21 Best Cities in Colorado in 2023 (A Local’s Picks)
I’m a Colorado local and in this guide, I overview the absolute best cities in Colorado!
There are over 272 incorporated municipalities in Colorado. Though, I’ve identified the 21 best Colorado cities after years of exploring the Centennial State.
This round-up begins with cities you’re probably familiar with — but continue down the list to a few hidden gems. You’re sure to find a desirable destination, whether you’re traveling or looking for places to live in Colorado!
Table of Contents
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21 Best Colorado Cities
Denver
From art venues to outdoor fun, Colorado’s capital city has something for everyone.
🏠 Population: 738,594 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Denver on Booking
From outdoor recreation to restaurants and nightlife, you’ll find endless things to do in Denver. Locals would agree that it’s the best city in Colorado for entertainment and cultural experiences.
The Mile High City is home to six pro sports teams and one of the largest performing arts centers in the U.S. Since Denver’s a consolidated city, the Colorado State Capitol and several museums are all within walking distance.
Browse places to stay in Denver to discover what draws so many to Colorado’s most populous city!
Colorado Springs
A city with red rock formations and Olympic history.
🏠 Population: 491,467 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Colorado Springs on Booking
Colorado Springs is the second largest city in Colorado, with several great places to stay while you’re in town. The city is near the Rocky Mountains, and there’s no shortage of beautiful places to hike, mountain bike, and otherwise get outdoors!
Other things to do include visiting the Olympic Training Center, Air Force Academy, and The Broadmoor.
Boulder
A college town featuring Colorado’s biggest university and the iconic Flatirons.
🏠 Population: 110,422 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Boulder on Booking
Boulder is a funky college town, home to the largest University of Colorado campus. Students and those living in the town’s affluent neighborhoods frequent local restaurants, bars, and shops.
You’ll find several of these attractions on Pearl Street, one of the top things to do in Boulder. Boulder also has plenty of places to hike and get outdoors!
Fort Collins
The model for Disneyland’s Main Street, with lots of outdoor activities.
🏠 Population: 174,974 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Fort Collins on Booking
This northern Colorado city has a quaint downtown that was the inspiration for Disneyland’s Main Street USA. Fort Collins also has a college, Colorado State University Fort Collins.
It’s home to many breweries, and nearby Horsetooth Reservoir offers plenty of outdoor fun. There are other state and local parks with hiking as well.
Check out my list of things to do in Fort Collins for more ideas, and these recommendations on where to stay when you’re in town.
Aspen
A gorgeous, affluent ski town with outdoor activities year-round.
🏠 Population: 7,074 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Aspen on Booking
Aspen is one of the most luxurious towns in Colorado. It has four amazing ski resorts, plus other outdoor experiences, cultural attractions, and many more things to do. The Maroon Bells are perhaps the most photographed part of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, and well worth a visit!
Vail
A beautiful Swiss-inspired mountain town just off I-70.
🏠 Population: 4,741 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Vail on Booking
With gingerbread-house hotels, Vail is styled like a Swiss alpine village. In winter, skiing, ice skating, and dog sledding are some of the best things to do in Vail.
In summer, flowers spill from window boxes and line hiking trails. Take the scenic gondola, ride the alpine coaster, and test your skills on the ropes course. Year-round, you can visit Vail’s outstanding spas to work out the knots after a hard day playing.
Check out our tips for where to stay in Vail if you’re planning a visit!
Aurora
A Denver suburb featuring Cherry Creek State Park, shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
🏠 Population: 398,497 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Aurora on Booking
Aurora is one of the biggest cities in Colorado. It’s found on the east side of Denver and is relatively close to the Denver International Airport.
There are lots of suburban housing developments, with plenty of space for residents to spread out. Cherry Creek State Park is one of its greatest draws, offering some of the best camping near Denver.
For more, check out our guides to fun things to do in Aurora and Aurora hotels.
Lakewood
A Denver suburb with scenic lakes and hiking trails.
🏠 Population: 158,584 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Lakewood on Booking
Lakewood is a suburb southwest of Denver that’s an easy commute for anyone working downtown. Bear Creek Lake Park has hiking, swimming, boating, archery, horseback riding, and more. Several other mountain parks are home to the best hikes near Denver.
Outside of outdoor experiences, the nearby outlet mall is a great place to score deals! Sweet Bloom Coffee Roasters, one of Denver’s top coffee shops, also has a location in Lakewood.
Littleton
A quiet suburb with spacious mountain parks and a historic downtown.
🏠 Population: 46,436 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Littleton on Booking
Littleton is about a twenty minute drive from downtown Denver. This suburb features quiet streets and good schools.
There’s a historic downtown area, and the nearby Littleton Museum provides plenty of history. Other things to do in Littleton include taking in a show at the Town Hall Arts Center and strolling through the free Hudson Gardens.
If you need a place to stay in Littleton, check out my recommendations!
Durango
A southwest Colorado town steeped in history.
🏠 Population: 19,413 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | Durango Accommodation Guide | 👉 Browse Hotels in Durango on Booking
Durango is in southwestern Colorado, about a six-hour drive from Denver. You’ll find lots of fascinating things to do in Durango. This includes the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a scenic train ride winds through the San Juan Mountains
Mesa Verde National Park, one of the best places to visit in Colorado, is another area attraction.
