Even in a stunning state like Colorado, everyone needs a change of scenery from time to time. But some of our more popular tourist spots are definitely not meant for people on a budget (no offense, Aspen). Luckily, there are plenty of gorgeous places you can go without breaking the bank. Believe it or not, the lovely Estes Park is one of them.
Estes Park is a charming little mountain town in Larimer County.
Whether you go for a hotel or resort room or a private vacation rental, you'll have plenty of options. You can even opt to camp in the nearby Rocky Mountain National Park.
advertisement
This picturesque town is stunning in any season, so don't think you have to visit when the weather is warm.
One of my favorite ways to escape the city I live in is to take a road trip, and bonus points if there are small towns to visit along the way. Small towns usually offer a slower pace, a wonderful sense of community with friendly locals, and local businesses as opposed to chain stores and restaurants. So, how about a road trip to some of the most charming small towns in Colorado?
advertisement
At just 225 miles and under 5 hours of driving time, this Colorado small-town road trip is a great option for a weekend getaway. I'll add some accommodation options for you below. You can also follow our Google Maps link for the route, and feel free to add your own stops along the way.
Our first stop is Lake City, a historic small town with roots in the mining and railroad industries. Surrounded by the San Juan Mountains with a river running through, you can imagine the outdoor recreation that can be experienced here. Hiking and fishing opportunities are abundant here as is birdwatching, hunting, and horseback riding. For history enthusiasts, Lake City's downtown is home to over 200 historic buildings, perfect for a walking tour. Unsurprisingly, this part of town is a designated National Register Historic District.
Need a place to spend the night in Lake City? Take a look at The Moon House and book your stay on Airbnb.
2. South Fork
Also nestled within the San Juan Mountains is South Fork, a town with a population of 500. If outdoor adventure is what you're after, there are endless hiking trails, fishing in the Rio Grande, whitewater rafting, and camping. There's even railbiking with Revolution Rail, a must-experience activity in South Fork. If you're interested in learning the history of this town, visit the South Fork History Museum & Nature Center.
Searching for accommodations in South Fork? You must check out the Adventure Haus, a one-of-a-kind A-frame with views for days!
3. Pagosa Springs
Geothermal heated pool by the San Juan River. Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
Home to the many hot springs including the deepest hot springs in the world, Pagosa Springs is a small town where you can experience peace and relaxation. Visitors also enjoy exploring Chimney Rock National Monuments's ruins and rock formations when in town. If you want an even more memorable adventure, take a hot air balloon ride over the town's alluring landscape.
advertisement
If you'd like to spend the night in Pagosa Springs, consider spending the night at the San Juan Cabin that offers panoramic views and has its own private trail.
4. Bayfield
Known as the "Heart of the Pine River Valley," Bayfield is a picturesque town with a historic district and gorgeous natural surroundings that will may want to spend an entire day exploring. Between July and October, the Bayfield Farmers' Market is held on Saturday mornings. It's worth going as many local farms sell fresh produce, food, art, crafts, and more, and it's a wonderful way to experience Bayfield's community. And when hunger strikes, you must check out Hong's Garden, which is arguably one of the best Chinese restaurants in Colorado!
Would you enjoy spending time in a cabin in Bayfield? If yes, book a stay at this beautiful Log Mountain Home on Airbnb.
5. Silverton
Silverton, Colorado, United States, North America
Last but not least on this road trip to some of Colorado's most charming small towns is Silverton. This old mining town in the San Juan Mountains has preserved Victorian buildings throughout its downtown giving it that historic feel many of us crave. If you want to learn about the town's history, I suggest you check out the San Juan County Mining Heritage Museum as well as the Durango & Silverton Narrow Guage Railroad.
Have you ever dreamed of spending the night in a historic home? Book your stay at the Russian Princess Historic Home which was built in Silverton in 1883.
Are you ready to take a road trip to visit some of the most charming small towns in Colorado? When preparing for a long ride in the car, take a look at our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List for everything you'll need. You should also bring your favorite snacks along as well because what's a road trip without snacks? Safe travels!
The Centennial State is full of undeniable grandeur. From grandiose, snow-capped mountain ranges and crystal-clear glacial lakes to some of the most vibrant red rock formations you've ever seen, Colorado is packed with jaw-dropping sights that simply can't be found anywhere else. But for such a beautiful (and beautifully diverse) state, road-tripping through Colorado can be a challenge, as long stretches of lonely roadways and sagebrush flats intermingle with the state's most iconic natural wonders. Don't worry, though - we've got you covered! We've put together 11 of the best road trips in Colorado, each chock full of beauty and spectacular adventures for every traveler, budget, and trip length. Ready to get lost in the best way possible?
