For Colorado’s resort towns, as amazing as they can be, can sometimes feel more like theme parks on a Saturday afternoon than truly relaxing getaways. If you’re yearning for an escape that doesn’t involve a waiting line for the chairlift and the constant hustle and bustle of a tourist hotspot, then let me introduce you to my go-to small mountain towns in Colorado for weekend trips the ones with epic views, minimal crowds, and a welcome that’s decidedly local.
I’ve spent my fair share of Colorado weekends off the beaten path, and I can tell you the real enchantment lies in stumbling upon quiet coffee shops, hiking a trail without needing to make a reservation, and catching a sunset over the peaks that you can actually appreciate. These are my top three recommendations for a refreshing Colorado weekend.
Why Skip the Big Names?
Now, I’m not saying that Aspen or Breckenridge aren’t worth visiting. But on a limited trip, who wants to waste time searching for parking or waiting in line for a locally brewed beer? These smaller towns offer more breathing space and allow for the ability to connect with a place.
They’re more affordable, offer less of the commercial appeal and give you the opportunity to discover your own little piece of paradise.
You also feel like you’ve discovered a secret place when you stumble across one of these towns; it’s this kind of place that always lures you back.
Ouray The “Switzerland of America”
This is a town where your jaw just… dropped. No joke. Located in a box canyon, Ouray is snuggled amongst the imposing, 13,000 foot jagged peaks and its waterfalls plunge straight down the canyon walls during the summer months . Its nickname is “The Switzerland of America” and if I may say so, the name fit.
What Makes Ouray Special
Ouray isn’t putting on airs it’s raw, real and bursting with old school Victorian elegance. You could almost step out of your time machine right onto Main Street. But you’re lucky it has since transformed into one of a kind shops, historic hotels and cozy saloons, all within friendly folks!
Best Things to Do in Ouray
Soak in the hot springs. You are not to leave the area without doing this. Ouray sits over geothermal waters and the Ouray Hot Springs Pool is an expansive outdoor place that includes shallow, kid friendly pools to a 106 degree adult pool (an infinity pool, actually).
For a less public, yet no less impressive experience, head 10 minutes outside of town to the Orvis Hot Springs-it’sclothing-optional and includes a more natural, landscaped experience as well as a large, 40 foot pool complete with a waterfall . Drive the Million Dollar Highway.
You must drive at least a part of Highway 550 between Ouray and Silverton. This road, one of the more extreme in the nation, includes extreme dropoffs with not so much as a guard rail as you scale up over a million dollars worth of views (no joke on the elevation and views that will make you a little light headed, and in a good way!). Hike a waterfall.
You’ll be happy to know the town itself has an entire trail that wraps around it where you’ll find numerous cascading waterfalls: the Perimeter Trail, totaling around 5.5 miles (but can be sectioned into shorter loops) and also offers breathtaking, high-altitude views of the city .
Visit in the winter to experience ice climbing. This town has the title of “ice climbing capital of North America” and Ouray Ice Park contains some 200, ice covered natural and man-made climbing routes. The viewing of this sport is an equally awesome sight! .
Where to Stay and Eat
Stay at historic Western Hotel & Spa (1891) complete with Old West themed suites and an underground spa featuring a hot soaking pool. St. Elmo Tavern dished out some stellar farm to table Italian fare in a 1898 historic building. Do try and snag a seat on the Ouray Brewery’s rooftop deck, craft beer in hand, as the sun sets on the peaks.
When to Go
The best times for summer hiking and visiting hot springs are June through September. For ice climbing and snowshoeing, visit from December through March. Fall’s vibrant foliage typically peaks in late September.
Buena Vista The Arkansas River Adventure Hub
Buena Vista locals affectionately refer to the place simply as “BV”nestles below the Collegiate Peaks-the sort of spectacular 14,000 foot mountains that resemble the artwork of a very talented hand. The small community which has gained a local following in the past few years (for good reason!)
What Makes Buena Vista Special
The sweet spot between outdoor and approachable. Get big mountain vibes, without big resort price tags. Big water with the Arkansas river slicing right through downtown and adventure mixed with just the right amount of chilled out.
Best Things to Do in Buena Vista
Run the Arkansas River. The big one! The Arkansas is the ultimate and there’s options from gentle family raft trips all the way up to the Class V rock. Most popular is the brown’s canyon and you can find outfitters that are doing trips down river on a daily basis.
Soak at Mount Princeton Hot Springs. There are multiple hot springs a few miles down the road in a resort where you can have a nice soak with the mountain scenery and the hot springs water goes right into a natural creek you can get down in.
Drive Cottonwood Pass. This route goes up to 12000 plus feet and it takes you from Buena Vista to the crested Butte side. The view from the top will take your breath away! This pass usually opens june 1st or earlier and can close october 1st or later depending on snow.
Hike a 14er. We have 14000 foot peaks right in town and mount Princeton and Yale are both awesome, especially when you get them done at dawn as summer afternoon thunderstorms aren’t kidding around!
Where to Stay and Eat
Surf Hotel & Chateau is just up the river and is a hip, modern choice that also includes a bar and restaurant. For a meal, Eddyline Brewing is where most locals go – their beer is delicious, and their food is good pub fare. I stop at Buena Vista Roastery first thing for my morning brew.
