It’s not hard to find a hidden gem in Colorado! As one of the most visited areas of the United States, people flock to places like Denver, Estes Park, Fort Collins, Boulder, and Aspen. But what about those smaller towns—the road less traveled? No matter what time of year you visit, there are fun hidden gems in Colorado to incorporate into your trip!
You might choose to visit the Denver area for the first time, which is great! But don’t let that stop you from adding in an extra town or two in the Rocky Mountains. You will experience beautiful drives and sleepy mountain towns to explore, giving you adventures and memories you will never forget!
So, where are they…?
The hidden gems in Colorado! Where do we find them? Or what places should we stop on our way from Denver to Aspen? How far outside of Colorado Springs should we explore? Are there towns I’ve never heard of worth visiting? Here are you answers! And the best hidden gems in Colorado:
Note: all of these towns are in the mountains west of Denver. We start on the north end and loop around down to the south.
Grand Lake, Colorado
Most people visit Rocky Mountain National Park through Estes Park, but have you made your way through the mountains from the Grand Lake entrance? A more popular destination than some on the list, Grand Lake is a cute downtown with ice cream shops, saloons, BBQ joints, plus coffee, and souvenirs. It’s perfect for the whole family and less chaotic than Estes Park.
Located in Grand Country, Grand Lake, Colorado can easily be made into a weekend trip! READ: The Best Things to Do in Grand Lake, CO.
Nederland, Colorado
Located just 17 miles west of Boulder, make a stop in the small town of Nederland, Colorado where you are going to find plenty of restaurants and shops with a beautiful mountain backdrop.
Nederland has access to all things Colorado adventure—hiking, skiing, fishing, mountain biking, and camping. The colorful and vibrant downtown area is bustling with people on the weekends as they find somewhere for coffee, food, drinks, and spots for clothing and antiques.
Black Hawk & Central City, Colorado
The tiny town of Blackhawk and the slightly bigger town of Central City are attached at the hip. There isn’t too much distinction as far as which is which and they are only a mile apart, but you’ll have fun in both of them.
Rich in history (Colorado’s Gold Rush started here in 1859), you will find opera houses, saloons, and casinos at every turn! I’m talking EVERY turn—there are 20 casinos in this small area alone. The vibe is an old-town feel with narrow streets and old buildings. You can also visit Golden Gate Canyon State Park with hiking and biking trails, campsites, and views from Panorama Point Scenic Overlook.
Georgetown, Colorado
Outside of Idaho Springs, you will find Georgetown, Colorado. It’s downright BEAUTIFUL and one of the best places to visit if you are in the area. You’ll feel as if you are IN the mountains in this historic town with rock on either side of you. Sightsee, shop, eat, drink, and explore in this small space dedicated to about 1,000 Colorado residents—though many, many more on weekends.
Start your day with coffee and a museum or tour, make your way to Guanella Pass Brewery, and don’t miss Lucha Cantina, with Mexican-American fare in a haunted building.
Silverthorne, Colorado
If you are heading towards Breckenridge or Vail, you might find yourself passing through Silverthorne, Colorado—and it’s worth some exploration. Endless natural beauty in all directions, this is a spot you will want to incorporate an overnight stay.
Right in the heart of ski country, Silverthorne doesn’t stop there. Make your reservation for a hotel after skiing and enjoy a nice hot tub! Find a long and intense or else short hike to accomplish and admire the views, shop popular places downtown, or even try your luck fishing or on the #1 rated golf course in Colorado!
It didn’t take me long to fall in love with Silverthorne, Colorado!
TIP: Make sure to visit the neighboring town of Dillon, Colorado as well. Here, you will find the gorgeous Dillon Reservoir where afternoons on the water are unmatched! Rent boats, paddleboards, kayaks, or sailboats to explore the lake.
And just a short drive away, you’ll find…
Frisco, Colorado
Right down the road is Frisco, Colorado which is one of the nearby towns that’s simply: WOW! Explore the Main St. that is beyond quaint (you won’t want to leave!), choose from one of the 6 area ski resorts, or hop on the water in Frisco Bay!
