World-class skiing, beautiful mountains, and energetic cities are Colorado’s most well-known features. But its quaint little communities are where the real spirit of the state is found.
These undiscovered jewels provide a true sense of community and a slower pace of life, all while being tucked away amid stunning scenery. Come along with us as we explore some of Colorado’s best tiny communities.
Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde is accessible from the cities of Cortez and Mancos via a lengthy road that climbs far above the surrounding terrain. It takes roughly forty-five minutes to go from the highway to the location.
From from 600 to 1300 AD, the Ancestral Pueblo lived in the homes on Mesa Verde. The park contains thousands of archaeological sites, but the most remarkable are the cliff houses.
Many locations are accessible by a road, many of which are perched above the mesa. Numerous hiking routes go to lookouts and interesting sights, including petroglyphs, and don’t require a ranger tour.
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is located close to Colorado Springs as well, You may stroll around the bizarre landscape and come up close to the striking rock formations on the fifteen miles of walking routes, the majority of which are short and easy.
A distinctive landscape of sharp stone towers and fins protruding 300 feet above the ground can be found at this National Natural Landmark, which has been registered. Enormous balancing boulders and piles of granite surround the fins, while far-off mountains complete the scene.
The Garden of the Gods Park Visitor & Nature Center is a museum featuring displays and a 20-minute film about the park’s geology. They also provide regular nature hikes with guides.
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Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
The magnificent and rugged-looking Black Canyon of the Gunnison is sufficiently isolated to give the impression that it is yet unexplored.
The canyon is around 2,000 feet deep, with Warner Point at 2,722 feet and Gunnison Point and Chasm View at slightly over 1,800 feet. Grand Junction is located roughly 75 miles southeast of Black Canyon in the Gunnison National Park.
The main activities here are to just take in the scenery while gazing out over the canyon or strolling along the rim’s walking routes and short hiking trails. Most of these trails are simple and level.
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Durango and the Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway
The Colorado Trail, a 500-mile backcountry route that connects Denver and Durango, ends at Durango as well. Along the trail, you can embark on a day hike or mountain bike ride, returning the same way.
One of the town’s top summertime tourist destinations is the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gage Railway. From Durango, this vintage train makes day journeys up the valley to the high-mountain mining town of Silverton.
The train still operates in the winter, but only to Cascade Canyon and on designated occasions. The town of Durango, located in southern Colorado, is in a picturesque location at the foot of neighboring mountains.
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Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness
In addition to woods, meadows, alpine lakes, and 175 miles of paths to let you explore the environment, this area boasts six mountains rising above 14,000 feet.
The majority of visitors to Maroon Bells come for the recreational opportunities. There are several different day hikes and backpacking routes in this amazing hiking destination.
Trails for mountain riding span hundreds of km. Summertime is a wonderful time to go fishing in lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. Camping in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is an amazing experience if you have the necessary equipment and a tent.
It’s a year-round outdoor playground since people come here to ski, snowshoe, and ride snowmobiles in the winter.
To Conclude
Colorado’s little towns are a delightful diversion from the bustle of the big city, offering a singular and distinctive experience.
These locations highlight the finest that the state has to offer, from the natural splendor of the Black Canyon and Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness to the historic charm of Silverton and Ouray.
These little towns are sure to make an impression, whether you’re looking for cultural activities, outdoor adventures, or just a peaceful retreat.
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