It’s no secret that Colorado is one of the most scenic states in the country. With vast mountain ranges, numerous ski resorts, and charming historic towns, Colorado offers a plethora of great places to visit.
If you’re planning a trip to Colorado soon, here are the best mountain towns in Colorado, including the best things to do in each place, and the best time to visit.
From wildflower hiking in Crested Butte, to adrenaline junkie adventures like black diamond mountain biking in Telluride, to world-class dining in Boulder, Colorado really has something for everyone. And the best part? You can often get it all in one place!
The Best Mountain Towns to Visit in Colorado
1. Ouray
One of the best places to visit in Colorado is Ouray. This town is nestled in the San Juan Mountains in Southwestern Colorado. Known for its hot springs, ice climbing, and scenic landscapes, Ouray, Colorado, is the perfect place for an adventurous getaway, no matter how exhilarating or calm you want your adventure to be.
Best Things to Do: Hike, Jeep tour, via ferrata, swim in the hot springs, drive the Million Dollar Highway, go ice climbing
Best Time to Visit: May through October for hiking weather, December through January for ice climbing
Read More → Best Things to Do in Ouray, Colorado
2. Winter Park
A popular ski town about an hour and a half West of Denver is Winter Park, Colorado. Not only is this a hidden gem when it comes to skiing, but it is also nice to visit in the summer. If you’re looking for a calmer, quieter place to escape to in Colorado, think about visiting Winter Park in April or May, September or October.
Best Things to Do: Hike, try all the local coffee shops and breweries, walk along the Fraser River, road trip to Rocky Mountain National Park’s southern entrance (in summer)
Best Time to Visit: June through early October for hiking (especially in Rocky Mountain National Park), December through February/March for skiing
Read More → Best Things to Do in Winter Park, Colorado
3. Estes Park
A classic Colorado getaway is to Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. About one hour and forty-five minutes northwest of Denver, Estes Park is a charming small town that makes a great base for exploring Rocky Mountain. Make sure you leave time to enjoy the town itself and stroll down Elkhorn Avenue and around Lake Estes.
Best Things to Do: Visit Rocky Mountain National Park, get coffee at Kind Coffee on the river’s edge, hike around Lake Estes, paddleboard on the lake, hike at Hermit Park Open Space
Best Time to Visit: late June through early October
Read More → 3-Day Estes Park Itinerary
4. Telluride
In the southwest you’ll find another one of the best mountain towns in Colorado. About an hour from Ouray is the town of Telluride. Known for world-class skiing, a free gondola in summer, and epic mountain views, Telluride is the perfect place to visit year-round.
Book a winter getaway and ski to your heart’s content, or visit in summer with your pup and ride the dog-friendly gondola for picturesque views.
Best Things to Do: Ski in the winter, ride the gondola for free in the summer, hike to Bear Creek Falls, and walk around the charming small town
Best Time to Visit: June through September for hiking and mountain biking, December through February/March for skiing
5. Silverthorne
One of the outdoor activity capitals of the US is Silverthorne, Colorado, in my book. If you’re a fan of hiking, mountain biking, camping, boating, and skiing, you should add Silverthorne to your Colorado travel list.
This small town sits on the edge of Dillon Reservoir, a giant man-made lake, and is one of the most scenic alpine destinations in the state.
Best Things to Do: Mountain biking, boating, skiing, hiking, camping at Prospector Campground, coffee on the Blue River at Red Buffalo Coffee & Tea
Best Time to Visit: May through September
6. Crested Butte
A must-visit town in Colorado in the summer is Crested Butte. This mountain town boasts some of the most plentiful wildflower fields in the country. If you’re looking for a colorful hiking trip, look no further than Crested Butte in the middle of summer.
Best Things to Do: Wildflower peeping, hiking, skiing in winter, and mountain biking
Best Time to Visit: June through early August for wildflower season
7. Colorado Springs
Famous for its iconic Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs is another must-visit town in Colorado. This is a larger city, so it’s perfect for those wanting a mix of urban and adventure. You have all the amenities of a big city in downtown, the charm of Old Town, and plenty of hiking trails and other outdoor activities nearby.
Best Things to Do: Visit Garden of the Gods, hike Manitou Incline, explore Old Town and Downtown
Best Time to Visit: May through October for warmer hiking weather
Read More → How to Spend One Day in Colorado Springs
8. Boulder
Boulder, the popular little sister of Denver, located about 45 minutes north, is a great place to visit in Colorado. This town is home to iconic Flatirons, the charming Pearl Street, and the University of Colorado. It’s even considered the happiest city in America!
Best Things to Do: stroll down Pearl Street and shop, dine at the fantastic local restaurants, admire the Flatirons, and hike nearby
Best Time to Visit: June through October, or December for the winter holidays
9. Frisco
Located just around the reservoir from Silverthorne is the small town of Frisco, Colorado. This place is so charming with its mountainous backdrops, bustling little downtown area with plenty of shopping and dining options, and its proximity to Dillon Reservoir and plentiful hiking trails.
Best Things to Do: Mountain biking, hiking, Frisco Adventure Park, and beer and brats at Ein Prosit
Best Time to Visit: June through early October for hiking and biking, December through February for skiing nearby
10. Breckenridge
One of the most popular ski towns in Colorado is Breckenridge, and with good reason. Not only is the ski resort top-notch with well-maintained runs, plentiful dining and lodging options, the highest lift-served ski terrain in North America, and over 180 ski trails! But the town of Breckenridge itself if so charming all year round. And the après-ski scene is fantastic.
Best Things to Do: Skiing in winter, hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities
Best Time to Visit: July through September for hiking and biking, December through February/March for skiing
Must Visit Towns in Colorado FAQ/Tips
What is the most beautiful mountain town in Colorado?
While it’s nearly impossible to narrow down, and of course, beauty is subjective, there is no doubt that Telluride is one of the most beautiful mountain towns in Colorado. Other honorable mentions are Ouray, Frisco, Breckenridge, and Estes Park, all of which could arguably win the most beautiful mountain town in Colorado.
What is the number one tourist attraction in Colorado?
The most popular destination in Colorado is Rocky Mountain National Park. This US national park receives over 4 million visitors every year and boasts over 350 miles of designated hiking trails, making it one of the most visited parks in the country.
Estes Park, Colorado, located outside the northern entrance of the park, is a popular town to use as a base when exploring Rocky Mountain.
What are the coolest towns near Denver?
There are a plethora of suburbs surrounding the Denver area that are worth visiting, but if you’re up for an hour’s drive, you’ll reach some of the best places in Colorado, including Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Estes Park. These two cities are both worth visiting, especially if you’re driving from Denver, and they’re only an hour apart from each other.
What is the prettiest drive in Colorado?
It’s hard to visit Colorado and not get to experience a pretty drive, but if you’re looking for a specific destination, the Million Dollar Highway is without a doubt one of the prettiest drives in Colorado. Located in southwestern Colorado, the Million Dollar Highway connects Ouray and Silverton with a very scenic 25-mile highway stretch.
In Conclusion: Must Visit Towns in Colorado
Plan an adventurous getaway to one of the best mountain towns in Colorado. From tiny mountain towns to larger cities with scenic backdrops, Colorado has a destination fit for everybody. And the nicest part is you can make it as rural and outdoorsy or as urban as you please.
Which of these must-visit towns in Colorado will you be planning an urban adventure to?
