The Small Colorado Town Locals Hope Stays off Tourists’ Radar

Hygiene is a hidden small town in Colorado that often flies under the radar. The tiny, unincorporated, rural, agricultural community is nestled in Boulder County among the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Home to just a few hundred residents, Hygiene is a quiet town that often gets passed by unless you’re a local. Take it from a new Coloradan spending every weekend exploring the state—this charming community might require taking the scenic route, but it’s most definitely worth adding to the itinerary. 

Why This Colorado Small Town Flies Under the Radar

The historic Colorado town of Hygiene is located approximately 50 minutes northwest of Denver, ​​25 minutes north of Boulder, and 40 minutes southeast of Estes Park (also known as the Gateway to the Rockies). Given the various direct routes between these popular Colorado destinations, it’s easy to skirt Hygiene without even realizing it. Even if you live in or are visiting Longmont, Colorado, it’s simple to set your sights on downtown and overlook what lies just minutes northwest. 

Over the past few years, however, Hygiene has begun to mark its place on the map—and not solely among farmers and cyclists, who have been meandering through the town for decades thanks to sustainable farming in the area and the beginner-friendly gravel Marlatt Trail, a favorite among mountain bikers. In 2017, The Red Door Arts & More opened its doors, introducing art, handmade crafts, and homemade treats from more than 100 artisans, ranging in age from 14 to 100 years old. In 2022, Low Rider joined the conversation, opening its doors directly across the street from The Red Door. The ultra-hip furniture, modern home goods, apparel, and accessories store is located in an old gas station, adding to its picture-perfect vintage flair. 

Beyond decor, trinkets, and gifts, Hygiene Feed & Mercantile opened in 2024, offering the town a one-stop shop for feed, hardware, household supplies, and more. It’s located catty-cornered to Pella Crossing, a picturesque, dog-friendly open space with walking, hiking, biking, and riding trails that loop around six named ponds on both sides of N. 75th Street. 

Where to Stay and Eat in Hygiene, Colorado

Grabbing a snack or meal is a must while visiting Hygiene. ​​Cafe Fritz, a European-inspired bakery and eatery, opened in 2024 with a menu of pastries, breakfast and lunch items, espresso beverages, tea, cocktails, and wine. (The coconut pistachio buttercream donuts are nothing short of divine.) Where Cafe Fritz makes a case for sitting and staying awhile, with its crisp Scandi interiors and charming patio and lawn, The Mountain Fountain, across the road, is a great option for on-the-go bites and bevs, from freshly made coffee and tea to homemade ice cream, build-your-own sandwiches, and a bevy of local snacks and brews. It’s worth noting that the general store-style eatery is a haven for gluten-free diners, as most pastries and pies are made celiac-friendly. 

As for where to stay, Hygiene is such a small Colorado town that it doesn’t have any large-scale hotels near the main attractions. That said, La Casita Colorado, a dog-friendly vacation rental loft nestled on a farm with pool access, is just minutes from the center of town.

What Makes This Small Colorado Town So Special

All in all, Hygiene, Colorado, is about as small as they come in terms of towns. But with a handful of must-visit cafes and shops set against a breathtaking backdrop of panoramic mountain views showcasing some of Colorado’s most iconic peaks, including Rocky Mountain National Park’s famous fourteener, Longs Peak, we say it’s a destination worth a detour. 

For the most part, the must-visit section of the under-the-radar town of Hygiene is situated at the cross-section of N. 75th Street and Hygiene Road. There, you’ll find every restaurant and shop mentioned, with Pella Crossing just south of the intersection. If you’re feeling adventurous after seeing everything the town has to offer, choose your next adventure. Head northwest for unforgettable outdoor recreation in Estes Park, southeast for shopping and dining on Longmont’s Main Street, or south to become acquainted with beautiful Boulder, dubbed one of the most peaceful places to live in the U.S., not to mention the exciting new location of the iconic Sundance Film Festival. 

Lastly, there's the spirit of the place, which is difficult to describe but impossible to miss if you visit. Unlike many Front Range destinations in Colorado like Boulder and Fort Collins, Hygiene is relatively uncommercialized and still retains its rural identity. You'll enjoy long-range views of farmland, mountains, and open fields, which seem to offer a glimpse of what life looked like here a century ago. But don't take our word for it — plan a vist to this hidden small town in Colorado and see for yourself! For more ideas and inspiration, take a look at the official Hygiene visitor's guide.

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