Discover the 10 Best Small Towns in Colorado (By a Native)
As a Colorado native, I’ve explored the best small towns across the state, each with its own unique charm. Whether going on a mountain hike or unraveling the distinct personality of each town, nothing quite compares to the enchantment these places offer. These towns are perfect destinations for those non-skiers out there, they allow for plenty of recreation without the ski crowds of resort towns. Below is my compiled list of the top 10 small towns in Colorado.
Looking for a small town to stay in Colorado? In this post, I’ll take you through my top 10 favorite small towns in Colorado!
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1. Estes Park, Colorado
Estes Park is a great little town right at the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s a super popular town in the summer as there are tons of activities within the town and it has easy access to the outdoor recreation of Rocky Mountain National Park. The peak tourist season in Estes Park is from July to September.
Exploring the downtown area is one of my favorite things to do here, it has lots of distinctive gift shops for souvenir shopping, ice cream, candy and taffy establishments, and restaurants. This town is also unique in that it has herds of Elk roaming around, it is always fun to stumble upon these creatures, especially when they block traffic! Estes Park is about 1 hour and 22 minutes drive from Denver.
Things to do in Estes Park:
- Explore Rocky Mountain National Park
- Visit the Estes Park Visitor Center
- Visit the Stanley Hotel
- Drive up Trail Ridge Road
- Go on a Guided Fishing Tour
- Go River Rafting
- Climb the Ropes at Open Air Adventure Park
- Go on a Glass Top Van Tour of Rocky Mountain National Park
- Go on an E-Bike Tour
- Go Horse Back Riding
Where to stay in Estes Park
- Mountain Shadows Resort
- Rams Horn Village Resort
- Streamside on Fall River
- 4 Seasons Inn on Fall River
- The Estes Park Resort
2. Glenwood Springs, Colorado
About 2 1/2 hours away from Denver, Glenwood Springs is a great small town with a mountain appeal without the ski resort. The town contains the world’s largest mineral natural hot springs pool, offering a unique attraction and a fun thing to do with the family. With numerous family-friendly activities and great hiking opportunities in the area, Glenwood Springs provides a great setting to appreciate the beauty of Colorado. From hiking to rafting on the Colorado River to going on a ride at their adventure park (a cool place the kids will love), there is plenty for a family to do here. Glenwood Springs is also less than an hour’s drive from the ski town of Aspen.
Top things to do in Glenwood Springs
- Soak at the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool
- Go on a Thrill Ride at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
- Hike to Beautiful Hanging Lake
- Raft the Colorado River
- Take a Dip at the Iron Mountain Hot Springs
Where to stay in Glenwood Springs
- Courtyard by Marriott Glenwood Springs
- Hotel Glenwood Springs
- Residence Inn Glenwood Springs
- Hotel Denver
- Hanging Lake Inn
3. Grand Lake, Colorado
Located just over a 2 hour drive from Denver and serving as another entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake is a small town that is just downright beautiful. Located about 48 miles away from Estes Park, just beyond Trail Ridge Road, Grand Lake is surrounded by breathtaking mountains and has a large lake in the center of the town which provides endless recreation. The downtown area is charming, offering a variety of souvenir shops and restaurants to explore. There are both great activities during the summer months and outdoor activities during the winter months in Grand Lake. The winter is great for snowmobiling and snowshoeing and the summer is great for lake activities and exploring Rocky Mountain National Park.
Things to do in Grand Lake in the Winter:
- Go Snowmobiling
- Nordic Ski at the Grand Lake Nordic Center
- Ice Fish on Grand Lake
- Go Snowshoeing
- Ice Skate on Grand Lake
- Go on a Sleigh Ride at Rocky Mountain Stables
Things to do in Grand Lake in the Summer:
- Explore Rocky Mountain National Park
- Hang out at the Beach at Grand Lake
- Drive up Trail Ridge Road
- Rent a Boat at the Grand Lake Marina
- Hike the Bowen Gulch Trail
- Play a Round of Golf
Where to stay in Grand Lake
- Gateway Inn
- Daven Haven Lodge & Cabins
- Western Riviera Lakeside Lodging
- Black Bear Lodge of Grand Lake
- Lupine Village at Grand Lake
4. Frisco, Colorado
Frisco has been my second home for many years as my parents resided in the nearby town of Silverthorne for about 19 years. This is a great family-friendly Colorado lake city and fun in both the summer and winter. Frisco is located in Summit County with easy accessibility to several ski resorts and within a short distance from Denver (about 1 hour and 30 minutes). Frisco is also known for its extensive network of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails during the winter months. During the summer months, there are tons and tons of outdoor activities you can do, from hiking and mountain biking to sailing and fishing on Dillon Reservoir. Frisco is also only about 18 minutes away from the amazing Breckenridge ski resort which is a great town to visit while you are here.
