Colorado’s Western Slope is home to most of the state’s natural resources, outdoor recreation opportunities, and agriculture. As a real estate broker in Western Colorado, I’m honored to call this beautiful, thriving part of the state my workplace and home since 2007.

Whether you live in a different part of Colorado, are looking to purchase Western Colorado real estate, or want to exercise your adventurous spirit on vacation, the Western Slope is full of places to explore. Each town and city in Western Colorado has something unique to offer residents and tourists. Here’s my list of 5 places you can’t miss!

Cedaredge, Colorado

Cedaredge is a small town in Western Colorado with a diverse geography, a flourishing agricultural community, and local charm.

Surrounded by outdoor getaways in every direction, residents of Cedaredge enjoy vast and gorgeous scenery year-round. Nestled under the world’s largest flattop mountain, Cedaredge is known as the “Gateway to the Grand Mesa.” The Grand Mesa National Forest is an outdoor paradise with tons of room for fishing, hunting, four-wheeling, snowmobiling, skiing, and more.

The town and surrounding area has a population of only 2,000 and provides a taste of traditional small-town goodwill to the families that live there. The quaint Main Street features rows of small businesses. Residents look forward to community events like the Parade of Lights, the Annual Serenity Run, Chili Cookoff, local parades, and AppleFest.

Cedaredge also has a beautiful 18-hole public golf course. The Cedaredge Golf Club offers affordable green fees and outstanding views of Western Colorado from the back nine. If you are looking for a Colorado golf course home, you need to check out Cedaredge.

Montrose, Colorado

Montrose offers the perfect balance between a small town and a big city. It offers a host of recreation opportunities, a rich history, and day-trip activities in the city.

Notably, Montrose is home to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, a deep walled gorge carved by the Gunnison River. In addition to admiring the beautiful striated Painted Wall cliff, you can enjoy activities like hiking, rock climbing, river rafting, skiing, and more.

Durango, Colorado

You’ll never run out of exploration opportunities in Durango. Durango has many well-known national parks and landmarks like Mesa Verde, San Juan National Forest, Chaco Canyon, Chimney Rock, Four Corners, and plenty of Aztec Ruins.

Another popular attraction in Durango is the Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. You get to experience a traditional train ride and travel throughout Durango to acquaint yourself with the rich history.

Ridgway, Colorado

Tiny Ridgway is home to only about 1,000 residents, but don’t let the size fool you. Ridgway’s picturesque scenery and Victorian architecture in the iconic downtown have been used as the backdrop for dozens of Western movies.

Ridgeway offers ample opportunities for biking, hunting, and hiking. It’s less than an hour from Telluride, a hot spot for skiing in the wintertime. If you’re planning a trip, try to make it to the fall festival in late September for live music and tastings from the town’s five breweries.

The North Fork Valley

The North Fork Valley encompasses the towns of Paonia, Hotchkiss, and Crawford. From here, you have easy access to the West Elk Mountains to the east and the Grand Mesa to the north.

The biggest draw to the North Fork Valley is its prosperous agriculture. Ranching and farming are the primary means of living for many residents. The North Fork Valley is one of Colorado’s most prominent suppliers of cattle and sheep, wine, and organic fruits and vegetables.

Colorado’s Small Town Bliss

Colorado’s population is exploding, and the real estate market is following suit, but you don’t have to write off small-town charm just yet. The towns above and many more on the Western Slope of Colorado have maintained their community focus, landscapes, and all of the outdoor recreations you love about Colorado.

And, if you’re looking at Colorado real estate on the Western Slope to put down your roots, I’d love to help you find the perfect property!