘Switzerland of America’ for good reason, Ouray has no shortage of jagged mountain peaks and waterfalls to explore. Take advantage of the free via ferrata routes in the summer and pop by the Ouray Ice Park to see climbers scaling massive walls of ice in a narrow slot canyon in the winter.
24. Palisade: Found in western Colorado, Palisade is known for its peaches and wineries for good reason. Plus, its location far from Denver means it’s often overlooked by tourists. Looking for a relaxing Colorado getaway? This is it.
25. Pagosa Springs: This southwestern Colorado town is quite remote, known for its hot springs. It also offers access to Wolf Creek Ski Area, one of the snowiest ski spots in the state.
26. Pueblo: Why Pueblo gets such a bad rap is beyond me. Those looking for a summer boating experience should not overlook this spot, home to the Pueblo Reservoir. Rent a boat for the day with some friends and you’re sure to have a blast – and don’t leave without trying a ‘slopper.’
27. Rangely: Rangely might get overlooked, but this northwestern Colorado town is home to the state’s only off-road-designated natural rock crawling park and that park spans over 500 acres of terrain. Not to mention, Rangely is also home to one of the country’s most unique music venues – and it comes in the form of a massive 65-foot-tall tank.
28. Silverton: As wild as it gets in Colorado, this tiny town of a few hundred people is so remote that it can occasionally get cut-off completely by bad winter weather. Not only is this tiny town surrounded by stunning peaks, it’s also home to some of the best off-roading around.
29. Steamboat Springs: A great spot for river tubing, catching a rodeo, or hitting the trail in the summer, come winter, it’s all about Steamboat’s trademarked ‘champagne powder’ on the slopes. While Steamboat is technically a city, the mountain town vibes hold true. Don’t forget to check out the hot springs.
30. Telluride: Perhaps the most beautiful place in the state of Colorado – and I don’t say that lightly – Telluride is found where the pavement ends in a narrow box canyon. It’s home to some of the best skiing in the state, some of the finest fall colors you’ll ever see, and hosts plenty of festivals that keep the crowds coming back. Once a spot few travelers were aware of, this town has been exploding in popularity since the turn of the century.
31. Trinidad: As far south as you can go in Colorado, Trinidad is another spot that tends to get overlooked by tourists visiting the state. That being said, officials are hopeful that the recently-opened 19,000-plus acre Fishers Peak State Park changes that.
32. Vail: Before you go and say Vail is ‘too commercialized,’ give it a fair shot, especially with a trip during the summer. Vail got so popular among mountain lovers for a good reason.
33. Westcliffe: Find this tiny town amid some of the state’s most beautiful peaks – the Sangre de Cristo range. Several 14ers can be accessed from this area and for whatever reason, it’s never too crowded.
34. Winter Park: Winter Park has all of the amenities that Colorado’s more internationally-known ski towns do at a lower cost and without the massive crowds. World-class slopes provide skiing in the summer and some of the state’s best lift-serviced downhill mountain biking trails in the summer. Plus, the town itself is home to numerous restaurants and bars that are worth checking out.

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