Incorporated into the natural beauty are all types of restaurants to choose from, plenty of shopping, and a scenic drive (or 5!) to fill your camera roll.
Fairplay, Colorado
Now we are getting off the beaten path a bit! Head to Fairplay, a sleepy mountain town where you’ll find views of the mountain range, a few dive bars, grizzly mountain men, and some of the best chocolate you will ever find…
Known as the “trout fishing capital,” don’t forget your poles. Afterward, grab beers at Platte River Saloon where you are bound to meet some characters! And you cannot miss Mountain Essentials, a fun shop where you will find goat milk skincare and fudge—both are amazing!
Twin Lakes, Colorado
Continuing south, this just might be the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen! This is easily one of the best hidden gems in Colorado. No matter where you are headed on your adventures, make sure to drive through Twin Lakes—even if it’s a detour. This lake city has two bodies of water surrounded by huge mountain peaks making it some of the best views you will find anywhere in the state!
Rent a kayak to enjoy the views on the water, drive the National Scenic Byway that twists and turns up to 12,095’ Independence Pass, or tackle a 14er hike, Mt. Elbert (14,433’), Colorado’s highest peak. This area is also great for rock climbers! (The town itself is VERY small with only a few businesses.)
If I’m ever (remotely) in the area, I make sure to drive through!
Buena Vista, Colorado
This is a destination for everyone! Families with kids, outdoor enthusiasts (plenty of hiking, biking, and rafting!), shoppers, and eaters! Buena Vista always has something going on and no matter which season you visit, you can find adventure.
“Buena Vista” means Good view in Spanish—so you know you’re going to get that!
Known to some as the “Capital of whitewater rafting” (it’s right on the Arkansas River) start your way on the rapids and follow it up by walking down the shops and restaurants of Main Street. And don’t forget to experience the hot springs, which are gravity-fed pools of therapeutic mineral water.
Salida, Colorado
Less than 30 minutes from Buena Vista is the town of Salida. And here is one of the best ways to experience the mountains! Salida is full of fun restaurants, outdoor adventures, and a colorful and artistic vibe.
Spend your day relaxing at Riverside Park which is off the lovely Arkansas River. Take Sprial Drive for scenic views. Experience the city on the Monarch Scenic Tram. Head to Main Street for a bite to eat—Sweetie’s is great! And drink wine at Vino Salida Wine Cellars, a luxury wine tasting room. Who wouldn’t have fun here?
Woodland Park, Colorado
Catch views of Pikes Peak from every direction in Woodland Park, Colorado, located less than 30 minutes into the mountains from Colorado Springs. It’s the perfect place to spend some time after your outdoor adventures in nearby areas. There are shops in the quaint downtown, along with plenty of places to find delicious food and drinks! (Read The Best Restaurants in Woodland Park for my recommendations!)
Cripple Creek, Colorado
How about another casino town!? Cripple Creek, Colorado, a super tiny Vegas, is the place to gamble. Plus, the drive into CC is incredible with great mountain views. In addition to nine casinos within walking distance, you will notice tons of gold mining history—and, of course, plenty of outdoor adventures including hiking and biking.
Bailey, Colorado
Talk about beautiful. Another sleepy mountain town in Colorado! You will enter on a steep winding road where the town resides at the bottom. The hilly terrain makes for incredible mountain views no matter where you are. Find miles of trails for hiking and biking, as well as plenty of places to fish! And when you visit, don’t miss Coney Island Boardwalk, a cafe shaped like a giant hotdog (lol.)
The Best Hidden Gems in Colorado: 14 Towns to Visit in this Beautiful State!
That will do it! The very best hidden gems in Colorado. Of course, the list doesn’t stop there—this state is one of the best in North America, of course! But it’s a great place to start. Every destination will have a scenic area (or ten), a 2-20 mile hike, and make you fall in love quick! Don’t let flying into Denver International Airport keep you from exploring these small towns just a short drive away!
