Sophia May
Best Mountain Biking Towns In Colorado – More than 100 years ago, people who wanted to get rich built many cities in the mountains of Colorado. But now mining is history, and Rocky Mountain State has acquired a new identity as an outdoor paradise.
As a resident of Colorado, I have researched almost all of Colorado’s best mountain towns and will share my top picks in this article. Whatever the season, you can find out where to stay, when to visit and what to do in these cities.
Best Mountain Biking Towns In Colorado
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⛰️ Would you rather watch a movie than read a series? In this video, I collected my best mountain towns from this list (just press play):
Silverton is one of Colorado’s most impressive mountain towns. Although no longer inhabited by miners and dancers, its western charm remains.
Today, visitors can admire the little Victorian architecture. Many people ride the Durango-Silverton narrow-gauge railway or visit one of the underground mines.
But this city in southwestern Colorado is not only known for its mining history. Located off the Million Dollar Highway, Silverton is also known for its year-round outdoor activities. The San Juan Mountains offer hiking, skiing, rafting, and more.
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📚 Related reading: Planning to visit the famous mining town and outdoor paradise? Be sure to check out our guide to Where to Stay in Silverton, Colorado!
📍 Google Maps | Website | The best accommodation in Estes Park | 👉 Browse Estes Park hotels after booking
Located about an hour and a half from Denver, Estes Park is one of the most popular cities in Colorado. Although usually very crowded in the summer, this quaint town is a must-visit in Colorado for tourists and locals alike.
Downtown Estes Park offers plenty of fun activities, such as souvenir shopping and Colorado craft beer tasting. The famous Stanley Hotel is the setting of the film
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His favorite attraction. If you’re visiting in October, be sure to check out Elk Fest, which celebrates the mountain village moose.
Estes Park also offers access to Rocky Mountain National Park. With a National Park Pass, visitors can experience some of the best hiking in Colorado. Rock climbing, fishing, skiing, and other outdoor activities are available in Colorado at any time of the year.
👉 Pro Tip: Want to see this amazing city effortlessly? Visit the Estes Park Aerial Tramway, which is open from late May to early September.
Leadville is one of Colorado’s top mountain towns. It is very popular, famous for being the most registered city in North America.
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The former mining town remains true to its Wild West roots. Downtown is full of old buildings, many of which have been converted into hotels, restaurants and art galleries. Several museums and historic sites such as Healy House, Dexter Cabin and the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum.
Surrounded by 14,000-foot peaks, Leadville has many hiking trails. Cooper, one of Colorado’s top sports centers located 10 miles north, offers facilities for all abilities. Stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking near Twin Lakes are other popular outdoor activities.
📚 Related reading: With so much to do in and around this Colorado mountain town, consider staying at a local hotel. Read our guide to places to stay in Leadville for the best tips!
📍 Google Maps | Website | Best Restaurants in Telluride | 👉 Browse Telluride hotels after booking
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Telluride is one of Colorado’s top mountain towns not to be missed. The city is located in a box canyon and offers spectacular views of the San Juan Mountains. Adventurers love this place because it has so many opportunities to explore.
Skiing and snowboarding at Telluride Ski Resort are popular activities in Telluride. Even if you don’t swim, be sure to hop on the free shuttle bus to Mountain Village. Here you can admire one of the most beautiful mountain towns in the country from above!
Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado’s tallest waterfall, is another big attraction. Ice climbing is popular here in the winter, as are hiking and kayaking in the summer. The Telluride via ferrata also attracts visitors during the warmer months, as do events such as the Telluride Bluegrass Festival.
There are many mountain towns in Colorado, but none as beautiful as Aspen. While famous for its ski slopes and impressive lodgings, it’s not just a city for winter runners. Aspen’s unique restaurants, art galleries, and luxury shopping are just some of the attractions that tourists love.
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In addition to its ski season and great city, Maroon Bells makes Aspen one of Colorado’s most popular mountain towns. In fact, Maroon Bells is the most photographed spot in the entire state! Hiking on the nearby mountain trails in the summer draws large crowds, as does the Aspen Music Festival.
📚 Related Reading: Traveling to Aspen? Don’t miss one by reading our guide to the 41 best places to visit in Colorado!
Hanging Lake in Glenwood Springs, Colorado is one of Colorado’s most popular trails (although it is currently affected by mudslides).
Located just off I-70, Glenwood Springs is a mountain town that is easily accessible all year round. The popular Hanging Lake hike is a major attraction, attracting visitors from across the region and beyond (note: the trail was temporarily closed due to mudslides in late 2021).
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Rafting and exploring the nearby mountain bike trails are popular summer activities. Families will love visiting Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park and swimming at Glenwood Hot Springs.
If you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing getaway, visit the Iron Mountain Hot Springs Resort. Take a trip to South Canyon or Penny Hot Springs. Both are free and available in beautiful natural surroundings.
♨️ Do you like Natural Sources? Check out our list of the top 23 hot springs in Colorado and the top 9 hot springs near Denver!
Hard to reach, Crested Butte is a hidden gem among Colorado’s mountain towns. Situated high in the Rockies, it is only 30 miles from Gunnison in the winter. In summer, the western entrance leads along a long winding dirt road. Some even make the grueling 10-mile drive from Aspen!
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But despite the obstacles to travel, this remote mountain village is a year-round destination. The slopes at Crested Butte Mountain Resort offer varied terrain. Summer and fall activities at Crested Butte include hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing. If you come in July, be sure to visit the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival!
The former mining town also has a rich history. Walk past the quaint Victorian buildings in downtown Crested Butte and discover Gothic, Colorado’s closest city. The Crested Butte Museum is a great way to learn about local history and culture.
In my opinion, Buena Vista is one of the best mountain towns in Colorado. The real estate, spectacular scenery, and nearby hot springs make this city a favourite.
Many people visit the Arkansas River, which flows through the Browns Canyon National Monument. Some come to Collegiate Peaks to climb some of the state’s 14,000-foot mountains, often called the 14s. A dip in Cottonwood Hot Springs or Mount Princeton Hot Springs is always a great end to a day of hiking.
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Less than 3 hours from Denver and only 2 hours from Colorado Springs, Buena Vista is the perfect weekend getaway from Denver. Fortunately, there are plenty of great places to stay in Buena Visa, including luxury and affordable!
The small town of Keystone is a favorite with the people of Colorado. In the winter, families go skiing at Keystone Resort. Meanwhile, those looking for a black diamond will love the Arapahoe Basin. Another popular activity in Keystone is snowshoeing, skiing, and jet skiing on Keystone Lake.
When the lake is calm and the weather is nice, visitors can go sailing and boating in these beautiful waters. Mountain biking at Keystone Bike Park is another popular activity, as is summer hiking. While exploring the backcountry, watch out for moose that can be found in the area!
Known as America’s Switzerland, Ouray is one of the state’s most beautiful mountain towns. Located in the San Juan Mountains along the Million Dollar Highway, surrounded by natural beauty all year round.
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The town’s main street is lined with restored Victorian buildings that have been converted into shops and restaurants. The Orvis hot springs and the unique Steam Cave in Wiesbaden are perfect places to relax.
But the real reason for Ouray’s fame is the ice rink. Ouray Ice Festival and Competition is held every January at Ouray Ice Park. This event, which is very different from a mountain peak, attracts professional athletes and spectators from all over the world.
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