When to Go
During the summer months rafting and hiking are the most popular outdoor adventures. In autumn (September to October) you can enjoy gorgeous golden aspen and smaller crowds. It is quite but peaceful in winter and the hot springs are awesome during snowfall .
Silverton The Wild West Ghost Town That’s Still Alive
Silverton feels like stepping back in time literally, some of the streets are just dirt, some of the buildings are pulled straight from the 1880s and driving to get groceries here involves driving over a mountain pass.
What Makes Silverton Special
Silverton is rough and real. It’s set beneath seven 14,000 foot peaks, and the high country is some of Colorado’s wildest. With under a thousand year-round residents, everyone in Silverton knows everybody else.
Best Things to Do in Silverton
Take the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Take a train trip in the past-on this historic locomotive, which clacks through deep canyons along the Animas River your eyes will never once stray to your screen. The journey to Silverton from Durango (or vice versa) is three and a half hours each way, and every second is spent gasping.
Hike to an alpine lake.
Trails surrounding Silverton are among the finest in the world. The most photographed place in Colorado the Ice Lakes Basin-features surreal turquoise lakes nestled between razor sharp peaks. Investigate the ghost towns. You can meander through Animas Forks, one of Colorado’s numerous ghost towns, to discover an array of surviving buildings, a profoundly dreamlike activity.
Get off the beaten path on an off road adventure.
Silverton serves as a point of departure for Jeep, ATV and off-road tours; ride up Colorado’s Alpine Loop scenic byway and traverse the rugged wilderness, experiencing some of the state’s most inaccessible terrain.
Where to Stay and Eat
Wyman Hotel Wyman Hotel 1902 renovated property offering modern chic room amenities and original details. Red Mountain Alpine Lodge – Offers amazing mountain views and a chef if you desire a rustic experience. Handlebars Food and Saloon Great for burgers and beers in town. Pickle’s Deli – Great quick deli for before a hike.
When to Go
Best summer for hiking , train rides and jeep tours. Fall can be beautiful but is quick. Winter can be cold and unforgiving but good for backcountry skiing. Caution that theMillion Dollar Highway is risky in winter.
How to Choose the Right Town for Your Weekend
| If you want… | Go to… |
| Hot springs and dramatic canyon views | Ouray |
| Whitewater rafting and 14er hiking | Buena Vista |
| Old West history and alpine isolation | Silverton |
| A mix of relaxation and adventure | Ouray |
| The best fall colors | Buena Vista |
| Winter ice climbing | Ouray |
| Off roading and train rides | Silverton |
Practical Tips for Your Weekend Trip
Book your stay ahead. Because these are small towns, accommodation gets snatched up particularly on summer weekends and leaf-peeping time .
Layer your clothing. Colorado mountain weather can be so fickle. It can be snowing in July; pack a jacket even then .
Get a rental car with a little bit of ground clearance. Driving some of the pretty scenic routes requires a car that’s game to get bounced around a bit on dirt road. Million Dollar Highway is paved but steep and bendy .
Know the road conditions. Mountain passes get closed because of snow as late as early summer. Head to cotrip.org for status updates. – T.B. .
Pack some cash. In some smaller establishments you can’t use a card .
Final Thoughts
The greatest small mountain towns in Colorado to visit on a weekend are those that don’t try to be the glitziest and classiest. Instead, these towns provide that real sense of connection: to the terrain, to the people there, and to that pure sense of freedom one feels in the presence of mountains and an open sky. Ouray, Buena Vista, and Silverton all have their own feel, yet all of them are designed to pull you back into their embrace and leave you yearning for more days there.
To be honest, it wouldn’t be understandable to have an argument with someone who would.
Have you been to any of these towns before?
Which one are you heading to on your weekend break?
Leave your comment and we are dying to know your trip! Don’t forget to share this travel guide if you use it to plan your trip!
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Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
What’s the best small mountain town in Colorado for a weekend trip?
It depends on what you’re after! Ouray is incredible for hot springs and dramatic views, Buena Vista is perfect for rafting and 14er hiking, and Silverton delivers authentic Old West vibes and isolation. All three make fantastic weekend getaways .
When is the best time to visit Colorado’s small mountain towns?
Summer (June to September) offers the best weather for hiking, rafting, and exploring. Fall (late September–early October) brings spectacular golden aspen colors. Winter is great for hot springs and skiing, but some roads close .
Are these towns expensive?
Compared to resort towns like Aspen or Vail, these towns are much more affordable. Lodging and dining are reasonable, though summer weekends can still be pricey. You’ll generally get more value for your money here .
Can I visit these towns on a budget?
Absolutely. Look for motels, cabins, or camping options. Many activities like hiking, hot springs, and scenic drives are free or low cost. Eating at local diners and breweries instead of upscale restaurants also saves money .
How far are these towns from Denver?
Ouray is about 5.5 to 6 hours from Denver, Buena Vista is about 2.5 hours, and Silverton is roughly 6 to 6.5 hours . Buena Vista is the easiest to reach for a quick weekend trip.
Are these towns good for families?
Yes! All three towns offer family friendly activities. The hot springs in Ouray are a hit with kids, Buena Vista has mellow rafting trips suitable for families, and Silverton’s train ride is an adventure everyone will love .
Can I visit more than one town in a single weekend?
It’s doable but tight. The towns are spread out. If you have a three day weekend, you could pair Ouray and Silverton (they’re about an hour apart via the Million Dollar Highway) . Buena Vista is more isolated.