Big cities can be lots of fun, but we happen to think that the quaint small towns in Colorado are even better. Why? Where else but a small town can you enjoy fewer crowds, compelling history, and down-home charm? Lucky for us, Colorado is chock-full of beautiful and charming towns. These places make for excellent day trip destinations, but they’re also magnificent places to set down roots. Without further ado, here are ten of the most charming small towns in Colorado:

1.) Durango (Population: 19,223)
Flickr/Ron Cogswell
With its nearby National Parks, historic downtown, and Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, this southwest town known as Durango has it all (and then some)!
2.) Silverton (Population: 651)
Silverton, CO 81433, USA
Flickr/Alan English CPA
What Silverton lacks in population it makes up for with epic skiing, incredible views, and some of the nicest people in the state.
3.) Aspen (Population: 6,949)
Wikimedia Commons
Aspen isn't a premiere vacation destination for nothing - this small town packs a punch with its arts, shopping, and lively nightlife scene. When it comes to charming small towns in Colorado, you can't do much better than this beloved mountain-top destination.

This short video covers all the best of Aspen's amazing beauty:
4.) Burlington (Population: 3,098)
Burlington, CO 80807, USA
Flickr/Matthew Ragan
Located near the Colorado/Kansas border is Burlington and its historic carousel, kitschy Old Town, and a unique down-to-earth ambiance.
5.) Crested Butte (Population: 1,681)
Crested Butte, CO 81224, USA
Wikimedia Commons
As far as we're concerned, the nearly 1,700 people who call Crested Butte "home" are the luckiest people on earth! (Seriously, are you seeing this view?)

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6.) Manitou Springs (Population: 4,832)
Manitou Springs, CO 80829, USA
Wikimedia Commons
Just "At the foot of Pikes Peak" lies Manitou Springs with its train tours, hot springs, and delicious restaurants.
7.) Golden (Population: 19,871)
Golden, CO, USA
Flickr/justinknabb
This Denver suburb is home to the Colorado Railroad Museum and views you have to see to believe.

Want to learn everything there is to know about gorgeous Golden? Check out this delightful video tour of town:
8.) Louisville (Population: 20,975)
Louisville, CO, USA
Flickr/Daniel Spiess
For several years in a row, Louisville has been recognized by top travel sites and channels as one of the 100 best places to live in the United States (based on culture, quality of life, weather, and more)! We're inclined to agree.
9.) Glenwood Springs (Population: 10,326)
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, USA
Flickr/Kent Kanouse
Not only is Glenwood Springs home to quirky boutiques and decadent dining, it is also home to the world's largest mineral hot springs pool.
10.) Breckenridge (Population: 5,024)
Breckenridge, CO 80424, USA
Flickr/if winter ends
Breckenridge has the 3 B's: Breweries. (Snow)Boarding. Bed & Breakfasts.

Curious about skiing Breck's world-famous slopes? Check out this fascinating video that will show you the ins and outs of skiing in Breckenridge:

Are you lucky enough to call any of these charming small towns in Colorado your home? Which towns in Colorado are on your bucket list? Let us know!

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More to Explore

Small Towns in Colorado

Beth C. | September 03, 2020

What is the most scenic town in Colorado?

As you probably guessed from reading our list of the most charming small towns in Colorado, the Centennial State has no shortage of picturesque destinations. When it comes to the most scenic town in Colorado, many people agree that Breckenridge takes the cake. Tucked away in the Rocky Mountains, this town was founded in 1859 and is home to one of the largest historic districts in all of Colorado. Visit today and, in addition to the incredible outdoor recreational opportunities, you'll be amazed by the fascinating historical insight. For instance, did you realize Breckenridge developed because of its mining history? For more information on this top destination in Colorado, read all about Breckenridge.

Where is the creepiest town in Colorado?

For the creepiest places in Colorado, it helps to look at some of our state's ghost towns. These once-thriving places have been left abandoned over the years due to various reasons. One of the creepiest yet most fascinating towns in Colorado is St. Elmo. What once stood as a thriving community during Colorado's mining boom now sits completely vacant. Yet visitors passing through the area can see the remains of this once-bustling town. St. Elmo, along with the nearly-abandoned community of Tin Cup, is located west of Buena Vista. Curious to learn more about Colorado's most abandoned places? Check out this article that outlines a road trip through Colorado's ghost towns.

Is Colorado a great place to live?

We're so glad you asked! By all accounts, Colorado is one of the very best places to live in the U.S. To start with, it's hard to imagine a state with more recreational opportunities than Colorado. Whether you prefer skiing, hiking, walking through the woods, mountain-climbing, skating, snowboarding, wildlife viewing, or swimming, you'll find no shortage of memorable adventures in the Centennial State. Plus, Colorado is famous for inspiring a well-rounded lifestyle. That means many residents of Colorado enjoy working just as much as playing and tend to spend quality time outdoors as often as possible. Need even more inspiration? Check out this article outlining the most beautiful places in Colorado.

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