Colorado is filled to the brim with charming small towns that you will want to visit, which – unlike other states – covers nearly corner of the territory, including the north, south, Western Slope, and Eastern Plains. While we could write a novel on all of our towns (which, by the way, includes 73 cities, 271 incorporated municipalities, 196 towns, and 2 consolidated city and county governments), we want to highlight one, in particular, that was named one of the 50 of the Most Charming Small Towns in America:
Nestled away in southwest Colorado is the charming town of Mancos, which was just named one of the 50 of the Most Charming Small Towns in America by Travel Channel.
Flickr/Frank Kehren
Located a mere 6 miles from the entrance of Mesa Verde National Park, Mancos was founded in 1894 but settled long before, with the Ancient Pueblo People said to have inhabited the area beginning in the 10th Century.
Library of Congress/Wikimedia Commons
Today, the town of Mancos - dubbed the “Gateway to Mesa Verde” - is home to an estimated 1,419 residents as well as one of the prettiest landscapes in the state.
Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce Facebook
According to Travel Channel, “The spirit of the West is alive and well in Mancos, Colorado,” noting not only the rich ranching and agriculture scene but also how it’s a “great base for nature lovers and adventurers who like to ride horses, bike and hike,” plus an excellent town for the arts.
Google Street View
When you visit Mancos, be sure to carve out a few days to explore the town and everything around it, beginning with the charming shops, delicious restaurants, and one-of-a-kind galleries around the historic downtown area.
Google/Ken Sneed
Do you love to spend time in nature and the great outdoors? There is no better place to bike, hike, and photograph than Mancos, which sits in the middle of mountains, valleys, and rangeland.
Google/JJ Parsons
No visit to Mancos is complete without checking out the surrounding attractions and landmarks, so be sure to take some time to also visit Mesa Verde, the Four Corners, and drive along the nearby roads and scenic byways.
Flickr/Jerry and Pat Donaho
To learn more about Mancos, please visit the Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce’s website.
Google/Colorado Tourism Office
Which small town in Colorado is your favorite? You can let us know by nominating it here! For even more to do in southwest Colorado, check out Visit This Beautiful Colorado City For The Best Weekend Getaway Ever.
Flickr/Frank Kehren
Library of Congress/Wikimedia Commons
Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce Facebook
Google Street View
Google/Ken Sneed
Google/JJ Parsons
Flickr/Jerry and Pat Donaho
Google/Colorado Tourism Office
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Address: Mancos, CO 81328, USA