Highlands Ranch
A modern, planned community with great views of the Rockies.
🏠 Population: 104,790 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Highlands Ranch on Booking
Highlands Ranch is another of the Colorado towns near Denver, offering an easy commute to the city. This affluent, planned community has many things to do, including hiking, eating at local restaurants, and enjoying leisurely afternoons at craft breweries.
Castle Rock
A city situated between Denver and Colorado Springs, with plenty to do on its own.
🏠 Population: 78,144 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Castle Rock on Booking
Castle Rock is a city near Colorado Springs and Denver. Though, it has plenty of things to do all on its own!
Hike to the Castle Rock itself, head to the outlets for some shopping, or enjoy a game of golf in town. This suburb is also a great place to live, with lots of room and places to eat and shop.
Glenwood Springs
A mountain resort town with the world’s largest mineral hot springs pool.
🏠 Population: 10,033 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Glenwood Springs on Booking
Glenwood Springs is tucked into the mountains on the Western Slope, and has several hot springs where people can soak. There’s also an adventure park, nearby ski resorts, and several whitewater rafting tours.
Glenwood Springs is also home to Hanging Lake, one of the best hikes in Colorado! It’s accessible year-round with a permit reservation.
Steamboat Springs
Skiing, hot springs, a lake, and other outdoor activities make Steamboat fun year-round.
🏠 Population: 13,452 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | Best Hotels in Steamboat Springs | 👉 Browse Hotels in Steamboat Springs on Booking
Steamboat Springs has a lovely downtown area that invites strolling, with shops and restaurants lining the streets. Nearby Steamboat Lake is a great spot for swimming and boating.
Steamboat also has a ski resort, one of the best hot springs near Denver, and more things to do, making it a great weekend getaway!
Pagosa Springs
Come for the hot springs, stay for the rafting or skiing nearby.
🏠 Population: 1,539 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Pagosa Springs on Booking
Pagosa Springs lies along the San Juan River and is known for the local hot springs. However, there are so many things to do in Pagosa Springs.
This includes hiking, hot air ballooning, and paddling on some of the best Colorado lakes. Whitewater rafting and skiing are also popular activities.
Estes Park
A scenic town tucked in the mountains just outside Rocky Mountain National Park.
🏠 Population: 6,504 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Estes Park on Booking
Estes Park is one of the most popular cities in Colorado, as it’s the eastern gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. Whether in need of an outdoor adventure basecamp or a relaxing getaway, you’ll find several places to stay.
Book a room or simply visit the iconic Stanley Hotel and paddle on Lake Estes. Check out our list of Estes Park attractions for more.
Pueblo
A city south of Colorado Springs with parks and forest.
🏠 Population: 111,776 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Pueblo on Booking
Pueblo is south of Colorado Springs and is home to Lake Pueblo which is a popular spot for water skiing and fishing. For more outdoor recreation, check out the riverwalk and explore the San Isabel National Forest.
Also, when visiting, be sure to try local restaurants’ green chile, one of the best foods in Colorado!
Grand Junction
A western Colorado city with monuments and great mountain biking.
🏠 Population: 62,218 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Grand Junction on Booking
Grand Junction is the biggest Western Slope city. Although it has a different feel (and different weather!) than the Front Range, some features of living in Colorado are the same wherever you go.
There’s plenty of hiking, paddling, and mountain biking, each surrounded by stunning landscapes. Fascinating museums and historic sites add to things to do in Grand Junction. Multiple places to stay allow you to explore the area, or simply make for a great road trip stop.
Georgetown
A fun, quick mountain trip from Denver.
🏠 Population: 1,205 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Georgetown on Booking
Historic Georgetown has a downtown main street with local shops to browse. It’s one of the top small towns in Colorado, famed for the Georgetown Loop Railroad which ranks as one of the best train rides in Colorado. There’s also hiking and fishing, and the drive over Guanella Pass is scenic.
Evergreen
A great foothills town with boating, hiking, and restaurants.
🏠 Population: 9,475 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Evergreen on Booking
Evergreen Lake has lots of things to do, including boating and fishing in summer and ice skating in winter. Downtown Evergreen has places to eat, shop, and drink.
It makes for one of the best day trips from Denver! If you want to spend a weekend here, we also have suggestions on where to stay in town.
Greeley
An agricultural community and college town with live music venues.
🏠 Population: 111,977 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Greeley on Booking
Located in Greeley, the University of Northern Colorado puts on many concerts, musicals, and other events. These make for a fun evening out, and the historic downtown area has places to eat and drink.
Chain stores and suburban areas are found farther from the university. Check out my list of things to do in Greeley for more ideas, and these suggestions on where to stay in town.
FAQs About Cities in Colorado
What are the major cities in Colorado?
Major cities in Colorado include Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Fort Collins. Although there are other cities with higher populations, Boulder and Grand Junction are important cities as well, with a feel and culture all their own.
What is the nicest place to live in Colorado?
What is the cheapest city to live in Colorado?
Lamar is the cheapest city to live in Colorado. The average home price in Lamar in August of 2022 was $189,300. [Source]
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Hopefully, this guide to some of the top cities in Colorado has been helpful! If you’re looking for more information on Colorado, check out our Ultimate Colorado Travel Guide.
