Looking for the best mountain towns in Colorado? You’re in luck—they’re all over. From the Front Range to the San Juans, you can find pristine mountain villages, historic mining towns, and charming ski destinations scattered throughout.
The only issue is finding the right mountain town for you. With so many places to visit and so little time, you need to do your research before you set off across the alpine Rocky Mountain roads.
Want to ski fresh powder without the lines? Looking to soak in the hot springs beneath the shadows of towering peaks? Whatever you’re looking for, Colorado’s mountain towns deliver.
Whether you’re looking for a mountain town to live in, visit, ski, or raise a family, we’ve compiled the best-of-the-best options across the Centennial State.
Best Colorado Mountain Towns to Live
1. Ouray
Ouray is nicknamed the Switzerland of America, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s nestled at the convergence of multiple rivers between some of the San Juan’s most jaw-dropping mountains (most of which stay snow-capped for the majority of the year).
During the summer, it’s a hot spot for hikers, climbers, bikers, and off-road enthusiasts. In the winter, Ouray transforms into a wonderland tailor-made for some of the world’s best ice climbing.
However, Ouray isn’t just a tourist destination—it’s a great place to put down roots. Access to year-round trails, nearby skiing, hot springs, and climbing make it a one-stop shop for any outdoor enthusiast. Take it from me—this is my home.
It’s the kind of place where you recognize just about every face and everyone shows up for each other. You’ll find a close-knit climbing community, trail running groups, books clubs, and a teeny-tiny school with an 8:1 student-teacher ratio, all of which play a part in making Ouray one of the best mountain towns in Colorado.
2. Estes Park
Once you get past the busy main street, Estes Park is a mountain town with endless opportunities. For starters, the town rests on the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, a massive alpine wilderness that could occupy the interest of hikers, climbers, and backpackers for decades (seriously).
It might not sound like the mountain-living kind of thing, but it’s important if you want to make Estes Park your home: the city now has high-speed 1 Gig fiber-optic internet service. That means you can hike in the morning and join hassle-free Zoom calls in the afternoon—now that’s living the best of both worlds.
Estes Park is Colorado’s most visited mountain town, and that’s mostly due to its proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park. Beyond people, you’ll also see tons of wildlife in and around town. Elk sightings in Estes Park are just about as common as bunny spottings in the rest of the Front Range…OK, that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but you get my point.
Estes Park is just about an hour and a half from Denver, which means you can enjoy mountain living without completely giving up big-city amenities. You’re just a short drive away from professional sporting events, world-class hospitals, and (most importantly) REI’s flagship store.
3. Durango
Durango rests on the southern edge of the San Juan Mountains, but it’s the biggest for miles around. You get to taste the sweet mountain air and trails while also enjoying the likes of Walmart, Home Depot, and McDonald’s—an achievement not many mountain towns can claim.
Durango is home to the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, and it’s also close to Mesa Verde National Park and Four Corners Monument. Fortunately, you don’t have to go far to experience world-class skiing at Purgatory, high-altitude mountains in the Weminuche Wilderness, or the Colorado Trail (a 486-mile trail from Denver to Durango).
Residents of the town get to enjoy a bustling downtown scene full of unique shops, antique stores, and eclectic eateries (it’s not all Denny’s and Taco Bell here). And just up the road out of town is Durango Hot Springs Resort (formerly known as Trimble Hot Springs), a resort-like experience that’s set to have 21 brand-new soaking pools soon.
4. Gunnison
Gunnison is home to Western Colorado University, a small college that gives the town an exciting, youthful vibe. Endless outdoor opportunities surround the town—here’s just a taste of what’s closeby:
- Skiing at Crested Butte and Monarch
- Boating at Blue Mesa Reservoir
- Climbing and hiking at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Fishing and hunting
- Whitewater rafting
Plus, you can find plenty of mountain biking and trail running towns just outside town. Gunninson also provides more amenities than most of the Colorado mountain towns you find on this list. They have simple things like Subway and Mcdonald’s but also larger hospitals and more opportunities to find medical care.
Best Colorado Mountain Towns to Visit
Not planning to settle down somewhere new? No problem. When you’re out to discover a new place to visit or explore the outdoors, these are the best Colorado mountain towns to visit.
5. Silverton
Silverton is an iconic mountain mining town within the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado. It has a population of around 500, but it comes alive during the summer when visitors come for camping, hiking, mountain biking, and off-road adventures. Silverton is a great entry-level point to start the beautiful alpine loop, a 60+ mile backcountry 4×4 journey.
Want to visit Silverton for the afternoon? Catch the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge train from Durango, hang out in Silverton for a bit, and then catch the train back to your vehicle. You’ll get to see some of the best views in the San Juans with the convenience of a train and accessible snacks.
What’s better than that?
Silverton is also home to the Hardrock 100 Endurance Run, one of North America’s hardest (and most prestigious) 100-mile races. If you want to be inspired and get an up-close glimpse of the world’s best ultrarunners, this is the place to do it.
