The Best Colorado Mountain Towns
When you think of Colorado mountain towns, Boulder, Vail, Aspen, and Breckenridge might come to mind. But, did you know that some of the best little Colorado mountain towns are far from the crowds? And offer great access to both winter and summertime activities?
Below are Colorado’s best mountain towns that we think you’ll love exploring!
1. Ouray, Colorado
Known as the “Switzerland of America,” Ouray, pronounced your-ray, is a beautiful little mountain town surrounded by the rugged peaks of the San Juan mountain range.
Just south of the farmlands near Montrose, Ouray is home to hot springs, waterfalls, great rock climbing, hiking, and camping!
The only option for camping in Ouray proper is in Amphitheater Campground, but it’s gorgeous! From camp, you’ll have views of the valley and across town, plus access to hiking, rock climbing, and ice climbing within walking distance from camp.
Whether camping or staying in town, Ouray has plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants to keep you fueled for your adventures!
While in Ouray, don’t miss:
- Box Cañon Falls
- Orvis Hot Springs – It’s clothing-optional but there are several pools both inside and out in a beautifully private setting. Whereas Ouray Hot Springs, which is right in town, is more like a water park.
- Ouray Ice Park– This manmade ice park features over 150 ice and mixed climbs! And hosts the Ouray Ice Festival each January!
- Uncompahgre Gorge
- Ouray Via Ferrata- Summertime only
- Flying Iron Ranch Alpacas– Technically in Montrose, but definitely worth the drive to learn all about alpacas!
Amphitheater Campground is aptly named for its location, just above the town of Ouray and nestled into this mountain cirque.
Ridgeway State Park
If you can’t find a campsite in Amphitheater Campground in Ouray, camp instead at Ridgeway State Park!
Just fifteen miles north of Ouray, Ridgeway has a reservoir, hiking trails, and wildlife. Plus, three campgrounds, cabins, and yurts!
This is also a great place to stay if you plan to visit Telluride as it’s in between both towns. And it’s closer to both the Orvis Hot Springs and the Flying Iron Ranch Alpaca Farm!
A trip through Montrose to Ouray would not be complete without a stop at the Flying Iron Ranch Alpaca Farm!
2. Telluride, Colorado
While you may already be familiar with Telluride as a popular ski area, did you know the old mining town of Telluride is just as unique? Great food, shops, and easy access to beautiful trails- whether summer or winter! Take the gondola to get around, or ride the lift-serviced bike trails in the warmer months.
In addition, if you’re visiting during the summer and have experience driving off-road, take your 4-wheel drive over Imogene Pass, at 13,114ft. the ‘shortcut’ from Ouray to Telluride!
While not quite short, this beautiful 17.5-mile white-knuckled drive takes you past old mining camps, ghost towns, and serene alpine meadows. During the drive, you’ll have unparalleled views of the San Juans, but its steep, and narrow sections will have you solely focused on the road ahead!
Looking for more great hiking, biking, or off-road trails near Telluride? Check out Black Bear Pass and Bridal Veil Falls. Bridal Veil Falls is also the tallest waterfall in Colorado at 365 feet!
Winter or summertime, getting around Telluride is easy with the gondolas that connect the downtown area to Mountain Village.
Million Dollar Highway
Another incredible road that deserves its own section is Highway 550, aka the Million Dollar Highway. This stretch of road between Ouray and Silverton Colorado might be the most picturesque. Twenty-five miles of epic alpine views, steep canyons, and waterfalls! However, the Million Dollar Highway is not for the faint of heart.
The Million Dollar Highway crosses over Red Mountain Pass, one of Colorado’s highest and most dangerous paved passes at just over 11,000 ft. With its sharp curves, steep drop-offs, and no guard rails, it’s treacherous! And it’s also why this road is often restricted to those with 4-wheel drive and chains in the wintertime.
If you’re road-tripping through Colorado, its good to have a car with 4WD or all-wheel drive and our Subie never disappoints!
3. Silverton, Colorado
As you make your way south along the Million Dollar Highway from Ouray, the first town you’ll arrive in is Silverton. This historic mining town is even more breathtaking than Ouray!
In addition, here you’ll find the Silverton Mountain Ski Area. Popular among advanced skiers and snowboarders, it is the steepest ski and snowboard spot in Colorado.
Silverton is also notorious for avalanches, so make sure you have your avy gear and have taken an avalanche class before heading out on the trails in the winter. Read more about avalanches and backcountry safety in our last blog!
One of our favorite little spots in Steamboat is catching sunset along the Yampa River!
4. Steamboat Springs, Colorado
A ski resort town with old west mountain charm, Steamboat Springs boasts plenty of summer and wintertime activities to keep you busy! The downtown is packed with lots of cute shops and truly great restaurants along the Yampa. And although Steamboat Resort is the biggest mountain, head across the valley to Howelsen Hill for skiing and to watch ski jumping!
And did you know that there are actually hot springs in Steamboat? Yes! A trip to Steamboat would not be complete without a visit to Strawberry Hot Springs. Nestled up into the mountains, there are several pools, lots of outdoor deck space, and you can stay overnight!
Strawberry Hot Springs is the best spot for aprés ski, or after a long mountain bike ride around Buffalo Pass. Be prepared to drive a few miles on winding dirt roads to get there, but it is worth the trip!
Another great spot to stay is at the Steamboat Springs KOA. While we often camp in less developed campgrounds, the Steamboat Springs KOA is perched along the Yampa River and has everything from cabins to fly fishing and movie nights!
And finally, the Steamboat community is what really made us fall in love with this town. We can easily see why outdoor brands like Big Agnes, Town Hall, Moots, and Honey Stinger call Steamboat Springs home. And thanks to Southwest Airlines now flying into Steamboat, we think this little town is only going to grow in popularity!
Just outside of Leadville, Colorado, Turquoise Lake is a perfect spot to camp, bike, kayak, or swim!
5. Leadville, Colorado
One of Colorado’s best mountain towns that is also very popular amongst mountain bikers is Leadville. Home to the Leadville 100, one of the most grueling mountain bike races on the planet, the town now hosts dozens of cycling and trail running races as well. And it’s often a great place to stop for a few days if you’re hiking the Colorado Trail between Denver and Durango.
Leadville is also surrounded by several fourteeners, including Mt. Massive, and it’s the highest incorporated city in North America!
For camping, there are eight campgrounds around Turquoise Lake. With easy lake and trail access, it’s no surprise these campsites are packed in the summertime!
That ColoRADo Mountain Town Cool Goes Way Beyond Boulder
Hope you loved getting to know some of the best little Colorado mountain towns off the beaten path. There’s so much more to see besides Denver and Boulder! And please, please venture way off the I-70 corridor to find your own hidden gems!
Lastly, if you haven’t read our Colorado National Parks Road Trip blog, get to it next!
Meredith McConvill, Top Rope Media
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