The mountain towns in Colorado are spectacularly beautiful. We don’t make it up to the mountains as much as I would like. When we do find the time, I am always in awe of the stunning landscape. There are activities for all seasons or you can just walking around the charming towns. Sometimes, the towns are pretty crowded. Or we hit traffic and the drive from Denver is longer than expected. But each time we go, I feel more connected to nature. Here some of my favorite mountain towns in Colorado. I’m sure at least one of these towns will fit the quintessential Colorado adventure you are hoping for.
When is the best time to visit mountain towns in Colorado?
There are over 100 mountain towns in Colorado and each town is unique. Skiing, hiking, restaurants, rock climbing, boating, fly fishing, shopping, spas, hot springs – there is a town that will fit the Colorado mountain experience you are looking for. Anytime of year is perfect for a visit, it just depends what activities you are hoping to do.
If you want to ski, plan for December through March. January, February, and March typically have the most snow. March is my favorite month for skiing. It is starting to warm up, but there are still some really heavy snow storms that bring fresh powder. Often you will get that perfect bluebird ski day in March.
June through September is my favorite time to visit the mountains overall. The blooming meadows, deep green forests (or yellow and red during fall), and vast blue skies are stunning. The mountains get a lot of sun, but it’s rarely too hot. This is the time for hiking, mountain biking, boating, kayaking, and fishing. Sometimes we drive two hours each way just to take a walk. It’s that beautiful.
In April and May, it’s still pretty cold. Spring weather depends on the year. You may be able to ski, it might be warm and sunny, or you might get stuck in a snowstorm. You can hike and take walks, but there is often still snow on the ground, especially at higher altitudes.
1. Breckenridge
Surrounded by 12,000-foot peaks, Breckenridge is a ski resort town that feels like a real town. Of all the mountain towns in Colorado, Breckenridge is my absolute favorite and the one I visit the most. Located just 1.5 hours drive from Denver, it is also more accessible than other mountain towns in Colorado.
In Breckenridge you will find outstanding restaurants for any budget or type of food. My favorite restaurants have been there for years. Blue River Bistro, Breckenridge Brewery & Pub, and Crepes a la Carte are a few I return to again and again. But there are also a lot of newer or more upscale restaurants that I have been meaning to try including Hearthstone Restaurant and Aurum Food & Wine Breckenridge.
Be sure to take a walk along the Riverwalk, just a block off Main Street. The river is a favorite spot for kids to play. It’s a nice place to sit and enjoy the scenery.
Be sure to check out the events calendar before you go. There is often a festival or outdoor concert happening in town.
2. Telluride
Telluride is known as one of the most beautiful mountain towns in Colorado. Its beauty draws thousands of visitors each year, despite being a six hour drive from Denver. Tucked into the southern San Juan Mountains, Telluride offers visitors endless outdoor activity options, including skiing, hiking, fishing, and biking. And unlike Vail and Aspen, Telluride is less luxury and more low-key. Its small size makes it easy to get around and it’s very dog-friendly. Despite being laid-back, it has fantastic shopping and dining options.
There are two towns – Telluride and Mountain Village – separated by a 20-minute free gondola ride. You will find restaurants, shops, hotels, and activities in both towns. In the winter, skiing and snowboarding are popular. During summer and fall, hike the trails around Bridal Veil Falls, ride the free gondola up the mountain, and bike along the River Trail through town.
Check the events calendar before you go. There are several popular events and music festivals throughout the year, including Telluride Blues and Brews, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, and Telluride Food + Vine. The small town will be more crowded during these events, so take this into consideration when making your plans.
3. Aspen
Aspen is a 3.5 hour drive from Denver. Like Vail, Aspen is a mountain town with a lot of beauty and luxury. Known for its winter sports, Aspen has four mountains and nearly 5,000 skiable acres. All are linked by a free shuttle service. Aspen also has a popular apres-ski bar scene and the town is very walkable with excellent restaurants, shops, and galleries.
While in Aspen, take the Silver Queen Gondola up the mountain, hike the stunning Maroon Bells, and visit the Aspen Art Museum and surrounding galleries. Kids will love splashing around in Mill Street Fountain and Herron Park. Before you visit, check the events calendar for festivals and performances including the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, the Aspen Music Festival, or Winterskol in January.
You may also want to check out Snowmass Village, a 15 minute drive from Aspen. Snowmass is a true ski resort town in the winter. The village also offers excellent biking and hiking in the Elk Mountain range in the summer and fall.
