The 10 best Colorado mountain towns, according to a local lifelong resident

As someone who grew up in a Colorado mountain town—and still calls one home—I’ve spent a lifetime getting to know my home state, often visiting friends, attending festivals, or skiing in neighboring mountain communities. My ideal Colorado mountain town has a laid-back attitude, an adventurous spirit, and a calendar filled with events that make the most of the their incredible natural setting—from live music in outdoor venues to film festivals that take place beneath the stars. The best mountain towns are a balance of rugged and refined. They’re the places where you can go into the mountains without ever seeing another person and still have a great cocktail when you return. 

These 10 Colorado mountain towns are great to visit at any time of the year. winter ski trip You can also enjoy a summer filled with wildflowers.

Durango

Durango, a large mountain town, has something for everyone. The Animas River runs through the town and offers kayaking, rafting, and hiking. the Colorado TrailMountain biking is also available in the Horse Gulch system of trails, which starts right in town. There is also skiing at Purgatory Resort The hot springs of Durango Hot Springs Resort & SpaThe hotel has 32 natural pools with Japanese-style bathrooms and personal Japanese-style bathtubs. Ituro tubs.

Salida

There is plenty of hiking and biking in Salida—in fact, it is surrounded by several 14,000-foot peaks (or what we Coloradans call “14ers”). Salida is a mountain community that is known for its water-centric focus. Salida’s heart is the Arkansas River which runs through the town. It is a great place to raft and tube. This mountain town is also close to nearby skiing. Monarch Mountain The size of the company has nearly doubled recently.

Telluride 

Visually, Telluride It’s possible that this is the most idyllic mountain village on our list. The town is surrounded by mountains on all three sides, has a charming Main Street lined with Victorian houses and buildings, and has direct access to a ski area that can be reached without requiring a shuttle or car. There’s also a mountain biking park, golf and hiking in the summer.

Crested Butte 

Crested Butte has many names: its wildflowers The summer is considered to be the  “Wildflower Capital of Colorado”The locals spend their days hiking, biking and skiing the mountains around them. Crested Butte may no longer be a hidden treasure, but the town has still managed to maintain its unique free-spirited atmosphere that originally made it so appealing. 

Pagosa Springs

You’re looking for a destination where you can combine mountain adventures with deep relaxation. Pagosa Springs sits on the top of “Mother Spring,” the world’s deepest geothermal spring. The hot spring water provides food for a select few developed hot spring facilities After a day of skiing, a nice dip in the pool is a great way to end your trip. Pagosa Springs, located 30 minutes south of Wolf Creek Ski AreaA Colorado ski resort known for the highest amount of snowfall in the state.

Carbondale 

Carbondale is set between two mountain towns that get quite a bit of attention—Glenwood Springs Aspen lies to the south and Aspen, to the north. Carbondale has the same outdoor appeal as its neighboring towns, but it is noticeably more relaxed and there are fewer tourists. The mountain town is set in the shadow of Mount Sopris, a towering, almost-13,000-foot peak, and it’s located between two scenic rivers—the Roaring Fork and Crystal River, the latter of which is also home to the undeveloped Penny Hot Springs.

Silverton 

Callers Silverton Home tends to be outdoorsy, and closely connected with the mountains surrounding them. Life here takes effort—a simple grocery run or doctor’s visit can mean crossing a steep mountain pass to the neighboring town of Durango. Locals enjoy the town’s isolation, with its alpine trails, legendary ski terrain, and an old-fashioned downtown.

Aspen 

Aspen The resort is known for its five-star hotels, upscale shopping and dining that draw luxury travelers. It still has an active local population that stays for the outdoor adventures. There are plenty of outdoor activities in the summer like hiking, fishing, biking and snowmobiling. And in the winter, you can do everything from downhill skiing to Nordic skiing. The town is also full of charm and history, with its old buildings.

Breckenridge 

Breckenridge is another popular Colorado mountain destination that has gained a lot of popularity. Winters in Breck are centered around skiing. Breckenridge Ski ResortThere’s great cross-country and snowshoeing in the Breckenridge Nordic Center. Summer brings more outdoor adventure with scenic gondola tours, hiking, mountain bike riding, ropes course racing, and alpine coaster races down the mountain.

Winter Park

Winter Park is the only Colorado resort that can be reached directly by ski train from Denver. Winter Park Express). Winter Park has a small year-round community that is not only a popular weekend destination for skiers but also attracts many weekend skiers. Mountain biking is a great summer activity for those who want to stay. There are over 600 miles of trails in the area, including some on the ski resort’s terrain. Trestle Bike Park.