11 Best Mountain Towns Near Denver to Visit in 2024

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Enjoying Colorado is not complete without exploring one of the many amazing mountain towns near Denver. Each town has a unique vibe, and offers a wide range of fun things to do all year long.

These Colorado mountain towns allow you to do more than just skiing and snowboarding.

So, if you are planning a ski trip, check out our guide about the best ski towns in Colorado.

Many of these places mentioned are just a few hours drive from major Front Range cities like Denver and Colorado Springs.

Here is our list of the best mountain towns in Colorado near Denver, including ones we’ve visited and ones that are on our bucket list.

1. Frisco

top colorado ski towns

As you you’re driving from Denver, one of the first Colorado mountain towns on our list is Frisco!

It’s on your way to many popular skiing destinations like Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, Keystone Ski Resort, or Vail Mountain Resort.

But the fact is, Frisco can be a destination all on its own! It is well worth making the stop if you want to avoid the crowds and still soak up some mountain goodness.

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Outer Range Brewing Co.

The Outer Range Brewing Co. is a popular favorite and was even featured in our resource on the Colorado craft beer scene.

If you’re visiting during the winter, we highly recommend grabbing a pint to enjoy at the mountain yurt!

BYO food, because Outer Range serves up nothing but their delicious rotating menu of IPAs, stouts, and ales.

Frisco Adventure Park

The Frisco Adventure Park is a perfect getaway for families with kids, or those with limited time or experience skiing, to get out and enjoy the snow.

When our family was visiting from out of state, we didn’t have a full day to commit to skiing but we hit up the Frisco Adventure Park for some snow tubing.

It’s a great adventure to do for the day!

5th Ave Grille

When visiting Frisco, be to stop at the 5th Ave Grille. The food is delicious and still budget-friendly!

Serving lunch and dinner daily, you’ll find elevated food made from wholesome ingredients in a comfortable atmosphere.

We recommend their curry chicken soup daily special. It is the perfect thing to warm up with after a chilly day outside!

Frisco Bay Marina

The Frisco Bay Marina on the Dillon Reservoir was recently renovated and is a great spot to enjoy a picnic, or rent a boat in the summertime.

If you visit in the winter you can enjoy hikes and beautiful scenery around Lake Dillon.

Just make sure you bundle up because the strong wind that comes off the lake is very cold.

2. Silverthorne / Dillon

continental divide colorado

When you exit at 205 off I-70 you’ll find the towns of Silverthorne and Dillion. While Frisco is south on the Dillon Reservoir, these two towns are further north.

Due to their location on the way to big ski resort towns, the combined area of Silverthorne / Dillion is a great place to stop and shop!

The views are incredible and although this Colorado town is small it has lots of things to do.

Outlets at Silverthorne

The Outlets at Silverthorne is an expansive outdoor mall with tons of options.

It is the perfect place to eat and shop for all the people on your list (at any time of year!).

The Outlets are divided into three “villages,” which are quite removed from each other. So, be sure to plan your visit to make sure you find exactly what you’re looking for.

Dillon Ice Castles

We previously shared an in-depth guide about the Dillon Ice Castles, and they are definitely worth a second mention. The experience is truly a fairytale wonderland!

The Ice Castles are a very popular attraction in January and February each year.

If you are planning to visit, come on a weekday or earlier in the day to avoid the crowds.

First Fridays in Silverthorne

On the first Friday of every month, the city of Silverthorne gives locals and visitors alike a reason to come together.

This is when everyone celebrates all the arts, culture, and community in this gorgeous mountain town.

At Silverthorne First Fridays you can check out local galleries, sample food from local restaurants, enjoy music, and have some fun.

Every Friday has a different main focus — like a sledding competition, or burning a snowman to signify the coming of spring!

3. Telluride

telluride colorado in fall

Telluride is a must-visit mountain town that should be on everyone’s Colorado bucket list.

There is a beautiful historic district full of shops, restaurants and historic buildings.

And Top Chef Colorado, the 15th season of Bravo’s hit show Top Chef, filmed their finale episode in Telluride.

That’s just one of the reasons why we love visiting Telluride! It’s no wonder this makes the list of best mountain towns in Colorado near Denver.

Alpino Vino

Located at Telluride Ski Resort is the restaurant Alpino Vino.

In addition to being a fabulous, upscale restaurant, and the site where one of the Top Chef Colorado competitions took place.

Alpino Vino’s claim to fame is that they are North America’s highest restaurant, coming in at a staggering 12,000 feet of elevation!

Fun fact: At higher altitudes, the temperature to boil water is lower. At 12,000 feet, water will boil at just 189 degrees, instead of the normal 212 at sea level.

We bet that makes cooking and baking at Alpino Vino especially challenging!

