麻豆AV

Known for Pikes Peak, the city of Denver, and the Garden of the Gods, the majestic state of Colorado is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. The Centennial State has a plethora of awesome small towns that draw visitors from all over the country. From Telluride and Bear Creek Falls to Crested Butte and its Mountain Resort to Pagosa Springs and Treasure Falls, the small towns of Colorado have a bit of everything for guests and residents alike. Uncover nine of the most charming, quaint Colorado towns that are ideal for that perfect weekend getaway.

Telluride

Situated in the southwestern part of the state, the picturesque town of Telluride is home to a score of great hiking trails, including Jud Weibe and Bridal Veil. There are several other awesome outdoor experiences around Telluride, like taking a ride on the Mountain Village Gondola and visiting Bear Creek Falls within the heart of the San Juan Mountains.

In town, one can stay at the Town Park Campground, offering pickleball, swimming, basketball, and fishing. Some excellent events also occur in Town Park, like the Telluride Balloon Festival, which happens every June. If you are looking for indoor accommodations, Telluride is home to Wildwood Canyon Inn, Manitou Lodge, and the Eagle鈥檚 Nest.

Breckenridge

The quaint town of Breckenridge, situated 80 miles west of Denver, is famous for skiing and snowboarding. This town of barely 5,000 permanent residents is home to fantastic winter locations, like Breckenridge Nordic Center, Arapahoe Basin, and Breckenridge Ski Resort, offering ski slopes during the winter, as well as activities, including an awesome roller coaster, in the summer.

There are also phenomenal locations and establishments inside Breckenridge, like Main Street and its plethora of great restaurants and lodging opportunities. Hearthstone, Blue River Bistro, and Ember all serve delicious contemporary fare, while Fireside Inn and Abbett Placer Inn both provide cozy, comfortable rooms and excellent service.

Estes Park

Home of Rocky Mountain National Park, which offers the Forest Canyon Overlook and Alberta Falls, Estes Park displays nature at its best. Yet this quaint town also has several great attributes. The Riverwalk passes by several excellent restaurants, like Mama Rose鈥檚 and Poppa鈥檚 Pizza & Grill, and it provides benches for those who wish to relax and chat with the locals.

For kids of all ages, Estes Park is home to the Mustang Mountain Coaster and the Memorial Observatory. Estes Park has awesome lodging choices, whether you wish to rough it or be pampered. Romantic Riversong Inn, Quilt House B&B, and the Appenzell all call this a small Colorado townhome.

Steamboat Springs

Picturesque Steamboat Springs, home of the Yampa River Botanic Park, Tread of Pioneers Museum, and the Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs, is situated in northern Colorado, in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Also home to the majestic 283-foot Fish Creek Falls and Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area, this small town is one of the best getaways in Colorado.

While staying overnight at one of the area鈥檚 great lodging choices, including Nordic Lodge and Rabbit Ear Motel, visitors of Steamboat Springs can ride the Steamboat Gondola or stop by Howelsen Hill. There are some phenomenal hiking trails nearby as well, located in the Routt National Forest along the Continental Divide, like Elk Run, Red Dirt, and Mad Creek.

Pagosa Springs

The tiny town of Pagosa Springs, home to Treasure Falls, Rainbow Hot Springs, and Piedra Falls, is located approximately 60 miles east of the city of Durango. Also home to Rocky Mountain Wildlife Park, only a quarter of an hour from downtown, and Yamaguchi Park, with its own hot spring, Pagosa Springs is perfect for every member of the family.

Pagosa Springs has a variety of awesome restaurant and lodging choices for guests for the evening or even the whole weekend. Alley House Grille, Riff Raff on the Rio, and Meander Riverside Eatery all serve delicious local fare, while RiverWalk Inn and the Springs Resort & Spa offer amenities such as comfortable rooms and excellent service.

Crested Butte

Home of Crested Butte Mountain Resort, which offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding during the winter and a fun adventure park in the summer, this quaint town is the perfect getaway. The Annual Chili and Beer Festival also occurs every September, celebrating several different delicious local chilis.

Downtown Crested Butte also presents quite a few lodging choices for those who wish to stay closer to town. Cristiana Guesthaus provides more European-style rooms, while Purple Mountain Lodge B&B has its own day spa. There are also several historic threads in downtown Crested Butte. The Heritage Museum and Trailhead Children鈥檚 Museum both offer great history of the area and awesome family experiences.

Manitou Springs

Manitou Springs offers serenity while providing the excitement of being close to a metropolis. Home of Cave of the Winds Mountain Park, Rainbow Falls, and stunning hiking paths, like Barr Trail and Intemann Trail, Manitou Springs has all the attributes that cater to the outdoor enthusiast. There are several amenities in downtown Manitou Springs as well. Miramont Castle Museum and the Penny Arcade present enjoyment to kids of all ages.

Several great restaurants and eatery choices also call Manitou Springs home. The Cliff House Hotel and Briarhurst Manor Estate boast elegant dining and great lodging, while Adam's Mountain Cafe and Savelli's offer delicious alternatives. Other lodging choices in Manitou Springs include Blue Skies Inn and Avenue Hotel B&B.

Paonia

Situated 70 miles east of Grand Junction, the tiny town of Paonia is the perfect getaway for those who appreciate wineries, vineyards, local farms, and breweries. From Stone Cottage Cellars and Orchard Valley Farms and Markets to Paonia United Brewing, residents of Paonia display their expertise in creating great wine, local produce, and tasty microbrews.

Paonia is also well known for some phenomenal annual festivals and events. The Mountain Harvest Festival, held in September in charming downtown Paonia, honors music, poetry and prose, dancing and comedy, as well as the produce and grapes grown in the North Fork Valley. Cherry Days, occurring every 4th of July, celebrates the nation's Independence Day with everything from stunning parades to cornhole tournaments.

Glenwood Springs

Situated between Flat Tops Wilderness and the Grand Mesa National Forest, the town of Glenwood Springs is most famous for its outdoor attractions. Hanging Lake, which is located in Glenwood Canyon, and Two Rivers Park, featuring 22 acres of awesome landscape with easy access to the mighty Colorado River, provide amenities for those who love the beauty of nature.

Glenwood Springs is also home to excellent hiking trails, like Hanging Lake Trail and Red Mountain Trail. Plus, the infamous Doc Holliday, the close friend of the legendary Wyatt Earp, died in 1887 and was buried in Glenwood Springs in Linwood Cemetery, along with Harvey Logan, who died in 1904 and was known under the moniker Kid Curry.

While the state of Colorado is best known for numerous Denver attractions, like the Denver Botanic Gardens, Red Rocks Amphitheater, and Larimer Square, smaller towns in the Centennial State offer a rare form of charm and tranquility difficult to find within the big city. From quaint Telluride to pastoral Paonia to picturesque Glenwood Springs, these nine charming towns are only a few of the many small towns located in Colorado that are perfect for a weekend getaway.