There are several villages in the mountainous state of Colorado that are ideal for anyone who are searching for a way to go away into the surrounding natural environment. Colorado is a refuge for skiers since it is home to some of the biggest and most popular ski resorts in the United States. However, the state’s many parklands, rugged terrain, gorgeous rivers, and unspoiled woods also make it a dream for hikers.
When you consider that it also has a long history of silver mining and that it is now considered one of the most progressive and liberal states in the Western United States, you have a location that is intriguing to explore in terms of both its natural environment and its culture.
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Creede
When it comes to its historical significance, the town of Creede is surprisingly compact. Creede’s population skyrocketed from 600 in the year 1889 to well over 10,000 in the year 1891 as a direct result of the silver boom that began in the late 1880s. When the boom in silver mining in the area came to an end, the inflow of individuals who were hoping to earn a fortune from the metal fled, and now, Creede has a population of less than 300 people.
Not only is this location in the mountains at a high elevation, but it also features authentic buildings that date back to the late 19th century, making it not only a beautiful place to visit but also an excellent location for filming.
Creed and the surrounding area have been the settings for the production of a large number of movies and television shows, including the 1976 John Wayne movie “The Shootist” and the 2013 feature “The Lone Ranger.”
Manitou Springs
Manitou Springs was established in 1872 as a “scenic health resort” due to the presence of natural mineral springs within the area. Today, the city is home to a large number of historic structures that allude to its history as a resort. It is possible to take a stroll around the whole of the Manitou Springs Historic District, which is comprised of historic residences and hotels.
This resort town, also known as the “Saratoga of the West,” is situated in close proximity to the otherworldly and breathtaking scenery of The Garden of the Gods, which is characterized by its crimson rock spires and scrublands. The adjacent Cave of the Winds Mountain Park also offers activities like as caving, ropes courses, and ziplining for visitors to enjoy.
Gunnison
This quaint little town started to develop in the 1870s and was given its name in honor of John W. Gunnison, the first known English explorer of the region. At the Gunnison Pioneer Museum, you will find information and artifacts pertaining to the history and legacy of this location.
Cattlemen’s Days are a great time to experience some of the local Western culture, so if that’s what you’re really after, make sure you’re in town for them. This festival, which has been going on for 119 years, honors the Western way of life by holding events such as rodeos and a parade.
Are you going to be here throughout the colder months? After that, you will have the opportunity to go skiing at either the Crested Butte Mountain Resort or the Monarch Ski Area and have a good time.
Telluride
Telluride has a rich history that can be traced back to the mining boom that occurred in the region in the late 19th century, and the town is filled with old structures. In point of fact, these structures make up a significant portion of the town, which means that you should probably go there if you wish to go back in time to the days when mining was common.
The 80 acres in the downtown area of the old silver mine colony, which are now packed with restaurants and stores, are ideal for exploration and are available to the public. Hiking to Bridal Veil Falls or driving there is a wonderful way to take in the surreal scenery that surrounds this stunning town. Skiing can be accessed from Telluride through a short trip on the gondola, making it an ideal launching point for your ski vacation.
Ouray
Ouray, Colorado is often referred to as the “Switzerland of America” because of the breathtaking alpine scenery that can be seen there. As a consequence of this, you will have the opportunity to go trekking in the breathtaking Box Canyon Falls Park or ice climbing at the Ouray Ice Park, which draws daredevils from all over the globe.
In the year 1875, those who were interested in making a fortune from the many silver and gold mines located in the region came in Ouray. These ancient structures, such as the brick-built Beaumont Hotel and Ouray City Hall, are testaments to the city’s previous prosperity as a result of its mining industry.
True Grit (1968), the first version of the picture, shot some sequences in and around Ouray, and this fact is something that cinephiles will enjoy.
Vail
The Vail Ski Resort is the biggest ski mountain in Colorado, and it is without a doubt the most popular thing to do in Vail. If you came to this town for the skiing, you are in for a real treat, as there is more skiing and snowboarding terrain than you could ever hope to find within relatively easy reach of the town itself.
The picturesque appearance of the town itself is a perfect complement to the breathtaking views of the surrounding alpine landscape, which include glistening lakes, dense woods, and snow-capped mountains to take in. Visit Vail Village if you’re looking for a pleasant, old-world atmosphere, or explore the winding roads and colorful buildings of the Lionshead neighborhood to get a sense for European-style architecture.
Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Springs, which serves as the county seat of Garfield County and is the most populated town in that county, gets its name from the fact that it is another of Colorado’s mineral spring towns. You won’t simply be lounging about in the hot springs here and letting the healing water work its magic on you.
There is a wide variety of recreation available, including skiing at the Sunlight Mountain Resort and walking along the scenic boardwalk of Hanging Lake, as well as paragliding, rafting, and fishing. There is something for everyone here. In 2015, it was given the title of “Most Vibrant Small Town Arts Environment in the United States,” and the downtown area of Glenwood Springs is widely regarded as the ideal destination for those interested in the arts, as well as dining and drinking.
Frisco
Frisco is the perfect place to visit if you are a fan of the winter sport of skiing. There are at least four ski resorts in the surrounding area, and they are as follows: Arapahoe Basin, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, and Keystone. At the Frisco Nordic Center, in addition to downhill skiing, you can also enjoy cross-country skiing.
During the warmer months, the Frisco Adventure Park is an excellent place to go bicycling and hiking. Those who are less interested in skiing may enjoy the park. In the winter, you can go ice fishing and snowmobiling at the neighboring Dillon Reservoir, and in the summer, you can go yachting and rainbow trout fishing there. The reservoir is wonderful for any time of year. It goes without saying that those who like being outside will adore Frisco.
Breckenridge
Breckenridge Ski Resort is not only the most frequented ski resort in Colorado but also one of the most visited ski resorts in the whole Western Hemisphere. Vail Ski Resort may be the biggest ski mountain in the state, but Breckenridge Ski Resort is the most popular.
Despite the fact that skiing is probably the main reason every tourist comes to Breckenridge, the town’s history is deeply rooted in the mining industry. And relics of the riches that was brought into the town by the prospectors can be seen in the log and clapboard faced houses that are scattered all around the city and date all the way back to the late 19th century. Additionally, the hiking is excellent in the surrounding area; throughout the summer, visit Blue River to see wildflowers along the gorgeous pathways.
Silverton
Located in a valley in the San Juan Mountains, the historic silver mining town of Silverton still stands today. The town has moved on from its days as a mining center and developed into a well-known ski resort, drawing tourists with its old-fashioned, out-of-the-way allure.
The gentle slopes of Silverton’s mountains are blanketed in snow throughout the winter months due to the town’s elevation of 9,000 feet above sea level, making it an excellent location for both experienced and novice skiers. During the summer months, the slopes transform into sun-soaked meadows that are studded with hiking routes that make their way past flowing waterfalls.
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad gives visitors the opportunity to ride a steam train and travel through time to see the mining history of the area.
Trinidad
Before Colorado was even a state, in 1876, people began making their homes in Trinidad. In the 1860s, Spanish and Mexican residents arrived in the area because they found the region to be advantageous and adjacent to a historic commerce route known as the Santa Fe Trail.
The famed Drop City could be found to the north of Trinidad. It was founded in 1965 as the first rural hippie commune and remained in operation until the 1970s, when it was finally shut down. Today, Trinidad is known as “Weed Town, USA” due to the fact that it has 23 marijuana shops. This equates to one dispensary for every 352 persons in the country.
The Trinidad History Museum is a fantastic location to begin your exploration of Trinidad’s long and illustrious past, which includes a lot more than just cannabis and alternative culture.
Steamboat Springs
Another town in the Rocky Mountains with a strong reputation for skiing, Steamboat Springs has not one but two excellent ski slopes in its immediate vicinity. There is the famous Steamboat Ski Resort, which is located on Mount Werner just outside of town, and there is also the Howelsen Hill Ski Area, which is named for the person who pioneered ski jumping to Steamboat Springs in 1913. Both ski areas are located in the same general area.
You may have even more fun on the water by going white water kayaking on the Yampa River, which is known for its challenging rapids. And if you’re a serious biker, you’re in luck: in 2011, the League of American Bicyclists gave its stamp of approval to the region around Steamboat Springs, designating it as a premier location for riding.
Durango
Main Avenue in Durango is the most picturesque historic district in the city. Iconic structures such as the Strater Hotel and The General Palmer Hotel provide a historical background along this stretch of the street. You’ll find the station for the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad at one end of Main Avenue. This is the same nostalgic train that you can really ride all the way to Silverton, passing through the hills and valleys of the ancient prospector area.
Additionally, Durango serves as the entry point to the breathtaking Mesa Verde National Park. Mesa Verde National Park is the location of cliff-side stone palaces and pueblos that were constructed by indigenous peoples of the region more than 1,500 years ago.