6. Lake City
Lake City is a super small town on the eastern edge of the San Juan Mountains—it connects to Silverton via the Alpine Loop. The town has beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and is in perfect proximity for a range of outdoor activities.
Jump on the Alpine Loop to make your way to an alpine lake or a 14’er. Many visitors use it as a basecamp for tagging the following 14-thousand-foot mountains:
- Wetterhorn
- Uncompahgre
- Sunshine
- Redcloud
- Handies
7. Creede
Creede is another historic mining town that’s off the beaten path. It’s a ways out there, and you’ll only stumble upon it if you’re trying to find it—but it’s worth the visit. You’ll find plenty of hiking, biking, and offroading trails nearby.
Creede is also the best basecamp to go and explore Wheeler Geological Area. Wheeler Geological Area was once a national monument (the first in Colorado), but President Harry Truman abolished that status because of the remote nature of its location—it’s not easy for visitors to get to. You’ll either need a four-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicle…or legs for a long hike.
8. Georgetown
Georgetown isn’t quite a Colorado hidden gem since it’s located right off of I-70, but it definitely is one of the best mountain towns in Colorado. It has a beautiful lake, amazing hiking trails, and a cute historic downtown area that feels vibrant and alive.
You can also visit Georgetown to rid the Georgetown Loop Railroad. It’s a short train ride from town to the old Silver Plume Depot, but you get to see some incredible views, and it also conveniently stops on the section of the track with the most exposure.
Don’t look down if you’re scared of heights.
9. Aspen
Aspen is one of Colorado’s most famous (and expensive) mountain towns. Most of the time, it feels more like a city, but on the outskirts and into the mountains, you recognize it for some of its small-town charms.
First and foremost, Aspen is known for world-class skiing. You get quick-and-easy access to 4 different mountains from town:
- Aspen Mountain
- Buttermilk
- Aspen Highlands
- Snowmass
Once summer rolls around, you can visit the Maroon Bells (the most photographed place in all of Colorado). This area is chockfull of hiking, backpacking, and 14’er bagging.
Best Colorado Mountain Towns for Families
When you travel with kiddos, you want family-friendly people and accommodations. You want a community that’s supportive—not one shooting you dirty looks at dinner when your kids make a peep. Here are the best Colorado mountain towns for families (whether you want to settle down or just visit).
10. Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs is a year-round oasis in the middle of the mountains. It’s far enough from major highways and towns to give it a middle-of-nowhere vibe, but it’s built up enough that you’re confident in the amenities and everything the town provides.
In the winter, you get top-notch skiing and tubing at Steamboat Ski Resort. It has family-friendly terrain for newcomers, night skiing, touring, and snow tubing. When the day is done, hit up the hot springs to relax and recover.
During the summer, you’ll find countless hiking and mountain biking trails surrounding the entire area. Whenever you visit, the problem isn’t finding something to do—it’s deciding what to do with so many options.
11. Lyons
Lyons is a tiny mountain town north of Boulder and Denver, just far enough away to escape the suburban feel of the Front Range and truly get into the mountains. The town is surrounded by some of the area’s best mountain biking trails, and it mixes a nice blend of ponderosa pine forests and red rocks to make you feel like you’re in another world.
Lyons also has a beautiful river going through the town that folks like to fish or kayak. The town has plenty of family-friendly parks and restaurants, and it’s received recent renovations over the past couple of years to its playgrounds and river walk trails.
12. Evergreen
Evergreen is a hidden gem right off of I-70 that most people tend to skip over. Don’t sleep on Evergreen—it’s one of the most beautiful areas in the mountains outside of Denver, and it has close enough proximity that some lucky souls work in the big city while living in the foothills.
Evergreen Lake is a bustling place in the summertime for water activities, but it’s also one of the best ice skating locations in the world. Alderfer/Three Sisters Park is within the town, and it offers beautiful vistas, cool rock formations, and trails on trails on trails for runners, hikers, and mountain bikers.
13. Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Springs hides in plain sight right off (or through) I-70. It feels like a big city in most aspects with its taller-than-average buildings and highways, but the downtown section feels alive and thriving. And the surrounding area promises outdoor adventure in every direction.
Most people visit Glenwood Springs for the, well, springs. It has dozens of hot pools all over town, with everything from water parks to relaxation pools and Olympic-size lap lanes. The river also passes straight through town, giving families an opportunity to do some low-level (low-risk) whitewater rafting.
Best Colorado Mountain Towns in Summer
When summer rolls around, Colorado’s mountain towns can get just as busy as during ski season. However, some of the best mountain towns promise a bit more seclusion and remote trails—if you’re willing to put in the work.
14. Granby
You’ll find Granby on the other side of the Indian Peaks Wilderness, giving you more quiet and remote access to some of the best trails in Colorado. Approaching the Indian Peaks Wilderness or Rocky Mountain National Park from this side of the mountain range means you’ll have more trails to yourself (if you’re into that kind of thing).
