Colorado’s Most Spectacular Mountain Towns

Last Updated on February 29, 2024 by foxintheforest

If there’s one thing that makes the Rocky Mountain State so unique it’s an impressive lineup of the best mountain towns in Colorado. There are literally countless amazing small towns nestled in the mighty mountain ranges throughout the state.

These popular destinations feature amazing mountain scenery and are absolutely bursting with local businesses. With so many different activities and scenes, it’s easy to find the best Colorado summer towns to suit your adventure needs.

Every year, people flock from all over the world to experience the best mountain towns in Colorado. From lively downtowns to stunning cabins nestled deep in the wilderness, there’s a lot to get excited about when it comes to exploring these slices of mountain paradise.

Oftentimes, even the biggest adventures require you to set up a base in a quaint mountain town. Colorado hosts a variety of different flavors when it comes to mountain escapes. There are the bigger, established bases and the tiny one-street towns that force you to slow down and enjoy mountain life.

I’ve spent the last 13 years traveling all across Colorado. This place is my home and I love to explore here. It’s my mission to pass on my wealth of knowledge to you. So if you’re looking to explore the best mountain towns in Colorado like a local, not a tourist, then you’ve come to the right place.

About this Guide to the Best Mountain Towns in Colorado

Visiting Colorado mountain towns requires local insight to make your stay truly special. That’s why I created this mega-extensive guide to the best mountain towns in Colorado. Inside, you’ll find:

  • A list of amazing mountain towns in Colorado
  • The best mountain towns near Denver
  • Local tips and tricks about what to see, where to eat, and where to stay in each location
  • Additional Colorado travel planning resources

PS. This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a booking, I get a small kickback. This gives me a paycheck while you get badass, free recommendations for the best Colorado mountain towns. It’s a win-win. You can learn more about my privacy policy here.

The Best Mountain Towns in Colorado – Summer

Colorado has countless little towns and villages situated snuggly in the Rockies. When it comes to uncovering the best mountain towns in Colorado, you’ll have to visit these top hits.

1. Crested Butte

Best Colorado Mountain Town

Crested Butte is just so cute! It certainly makes the list of the best mountain towns in Colorado thanks to it’s incredible charm nestled in a stunning setting. The quaint main street is filled with restaurants and shops – stop by The Alpineer for any gear needs and Chopwood Mercantile for fun clothes and outdoor lifestyle products. 

Then hit one of the many miles of trails in the area for a bike or a hike. The trail through aspen groves from Caves to Lookout Point is an especially incredible fall hike in Colorado.

  • Where to eat: The porch at The Last Steep is the perfect place to chill for a pint and a meal (try the curry shrimp & coconut salad!).
  • Where to drink: Montanya Distillers serves up delicious cocktails while the Dogwood Cocktail Bar offers up fancy fare with delicious beverages.
  • Where to stay: Kebler Pass and Hartman Rocks Recreation Area are prime spots for finding awesome free campsites. If you’d rather stay right in town, Purple Mountain is a B&B full of mountain town charm.

2. Salida

As one of the best mountain towns in Colorado to live in, Salida is a happening place. With unbelievable views of the Sawatch Range and easy access to the Arkansas River, you’ll be spoiled for activities when visiting this Colorado hidden gem.

Hiking, biking, and river activities are just a few of the adventures on the menu. What makes Salida stand out is its higher-end town with plenty of ways to kick back and relax in the mountains. At only 2.5 hours from the Mile High City, it’s a great weekend trip from Denver.

  • Where to drink: The Biker and the Baker serves up a mean breakfast, deserts, and wines. If you’re looking for a brew, then Benson’s Tavern and Beer Garden is the perfect place for you.
  • Where to stay: Salida East Campground and Boatramp is perfect for water enthusiasts who want to stay right near town, while plenty of dispersed camping exists west of Highway 285. For lodging check out the Silver Ridge Lodge where every place has a patio with mountain views.

3. Vail

Maybe the most famous mountain town in Colorado, Vail is located in the Rocky Mountains about two hours west of Denver (if you’re lucky enough not to hit the notorious traffic on I-70). Vail is a mecca for skiing, but you’ll find plenty of things to do in Vail in the summer as well.

You can hit the trail on the best Vail hikes, backpack to Gore Lake, bike the ski hills, or take a scenic gondola ride.

