Explore Colorado – The Best Mountain Towns and Fourteeners

With 53 mountains rising at elevations above 14,000 feet, Colorado is home to far more “fourteeners” than any other state (second-place Alaska has 29).

While the rugged peaks have inspired countless mountain adventurers, you don’t need to be a professional climber to enjoy their majestic beauty. Simply hop in the car and follow our guide to the best places in the state to immerse yourself in stunning views. Along the way, you’ll discover delightful small towns and unique adventures.

Colorado Springs

Nearby fourteeners: Pikes Peak (14,115’)

Attracting more than 500,000 visitors a year, Pikes Peak is the most visited summit in North America. Not only is it the only fourteener near Colorado Springs, it’s also the only fourteener you can summit by train. Although the world-famous Pikes Peak Cog Railway ceased operations in 2018 for repairs, you can still hike to the top of “America’s Mountain.” Take the strenuous 13-mile Barr Trail or opt for a more leisurely scenic drive along 19-mile Pikes Peak Highway.

You can enjoy views of Pikes from in and around Colorado Springs, as well as the quirky nearby tourist town of Manitou Springs. However, the Instagram-worthy Garden of the Gods offers the best vantage point to admire the mountain’s beauty, with its stunning red rock formations framing the summit.

Estes Park

Nearby fourteeners: Longs Peak (14,259’)

As the largest peak within Rocky Mountain National Park, Longs Peak is one of Colorado’s most iconic fourteeners. The only fourteener north of Denver, it attracts many non-professional climbers, with around 15,000 people attempting to summit the mountain each year. While not technical, the grueling 12.4-mile trek requires a 3 am start, boasting a success rate of less than 50 percent.

However, stunning views of Longs Peak are visible from multiple roads and hikes within the park or throughout the charming town of Estes Park. While in town, don’t miss The Wheel Bar for drinks with locals, followed by a delicious Italian dinner at the delightful Dunraven Inn.

Georgetown

Nearby fourteeners: Mt. Evans (14,271’), Mt. Bierstadt (14,065’), Torreys Peak (14,274’), Grays Peak (14,278’)

Georgetown is one of the first mountain towns outside Denver that skiers encounter while driving along I-70. While most visitors stop only to refuel or shop at local dispensaries such as Rocky Mountain Cannabis, the historic town and former silver mining camp is worth exploring. Remember: cannabis may be legal in Colorado, but regulations change at the state line; stay informed.

Stroll the charming downtown and grab a beer at local brewery Guanella Pass or hop aboard the historic narrow-gauge tourist rail car Georgetown Loop for an intimate view of the peaks. Moreover, about 30 minutes beyond Georgetown, you can gaze at Torreys and Grays from Arapahoe Basin, one of the closest ski areas to Denver, known for its vibrant atmosphere and late spring ski parties.

Breckenridge & Alma

Nearby fourteeners: Quandary Peak (14,271’), Mt. Bross (14,178’), Mt. Lincoln (14,293’), Mt. Democrat (14,155’)

As you enter Colorado’s main ski territory around Summit County, the peaks come into view more frequently. Breckenridge is one of Colorado’s most iconic ski towns, and a stop here is essential for enjoying its picturesque Main Street or sipping beer in the sun at Kenosha Steakhouse (or, of course, hitting the slopes).

The best way to scope the fourteeners is by driving south along Colorado State Highway 9 to Alma, the highest incorporated municipality in the U.S. Here, you’ll marvel at peaks like Quandary and Mt. Lincoln on your drive into town, while stopping at Alma’s funky general store Al-Mart or the South Park Saloon (temporarily closed), the highest saloon in North America.

Leadville

Nearby fourteeners: Mount of the Holy Cross (14,011’), Mt. Massive (14,428’), Mt. Elbert (14,440’), La Plata Peak (14,361’), Mt. Sherman (14,043’)

Located across the Continental Divide from Alma, Leadville is the highest incorporated “city” in the US at 10,152 feet. Sometimes referred to as the “Two-Mile City” due to its elevation, the Leadville Historic District feels like an old Western movie come to life.

