Colorado loves to hog all the mountain charm. So much so that while places like Telluride, Breckenridge and steal the spotlight, but there are plenty of postcard-worthy mountain towns you may have never heard of.
Scattered throughout the Rockies, these smaller communities offer the same dramatic peaks, historic downtowns and outdoor adventures—just with fewer crowds and a little more room to slow down. If you're planning a Colorado road trip, consider taking the scenic detour to one of these hidden corners of the Centennial State.
Jeffrey Beall, CC BY-SA 3.0
Redstone
A short drive away from Glenwood Springs and set along the Crystal River, Redstone was originally built as a company town for coal miners in the early 1900s. Its beautifully preserved stone buildings now house cozy cafés, galleries and locally owned shops making for a day of easy wandering.
History buffs will enjoy this town, especially thanks to the Redstone Castle, a 42-room Tudor-style mansion built in 1902 by coal magnate John Cleveland Osgood as the centerpiece of his ambitious planned mining community. Even the lodging tells a story, in the downtown are is the historic Redstone Inn, a miners' cottages and other original buildings. See how the coal was made at the Redstone Coke Ovens where coal was transformed into fuel for Colorado's growing steel industry. Round out the day with a stroll along the Crystal River, a picnic beneath the surrounding red cliffs or a scenic drive to nearby Marble.
Plan your trip at redstonecolorado.com.
Katecreederep, CC BY-SA 4.0
Creede
Tucked into a canyon in the San Juan Mountains, Creede blends Old West history with an arts scene. If Redstone is for the history, Creede is for the culture. An old silver mining town, t's known for its colorful Main Street and the acclaimed Creede Repertory Theatre where audiences can catch everything from musicals and comedies to classic dramas performed in a unique rotating schedule throughout the summer season.
Beyond downtown, you can explore the Underground Mining Museum, drive the scenic Bachelor Loop through historic mining sites or make the short trip to the stunning North Clear Creek Falls.
Plan your trip at creede.com.
Tim Engleman CC BY-SA 2.0
Lake City
This mountain town is very well named, as it’s an ideal getaway if you are looking for alpine lakes, towering fourteeners and fewer people on the trail. This quiet mountain town serves as the gateway to the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, one of the state's most breathtaking high-country drives.
Spend the day paddling or fishing on Lake San Cristobal, hiking nearby peaks or browsing the historic downtown before settling in for an evening beneath a sky full of stars. Despite its incredible setting, Lake City remains one of Colorado's quieter (and more peaceful) mountain escapes.
Plan your trip at lakecity.com.
Robert M. Russell, CC BY-SA 4.0
Marble
The tiniest town on this list is also what makes it famous: The town boasts fewer than 150 residents, and some of the purest marble.
The town earned its name from the Yule Marble Quarry, which has produced white marble since the late 1800s. The stone has been used in some of America's most recognizable landmarks, including the Lincoln Memorial, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery and portions of the Washington Monument. Book a guided tour of the active quarry to see the massive marble walls up close and learn how this prized stone continues to be extracted today.
Afterward, browse Marble's small downtown, grab lunch at a local café or continue a few miles farther to see Crystal Mill, one of the most photographed historic sites in Colorado.
Plan your trip at marblecolorado.org.
Acroterion, CC BY-SA 3.0
Bonus Stop: Rico
If you do travel to Telluride, you’ll likely see the small town of Rico—and be sure to take the time to stop. Tucked between towering San Juan peaks along Colorado Highway 145, this former mining town has a compact downtown that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There are also nearby hiking trails, mountain biking routes and the Dolores River to give you an opportunity to stretch your legs before continuing your journey.
Plan your trip at colorado.com/cities-and-towns/rico.