  • Where to eat: The Slope Room at Gravity Haus is a contemporary mountain lodge featuring modern takes on local meat and produce.
  • Where to drink: Root and Flower has a fun atomosphere while Bob’s Places is perfect for a brew and some bar food.
  • Where to stay: Most accommodations in Vail are super pricey, but the Cohabit in Avon is cute and affordable.

4. Telluride

Telluride is a picture-perfect mountain town in southwestern Colorado with a jaw-dropping backdrop of the San Juan Mountains. The skiing is world-class, but there’s so much more to Telluride. One of the best hikes in Telluride is Bridal Veil Falls, which starts right from the end of town.

And for a unique adventure, don’t miss the Telluride Via Ferrata, where you can traverse along rock faces using iron rungs and cables. Trust me, it’s a truly awesome experience!

  • Where to eat: If you’re in the mood for margaritas, head to Esperanza’s Tequila Restaurant or check out Smuggler-Union Brewery for delicious burgers and beer.
  • Where to drink: Telluride Brewing Co features mountain vistas and local brews while the Telluride Distilling Company makes in-house whisky.
  • Where to stay: You can find tons of dispersed camping off of the dirt roads near Telluride, or head to nearby Ridgway for more budget-friendly options.
telluride hikes

5. Leadville

Leadville will take your breath away, and not just because it’s the highest incorporated city in the US at an elevation of 10,152 feet. Just under two hours from Denver, Leadville is right near Mount Elbert and Mount Massive, the two highest peaks in Colorado and a couple of the best 14ers near Denver.

This mountain town also is home to tons of excellent mountain biking trails. You can also discover some Colorado history at Camp Hale, where the 10th Mountain Division used to train, and enjoy some of the best things to do in Leadville.

  • Where to eat: Treeline Kitchen is a real treat after you’ve been playing outside. Both the contemporary American meals and the creative cocktails will hit the spot, and the atmosphere is just the right amount of classy for a mountain town.
  • Where to drink: Treeline Kitchen is the place to go for a great cocktail and fun bartenders.
  • Where to stay: Leadville has some of the best free camping in Colorado at Half Moon Road, Twin Lakes, and Turquoise Lake. If you want a real bed, rest your head in a cabin named after Leadville’s “women of the night” at the Slumberyard at Freight.

6. Ouray

Located along the Million Dollar Highway, Ouray is a must-visit Colorado mountain town in any season. In the summer, you can take an incredible hike to Ice Lake, backpack sections of the Colorado Trail, or hike in Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

Colorado Lake is also home to some of the most beautiful wildflower hikes in Colorado like the hike to Island Lake. If you’re into off-roading, you’ll find some sick 4×4 roads to get rowdy on in Ouray.

In the winter, Ouray transforms into the epicenter of the ice climbing world. Climbers with ice tools and crampons flock to the Ouray Ice Park for some frozen fun, and the pros join in at the annual Ice Climbing Festival. If you’re intrigued by ice climbing, you can join in the fun with a guided trip to the ice park. With so many things to do in Ouray year-round, you’ve got to visit this classic mountain town.

  • Where to eat: Ouray Brewery has a menu of hearty fare to go along with their great beer. And for a memorable experience, pay a visit to Mr. Grumpy Pants Brewing.
  • Where to drink: Red Mountain Brewing features local beer while Full Tilt Saloon is the western mountain town bar you’ve been looking for.
  • Where to stay: The Ouray Inn is a cool, quirky little spot to sleep in comfort. You can also find free dispersed camping on one of the nearby National Forest Service roads.

7. Glenwood Springs

There are a lot of awesome activities in Glenwood Springs to get stoked about. The main attraction in the Colorado mountain town of Glenwood Springs is Hanging Lake. The hike to this incredible lake has become so popular that permits are now required, but it’s totally worth the hassle to see Hanging Lake at least once. In fact, this incredible destination should be on every Colorado road trip itinerary.

The other highlight of Glenwood Springs is that it is home to several Colorado hot springs. Glenwood Hot Springs is family-friendly, while Iron Mountain, right on the Colorado River, has a good vibe and a more relaxing ambiance. This makes Glenwood Springs one of the best mountain towns in Colorado if you’re looking for unique things to see and do.

  • Where to eat: Scarf down some tasty snacks of tacos and hot dogs at Slope & Hatch or indulge a little at The Pullman.
  • Where to drink: Glenwood Springs Brew Garden features great drinks with a solid atmosphere while Slope + Hatch is perfect for your taco and beer fix.
  • Where to stay: The Rio Grande Bed & Breakfast hosts several properties, so you can choose between a loft downtown, a cozy cabin, or a cottage on Red Barn Ranch.

