Emily Flores
There’s something undeniably magical about exploring a place that hasn’t yet hit the tourist radar. Colorado, with its craggy peaks and alpine lakes, has a few such hidden gems that will completely steal your heart. But for every breathtaking, soul-recharging town, there are a few that could leave you cold, or worse, stuck in traffic while trying to find a parking spot. Check out the good and the bad that this state has to offer.
Paonia
If Tuscany had a Colorado cousin, it would be Paonia. Situated among organic orchards and lush vineyards on the Western Slope, this town is bursting with natural flavor. It’s home to Colorado’s first designated American Viticultural Area, making it a quiet haven for wine lovers. Every September, the Mountain Harvest Festival brings live music and local food tastings.
Lake City
Lake City is a remote town that is also a launchpad for the Alpine Loop scenic byway, which is perfect for 4WD adventures. Despite having only one paved road, Lake City maintains one of Colorado’s best-preserved historic downtowns. Moose and black bear sightings are almost casual here.
Creede
Many believe that Creede looks like it was plucked out of a Western movie set, thanks to its narrow canyon setting at the edge of the San Juans. Once a booming silver-mining town, it still holds onto that wild frontier feeling, except now it’s also an artsy enclave. Visitors can also enjoy musicals and plays at the Creede Repertory Theater.
Marble
The marble used for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Lincoln Memorial came from Marble, a small town in Colorado. The yearly Marble/Marble Symposium attracts artists from around the globe, making it a haven for sculptors. With fewer than 150 inhabitants, this town is known for streets bearing the names of well-known sculptors.
Redstone
Redstone feels like the kind of place where time curtsies in style. With its historic coke ovens and the elegant Redstone Castle, this village is dripping in charm. Locals call it “The Ruby of the Rockies,” and between the pop-up art shows in mining cabins and the lack of traffic lights, it’s easy to see why.
Ridgway
Once a backdrop for John Wayne’s True Grit, Ridgway blends Old West flair with modern ease. High-end leather saddle shops and natural hot springs are just minutes away. Set against the dramatic San Juan Mountains, Ridgway is where you can go to slow down and soak up both scenery and serenity.
Now, let’s move on to the ones that you might want to skip on your next trip.
Estes Park
If you go to Estes Park in the off-season, it’s beautiful. It receives more than 4.5 million visitors a year as the entry point to Rocky Mountain National Park. That means spending hours stuck in traffic rather than on trails. Downtown is crowded with overpriced fudge and souvenir shops. Summertime hotel prices are enough to make your hiking boots sweat.
Breckenridge
Breckenridge may be picture-perfect, but it feels more like a movie set than a real town. Between the selfie-stick-toting crowds and a nightlife that outshines the mountain views, it’s hard to feel connected here. Short-term rentals have pushed out locals, and Main Street feels curated for likes rather than life.
Aspen
Luxury meets altitude at Aspen, and unfortunately, that altitude includes your credit card limit. Sure, the scenery is jaw-dropping, and the town is famous for celebrity sightings. But unless you’re arriving by a private jet, Aspen can feel more intimidating than inviting. What used to be a humble mining town has now become a playground for the ultra-wealthy.
Vail
With its Tyrolean architecture and manicured ski slopes, Vail is undeniably stunning. But beneath the postcard surface, the town feels more like a luxury resort than a living, breathing community. Designed for visitors, everything here is polished to perfection, from the gourmet coffee shops to the designer ski gear boutiques.