Telluride Gondola

Take a free ride on the Telluride Gondola from the base to the town of Mountain Village. It’s the first and only free public transport of this kind in the United States.

On this 13-minute ride, you’ll climb over 1,700 feet in elevation to arrive at the station at the top. Get out, go for a hike, and enjoy the beautiful mountainside!

Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls is the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado. And it’s located just east of Telluride!

This waterfall is 365 tall, and during the summer is a great hiking destination.

In winter, you can drive out on Forest Service Road 648 until the pavement ends and get a great view of this spectacular falls!

Telluride Festival of Cars and Colors

If you’re visiting in the fall, Telluride is also home to the Telluride Festival of Cars and Colors, which we talked about in our guide about the best fall activities.

This class car, aviation, and vintage motorcycle event is a must-see!

The beautiful backdrop of the San Juan Mountains in their full fall foliage regalia make an epic spot for this outdoor festival.

4. Silverton

silverton colorado mountain

Did you know that Silverton, Colorado is considered a National Historic Landmark?

The city is part of the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway which forms a 233-mile loop in the southwest part of the state.

It connects the city of Silverton to Ouray via the Million Dollar Highway.

Secluded in nature

Not to be confused with Silverthorne, mentioned above, Silverton is located deep in the San Juan Mountains.

It is one of the more secluded mountain towns that you can visit here in Colorado.

How secluded?

Well, the average total snowfall is over 400 inches annually. And that’s more than the number of daily visitors to Silverton!

With only 600 permanent residents, Silverton has a thriving little downtown area, full of shops, boutiques, and restaurants.

Silverton Mountain

Silverton is lively and busy during the summer, especially around their all-day 4th of July celebration.

It has also become an increasingly popular winter destination for snow sports.

It can get pretty hopping on weekends in the winter when Silverton Mountain opens, so we recommend planning a weekday visit if possible.

You’ll skip the crowds, but not a single bit of the beautiful scenery!

5. Durango

durango colorado town

Near Silverton is the city of Durango, the largest city in the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway.

The city has a perfect combination of historical sites and natural attractions. In this old-west mountain mining town you will feel like you are stepping back in time!

Mesa Verde National Park

Visit the nearby Mesa Verde National Park. You can explore the history of the Pueblo people who lived in this area as recently as 700 years ago.

This national park preserves over 5,000 archeological sites, and is a beautiful and interesting place to visit even during winter.

Stay in one of the many cozy bed & breakfasts or rustic alpine cabins in Durango during your visit.

Four Corners Monument

Durango is also situated a short drive from the Four Corners Monument. This is the spot where New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado meet.

The Monument is officially owned by the Navajo Nation. You’ve probably seen pictures of tourists laid out on the exact four corners spot, with an arm or a leg in each state!

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

By far, one of the most popular attractions to Durango, is the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

The railroad began as a way to haul gold and silver ore from the San Juan Mountains. This historic train route has been in operation now for over 130 years!

Trains depart from Durango daily to make the 2+ hour ride to Silverton before returning to Durango.

And around Christmas, you can even ride on the Polar Express.

6. Woodland Park

city of woodland park colorado

Just a quick 30 minute drive from downtown Colorado Springs is the city of Woodland Park.

This “city above the clouds” is beginning to feel more like a suburb of Colorado Springs than a tourist town.

But you’ll still feel like you’re miles away from the ordinary in this charming and small mountain town.

Sitting in the shadow of Pikes Peak, you’ll really get a sense of just how huge this mountain is from here.

And for locals who grew up seeing Pikes Peak every day, it can be weird to see the mountain from this angle. You might not recognize it!

Rampart Reservoir

With many hiking trails to choose from, Pike National Forest is a popular summer destination that is also home to Rampart Reservoir.

It’s a beautiful place to visit in the summer or winter. And the reservoir is the largest body of water in El Paso County and covers 500-acres.

Plus, the nearby Pike National Forest boasts over 1.1 million acres and contains 5 fourteeners. A fourteener is a mountains that reaches more than 14,000 feet in elevation at their peaks!

11 Mile Canyon Recreation Area

Find an unexpected paradise in the 11 Mile Canyon Recreation Area.

Head west out of Woodland Park along highway 24 to the Lake George area to find this popular destination for hiking, boating, RVing, and fishing on the reservoir.

The Swiss Chalet

The Swiss Chalet in Woodland Park offers fine continental classic cuisine. Which is a fancy way of saying that they serve up a fantastic steak and some fresh and delicious seafood!

They are closed on Mondays and are closed between lunch and dinner service from 2 pm to 5 pm, so plan your visit appropriately.