8. Keystone

Believe it or not, Keystone is a favorite Colorado mountain town among locals since it is home to epic skiing (for all types of skiers) and wicked awesome summer activities.

So, if you decide to spend some time in this tiny resort town, you’ll have no problem finding a place to stay since you can easily book a room at Keystone Resort and enjoy a bit of family ski fun.

Alternatively, if you love a good black diamond run then you’ll adore the challenging terrain at Arapahoe Basin before trying some cross-country skiing or snow tubing.

Whatever you do, though, don’t forget to visit Keystone Lake since you can ice skate here in the winter and paddleboard/canoe here in the summer.

If you want, you can even do a bit of mountain biking at Keystone Bike Park before hitting the trails and doing a bit of moose watching since the area is full of them.

  • Where to eat: Ski Tip Lodge, Keystone Ranch, Big Horn Bistro and Bar.
  • Where to drink: Last Lift Bar, Kickapoo Tavern, and Goat Soup and Whiskey Tavern.
  • Where to stay: Keystone Lodge and Spa, Hyatt Place Keystone, and One Ski Hill Place.

9. Buena Vista

If you’re looking for one of the best Colorado summer towns for adventure, look no further than Buena Vista (pronounced “Bewna Vista”)! The variety of outdoor activities put this mountain town at the top of the list of best weekend getaways in Colorado.

Whether you want to summit a 14er in the Sawatch Range, shred the gnar on some single track, hike to an alpine lake, or raft Browns Canyon, you won’t run out of things to do in Buena Vista.

  • Where to eat: Eddyline, a local brewery, has both a taproom and a restaurant in Buena Vista, serving awesome burgers, BBQ, and pizza along with their brews.
  • Where to drink: Deerhammer Distilling Company features local liquors.
  • Where to stay: There’s so much free camping around here, believe me, you can definitely find a nice spot to pitch your tent. Check out Cottonwood Pass, Chaffee County Road 390, and Browns Creek for some of the options after doing the best hikes in Buena Vista.

10. Aspen

Beautiful Colorado Alpine towns

If you’re looking for a posh mountain experience, look no further than Aspen, Colorado. As one of the best mountain towns in Colorado for the luxury-inclined, Aspen is the place to be seen.

Fancy designer boutiques and incredible dining options aside, Aspen is pretty darn beautiful too. Maroon Bells hikes put this town on the map as one of the most scenic places in Colorado. Head out for a sunrise hike on the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail to catch all of the highlights.

Local Tip: In 2021 reservations are required to visit the Maroon Bells Scenic Area. You can opt to make a reservation for a personal vehicle ($10) or take the bus ($16) if you’re visiting between 8 am and 5 pm.

  • Where to eat: Francesca’s Past Market and Empanadas features homemade pastas and empanadas to satisfy those post-hike carb cravings.
  • Where to drink: The Silver City Mountain Saloon brings Aspen nights to life and Hooch Craft Cocktails whips up amazingly unique beverages.
  • Where to stay: Silverbell and Difficult Campgrounds provide an option to pitch a tent right near Aspen. But if you want to up the luxury, check out the Limelight Hotel Aspen or the Little Nell.

11. Steamboat Springs

Located in North Colorado’s Yampa Valley, Steamboat Springs is one of the best mountain towns in Colorado if you want to relax, ski, or enjoy the great outdoors all summer long.

So, be sure to do some world-class skiing at Steamboat Ski Resort or the Howelsen Ski Area before coming back later in the year to do an amazing hike to Fish Creek Falls.

Afterward, you can do a bit of fly fishing in the Yampa River before visiting local cultural institutions like the Tread of Pioneers Museum, the Steamboat Art Museum, and the Steamboat Symphony Orchestra.

  • Where to eat: Mazolla’s Italian Restaurant, Sauvage Restaurant, and Laundry.
  • Where to drink: Storm Peak Brewing Company, Mountain Top Brewery, T Bar at Steamboat, and Double Diamonds Bar.
  • Where to stay: Steamboat Grand, Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas, Falconhead Lodge North by Moving Mountains.

12. Silverton

The tiny town of Silverton packs a real punch. Located along the famous Million Dollar Highway (one of the most beautiful drives in Colorado) this small mining town holds on to its immense charm making it one of the best mountain towns in Colorado.

Silverton features some of the best things to do in Colorado. What isn’t to love about being able to ride side by sides and snowmobiles down Mainstreet? As a great jumping-off point for exciting adventures such as the Alpine Loop, San Juan Scenic Byway, and the Colorado Trail. This gorgeous town is a must-see.