Route: Gateway > Grand Mesa > Palisade > Sage Creations Organic Farm > Carlson Vineyards > Book Cliffs
Distance: 195 miles
Trip Time: 5 hours
Five hours is all it takes to explore some of Colorado's most vibrant and sweeping vineyards, as well as the thriving landscapes that surround them. From the charming, historic town of Gateway near the outskirts of the Unaweep/Tabeguache Scenic and Historic Byway to the delightful bed and breakfast capital of the state in charming Palisade to the rolling, verdant stretches of colorful vines everywhere in between, Colorado wine country is top notch. If you're here for the sights, this Colorado wine country road trip is perfect for spring when the lavender fields, vineyards, and orchards are at their prime. If you're here to partake, make the captivating town of Palisade your basecamp and turn this into a delicious weekend outing anytime.
Route: Crystal Mill > Dotsero Volcano > Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument > Skyline Drive > Colorado Gators Reptile Park > Wheeler Geologic Area > Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Distance: 650 miles
Trip Time: 13 hours
Most folks are aware that Colorado's diverse scenery and history is literally larger than life. But the state is far more spectacular than it's given credit for, even beyond the state's infamous national parks. From visiting a spectacular active volcano to a garden of ancient fossils in Florissant to some of the most spectacular scenic drives in the state, this 3-day road trip through Colorado is just one stunner after another! Each of these hidden gems in Colorado bypass some of the state's most iconic sights in favor of uniquely gorgeous spots that offer a sample platter of some of the state's coolest sights. If you're coming from Marble, your final stops at the Wheeler Geologic Area in Creede and Canyon of the Ancients are the perfect final destinations, offering spectacular tastes of Bryce Canyon and Colorado's ancient past but without the crowds (high clearance four-wheel drive required).
Route: Glenwood Canyon > Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park > Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Distance: 310 miles
Trip Time: 6 hours
Whether traveling from east to west or north to south, the spectacular diversity of Colorado's ever-changing landscape offers an incredible amount of beauty and solitude, rolling from layers upon layers of breathtaking mountains to vineyards set against a backdrop of CO's most stunning rock formations, past ahh-worthy hot springs, volcanic landscapes, and even colorful small towns before ending amidst the sweeping, overlooked prairies of Eastern Colorado on the outskirts of the Dakota badlands. This road trip through Colorado's canyon country will take travelers to three unique canyons in western Colorado, each phenomenally unique and overflowing with geologic history. Of course, these rugged scarps aren't just eye candy - they all offer an abundance of recreation and hiking opportunities - so keep those kayaks and fishing poles handy and plan to spend at least one day in each canyon area.
Route: Denver Biscuit Company > Chapel On The Rock > Grand Lake > Glenwood Hot Springs > Hotel Colorado > Maroon Bells > Romero's Café > Garden of the Gods
Distance: 600 miles
Trip Time: 13 hours
Exploring all of Colorado's most majestic landscapes is a bucket list goal for many. Fortunately, some of the state's most vibrant things to see and do are nestled right in the heart of the state, making for easy access to some of the best that Colorado has to offer. From tasty, award-winning chile restaurants (food is a must on every road trip, right?) to a taste of Colorado's most coveted sights, this road trip is the ultimate choose-your-own adventure. Theoretically, this weekend road trip can be done in only two days… but we think you'll want to make as much time as possible! This journey starts and ends in Denver, so be sure to make time to explore the magic of Colorado's capital city while you're out and about.
Route: Seven Falls > Helen Hunt Falls > Rainbow Falls > Bridal Veil Falls > Hanging Lake > Zapata Falls
Distance: 636 miles
Trip Time: 13.5 hours
Every year, people traverse the globe just to witness the irresistible magic of power of water pouring over a cliff's edge and plummeting to the earth below. And while these wonders exist all over the world, there's no denying that some waterfalls are a little extra special. Tucked away among Colorado's sky-high rock formations and spectacular mountain ranges is a fantastic world of waterfalls awaiting cascade-loving hikers. Start your waterfall road trip journey off by experiencing not one, but seven waterfalls at once before hopping around to some of the state's most treasured falls, as well as several off the beaten path. Along the way, you'll dine with a waterfall-front view in Colorado Springs before ending your trip at Zapata Falls at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Route: Little Medano Creek > Rock Canyon Swim Beach > Cherry Creek State Park > Jackson Lake State Park > The Beach at Grand Lake > Steamboat Lake State Park
Distance: 700 miles
Trip Time: 13 hours
Colorado breaks the mold when it comes to getaway beach vacations. Imagine dipping your toes in the silky sands of Great Sand Dunes National Park or strolling along the crisp, picturesque shores of Grand Lake and feeling the warmth of the sun on your face… it doesn't get much better than that! While most don't associate Colorado with epic beaches or colorful waterfront views, the state has countless beaches that are perfect for splashing, photography, fishing, or soaking up the summer sun with the whole family. This Colorado beaches road trip starts at one of the state's most unexpected bodies of water and leads travelers through multiple Colorado state parks to some of the state's most refreshing lakes and sandy shorelines.