The town is lined with historic structures, including the Tabor Opera House. Meanwhile, the 1879-established Silver Dollar Saloon is a popular stop for refueling with drinks and burgers before delving into the stunning wilderness that surrounds Leadville, where you can spot Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive in the Sawatch Range.

Buena Vista & Salida

Nearby fourteeners: Huron Peak (14,012’), Missouri Mountain (14,074’), Mt. Belford (14,203’), Mt. Oxford (14,160’), Mt. Harvard (14,421’), Mt. Princeton (14,197’), Mt. Columbia (14,077’), Mt. Yale (14,200’), Mt. Antero (14,276’), Tabeguache Peak (14,162’), Mt. Shavano (14,235’)

The impressive Sawatch Range features eight of Colorado’s 20 highest peaks, dominating the landscape as you head south on US Route 24 towards Buena Vista. Meaning “good view” in Spanish, this peaceful town offers the highest concentration of fourteeners in the state, attracting a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts from climbers to whitewater rafters.

Whether you’re scaling the mountains or simply enjoying the stunning views while driving down the Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway towards Salida, be sure to soak in the hot springs found throughout the Buena Vista/Salida area, such as Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort.

Aspen

Nearby fourteeners: Capitol Peak (14,137’), Snowmass Mountain (14,099’), Maroon Peak (14,163’), North Maroon Peak (14,014’), Castle Peak (14,279’), Pyramid Peak (14,025’)

Yes, Aspen is a well-known name. However, not everyone is familiar with Maroon Bells. Despite being the most photographed peaks in Colorado, images fail to capture the breathtaking landscape that awaits you when you see these twin beauties (fourteeners Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak) in person. Easily accessible via a short trail, you’ll want to linger long after exhausting your camera battery.

While in the area, hit the Belly Up for live music, and don’t miss the delightfully unusual town of Woody Creek, famous for the legendary Woody Creek Tavern, once a favorite haunt of former resident Hunter S. Thompson.

Crestone & Alamosa

Nearby fourteeners: Kit Carson Peak (14,171’), Humboldt Peak (14,070’), Crestone Peak (14,300’), Crestone Needle (14,203’), Mt. Lindsey (14,048’), Blanca Peak (14,351’), Little Bear Peak (14,043’), Ellingwood Point (14,048’), Culebra Peak (14,053’)

The tiny town of Crestone (population 127) makes an excellent base for exploring the fourteeners of the Sangre de Cristo range, which dominate Great Sand Dunes National Park’s landscape. This area is one of Colorado’s most overlooked scenic treasures, featuring the tallest sand dunes in North America.

Though the dunes only reach about 750 feet, the majestic mountains of the San Luis Valley offer a unique backdrop. This region is known as a spiritual center, attracting diverse practitioners. After exploring the Sand Dunes, drive south along Colorado State Highway 150 to catch a glimpse of the last collection of fourteeners in the area, including Blanca Peak and Mt. Lindsey, before arriving in the renowned UFO-friendly town of Alamosa. Sixty miles southeast of Alamosa, you will find Culebra Peak, the southernmost fourteener in the state.

Telluride & Ouray

Nearby fourteeners: Mt. Sneffels (14,150’), Uncompahgre Peak (14,321’), Wetterhorn Peak (14,021’), Red Cloud Peak (14,041’), Handies Peak (14,058’), San Luis Peak (14,014’), Mt. Eolus (14,090’), Sunlight Peak (14,065’), Windom Peak (14,093’), Wilson Peak (14,023’), Mt. Wilson (14,252’), El Diente Peak (14,165’)

Not only is the San Juan Skyway one of the most scenic drives, but it also provides access to numerous fourteeners clustered in the southwestern corner of the state.

Telluride is the most renowned and picturesque of the old mining towns in the region, where strolling down Main Street is a breathtaking experience. The upscale town hosts world-renowned festivals like the Telluride Bluegrass Fest and Telluride Film Fest. However, any day is perfect for sipping drinks on the rooftop of the New Sheridan Hotel or exploring the countless hiking trails that extend from this stunning downtown.

Nearby Ouray and Silverton also merit a visit, with a higher concentration of fourteeners along the stretch of Highway 550, famously known as the Million Dollar Highway, aptly named for its million-dollar views. The challenge here is not finding fourteeners but keeping your eyes on the road.