  • Where to Eat: Thee Pitts Again has mouth-water BBQ while Kendall Mountain Cafe serves up your American classics.
  • Where to drink: Avalanche brewing delivers deliciously refreshing beer.
  • Where to Stay: Molas Pass Campground, Dispersed camping along virtually any forest road, or book a cute room at the Villa Dallavalle Inn

13. Durango

Durango is one of those magical Colorado Mountain towns that is hidden away in the Southwestern part of the state, right near the New Mexico border.

It is a place that is known for the iconic, Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway, which features an old steam train from the 19th century that can take you on a scenic trip from Durango to Silverton.

In fact, the history of this old mining town is so closely tied to the railroad that you can learn all about it at the Railroad Museum before enjoying tons of interactive exhibits at the Powerhouse Science Center.

Afterward, enjoy a day trip to Mesa Verde National Park before exploring the San Juan National Forest and checking out the Animas River Trail too.

  • Where to Eat: Lone Spur Cafe, Chimayo Stone Fired Kitchen, Eolus Bar and Dining, Ore House, and Primi Pasta and Wine Bar.
  • Where to drink: El Moro Spirits and Tavern, Ska Brewing Co., Steamworks Brewing Company, Animas Brewing Company, and Anarchy Brewing Company.
  • Where to Stay: Strater Hotel, The Rochester Hotel, Homewood Suites By Hilton Durango, and Blue Lake Ranch.

14. Gunnison

Known for its awesome cliffs and rugged canyons, Gunnison is one of the best mountain towns in Colorado if you want to get away from the crowds and experience the awesome beauty of nature at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

In fact, this park is home to a steep canyon that has the Gunnison River running through it, making it an ideal spot for a bit of white water rafting and kayaking.

However, because of the town’s location deep within the Rocky Mountains, visitors can also stop by the Curecanti National Recreation Area and see the Blue Mesa Reservoir.

  • Where to Eat: Ol’ Miner Steakhouse, Anejo Bistro and Bar, and Blackstock Bistro.
  • Where to drink: The Dive Gunnison, High Alpine Brewing Company, and Sportsman’s Liquor,
  • Where to Stay: Gateway Canyons Resort and Spa, Eleven Taylor River Lodge, and Eleven Scarp Ridge Lodge.

Best Mountain Towns Near Denver

Some of the most incredible mountain towns in Colorado happen to be located right near Denver. If you’re looking for a quick getaway from Denver, then you’ll want to check out some of these beautiful mountain towns less than two hours from the Mile High City.

15. Breckenridge

A great weekend getaway from Denver, Breckenridge is an epic place to visit for all kinds of outdoor adventures. In the winter, you’ll find incredible skiing and snowboarding, and the list of things to do in Breckenridge in the summer is long.

Hit the trails for one of the amazing hikes in Breckenridge, such as Mayflower Gulch for one of the most spectacular Colorado wildflower hikes or Mount Quandary to summit a 14er. And be sure to visit the Breckenridge troll at the end of the Trollstigen Trail before you leave town!

  • Where to eat: The porch at Motherload Tavern is a local favorite for yummy comfort food in a festive atmosphere.
  • Where to drink: The Breckenridge Taphouse is an absolute classice while Broken Compass Brewing is a hot new brewery in town.
  • Where to stay: Splurge on a stay at Gravity Haus and you can enjoy a Japanese bath house with soaking tubs and a sauna.
    Drive time from Denver: 1 hr 45 mins

16. Estes Park

Known as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is definitely one of the best mountain towns near Denver. Brave the crowds and check out some of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, including Emerald Lake, Sky Pond, and, if you’re more experienced and looking for an epic challenge, Longs Peak.

You can also check out some of the easier hikes in Estes Park, such as Lily Lake, which is especially lovely when the aspens turn gold in the fall.

  • Where to eat: Bird & Jim serves “modern mountain” cuisine with intriguing cocktails and an extensive wine list, but the atmosphere is welcoming so you won’t feel underdressed in your best Patagucci.
  • Where to drink: Rock Cut Brewing has excellent beers. The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern features plenty of drinks and live music.
  • Where to stay: The best place to stay in Estes Park is camping in RMNP, but you have to get lucky to get a reservation. If you don’t mind ghosts, you could stay at the Stanley Hotel, the infamous inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining.
  • Drive time from Denver: 1 hr 25 mins

17. Nederland

While it’s an easy day trip from Denver, you could easily spend a long weekend exploring around Nederland. This mountain town just north of Boulder is home to Eldora Mountain if you want to try some Nederland hikes and Eldora Nordic Center, so you can get your skiing fix.