Winter Activities in Frisco:
- Take the kids snow tubing at the Frisco Adventure Park
- Go Nordic Skiing
- Ski at Nearby Summit Country Resorts
- Go on a Fat Biking Adventure in the Snow
- Go on a Sleigh Ride
- Ice Skate at Keystone Lake
Summer Activities in Frisco:
- Go Boating on Lake Dillon
- Go Hiking on the Ten Mile Canyon National Recreation Trail
- Book a Kayaking Tour
- Go Paddle Boarding
- Get Lunch or Shop at Frisco’s Historic Main Street
Where to stay in Frisco
- Hotel Frisco
- Frisco Inn on Galena
- Ramada by Wyndham Frisco
- AC Hotel by Marriott Frisco Colorado
- VRBO Condo Options
5. Georgetown, Colorado
Located right between Denver and the mountain resorts, Georgetown is a charming historic mining town that I particularly enjoy visiting during the fall. The fall here is stunning as the surrounding mountains are filled with groups of Aspen groves. As a former mining town, Georgetown offers a unique glimpse into Colorado’s history, providing a peaceful retreat in the mountains without the usual crowds. Georgetown is less than an hour’s drive from Denver along the 1-70 Corridor.
Things to do in Georgetown:
- Go on a Scenic Ride on the Georgetown Loop Railroad
- Take a Gold Mine Tour
- Go on one of the most scenic drives up Guanella Pass
- Climb Mt. Bierstadt one of Colorados 14ers
- Stroll around the Historic Downtown Georgetown
- Go Fishing in Georgetown Lake
Where to stay in Georgetown
- Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Georgetown Lake
- Rose Street Bed & Breakfast
- Georgetown Mountain Inn
- Clear Creek Inn
6. Hahns Peak & Clark, Colorado
Are you ready for a camping adventure in an authentically charming town? Clark, Colorado, is a small ranching community and a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, providing outdoor recreation from hiking, fishing, and horseback riding to boating on the nearby Steamboat Lake. Additionally, the nearby Hahns Peak is, indeed small, in fact, it’s a ghost town! If you’re in search of tranquility amid stunning surroundings, Clark and Hahns Peak are the ideal destinations. Located approximately an hour outside of Steamboat Springs and about 4 hours and 27 minutes from Denver, it’s a longer journey from the city but worth the time. Both towns are near the scenic Steamboat Lake and Hahns Peak Lake, giving lots of options for family recreation.
Clark represents a genuine ranching town nestled in the Rocky Mountains, while Hahns Peak embodies a true ghost town steeped in rich history. Lastly, Hahns Peak Mountain offers an outstanding hiking experience, with the Mount Zirkel Wilderness providing a stunning backdrop.
Steamboat Springs also has an airport where you can catch flights from Denver International Airport.
Things to do around Clark and Hahns Peak:
- Visit Steamboat Lake Marina & State Park
- Hike Hahns Peak Trail
- Explore the Mount Zirkel Wilderness
- Visit the Clark Store in Clark, Colorado
- Rent a Jeep at Steamboat Jeep Rentals and go off-roading
- Visit Hahns Peak Village and School House
- Go Horseback Riding at Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch
Where to stay in Hahns Peak
- Steamboat Lake State Park Campsites
- Hahns Peak Lake Campground
- The Cabins at Historic Columbine
- Elk River Guest Ranch
- Vista Verde Guest Ranch
7. Black Hawk, Colorado
Transformed from an old mining town into a casino resort, Black Hawk is well known for its entertainment, restaurants, and gambling and is a fun small town in Colorado. However, there’s more to Black Hawk than just gaming—it’s tucked away in the mountains, offering opportunities for outdoor activities. With beautiful views and a mountainous backdrop, the town is a sought-after destination for those craving both gaming excitement and natural beauty. Black Hawk is also located along the scenic Peak to Peak highway, which is a gorgeous drive, especially in the fall (great for leaf peeping). Black Hawk is just a short 1 hour and 9-minute drive from Denver.