The Historic Ute Inn

Not in the mood for a fancy, fine-dining experience? You can grab some great grub at the Historic Ute Inn in Woodland Park.

Founded in 1942, this mountain bar and grill has nothing but seriously upscale home cooking. Stop in for lunch or dinner, or lift a pint during happy hour!

BierWerks Brewery

If you’re looking for a great microbrewery, look no further than BierWerks Brewery!

On the menu, you’ll find primarily German style lagers and ales, as well as a few more hoppy brews.

In typical Deutschland fashion, you’ll also find (Colorado-made!) sausages, Wisconsin cheeses, warm pretzels, and salami available all year to pair with your pint.

The Donut Mill

A Colorado favorite since 1983, The Donut Mill is a must-try for any donut enthusiast.

You’ll know them by their bright blue roof and hubcap-sized streusels, bear claws, and cinnamon rolls.

Our resident Texas transplant heard that the biscuits and gravy were award-winning.

(And while we are becoming a bit skeptical of the many, many ‘award-winning’ biscuits and gravy that seem to be on every menu Carrie can attest that these are delicious!)

7. Estes Park

things-to-do-in-estes-park-colorado

About 70 miles northwest of Denver is the town of Estes Park, often called the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Estes Park is located near the eastern entrance to the national park, as well as close to Roosevelt National Forest.

You’ll find plenty of warm and winter weather activities to enjoy in this wilderness landscape.

Due to the staggeringly beautiful views of the Rockies and abundant opportunities to get out into the backcountry, Estes Park is the most visited mountain town in Colorado.

Peak season is July through September, but you’ll find plenty to do and see all year round.

Proximity to these outdoor spaces is not the only thing that makes Estes Park feel a bit wild. There is a ton of wildlife in and around the city!

Bear, elk, mountain lions, and moose are commonly sighted in the Estes Park area.

And the elk are well known to wander the streets and golf courses.

Elk Fest in Estes Park

Toward the end of September, Elk Fest in Estes Park is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to get up close and personal with the thousands of elk that rut in Estes Park every year.

Don’t touch the wildlife! But we promise, you’ll see (and hear!) plenty from the elk during this fun outdoor festival.

Even if you miss the event, the elk themselves don’t use calendars.

They will be roaming around looking for mates throughout much of the fall and early winter season.

Riverwalk

The Big Thompson River and Fall River both wind their way through downtown Estes Park, creating a beautiful visual and sound experience for visitors.

In this lovely setting, the Riverwalk is a wonderful way to enjoy the balance between man and nature.

Walk along the river and stop into the many shops, restaurants, and breweries downtown.

8. Glenwood Springs

glenwood springs hot springs resort

Glenwood Springs is a place my family has been coming to for decades. It has even become a generational thing. 

When talking about Glenwood Springs, the hot springs is really what comes to mind first. 

Along the confluence of the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers, at the base of the Colorado Rockies sits the largest natural hot springs pool in the world. But it is much more than that. 

Glenwood Springs is small and charming but always buzzing with activity. The scenery of this town, sandwiched in the Roaring Fork Valley and the mountains, makes it a picturesque mountain town. 

Whether it’s hiking, skiing, water rafting, or soaking in the hot springs pools, Glenwood Springs has something for everyone to enjoy. 

Not only that, but the city is home to America’s only mountain top theme park, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park

At the top of Iron Mountain is Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, which is unlike any theme park you’ve seen before. 

The park features rollercoasters, cliff edge swings, zip lines, prizes and two very popular Colorado caves.

This place has all the big things you would expect at an amusement park, but with less crowds and better views. 

glenwood-springs-adventure-park

Plus, the ride up the side of the mountain is an attraction all its own. Step into the glass-sided gondola that towers over trees as you ascend along the mountainside to the top of Iron Mountain.

The caves, also known as the Glenwood Springs Caverns for which the park is named, are worth the journey alone. In fact, the Fairy Caves were once marketed to be the 8th wonder of the world. 

A guided tour through the depths of the earth leads to a fascinating learning experience for all ages.

Of the two caves, Kings Row is the most highly decorated and the second largest cave in the entire state. This cavern is as long as a football field with the narrowest walkways that are big enough for a large man to fit through. 

Both the Fairy Caves and Kings Row caverns are some of the most beautifully and highly decorated caves in Colorado.

And the best part is that both caves are both located in Glenwood Springs.

Natural Hot Springs Pool

Glenwood Hot Springs is the largest natural outdoor hot springs in the world and is also home to Spa of the Rockies. 

The hot springs themselves come out of the ground and are mixed with the cooler waters of the nearby Colorado River. 

The largest pool is kept at an average of 90 degrees year round and features lap lanes and a diving board.

To give you a scope of how big this pool is, it goes through 3 million gallons of water a day. The resort also features a therapy pool, lazy river, slides, and a kiddie pool. 

