10 Secluded Towns That Showcase Colorado’s Stunning Beauty

Colorado is renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes, towering mountains, alpine lakes, and vast open spaces, characterized by a serene yet rugged beauty. Many lesser-known towns tucked away from Aspen and Breckenridge provide an isolated Colorado experience. The trek is perfect for travelers looking to unwind and take things at a leisurely pace.

Below are ten remote cohorts of Colorado jewels and experiences that combine excellent natural beauty with exceptional experiences. The towns packed with hikers, stargazers, and history lovers have something unique to offer.

Crested Butte  

Crested Butte is affectionately known as the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado,” for good reason. When summer rolls around, the meadows that surround the town break out in a rainbow of colorful blooms with dramatic mountain backdrops to provide the backdrop. It is a summer destination, to be sure, but the slopes of Crested Butte draw skiers in winter, and the world-class mountain biking and hiking trails bring in mountain bikers and hikers during the warmer months.

You can stroll downtown’s lively Elk Avenue with historic buildings, little cafes, and art galleries. Whether exploring Gothic Mountain’s wilderness or sipping coffee in town, Crested Butte offers an unmatched natural beauty and cozy charm. Guided hikes and photography workshops are available during the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival, which takes place in late July.

Lake City

Just into the San Juan Mountains lies the quiet haven of Lake City, and its name is certainly appropriate. The town is for fishing, hiking, and off-roading, surrounded by lush forests, pristine alpine lakes, and incredible Cascade Mountain range waterfalls. Lake City has preserved old mining-era buildings, and history buffs can experience the epic historic Alpine Loop byway and its many old mining ruins at high altitudes. Make sure you visit North Clear Creek Falls, one of Colorado’s most dramatic and photogenic waterfalls.  

Be sure not to miss the ghost towns around Lake City, such as Capitol City, which offer a fascinating look into Colorado’s mining past.  

Ouray  

Nicknamed the “Switzerland of America,” Ouray’s dramatic peaks and charming streets give it the feel of a quaint European village. The town is primarily known for its natural hot springs, which are great for a soak after whatever outdoorsy activities you want to conquer. Thrill-seeking nature lovers will not want to miss out on the Ouray Ice Park for ice climbing or Box Canyon Falls for exploration in the stunning retreat.  

The Annual Ice Fest is one of the world’s most significant ice climbing events in February.  

Silverton  

Enveloped by the rugged San Juan Mountains is the historic mining town of Silverton. There are adrenaline-pumping activities like extreme skiing, as Silverton Mountain has challenging terrains for experienced skiers. History buffs will love the experience because the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a vintage steam train ride through the jaw-dropping canyons. The well-preserved ghost town, Animas Forks, is located at 11,200 feet and can be explored by summer visitors.  

If you have time, take the Million Dollar Highway north to Silverton to face the side of the sheer cliffs and mountain peaks.  

Creede  

Located within a canyon of the San Juan Range, Creede, being smaller than a small town, has a feel of something out of time. With a long mining history, visitors can mine through the vestiges of its silver past at the Creede Underground Mining Museum or take a scenic tour along the Bachelor Loop. Although the town has a small population (300), that diminutive amount doesn’t impede Creede, which enjoys live performances by the illustrious Creede Repertory Theatre.  

Drive up to the Continental Divide for unbeatable views of untouched wilderness.  

Paonia 

Gorgeous scenery, art, and agriculture blend to form the perfect mix in Paonia. The town is situated in the unspoiled North Fork Valley, where organic farms thrive, vineyards flourish, and an active arts community is thriving. Local galleries to wander through or wines to taste on the local farms. Its scenic reservoir also has fishing, hiking, and camping facilities near Paonia State Park.  

If you are up for live music, farm-to-table cuisine, and a community chili cook-off, visit during the Mountain Harvest Festival in September.  

Westcliffe  

Westcliffe, in the heart of the Wet Mountain Valley, offers an unbelievably clear view of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. But what sets this town apart is that it is an International Dark Sky Community. During the day, horse rides and trails that wind through the immense peaks can be enjoyed.  

If you have a telescope, pack it or go to Smokey Jack Observatory for a guided night sky tour.  

Naturita  

Naturita may not have the topography without alpine views, but red rock mesas and desert scenery are just as grandiose. It attracts outdoor adventurers who pen their lives to the Unaweep-Tabeguache Scenic Byway or roam the labyrinthine canyons just outside town. Teeming with desert beauty, the trails excite off-roaders, while history is rich when exploring Colorado’s uranium mining heritage.  

Paradox Valley boasts some fascinating geological wonders, and hiking offers a unique experience.  

Hesperus  

Being truly remote, Hesperus has only a couple of dozen residents at most. This remote heaven is found in the La Plata Mountains and is excellent for the solitary seeker. The activities include horseback riding through ancient landscapes and Hesperus Ski Area, one of Colorado’s most down-to-earth slopes open in winter.  

Nearby is Ute Mountain Tribal Park, which has guided tours to cliff dwellings and petroglyphs.  

Dove Creek  

On the far western border of Colorado lies Dove Creek, a quiet agricultural town known as the “Pinto Bean Capital of the World.” Although mainly a farming community, the area’s incredible canyons and archaeological ruins, such as the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, are big attractions. Dove Creek’s open plains and uncrowded trails are magnificent when you crave solitude.  

Bring some pinto beans with you—local pinto beans are reputed to be the best in the country.

Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.

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