4. Vail
Vail, Colorado is a bucket list destination. Every time I visit, I am amazed by the architecture, stunning views, and the European-vibes of the town. When I spend time in Vail, I often forget I’m in Colorado. It feels like stepping into a luxury village in the Swiss Alps.
Vail is made up of four different areas – Vail Village, Lionshead, West Vail, and East Vail. I spend most of my time in Vail Village and Lionshead. You can walk between the two villages or there is also a free in-town shuttle system you can hop on. Especially if you are carrying all your ski gear.
Summer and fall are gorgeous in Vail. Walks along the river, festivals and events in town, riding the gondola up the mountain to hike, and dining on one of the many outdoor patios are my favorite warm weather activities.
But there is something extra special about Vail in winter. The whole town lights up with twinkle lights, there are two outdoor skating rinks, and the snowy forests and streets are magical. Vail even has heated roads to melt the snow and ice – no chance of slipping in town!
All mountain towns in Colorado are expensive and Vail is more expensive than others, especially during ski season. But staying in Vail is a truly memorable experience.
5. Crested Butte
Crested Butte is beautiful anytime of year. In the summer Crested Butte is known as the wildflower capital of Colorado. It hosts the wildly popular Crested Butte Wildflower Festival in July. You can also bike down the mountain’s 750 miles of single-track trails during warmer months.
Despite being a major ski destination in winter and spring, Crested Butte maintains its small-town feeling. Unlike other major ski resort towns like Winter Park or Copper, Crested Butte Ski Resort and the town avoid bland and impersonable ski town vibes. Amazingly, Crested Butte is free of chain stores and stoplights. Instead, it’s charming downtown is filled with local boutiques, popular restaurants, and colorful Victorians and storefronts. And it’s clear how much the friendly locals love their town.
6. Frisco
Frisco is a cute little mountain town located about 20 minutes from Breckenridge. This is another great town with several popular restaurants and a handful of popular shops. Plan a stop at Bread + Salt, Butterhorn Bakery & Cafe, Frisco Mall, and Next Page Books and Nosh.
Dillon Reservoir and Frisco Bay Marina are a huge draw for anyone looking to canoe, kayak, hike, or paddle-board. Consider grabbing a drink or burger in neighboring Dillon’s marina at Pug Ryan’s Tiki Bar. Then rent boats or paddle-boards to explore the reservoir, including various points of interest along the shoreline and the islands.
7. Georgetown
Georgetown is an easy day trip to a mountain town in Colorado. It located less than an hour from Denver! The small downtown is lined with Victorian homes, restaurants, and shops, but the real draw is the surrounding area.
Hiking and fishing at Georgetown Lake, taking a ride on the Georgetown Loop Railroad, or skiing at nearby Loveland Ski Area are my favorite activities here.
Loveland Ski Area is smaller than the other big resorts, but it is much easier to ski here from Denver. Loveland is closer to Denver, has very easy parking, and lift tickets are less expensive than the surrounding mountains.
8. Ouray
Ouray is known as “Switzerland of America” for its beautiful location nestled among the San Juan Mountains. Check out the Ouray Hot Springs, hiking trails, and the stunning drives through the surrounding area.
This is not a ski resort town like some of the others. But Ouray is known for its ice climbing at Ouray Ice Park, backcountry skiing, and the free Lee’s Ski Hill. In fact, the absence of a major ski resort makes Ouray a more authentic and less crowded Colorado winter destination.
9. Evergreen
Evergreen is one of my favorite mountain towns in Colorado because of its proximity to Denver. In just 45 minutes, you’ll reach all that Evergreen has to offer year-round.
As you drive into town, you can’t miss Evergreen Lake. There are many activities at Evergreen Lake throughout the year – summer concerts, boating, hiking, paddle boarding, ice skating, fishing. But note that there is no swimming. You can walk (or snowshoe) the 1.3-mile paved path around the lake. If you have a stroller, I recommend bringing a jogging stroller. There are some hills and bumps we have to carry our stroller over on this trail. Evergreen Lake can get crowded at times, but it’s an easy destination for a quick mountain trip from Denver.
If you have time for lunch or dinner, our favorite spot is Willow Creek Restaurant at Evergreen Lake. This restaurant has great food and incredible views of the lake.
10. Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs is known for its ski resort, Gold Medal fly fishing, hiking, and biking. The town’s geothermal Old Town Hot Springs sets it apart from other ski resort towns. Definitely a benefit after a long day of skiing.
Downtown Steamboat Springs has an Old Western vibe and is home to several popular restaurants. Check out Laundry for small plates and The Barley Tap and Tavern for a beer and burger.
What are your favorite mountain towns in Colorado? Share in comments!
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