The natural hot springs waters are said to be infused with healing properties.

In past years, the Ute Indians came to this area to reap the rewards of these waters. In fact, they called these springs Yampa, which means “big medicine”.

9. Buena Vista

buena vista colorado downtown

In the geographical center of the state, sits the small mountain town of Buena Vista (pronounced BUE-NAH Vista).

It is a relatively quiet mountain town that is surrounded by fantastic things to do and majestic places to see. 

With the town situated in the upper part of the Arkansas River Valley it’s easy to see why the name of the town literally means “beautiful view”. 

Hot springs, skiing, river adventures, fourteeners, national landmarks, scenic byways, and incredible hiking are all right in Buena Vista’s backyard. 

Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway

The Collegiate Peaks consist of some of the highest points of the all Rocky Mountains.

Many of these mountains rise above 14,000 feet above sea level and hold names of some world famous educational institutes. 

Mount Harvard, Mount Princeton, Mount Yale, Mount Oxford and Mount Colombia all dot this scenic drive through the mountains near Buena Vista.

Taking this drive any time of year will reward you with stunning views and grand landscapes. 

But usually the most scenic time of year will be in autumn when the entire mountain sides are ablaze with gold aspen trees and fall color. 

Hiking Cottonwood Pass

Virtually anywhere near Buena Vista you will find some stellar hiking, backpacking and camping spots. 

Take your pick of any of the 14ers along the Collegiate Peaks or an easier hike along the Arkansas River. Just know, there are no wrong choices as this area is teeming with trails and grand vistas. 

A summer hike that is a bit off the beaten path is the Lost Lake or Ptarmigan Lake Trails near Cottonwood Pass. The hike still offers a challenge but is totally doable by most fitness levels. 

This hike into some higher elevation offers sweeping views of Colorado’s Rocky Mountain and a dip into a lake fed by snowmelt.

Or you can find more secluded areas inside the San Isabel National Forest’s 1.1 million acres that are available for hiking, camping, fishing, swimming, and exploring.

10. Grand Lake

grand lake colorado

The town of Grand Lake is unsurprisingly named after the large lake that is located nearby.

Being the western gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, the town of Grand Lake is much more than a homebase for the lake. 

With hundreds of miles of hiking trails, year round festivals, abundant wildlife, and water sports there is always something to do in Grand Lake.

The Lake 

Grand Lake is the deepest and oldest natural lake in all of Colorado and is considered the headwaters to the Colorado River. 

Boating, fishing, jet skiing and swimming are popular things to do in the summer. 

And the lake is connected by a waterway to the manmade Shadow Mountain Lake which opens up even water exploration! 

In the winter, the lake hosts ice skating, ice fishing, snowmobiling and just about any other wintery activities. 

Trail Ridge Road 

Rocky Mountain National Park is a beautiful, rugged place teeming with wildlife and untouched Colorado scenery

One of the best ways to access the National Park is via the less busy, western gateway in Grand Lake.

Trail Ridge Road is the tallest continuous paved road in all of North America and cuts through the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Nicknamed the “highway to the sky”, this paved road rises to an elevation of 12,000 feet as you make your way across the Continental Divide. 

Due to its elevation and unpredictable weather, parts of Trail Ridge Road are closed in the winter. So be sure to check conditions when planning a drive!

11. Steamboat Springs

Steamboat-Springs-Downtown

Of the best mountain towns in Colorado near Denver that is famous for skiing, Steamboat Springs might be one of the destinations furthest from the beaten path. 

And for this reason, Steamboat Springs is a small town that really shines as a place for an extended stay. 

Now, that’s not to say this town isn’t amazing to visit if you are just passing through or want to make a day trip out of it! But the mostly secluded nature of this town only lends to its serenity and beauty. 

Being a famous ski town, Steamboat Springs has some world class slopes to hit in the winter. The town has produced more athletes for the Winter Olympics than any other town in North America. 

Steamboat Springs is home to some of the coldest winters in Colorado (with temps hitting close to zero) so it’s not for everyone. 

Rabbit Ear Pass

Something else that Steamboat Springs is known for in the winter is snowmobiling. And there are few better places in the country than Rabbit Ear Pass southeast of the town. 

But the real shining point about Rabbit Ear Pass is that instead of ascending to the top and then quickly descending over the pass, you remain at around 10,000 feet for quite a few miles. 

This opens up a huge amount of hiking and high elevation exploration!

If you have a town to add to our list of best mountain towns in Colorado near Denver, hit us up on Instagram at @hashtagcoloradolife.

We love hearing from our readers and listeners, and putting the spotlight on the many wonderful towns that Colorado has to offer.

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