11 Best Scenic Small Towns in Colorado

May 09, 2018 0 Comments

We asked our friends on Instagram their favorite scenic small towns in the Centennial state and put together a list for your viewing pleasure. With over 104,000 square miles and a ranking of 21st in the nation in population, Colorado has an array of scenic countryside from “Rocky Mountain High” to Alamosa Sand Dunes. Colorado happens to be one of our most favorite states to #roamwild. So if you love this state as much as we do, pack your bags and start your next adventure.

Without further ado, check out these amazing small towns in Colorado.

1. Ouray

Ouray, Colorado,  U.S || Photo credit: Larry Lamsa

Ouray sets in the San Juan Mountains of Southwestern Colorado. With a small population of around 1,000, Ouray is number one on our list because of its beautiful scenery, recreation outlets, and great food options.

 

2. Telluride

Telluride, CO at night 003-18-2018 | Credit: Richard Hurd

This former mining town is now the most populous town in San Miguel County. It boasts year-round activities and unmatched views from town.

 

3. Silverton

Silverton Historic District, U.S. Highway 550; also roughly along State Highway 110 and the aerial tramway from Ladore Mine to Mayflower Mine Silverton || Photo credit: John S. Hirth

Silverton is a former silver mining town with a well laid out historical section and population with roughly 700 people.

 

4. Montrose

Montrose Colorado, South Townsend, U.S. || Photo credit: Visit montrose [CC BY-SA 4.0] , from Wikimedia Commons

This scenic town in upper Uncompahgre Valley has a larger population (approx. 20,000) than other towns on this list. Montrose city area spans nearly 19 square miles.

 

5. Estes Park

Estes Colorado, U.S. || Photo credit:Frans-Banja Mulder [CC BY 3.0 ], via Wikimedia Commons

Several million people a year use Estes Park as a base for their Rocky Mountain adventures. Ride a tram and enjoy the incredible views seen from the idyllic town.

 

6. Crested Butte

The brightly painted Ginger Cafe in Crested Butte, a Gunnison County, Colorado, town -- heavily populated in winter ski season -- high in the Rocky Mountains. Crested Butte Colorado, U.S. || Photo credit: Carol M. Highsmith [CC BY 3.0 ], via Wikimedia Commons

Crested Butte is located in north-central Gunnison County. This former coal town is well known for its mountain biking, skiing, and wildflowers.

 

7. Durango

Durango, Colorado, National Register of Historic Places with known IDs,  Colorado, U.S. || Photo credit: Carol M. Highsmith [CC-BY-SA-3.0-migrated], via Wikimedia Commons

Known for its skiing, flyfishing, and festive atmosphere, Durango is a favorite of the Roam staff, and our friends on Instagram.

 

8. Nederland

Blue Owl Books and Coffee Shop, Nederland, Colorado, September 2014 | Credit: Amy Cahill

A former silver, gold and tungsten mining town in north-central Colorado, Nederland is far from its Dutch lowland name as it sits around 8,000 feet.

 

9. Pagosa Springs

Pagosa Springs Colorado, U.S. David (Flickr: _MG_5838) || [CC BY 2.0]  via Wikimedia Commons

Pagosa Springs is located in the upper San Juan Basin, surrounded by the 3 million acre San Juan National Forest. Its main attraction is its the hot baths, but Pagosa Springs offers many more activities year around.

 

10. Fort Collins

Downtown Fort Collins, Colorado U. S. || CityCommunications at English Wikipedia [ CC BY 3.0 ], via Wikimedia Commons

Originally set up as an army outpost, Fort Collins is the most populous municipality of Larimer County, and the largest town on our list. Fort Collins is booming in business, beer, and bison.

 

11. Longmont

View along street in street in Prospect New Town, new urbanist development in Longmont, Colorado. May 2, 2005., Colorado U. S. || Matthew Trump [ CC BY 3.0 ], via Wikimedia Commons

A small town with big business success, Longmont, located in northeastern Boulder County, caters to many visitors headed to Rocky Mountain National Park.

 

 

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