the 12 most charming small towns in colorado

Clean, crisp air, sparkling river canyons & the snow-dusted Rocky Mountains are just a few of the things that make Colorado truly unique. Here are the most charming small towns Colorado has to offer. 

1. Vail, Colorado

Nestled at the foot of sweeping mountains, Vail Village is steeped in European Alpine charms and is home to amazing bars, restaurants & shopping.

Adventure_Photo/Getty Image     

2. Telluride, Colorado

Telluride is renowned for its world-class ski slopes, hiking and golf courses.

      HawaiiBlue/Getty Images   

3. Aspen, colorado 

Jam-packed with restaurants, bars, nightlife, museums & high-end shopping, not to mention 4 distinct & wonderful ski areas.

                                           AirBnB   

4. grand lake, colorado

This resort town surrounds the largest natural lake in Colorado and nestled against Rocky Mountain National Park. 

                   Wally Gobetz/Flickr

5. Ouray, colorado

Nicknamed the Switzerland of America due to it's nearly 8,000-feet in elevation and sweeping, panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains.

                Courtesy Of Visit Ouray   

6. Steamboat Springs, Colorado

It's hard not to be enamored by Kyoto's tradition wooden machiya houses, golden pagodas and towering bamboo forests.

      Ferrantraite/Getty Images   

7. Paonia,
colorado

The Paonia area features a lush landscape that produces fruits, vegetables and flowers, as well as an abundance of outdoor acitivies. 

                            Larry Lamsa/Flickr

8. Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Pagosa Springs is also home to beautiful hot springs where you're just as likely to find true relaxation as you are entertainment. 

CampPhoto/Getty Images   

9. Glenwood springs, colorado

Check out the area's multiple hot springs, get involved in snow sports or Gold Medal fishing, or an array of other outdoor activities. 

          Glenwood Hot Springs

10. Palisade, Colorado

The wine country of Colorado offers acres of vineyards, stunning lavender fields and breathtaking orchards.

                                               Airbnb

11. Crested Butte, CO

Known as the wildflower capital of Colorado it draws just as many explorers for its mountain biking trails as it does for its ski slopes

                 Cody Wellons/Flickr   

12. Leadville, Colorado

Leadville sits at 10,152-feet, which makes it the highest incorporated city in North America, sitting between Mount Elbert and Mount Massive.

James St.John/Flickr

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