Because we’re a fulltime travel family, we were able to spend four months living and traveling in Colorado this summer. We toured a good chunk of the state to bring you our picks for the best mountain towns in Colorado!
Some things to know about how we made our picks:
- We were here in summertime. I do think seasonality might play a part in which towns end up being people’s favorites.
- We love to hike. That means that amazing outdoor opportunities definitely influenced which areas we loved.
- We have small kids. We’re not able to spend a ton of time appreciating nightlife or fine dining.
- We don’t ski. Well, at least not on this trip!
- We’re not made of money. Places like Aspen are pretty, but my goodness are they bougie.
With all of that said, here are our favorite picks for the best mountain towns in Colorado:
#5 Best Mountain Towns in Colorado: Durango
Why we loved it: Durango was warm and welcoming, especially during the farmer’s market when we visited. This town is big enough to have amenities like an amazing children’s museum, but still maintains that small town vibe. There are a lot of fun events (like a river rafting festival!), but it’s far enough away from a big city that it doesn’t get packed. We enjoyed this sweet Colorado mountain town!
Our top picks for what to do: Ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, eat on the river at Animas River Beer Garden, take kiddos to The Powerhouse museum, enjoy the Durango Farmer’s Market, and don’t miss a trip to Mesa Verde National Park.
Where to stay: General Palmer Hotel (Hotel), Fairfield Inn (Hotel), Alpen Rose RV Park (RV Park)
#4 Best Mountain Towns in Colorado: Leadville
Why we loved it: Leadville is the highest incorporated town in the United States at 10,119 feet. It’s the smallest town on our list, but its one main historic street is packed full of adorable coffee shops and has artistic flair. It’s also super close to breathtaking Twin Lakes and a gorgeous mountain drive over to Aspen if you’re wanting to visit the iconic Maroon Bells.
Our top picks for what to do: Catch a show or take a tour of the Tabor Opera House, hike a famous Colorado 14er, kayak or paddle board nearby Twin Lakes, make some pottery at Fire On the Mountain.
Where to stay: The Timberline (Hotel), Free Camping in Twin Lakes (Camping)
#3 Best Mountain Towns in Colorado: Frisco
Why we loved it: Frisco is exactly the right combination of adorable mountain town and friendly approachableness that bougier places like Breckenridge lack. It’s cheerful and bright, and it’s ideally located right in the middle of all of the amazing outdoor adventures you could want.
Our top picks for what to do: Paddle the Dillon Reservoir, hike to an alpine lake, have fun at Frisco Adventure Park, try a local roast at Rocky Mountain Coffee Roasters.
Where to stay: Frisco Inn (Hotel), Heaton Bay Campground (RV Park)
#2 Best Mountain Towns in Colorado: Crested Butte
Why we loved it: Crested Butte is a wildflower lover’s paradise. The whole town is surrounded by wildflower meadows so that you truly can’t miss them. It’s also a town that’s charming without being pretentious. Cute restaurants and bookstores are still relatively affordable!
Our top picks for what to do: Enjoy the wildflower festival events, eat at Butte Bagels, take a hike at Lupine Trail 2, drive Washington Gulch Road (with 4×4!)
Where to stay: Nordic Inn (Hotel), Blue Mesa Adventure Pods (Glamping), Campfire Ranch on the Taylor (RV Park)
#1 Best Mountain Towns in Colorado: Ouray
Why we loved it: Ouray is both an adorable town that’s eclipsed by it’s unbelievable mountain setting. Truly, there isn’t a bad view within 30 minutes of this town! The San Juan mountains offer amazing outdoorsy adventures, while in town has shopping and dining that’s sweet and not too crowded. We all agreed that two weeks wasn’t enough here!
Our top picks for what to do: Swim in the hot springs, drive Million Dollar Highway, try the Via Ferrata, take an ATV adventure
Where to stay: Hot Springs Inn (Hotel), The Beaumont (Adults-only Hotel), Riverbend RV Park (RV Park), Ouray Riverside Resort (RV Park)
I hope our picks for best mountain towns in Colorado helps you plan your Colorado adventure! For everything we’ve written about our time in Colorado, head here. If we’ve left your favorite Colorado mountain town off the list, let me know in the comments!
Disclaimer: Product links in this blog post may be Affiliate links, and I will earn a small commission for each purchase made through these links at no extra cost to you. Affiliate income helps fund our family travel and allows me to keep creating inspiring family travel content for you. I so appreciate when you use my links to make purchases you would have made anyway.
For more posts about how our family travels, check out these posts:
Follow our adventures on Instagram:
One response to “Best Mountain Towns in Colorado”
[…] Best Mountain Towns in Colorado […]