Colorado is a state famed for its mountainous settings. Colorado’s Rocky Mountains are a defining part of its identity and are the first thing that comes to mind when many people think of Colorado. The Rocky Mountains form a backdrop for many of Colorado’s most scenic cities. Let’s look at some of the state’s most beautiful mountain towns.
Grand Junction
Grand Junction is a gorgeous city in the heart of Colorado’s wine country, home to around 67,000. This appealing community is in the Western Slope region and is located 4,593 feet above sea level. Many people visit Grand Junction for wine tastings, fine dining, and outdoor recreation. It is near the flowing waters of the Colorado River and has scenic hiking trails that wind through rugged terrain.
Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is a major city at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Home to around 485,000 residents, it is the second-biggest city in the state. For nature lovers, Colorado Springs has some one-of-a-kind outdoor areas to explore. The Garden of the Gods is a National Natural Landmark park, where red sandstone formations framed by Rocky Mountain views jut hundreds of feet from the ground.
Breckenridge
Breckenridge is a small town that is nonetheless a major Colorado tourist destination. Located at the base of the Rockies’ Tenmile Range, this city was formerly an iconic Gold Rush town and its downtown area still has buildings preserved from this era. Its biggest tourist draw is Breckenridge Resort, a premier skiing and snowboarding resort with 3,000 acres of skiable terrain.
Mancos
Framed by mountains in the Mancos River valley and more than 7,000 feet above sea level, this tiny town in Montezuma County has a quiet charm. Its location at the entry to Mesa Verde National Park, a gorgeous mountainous park home to ancient Pueblo cave dwellings, is what draws many to visit Mancos.
Frisco
Frisco is a scenic town in the Rocky Mountains offering panoramic mountain views and a charming downtown with dining and lodging destinations. It is located near Breckenridge and is convenient to world-class ski resorts, including Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, and Arapahoe. The town is also home to Frisco Adventure Park, a popular sledding and tubing destination.
Telluride
Telluride typifies the appeal of Colorado’s mountain towns. It is a former mining town with Victorian architecture that calls to mind a rugged era in the state’s history, all framed by snowy peaks. Telluride is home to Telluride Ski & Golf, a world-renowned ski resort that doubles as a golfing destination in the warm seasons. The town has a vibrant culture with famous museums, delicious dining options, and top-notch performance venues.
Aspen
Arguably the most famous of Colorado’s mountain towns, Aspen is a resort destination and a hub for outdoor fun. Aspen is renowned for its world-class skiing, highlighted by the Aspen Snowmass Resort, one of the country’s most popular ski resorts. The town itself is known for its boutique, designer shopping destinations and upscale restaurants. Aspen’s beauty is further accentuated by its historical architecture with mountainous backgrounds.
