There’s Aspen and its Hollywood-like draw, Breckenridge and its daily view of renowned Colorado 14ers like Quandary and Grey’s and Torreys Peak, Estes Park as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, Steamboat and its hot springs and many, many more.
Let’s face it, Colorado has the whole “picturesque mountain towns” thing down.
But of all the places to go for taking in the scenery, hiking up secluded mountain trails or carving lines down the slopes, which in Colorado is the best of the best?
Telluride, the small southwestern town with a population of about 2,300 people, lays claim to that title in a new Thrillist list titled ” The Best Mountain Towns in America.”
To compile the list, the New York-based publishing company says it took into account scenery, activities, mountain ‘feel’ and the bar/restaurant scene. It also included no more than one mountain town per state.
“The beauty of Telluride stops you dead in your tracks,” Thrillist says in the ranking. “To stroll through this charming Old West town face to face with the massive, snow-capped San Juan peaks rising up from its box canyon location is to know the sheer awe-inspiring power of mountain living.”
Thrillist also points to Telluride’s numerous attractions, such as the Last Dollar Saloon and New Sheridan Hotel rooftop. Telluride is also known for its historic landmarks, such as the Sheridan Opera House, a performing arts venue built in 1913.
Telluride, originally called Columbia, was founded in 1878 as a mining camp. It boomed after a railroad was built there in 1890, but dwindled after silver prices crashed in 1893. Today, it’s known for its skiing and numerous festivals and cultural events.
“The town is also famous for hosting a ridiculous number of top-tier music festivals including the Telluride Bluegrass Fest, Telluride Blues & Brews and The Ride,” Thrillist notes.
Last month, U.S. News & World Report named Telluride High School among the best high schools in the nation.
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