Hessie Trailhead is the start to a lot of the excellent hikes near Denver in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. But Nederland might be most famous for Frozen Dead Guy Days, a weird winter festival with strange events like coffin racing and ice turkey bowling.

  • Where to eat: Pizza always hits the spot after an outdoor adventure, and Crosscut Pizzeria is the place to be après ski or hike or bike for piping hot wood-fired pies.
  • Where to drink: The Caribou Room has live music and the Very Nice Brewing Company lives up to its namesake.
  • Where to stay: The historic Goldminer Hotel will transport you back to the 1890s – and there are rumors that it might be haunted with spirits from that era!
  • Drive time from Denver: 1 hour

18. Granby

Colorado Mountain Towns

Granby is the place to go if you want to splash around on the water in one of the best mountain towns near Denver. Lake Granby is a massive lake on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park where you can boat, fish, or just hang out by the water.

You can also go for a hike from Monarch Lake Trailhead which takes you to the gorgeous Lone Eagle Peak. In winter, you can ski at nearby Winter Park as well.

  • Where to eat: Grab coffee and breakfast at Java Lava Lounge, and dine on the outdoor patio at Granby Garage for drinks and dinner, which comes with a complimentary basket of tasty homemade Doritos.
  • Where to drink: Never Summer Brewing offers up refreshing microbrews while the Hideaway Park Brewery features an excellent patio.
  • Where to stay: Base Camp One is a splurge-worthy resort, or you can save some money at Lone Eagle Lodge or the Canyon Hotel. Sunrise Point, Arapaho Bay, and Big Rock are a few of the paid campgrounds nearby.
  • Drive time from Denver: 1 hour 50 mins

19. Idaho Springs

For the mountain town experience super close to the city, make the just over half an hour drive from Denver to Idaho Springs. From here you can explore Clear Creek, either by rafting down the river or climbing the rock walls of the canyon.

You can also take one of Colorado’s best scenic drives, aka the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, to the top of Mt Blue Sky (formerly Mt Evans), one of the easiest 14ers to summit.

  • Where to eat: Beau Jo’s is a classic in Idaho Springs for its Colorado-style pizza, and Tommyknocker Brewery serves local beer and pub grub.
  • Where to drink: Westbound and Down offers a fun atmostphere and delicious local beer.
  • Where to stay: The Bearadise Motel is an adorable and affordable old-school inn that is also pet-friendly.
  • Drive time from Denver: 40 mins

20. Georgetown

Georgetown is a former mining town at the base of Guanella Pass. The byway to the top of the pass is one of the best scenic drives near Denver as you head through aspen groves and alpine terrain and take in amazing views of Mount Bierstadt.

Guanella Pass is also one of the very best places to see the fall colors in Colorado, but that makes it incredibly crowded during leaf-peeping season. If you want to check out the fall foliage, try to go during the week or expect to wait in some serious traffic.

  • Where to eat: Cabin Creek Brewing has exactly what you want after a day of playing in the mountains – delicious hearty food (they have two kinds of loaded tots!), draft cocktails, and beer flights.
  • Where to drink: Guenella Pass Brewing is the best local watering hole.
  • Where to stay: There is lots of camping available near Georgetown, both dispersed and developed paid campgrounds. But be aware that there are new no-camping restrictions on Silver Dollar Lake Road due to an overload of visitors. Wherever you camp, always be sure to Leave No Trace!
  • Drive time from Denver: 1 hour

21. Frisco

Located right near Breckenridge, Frisco is one of the best mountain towns in Colorado which sits about an hour and a half away from Denver.

Therefore, during your visit, you can escape the chaos of the city and get back to the tranquility of nature with a visit to Lake Dillon.

After all, this vibrant body of water has an amazing, 19-mile-long, paved, loop walkway that will take you all around the perimeter of the lake.

Afterward, stop at Frisco Bay Marina for a picnic before coming back later in the year to do a bit of snow tubing at Frisco Adventure Park.

Whatever you do though, don’t miss BrewSki in March. It’s a super cool event that is basically a giant beer festival but with skis.

