Whether you’re a Colorado local, or are planning a trip from out of state, if this guide piqued your interest chances are you’re looking to plan a trip to a lesser-known mountain town. These underrated mountain towns are some of my favorite places to visit in Colorado for a weekend trip during the summer. Be aware, I live in western Colorado, so this guide is very West Slope heavy, but all of these destinations are worth the drive from the Front Range.
When I use the word “underrated” I’m not trying to imply that these mountain towns are unknown or “hidden gems” (I’m not a fan of that term for many reasons). These are simply places that I think don’t get as much love and attention as they deserve, compared to destinations like Aspen, Telluride, and Vail.
While the popular mountain towns are certainly worth visiting, these underrated destinations have just as much to offer in terms of outdoor activities and unique things to do. Be sure to support the local community during your trip by patronizing local businesses and restaurants, and practicing Leave No Trace while out adventuring.
1. For the 4×4 (or 14’er) Enthusiast: Lake City
The San Juan mountains in southwest Colorado are arguably the crown jewel of the state. While there are a handful of mountain towns that provide access to the San Juans, one that I think is woefully underrated is Lake City. This small town has an Old West inspired vibe and provides access to endless opportunities for outdoor activities, including camping, fishing, and multiple 14’ers (read up on what you need to know before climbing your first 14’er).
Lake City is the mountain town to visit if you enjoy OHV’ing (in fact, it’s one of the few towns in Colorado that allows OHV’s on the road). It serves as one of the main stops on the Alpine Loop, which connects with Silverton and the Million Dollar Highway outside of Ouray. The full loop is an all-day drive and requires a high-clearance, 4WD vehicle and an experienced driver, but it provides scenic views of the San Juan mountains and is one of the best fall drives in Colorado.
Things to Do in Lake City:
- Drive the Alpine Loop (HIGH-CLEARANCE 4×4 VEHICLE REQUIRED)
- Paddleboard or kayak on Lake San Cristobal
- Dine at the Packer Saloon & Cannibal Grill (and learn about the story of Alfred Packer)
- Climb a 14’er: Handies, Redcloud, and Sunshine are nearby
- Grab ice cream at San Juan Soda Co.
2. For the Laid Back Wine Lover: Paonia
The next underrated mountain town in Colorado I think you should visit this summer is Paonia. Paonia is located in the fertile North Fork Valley near the West Elk mountains. The vibes here are laid back, down to earth, and welcoming. There’s a very similar energy to Crested Butte, but on a much smaller scale.
Paonia’s biggest claim to fame is without a doubt its wine. You can find over a dozen wineries scattered around the area featuring locally grown grapes. The wineries close during the winter, which is why summer is such a great time to visit. I personally don’t drink anymore, but back when I did my favorite wineries in Paonia included Stone Cottage Cellars and Qutori Winery.
Things to Do in Paonia:
- Go wine tasting at one of the wineries in the area
- Visit Big B’s – grab a drink and bite to eat; see live music; stroll the vineyard and fruit trees; play games and go on the swing
- Grab pastries or a loaf of bread from Paonia Bread Works or Mountain Oven Bakery
- Drive to the base of Kebler Pass and hike the Dark Canyon Trail (it’s a long trail so hike as far out as you’d like!)
3. For the Outdoorsy Family: Durango
Located in southwest Colorado, Durango comes in as the largest mountain town on this list (the population was 19,534 in 2023). However, since it’s so far away from the major metro areas in Colorado I think it flies under the radar. If you’re driving all the way from Denver or Colorado Springs, you need to spend at least a few days exploring the Durango area to make the drive worth it. With that said, it’s a great destination for families traveling with kids because there are a ton of different outdoor activities to do in the area.
Downtown Durango definitely has a bit of a touristy vibe to it with Western-inspired shops, restaurants, and the iconic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. You can also find plenty of hotels around Durango, including popular chains. Once you get outside of the city, there’s so much to explore around the southern San Juan mountains and surrounding areas.
Things to Do in Durango:
- Go rafting on the Animas River
- Paddleboard on Haviland Lake
- Go on a zip-lining tour in the mountains
- Ride the mountain coaster at Purgatory Resort
- Grab a bite to eat at Famburger or Steamworks Brewing Company
Leadville clocks in as the highest incorporated town in the United States, making it the ultimate underrated Colorado mountain town for hiking enthusiasts. Downtown Leadville has retained its Old Western charm from the area’s early mining days, with some modern updates. The town is home to Melanzana, which is a sustainable outdoor clothing brand that requires an appointment to shop at and has a cult-like following.
