Colorado’s well-known spots — Denver, Aspen, Boulder — draw most of the attention. But scattered between the mountains, rivers, and canyons are towns with just as much character and far fewer crowds.
These small places offer authentic charm, wide-open views, and experiences that feel less curated and more personal. Here’s a list of 17 Colorado towns that deserve more time on your travel radar.
Paonia
Set in a fertile valley, Paonia blends orchard country with artsy energy. The town is dotted with organic farms, cider houses, and independent galleries.
Summer brings music festivals and farmers’ markets that feel like neighborhood get-togethers. It’s the kind of place where everyone waves — and you’ll probably wave back.
Silverton
High in the San Juan Mountains, Silverton feels like a Wild West outpost frozen in time. Old saloons, dirt roads, and rugged peaks surround the main street.
Most visitors come on the scenic train from Durango, but staying overnight gives you the full small-town experience. It’s rough-edged in the best way.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Crestone
Crestone is a quiet mountain town with an unexpected twist — it’s filled with spiritual centers, from Buddhist stupas to Christian monasteries. It draws hikers, healers, and folks looking for something off the grid.
The surrounding Sangre de Cristo Mountains give it a sacred, untouched feel. It’s calm, remote, and a little mystical.
Salida
Salida blends mountain views with a strong creative streak. The historic downtown runs along the Arkansas River and features indie shops, galleries, and craft coffee spots.
Locals raft in the morning and sip local beer in the afternoon. It’s laid-back but never boring, with something happening almost every weekend.
Ouray
Nicknamed the ‘Switzerland of America,’ Ouray sits in a tight canyon with waterfalls, hot springs, and Victorian buildings. It’s a hub for hikers in summer and ice climbers in winter.
Despite its beauty, it stays low-key. Visitors who skip Telluride often end up here — and don’t regret it.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Meeker
On the edge of the Flat Tops Wilderness, Meeker offers horseback riding, fly-fishing, and a historic downtown that hasn’t changed much in decades. It’s a working town, not a polished resort.
The people are friendly without being performative. Come here for fresh air — not fancy cocktails.
Trinidad
Once a coal mining town, Trinidad now has a growing art scene and one of the state’s most charming downtowns. Brick buildings house antique shops, bookstores, and unexpected art installations.
It’s also one of Colorado’s most LGBTQ-friendly small towns, with a unique cultural history. It feels progressive without trying too hard.
Creede
Creede is tucked into a narrow canyon with a single road running through town. It still feels like a mining camp, but with theater productions and fly-fishing instead of dynamite.
There’s a real sense of community here — small festivals, homey cafés, and neighbors who know your name. It’s a small town, but lively.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Marble
True to its name, Marble is home to the same white stone that built the Lincoln Memorial. Today, it’s a quiet, scenic village with art studios and a few rustic lodges.
The drive in alone — through aspen-lined roads and past glacier-carved peaks — is worth the trip. It’s tiny, but it sticks with you.
Lake City
Remote and surrounded by four 14,000-foot peaks, Lake City attracts hikers, off-roaders, and anyone chasing solitude. There’s one grocery store, a couple of cafés, and zero stoplights.
Locals are used to the isolation — and they like it that way. It’s a true escape, not a side trip.
Ridgway
Ridgway sits between Ouray and Telluride, but it’s got a distinct vibe all its own. Think hot springs, organic cafés, and an underrated arts scene — all with big mountain views.
It’s less flashy than its neighbors, and that’s exactly the draw. You don’t come here for a show — you come to slow down.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Manitou Springs
Just outside Colorado Springs, this quirky little town is built around natural mineral springs and a whole lot of personality. Its downtown is filled with crystal shops, local art, and strange museums.
It has a New Age vibe with a nostalgic feel. Hike up to the Incline, then reward yourself with ice cream and a foot soak.
Nederland
Nestled in the Rockies west of Boulder, Nederland has an alt-country, free-spirited energy. The frozen dead guy in a shed is real — and so is the annual festival around it.
Add in live music, mountain trails, and cannabis shops, and you’ve got a town that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Locals wouldn’t have it any other way.
Del Norte
This quiet stop in the San Luis Valley is easy to miss — but it’s full of surprises. A growing bike scene, good food, and riverfront trails make it more than just a gas station town.
It’s still rough around the edges, but it’s changing fast. You’ll want to say you saw it before it got popular.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Victor
An old mining town near Cripple Creek, Victor hasn’t been polished up for tourists — and that’s part of the charm. There are abandoned buildings, homemade signs, and gold mine tours that don’t feel scripted.
The pace is slow, the elevation is high, and the silence is real.
Buena Vista
Locals call it ‘BV,’ and it’s become a hub for outdoor lovers. The Arkansas River cuts through town, offering rafting, fishing, and swimming.
Mount Princeton looms nearby, and the surrounding hot springs are a bonus. It’s grown in recent years but still feels grounded. It’s easy to stay longer than planned.
Hotchkiss
On the western slope, Hotchkiss blends ranch life with emerging wine country. You’ll find family-owned farms, scenic drives, and big skies without much traffic.
It’s unpretentious and open, with a friendly, slow pace. Think tractors in the morning and local wine at sunset.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Small Towns, Big Character
These places may not show up in glossy brochures, but they carry Colorado’s spirit in every worn porch and dusty road. They offer the kind of travel experience you don’t schedule — you just show up and see where the day takes you.
In these towns, the mountains are closer, the people are real, and the stories run deep.
More from Travel Pug
- 20 Best Beach Towns in the Carolinas
- 13 Destinations Where Tourists Regularly Regret Their Trip
- 20 Things You Actually Get in First Class
- 20 Small Airports With Aviation Museums
- 20 Places in the U.S. That Are Perfect for a Reset Trip
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.