The Remote Small Town in Colorado Locals Don’t Want You To Find

I’ve always loved remote small towns, the kind of places where life feels a little slower and the scenery takes center stage. Colorado has a lot of cool little places, but most aren’t very isolated. However, there are a few that stand out when talking about the more remote areas of the state, and one of them is Lake City—a truly remote small town in Colorado. About an hour south of Gunnison and an hour north of Creede, this mountain town is tucked deep in the San Juan Mountains. Neither nearby town is particularly large, leaving Lake City on its own out there—and that’s part of what makes it so special. With just over 400 residents, it’s tiny but beautiful, friendly, and welcoming.

Though it’s not even a square mile in size—just .84 of a mile, in fact—Lake City is packed with charm and history. Stroll through town and you’ll find plenty of preserved 19th-century buildings, including the First Baptist Church, one of four historic churches still standing today. Built in 1891, it’s a wonderful example of the community’s deep roots. You can learn even more about the town’s past at the Hinsdale County Museum, which highlights local mining and pioneer history dating back to its incorporation in 1884.

For such a small town, Lake City has everything it needs to thrive. The Lake City Community School is the only school in the area and serves about 100 students from PreK through 12th grade. The town’s fire department is all-volunteer, with community members dedicating their time to keeping their neighbors safe. There’s even a historic cemetery worth visiting if you enjoy local lore—the City Cemetery, established in the 1880s, is a fascinating site often featured in heritage tours.

Downtown, you’ll find a handful of locally owned businesses that give Lake City its warm, small-town feel. Stop by the Country Store, grab some baked goods at the Lake City Bakery, or enjoy a drink at the Packer Saloon & Cannibal Grill. If you’re staying the night, G&M Cabins offers a cozy place to rest while taking in the town’s peaceful atmosphere.

Lake City is surrounded by incredible natural beauty, making it a perfect base for outdoor adventures. The town sits near the Uncompahgre Wilderness and along the famous Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, a stunning drive through the San Juan Mountains filled with historic mining routes and breathtaking views. Be sure to spend some time at nearby Pete’s Lake or Lake San Cristobal, the second-largest natural lake in Colorado, for fishing, kayaking, or simply enjoying the scenery.

Lake City might just be the most charming remote small town in Colorado—historic, peaceful, and filled with mountain magic. It’s absolutely worth the trip, and chances are, once you visit, you’ll fall in love with this beautiful corner of the Rockies.

Plan your visit: Learn more about this town on the official website of Lake City, submit your favorite small-town nomination via our nomination form, and map out your trip with the Only In Your State itinerary planner.