Things to do in Black Hawk (besides gamble):
- Go to a Spa
- Hike or Bike at the Maryland Mountain Quartz Valley Open Space Park
- Visit Golden Gate Canyon State Park
- Channel your Inner Foodie
- Ok, ok, Gamble!
Top Casino Hotels in Black Hawk
- Ameristar Casino
- Monarch Casino Resort Spa
- The Lodge Casino
- Lady Luck Casino Black Hawk
- Century Hotel & Casino
Camping near Black Hawk
Camping near Black Hawk
8. Nederland, Colorado
Another unique and amazing small town is Nederland, which is just a quick 29-minute drive from Boulder and approximately an hour and 13 minutes from Denver. Because I live near Boulder, this is one of my favorite weekend destinations in Colorado. This cute little town offers lots of activities throughout the seasons. While it does have a ski resort, it’s not your typical mainstream destination; instead, it’s what I like to call a locals’ Boulder County resort. The town also features a fantastic Nordic center. In the fall, Nederland transforms into a leaf-peeping paradise, inviting you to embark on one of the most scenic drives along the Peak to Peak Highway—one of the premier spots for foliage viewing in Colorado. During the summer, the town comes alive with endless hiking and biking trails. There’s truly so much to explore and enjoy here!
Things to do in the Summer:
- Go for a scenic drive along the Peak-to-Peak Highway
- Hike to Rainbow Lakes in the Indian Peaks Wilderness
- Ride on the Carousel of Happiness
- Get ice cream or coffee at The Train Cars Coffee and Yogurt
- Hike to several lakes from the Hessie Trailhead
Things to do in the Winter:
Where to stay in Nederland
- The Boulder Creek Lodge
- Blue Sky Mountain Ranch
- Arapaho Ranch Cabins
- Brainard Lake Campground
- Book a tiny house or cabin through VRBO
9. Manitou Springs
Manitou Springs, another gem of a town in Colorado, is approximately 15 minutes from Colorado Springs and about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Denver. The town is located in a stunning setting with scenic views at the base of Pikes Peak and surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. Manitou Springs is known for its natural mineral springs scattered throughout the town. The area has a lot of fun activities for kids, as does the neighboring Colorado Springs. For those seeking adventure, the Manitou Incline may call your name, it’s a famous and challenging hiking trail featuring a climb of 2,744 steps and an elevation gain of 2,000 feet. It’s a challenge that’s for sure!
Things to do in Manitou Springs
- Ride the Pikes Peak Cog Railway
- Tour the Garden of the Gods
- Go on a Zipline tour
- Visit the Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
- Visit the Manitou Cliff Dwellings
- Climb the Manitou Springs Incline
- Tour the 8 Manitou Mineral Springs
Where to Stay in Manitou Springs
- Cliff House at Pikes Peak
- Days Inn by Wyndham Manitou Springs
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Manitou Springs, an IHG Hotel
- Villa Motel at Manitou Springs
- Magnuson Grand Pikes Peak
10. Leadville, Colorado
Located just about 2 hours and 8 minutes from Denver is another one of the best small towns in Colorado, Leadville. Nestled in the heart of the Rockies, Leadville, Colorado, is a historic and charming small mountain town, graced by the presence of some of the state’s most stunning lakes and highest peaks. Turquoise Lake, with its outdoor recreational offerings like fishing, boating, and hiking, is a gem surrounded by stunning mountains. If you’re seeking a perfect blend of rugged outdoor adventures and the quaint allure of a small town, Leadville truly epitomizes the best of Colorado.
Things to do in Leadville:
- Visit Twin Lakes & go Fishing, Boating, Biking or Hiking
- Climb Mount Elbert, a Colorado 14er
- Tour the Historic Tabor Opera House
- Hike around the Leadville National Fish Hatchery
- Play a round at the Mount Massive Golf Course
- Go Fishing, kayaking or paddleboarding at Turquoise Lake Recreation Area
Where to stay in Leadville
Conclusion – The Best Small Towns in Colorado
Growing up in this breathtaking state, I’ve had the privilege of exploring the rich history, scenic wonders, and small-town charm that define these communities. Now, as a parent, love introducing my kids to the diverse tapestry of Colorado’s small towns, and sharing the stories and experiences that have shaped my journey. I hope you can find these small towns as magical as I do!
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