It’s also a great location if you’re looking to explore a bit of the Never Summer Mountain Range, a fantastic line of mountains that doesn’t get nearly as much love as it deserves.
Besides hiking and biking, you can use Granby for access to Winter Park skiing. Or you can take a short drive to Grand Lake to enjoy all the water activities your heart desires.
15. Frisco
Frisco has it all: nordic skiing, summer laking (if that’s a word), and year-round outdoor adventure. Fortunately, most people don’t stop in Frisco. Instead, they head on their way to Vail, Breckenridge, and Keystone for all the skiing, meaning there’s more for you to enjoy in Frisco.
There’s a chill 19-mile paved loop around Lake Dillion, and there are also dozens of hiking and mountain biking trails for everyone from beginners to experts. Climb a peak, bag a nearby 14’er, or cruise down some breezy singletrack mountain bike trails—Frisco has it all.
16. Buena Vista
First, let’s set you up for success in this small mountain town. It’s Buena Vista (BYOO-nuh Vista)—not what your mind is jumping to first. Once you’ve got that down, you’re destined for summer fun under Colorado’s largest mountains.
And, no, that’s not hyperbole. This Colorado mountain town is located just outside the Wasatch Range, a long line of 14’ers (which are conveniently some of the easiest in the state). Besides that, you have lakes, rivers, whitewater rafting, tubing, camping, fishing, climbing, and pretty much all the best things about Colorado.
The town has a bigger grocery store than most mountain towns, and it’s also got some dang-good restaurants. While I often stop at the local Subway for convenience, Brown Dog Coffee Company has some amazing hot chocolate and vegetarian burritos. And Elkhorn Pizzeria serves up a super-duper tasty pizza after a long day’s hike.
17. Leadville
Leadville, Colorado, used to be home to over 30,000 residents, but it’s now just a quiet, humble mountain town of ~2,600 located at the headwaters of the Arkansas River. It’s another mountain town with big views and big mountains, and it’s probably the best place to stay when you’re planning on bagging the state’s tallest mountains (Elbert and Massive).
Leadville is 10,158 feet above sea level, so you might want to acclimate if you’re coming straight from the coast. Take it easy—give yourself a day or two to adjust, and don’t try to go tackle your biggest outdoor adventures straight out the gate.
Altitude sickness is no joke.
Take a chill day at Turquoise Lake for some mild hiking, fishing, and camping. Or take a cruisy bike ride on the Mineral Belt Trail, a 12-mile paved loop that runs around town, providing stellar views of the Sawatch Range and old mines that made the town what it is today.
Best Colorado Mountain Towns in Winter
Winter is where colorful Colorado thrives, promising Nordic skiing, downhill skiing, and a dozen other must-try things to do in Colorado’s winter season. Here’s a teaser:
- Skijoring
- Heli-skiing
- Yurt camping
- Snowshoeing
- Ice climbing
- Fat biking
- Dog sledding
18. Crested Butte
Crested Butte is the epitome of a Colorado mountain town. While it’s not as quiet or unknown as it used to be, it’s still an oasis from the I-70 ski resorts and the hustle and bustle of the big city.
Crested Butte’s ski resort delivers 121 trails, with well more than half of those for advanced and expert riders. It also has world-class terrain parks and family-friendly trails for sending it big or learning the ropes.
19. Breckenridge
Breckenridge (or often you’ll hear “Breck) is a beautiful mountain town for winter skiing. It has a bit of everything for everyone, and it’s just a short(ish) 2-hour drive from Denver, Boulder, or Colorado Springs.
When the skiing is done and the chill is on, enjoy over 100 bars and restaurants in a cute, cozy downtown section. It’s a young, youthful town that’s full of life and energy.
20. Pagosa Springs
Pagosa Springs gets visited mostly in the summertime, but it also has a winter scene that’s hard to replicate. First, you have the hot springs—and everyone knows hot springs are better in the winter. Fact.
It also has tons (and I mean tons) of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails scattered around the town and even in the middle of the town. It’s also a short drive away from Wolf Creek Ski Area, which is probably Colorado’s most family-friendly ski resort—and gets some of the best powder days.
21. Telluride
Telluride is arguably the most beautiful winter mountain town on this list. It’s located in the heart of the San Juan mountains, with towering 13’ers nearby and some of the best skiing in the country. Even if you’re not into skiing, a free gondola can take you from Telluride to Mountain Village to enjoy all the town has to offer.
Telluride is also home to Colorado’s tallest waterfall, Bridal Veil Falls. While it’s frozen over during the winter, it’s still a beautiful sight to see and well worth the trip up the canyon to do so.
Learn More About All of Colorado’s Unknowns
Colorado’s best mountain towns have plenty of reasons to visit, but the biggest (or my favorite) is their gateway access to the most fantastic outdoor adventures in the state.
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