  • Where to eat: The Uptown on Main, 5th Avenue Grille, The Lost Cajun, and Vinny’s Euro American Cuisine.
  • Where to drink: Rare Books Bar, Bottled in Bond Cocktail Parlour, Cork and Growler, and Union Beer Brewing Co.
  • Where to stay: Frisco Lodge, The Pad, and Four Seasons Resort and Residence.
  • Drive time from Denver: 1.5 hours

What is the best mountain town near Denver?

The best mountain towns near Denver include:

  • Georgetown
  • Golden
  • Estes Park
  • Breckenridge
  • Evergreen
  • Morrison
  • Nederland
  • Frisco

What is the prettiest Mountain Town in Colorado?

There are a lot of incredible mountain towns in Colorado and nearly all of them are stunning. However if you’re looking for the prettiest mountain town in Colorado, you’ll certainly want to scope out these amazing gems:

  • Ouray, Colorado
  • Telluride, Colorado
  • Crested Butte, Colorado
  • Frisco, Colorado
  • Aspen Colorado

What are the Best Colorado Mountain Towns to Visit in the Fall?

The best Colorado mountains towns to visit in the fall are:

  • Idaho Springs
  • Telluride, Ouray, Silverton
  • Vail
  • Aspen
  • Crested Butte
  • Estes Park
  • Georgetown
  • Buena Vista
  • Durango
  • Steamboat Springs

What are the Best Colorado Mountain Towns to Visit in the Winter?

The best Colorado mountain towns to visit in the winter, which can extend into March in Colorado, are:

  • Telluride
  • Aspen
  • Vail
  • Breckenridge
  • Keystone
  • Steamboat Springs
  • Crested Butte
  • Winter Park

What are the Best Colorado Mountain Towns to Visit in the Summer?

The best Colorado mountains towns to visit in the summer are:

  • Gunnison
  • Frisco, Breckenridge, and Dillion (all one area)
  • Telluride, Ouray and Silverton
  • Vail
  • Aspen
  • Crested butte
  • Salida
  • Buena Vista
  • Nederland
  • Idaho Springs
  • Leadville
  • Estes Park
  • Granby
  • Georgetown

Map of the Amazing Colorado Mountain Towns

Looking for amazing Colorado mountain towns? Here’s a map of the state to get oriented.

map of mountain towns in colorado
Check out the interactive map of mountain towns in Colorado here.

What is the Best Mountain Town in Colorado to Live In?

Living in one of the best mountain towns in Colorado is a lot different than visiting. There are several factors to consider, such as how close you are to amenities, tourist traffic, and access to suitable work. Not to mention property prices in Colorado mountain towns have skyrocketed. A few towns that bring you the best of the mountains without being too isolated include:

  • Ridgeway, Colorado
  • Dillion, Frisco, or Silverthorne
  • Idaho Springs
  • Steamboat Springs

Which City in Colorado Has the Best Mountain Views?

If you want to be close to the mountains, but still have access to the convenience of a city, then there are a few noteworthy areas to scope out. Boulder, Golden, and Morrison have amazing mountain views while still being close to the action of bigger cities like Denver.

Where to Find the Best Colorado Scenery

With tons of variety in landscapes, there are plenty of must-see places in Colorado. Most of the stunning scenery in Colorado is located close to a mountain town. This makes visiting these sought-after landscapes relatively simple (with a little planning of course). Here’s were you can find the top attractions in Colorado:

  • Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park and Grandby
  • Garden of the Gods near Colorado Springs
  • Pikes Peak near Colorado Springs
  • The Broadmoor Seven Falls near Colorado Springs
  • Hanging Lake near Glenwood Springs
  • Great Sand Dunes National Park near Alamosa
  • Maroon Bells near Aspen
  • Royal Gorge Bridge and Park near Canon City
  • Mesa Verde National Park near Cortez

Additional Colorado Travel Resources

Planning a trip to Colorado? Here’s how you can explore the best of the Centennial State like a local, not a tourist.

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Colorado is a mecca for mountain towns, and if you're wondering where to go next on a Denver getaway or while road tripping in Colorado, here are the best mountain towns in Colorado that you can't miss if you're up for an alpine adventure!
Meg Atteberry
Meg Atteberry

Meg is a long-time Colorado local and outdoor industry professional. She's spent the last 15 years hiking, climbing, mountaineering, and canyoneering all over Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada in search of the best views. She's written for Outside Magazine, REI, Backpacker Magazine, and appeared on the Weather Channel.

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Meg Atteberry standing on a mountain sticking her tongue out

Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. Toddler mom, queer, and neuro-spicy her favorite things to do are climb in the alpine and camp in the desert. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure.