Discovering the Unique Mountain Towns Near Denver

Denver is a city with a lot to offer, but one of the best things it has to offer is the easy access to the mountains. Within just a few hours’ drive, you can be in some of the most unique mountain towns and villages in the country. Here, we’re exploring 12 of the most unique mountain towns near Denver and all the things that make them special.

1. Evergreen

Evergreen is a small mountain town located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, just 30 minutes west of Denver. Evergreen is known for its beautiful scenery and outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing and more. It’s also home to a variety of unique shops and restaurants, as well as a vibrant arts and music scene.

Things to Do in Evergreen

There’s plenty to do in Evergreen, from taking in the stunning views of the Rocky Mountains to exploring the town’s many art galleries and shops. You can also take part in a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, fishing, and more. And of course, there’s the ever-popular Evergreen Lake, which is perfect for a quiet paddle or a leisurely stroll around its perimeter.

Where to Eat in Evergreen

Evergreen is home to a variety of unique restaurants, from cozy cafes to fine dining establishments. The town is known for its locally-sourced cuisine, with many restaurants taking advantage of the abundance of fresh, seasonal ingredients available in the area. Some of the most popular restaurants include the historic El Rancho, the modern Tavern 1929, and the family-friendly Cheese Ranch.

2. Estes Park

Estes Park is a small mountain town in the stunning Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of hiking, camping, fishing, and more available in the area. Estes Park is also home to a variety of unique shops, restaurants, and art galleries, making it a great place to explore and experience the mountain lifestyle.

Things to Do in Estes Park

Estes Park is a great place to get out and explore the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. There are plenty of hiking trails, camping spots, and fishing spots to choose from. You can also explore the town’s many art galleries, shops, and restaurants. And of course, there’s the stunning Rocky Mountain National Park, which is just a short drive away.

Where to Eat in Estes Park

Estes Park is home to a variety of unique restaurants, from cozy cafes to fine dining establishments. The town is known for its locally-sourced cuisine, with many restaurants taking advantage of the abundance of fresh, seasonal ingredients available in the area. Some of the most popular restaurants include the historic Elkins Distillery, the modern Trailhead Restaurant, and the family-friendly Marys Lake Lodge.

3. Leadville

Leadville is a small mountain town located in the heart of the Rockies, just 2 hours west of Denver. Leadville is known for its historic charm, with many of its buildings dating back to the 19th century. It’s also a great place to explore the great outdoors, with plenty of hiking, camping, fishing, and more available in the area.

Things to Do in Leadville

Leadville is a great place to get out and explore the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. There are plenty of hiking trails, camping spots, and fishing spots to choose from. You can also explore the town’s many art galleries, shops, and restaurants. And of course, there’s the stunning Mosquito Range, which is just a short drive away.

Where to Eat in Leadville

Leadville is home to a variety of unique restaurants, from cozy cafes to fine dining establishments. The town is known for its locally-sourced cuisine, with many restaurants taking advantage of the abundance of fresh, seasonal ingredients available in the area. Some of the most popular restaurants include the historic Silver Dollar Saloon, the modern St. Charles Tavern, and the family-friendly High Mountain Pies.

4. Idaho Springs

Idaho Springs is a small mountain town located just 30 minutes west of Denver. Idaho Springs is known for its historic charm, with many of its buildings and attractions dating back to the 19th century. It’s also a great place to explore the great outdoors, with plenty of hiking, camping, fishing, and more available in the area.

Things to Do in Idaho Springs

Idaho Springs is a great place to get out and explore the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. There are plenty of hiking trails, camping spots, and fishing spots to choose from. You can also explore the town’s many art galleries, shops, and restaurants. And of course, there’s the stunning Mount Evans, which is just a short drive away.

Where to Eat in Idaho Springs

Idaho Springs is home to a variety of unique restaurants, from cozy cafes to fine dining establishments. The town is known for its locally-sourced cuisine, with many restaurants taking advantage of the abundance of fresh, seasonal ingredients available in the area. Some of the most popular restaurants include the historic Tommyknocker Brewery, the modern St. Bernard Lodge, and the family-friendly Idaho Springs Brewery.

5. Georgetown

Georgetown is a small mountain town located just an hour west of Denver. Georgetown is known for its charming Victorian architecture and its beautiful scenery, making it a great place to explore and experience the mountain lifestyle. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in the area, as well as a variety of unique shops and restaurants.

Things to Do in Georgetown

Georgetown is a great place to get out and explore the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. There are plenty of hiking trails, camping spots, and fishing spots to choose from. You can also explore the town’s many art galleries, shops, and restaurants. And of course, there’s the stunning Guanella Pass, which is just a short drive away.

Where to Eat in Georgetown

Georgetown is home to a variety of unique restaurants, from cozy cafes to fine dining establishments. The town is known for its locally-sourced cuisine, with many restaurants taking advantage of the abundance of fresh, seasonal ingredients available in the area. Some of the most popular restaurants include the historic Silver Plume Cafe, the modern Georgetown Valley Cafe, and the family-friendly The Red Ram.

6. Nederland

Nederland is a small mountain town located just an hour and a half west of Denver. Nederland is known for its laid-back atmosphere, with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in the area, as well as a variety of unique shops and restaurants. It’s also home to a vibrant arts and music scene, making it a great place to explore and experience the mountain lifestyle.

Things to Do in Nederland

Nederland is a great place to get out and explore the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. There are plenty of hiking trails, camping spots, and fishing spots to choose from. You can also explore the town’s many art galleries, shops, and restaurants. And of course, there’s the stunning Indian Peaks Wilderness, which is just a short drive away.

Where to Eat in Nederland

Nederland is home to a variety of unique restaurants, from cozy cafes to fine dining establishments. The town is known for its locally-sourced cuisine, with many restaurants taking advantage of the abundance of fresh, seasonal ingredients available in the area. Some of the most popular restaurants include the historic Wild Mountain Smokehouse, the modern Hungry Bear Cafe, and the family-friendly The Backdoor Cafe.

7. Central City

Central City is a small mountain town located just an hour west of Denver. Central City is known for its historic charm and its wealth of outdoor activities, making it a great place to explore and experience the mountain lifestyle. It’s also home to a variety of unique shops and restaurants, as well as a vibrant arts and music scene.

Things to Do in Central City

Central City is a great place to get out and explore the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. There are plenty of hiking trails, camping spots, and fishing spots to choose from. You can also explore the town’s many art galleries, shops, and restaurants. And of course, there’s the stunning Middle Boulder Creek, which is just a short drive away.

Where to Eat in Central City

Central City is home to a variety of unique restaurants, from cozy cafes to fine dining establishments. The town is known for its locally-sourced cuisine, with many restaurants taking advantage of the abundance of fresh, seasonal ingredients available in the area. Some of the most popular restaurants include the historic Silver Dollar Saloon, the modern The Junction Cafe, and the family-friendly The Wild Game.

8. Buena Vista

Buena Vista is a small mountain town located just two hours southwest of Denver. Buena Vista is known for its stunning scenery and its wealth of outdoor activities, making it a great place to explore and experience the mountain lifestyle. It’s also home to a variety of unique shops and restaurants, as well as a vibrant arts and music scene.

Things to Do in Buena Vista

Buena Vista is a great place to get out and explore the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. There are plenty of hiking trails, camping spots, and fishing spots to choose from. You can also explore the town’s many art galleries, shops, and restaurants. And of course, there’s the stunning Arkansas River, which is just a short drive away.

Where to Eat in Buena Vista

Buena Vista is home to a variety of unique restaurants, from cozy cafes to fine dining establishments. The town is known for its locally-sourced cuisine, with many restaurants taking advantage of the abundance of fresh, seasonal ingredients available in the area. Some of the most popular restaurants include the historic Eddyline Restaurant, the modern Local Liquors, and the family-friendly The Mountain Goat.

9. Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a small mountain town located just two hours southwest of Denver. Breckenridge is known for its stunning scenery and its wealth of outdoor activities, making it a great place to explore and experience the mountain lifestyle. It’s also home to a variety of unique shops and restaurants, as well as a vibrant arts and music scene.

Things to Do in Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a great place to get out and explore the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. There are plenty of hiking trails, camping spots, and fishing spots to choose from. You can also explore the town’s many art galleries, shops, and restaurants. And of course, there’s the stunning Tenmile Range, which is just a short drive away.

Where to Eat in Breckenridge

Breckenridge is home to a variety of unique restaurants, from cozy cafes to fine dining establishments. The town is known for its locally-sourced cuisine, with many restaurants taking advantage of the abundance of fresh, seasonal ingredients available in the area. Some of the most popular restaurants include the historic Breckenridge Brewery, the modern Burke and Riley’s Irish Pub, and the family-friendly The Lost Cajun.

10. Silverthorne

Silverthorne is a small mountain town located just an hour southwest of Denver. Silverthorne is known for its stunning scenery and its wealth of outdoor activities, making it a great place to explore and experience the mountain lifestyle. It’s also home to a variety of unique shops and restaurants, as well as a vibrant arts and music scene.

Things to Do in Silverthorne

Silverthorne is a great place to get out and explore the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. There are plenty of hiking trails, camping spots, and fishing spots to choose from. You can also explore the town’s many art galleries, shops, and restaurants. And of course, there’s the stunning Dillon Reservoir, which is just a short drive away.

Where to Eat in Silverthorne

Silverthorne is home to a variety of unique restaurants, from cozy cafes to fine dining establishments. The town is known for its locally-sourced cuisine, with many restaurants taking advantage of the abundance of fresh, seasonal ingredients available in the area. Some of the most popular restaurants include the historic Red Mountain Grill, the modern The Lost Cajun, and the family-friendly The Blue Spruce.

11. Fraser

Fraser is a small mountain town located just an hour west of Denver. Fraser is known for its stunning scenery and its wealth of outdoor activities, making it a great place to explore and experience the mountain lifestyle. It’s also home to a variety of unique shops and restaurants, as well as a vibrant arts and music scene.

Things to Do in Fraser

Fraser is a great place to get out and explore the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. There are plenty of hiking trails, camping spots, and fishing spots to choose from. You can also explore the town’s many art galleries, shops, and restaurants. And of course, there’s the stunning Arapaho National Forest, which is just a short drive away.

Where to Eat in Fraser

Fraser is home to a variety of unique restaurants, from cozy cafes to fine dining establishments. The town is known for its locally-sourced cuisine, with many restaurants taking advantage of the abundance of fresh, seasonal ingredients available in the area. Some of the most popular restaurants include the historic The Lodge at Black Rapids, the modern Wild Rock Grille, and the family-friendly Fraser Valley Pizza Co.

12. Winter Park

Winter Park is a small mountain town located just an hour and a half west of Denver. Winter Park is known for its stunning scenery and its wealth of outdoor activities, making it a great place to explore and experience the mountain lifestyle. It’s also home to a variety of unique shops and restaurants, as well as a vibrant arts and music scene.

Things to Do in Winter Park

Winter Park is a great place to get out and explore the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. There are plenty of hiking trails, camping spots, and fishing spots to choose from. You can also explore the town’s many art galleries, shops, and restaurants. And of course, there’s the stunning Ski Granby Ranch, which is just a short drive away.

Where to Eat in Winter Park

Winter Park is home to a variety of unique restaurants, from cozy cafes to fine dining establishments. The town is known for its locally-sourced cuisine, with many restaurants taking advantage of the abundance of fresh, seasonal ingredients available in the area. Some of the most popular restaurants include the historic Deno’s Mountain Bistro, the modern The Pub at Winter