Route: Steamboat Lake State Park > Aspen > Kebler Pass > Golden Gate Canyon State Park > Flatirons > Lory State Park
Distance: 800 miles
Trip Time: 18 hours
While perhaps not as famous as the storybook fall colors back east, Colorado's fall foliage is often considered second-to-none in the West. The state has the highest number of Aspens in the country, which means every fall the landscape comes alive in a trademark hue of gold, intermingled with the fiery reds and oranges of the season. While there are no bad places to enjoy and experience autumn in Colorado, this Fall Foliage Road Trip takes leaf-peeping travelers to some of the best and most colorful hotspots in the state. On this 18-hour loop, you'll drink in the sights not only from some Centennial State high points, but its landmark towns as well. Spoiler alert: Aspen is aptly named! For a truly spectacular fall weekend, grab a camera and some hiking boots, and save this epic road trip for your next autumn outing.
Route: Beano's Cabin > Vail Ski Resort > Vail Village
Distance: 146 miles
Trip Time: 3 hours
From the towering peaks of Mt. Elbert to the quiet plains of Eastern Colorado, Colorado is a four-season state takes on magical, snowglobe-like beauty when winter rolls around. Among the state's many delightful ski towns, Vail, Colorado is a coveted bucket list destination for many when the powder starts to pile up and one of the best places to visit in Colorado. For this weekend adventure, start your epic winter road trip through Colorado with a fun sleigh ride through the snow. While we highly recommend the unique dinner and snowcat experience of a Beano's Cabin "sleigh ride," this stunning ski town also offers traditional horse-drawn experiences as well. Next, spend a bluebird day at the legendary Vail Ski Resort, but be sure to save plenty of time to explore Vail Village and the numerous charming shops that line downtown on your visit. At only of 3 hours of drive time round-trip, this is one of the best Colorado road trips you can take in winter, and the perfect escape when the seasons change.
Route: Wild Animal Sanctuary > The Aquarium Restaurant > Tiny Town > North Pole > Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park > Dinosaur Journey
Distance: 440 miles
Trip Time: 8 hours
Exploring and hiking through Colorado's natural beauty is a phenomenal way to get up close and personal with this vibrant Rocky Mountain state. But a carful of kiddos can make lengthy hikes next to impossible. This family-friendly road trip around Colorado will take families of all shapes and sizes to some of the state's lesser known attractions, each with a special focus on larger-than-life education, excitement, and funky things to experience. Start off at Colorado's one and only wild animal sanctuary, which offers unique walkway encounters with over 700 species of rescued wildlife. Head on over to Denver for a unique underwater-style dining experience that kids of all ages will love, or even chow down onsite at the Lion's Den Café before visiting neat educational and whimsical sites like the North Pole and the interactive exhibits found at Dinosaur Journey in Fruita. To make the most of this Colorado road trip itinerary, plan for at least three days of non-stop family fun.
Route: Hanging Lake > Maroon Bells > Great Sand Dunes National Park > Garden of the Gods > Rainbow Falls > Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Distance: 760 miles
Trip Time: 14 hours
One does not simply road trip around Colorado and not visit its most legendary sights, landmarks, and natural wonders! Starting with the gorgeous Hanging Lake and its veil-like falls in Glenwood Canyon, this 14-hour natural wonders road trip meanders around some of the state's most treasured landscapes. Be sure to budget in ample time for hiking and outdoor adventures! From the vibrant, photogenic faces of the Maroon Bells to the quiet stretches of white sand at Great Sand Dunes National Park to the state's iconic Red Rock Amphitheatre, road trippers will find themselves in the heart of dreamy landscapes of every size and shape. Due to the length of this trip, plan for at least a week spent exploring every corner of Colorado. Use the included Colorado road trip map to help plan your side trips, stays, and detours.
Route: Buena Vista > Breckenridge > Silverthorne > Manitou Springs > Rocky Ford > Fort Garland
Distance: 569 miles
Trip Time: 10 hours
Ouray, Telluride, Estes Park, and Boulder are just a few of Colorado’s scenic mountain towns that are most often-visited, but there’s a lot to love about the state’s quieter areas too. Beautiful backdrops and epic adventures collide on this road trip to Colorado's most charming small towns! These humble, historic communities radiate all of the historic mining and ski village vibes one could hope for but with a hefty dose of scenery to boot. Starting in Buena Vista, a petite municipality that boasts gateway access to many of Colorado's most spectacular 14ers, this small towns road trip meanders around the bustling, scenic downtowns of Breckenridge and Silverthorne before dipping out into the eastern half of the state for epic rock formations, climbing, and miles and miles of grandiose views. While this road trip only clocks in at around 10 hours of drive time, you're going to want to budget in a few days to fully explore the towns, and embrace the epic adventure that is Colorado's magnificent landscape. The best part? These towns are fantastic places to visit no matter the season.
If you've taken any of these journeys already, let us know what your favorite memory was!
For more Colorado road trip ideas, check out some of our favorite scenic drives and byways around the state. Or, pay a visit to some of CO's most beloved national parks.