While it’s definitely worth it to spend some time walking around downtown Leadville, the real draw to the area is the outdoor recreation access. You can summit a nearby 14’er, go paddleboarding or kayaking on a scenic alpine lake, or pop over to Twin Lakes to check out other hiking trails.
Things to Do in Leadville:
- Climb a 14’er: Mt. Elbert (the tallest mountain in Colorado!) or Mount Sherman both offer Class 1 routes (while they’re considered “easier” 14’ers they’re still challenging, high-elevation hikes!)
- Go paddleboarding or fishing on Turquoise Lake
- Hike the Mayflower Gulch Trail
- Try to get an appointment at Melanzana
5. For Couples Who Love Hot Springs: Ridgway
If you’re looking for a laidback mountain town on the Western Slope, then consider planning a trip to Ridgway. It serves as another gateway to the San Juan mountains and is gaining traction as a more affordable destination during the summer than Telluride. The town offers a variety of delicious restaurants, the best developed hot springs in Colorado (in my opinion), open spaces, and mountain views.
One of the reasons why Ridgway is such a great underrated Colorado mountain town is that it makes a great basecamp for other popular mountain towns, like Ouray or Telluride, without the popular mountain town price tag. The town itself still has a very local feel to it whereas you can tell these bigger towns cater heavily to tourists.
Things to Do in Ridgway:
- Soak at Orvis Hot Springs (clothing-optional)
- Drive up to Silverjack Reservoir via Owl Creek Pass
- Grab a bite to eat at Eatery 66 or Kate’s Place
- Drive up the road to Ouray to hike the Perimeter Trail
6. For the Active Wine Lover: Palisade
Located in the Grand Valley, Palisade is a charming small town that is home to over 30 wineries. One of the most popular ways to explore Palisade is via bike, which you can rent downtown at Palisade Cycle. A trip to Palisade during the summer also wouldn’t be complete without picking up some famous Palisade peaches (they’re typically ripe from July-mid September).
As a Grand Junction local I find myself visiting Palisade fairly regularly. In addition to the agricultural scene, it also has great restaurants, shops, and access to outdoor recreation. While Palisade is technically high desert and not in the mountains, during the summer you can easily drive up to the Grand Mesa (the largest flat top mountain in the world!) to beat the heat and enjoy hiking and fishing in the forest.
Things to Do in Palisade:
- Go on a bike wine tour
- Hike the Palisade Rim Trail (one of the best hikes in Grand Junction!)
- Visit the Palisade Sunday Farmer’s Market (June-early October)
- Get dinner at Pêche or Fidel’s
7. For History Buffs: Silverton
I debated whether or not to include Silverton on this list of the most underrated mountain towns in Colorado because I think it already gets a lot of love within outdoorsy circles. I’ve also already included a few mountain towns in the San Juans, but the reality is some of the best hikes and mountain views in the state can be found around Silverton, and a lot of folks outside of the outdoor community haven’t heard of it, so I had to include it.
Silverton has done a great job of maintaining the historical character of the community, which developed to support mining operations in the San Juan mountains (where mining still occurs today). The best way to explore the mountains around Silverton is in a 4WD vehicle so you can safely drive the 4×4 roads in the area. Like Lake City, the town is an access point for the Alpine Loop. Be sure to top off on gas before heading into the hills!
Things to Do in Silverton:
- Ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
- Drive up to Animas Forks Ghost Town (HIGH-CLEARANCE VEHICLE REQUIRED)
- Paddleboard on Molas Lake
- Hike to Ice Lake & Island Lake (difficult) (this is an extremely popular hike, so arrive early for your best chance at finding parking!)
- Grab coffee at Coffee Bear
Other Colorado Adventures You May Enjoy:
- Guide to Visiting the Maroon Bells at Sunrise
- Ultimate Colorado Fall Colors Road Trip Itinerary
- The 10 Best Hikes in Crested Butte
- 15 Fun Things to Do in Ouray
- 20 Top Dog-Friendly Hikes in Colorado
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