Discover the 10 Best Small Towns in Colorado (For Non-Skiers)

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

Stanley Hotel in Estes Park Colorado
Stanley Hotel, 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 many 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:

Where to stay in Estes Park

2. Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs Colorado
Glenwood Springs, Colorado Hot Springs


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

Where to stay in Glenwood Springs

3. Grand Lake, Colorado

View of the lake and mountains in 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:

Things to do in Grand Lake in the Summer:

Where to stay in Grand Lake

4. Frisco, Colorado

Lake Dillon in Frisco, Colorado
Lake Dillon in 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, you can do many outdoor activities, 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, a great town to visit while you are here.

Winter Activities in Frisco:

Summer Activities in Frisco:

Where to stay in Frisco

5. Georgetown, Colorado

Fall colors at Georgetown lake in 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:

Where to stay in Georgetown

6. Hahns Peak & Clark, Colorado

Hahns Peak Mountain outside of Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Hahns Peak Mountain


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:

Where to stay in Hahns Peak

7. Black Hawk, Colorado

Casino in Black Hawk, one of the best small towns in Colorado
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):

Top Casino Hotels in Black Hawk

8. Nederland, Colorado

Nederland, Colorado one of the best small towns in Colorado
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:

Things to do in the Winter:

Where to stay in Nederland

9. Manitou Springs

Manitou Incline in Manitou Springs Colorado
The Manitou Incline


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

Where to Stay in Manitou Springs

Garden of Gods in Colorado Springs
Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs

10. Leadville, Colorado

Elevation sign of 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:

Where to stay in Leadville

Turquoise Lake in Leadville, Colorado
Turquoise Lake

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, I 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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