{"id":7482635,"date":"2026-04-14T06:00:39","date_gmt":"2026-04-14T12:00:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/?p=7482635"},"modified":"2026-04-14T09:25:34","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T15:25:34","slug":"best-colorado-small-towns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/2026\/04\/14\/best-colorado-small-towns\/","title":{"rendered":"2 Colorado small towns rank high among the best in the West"},"content":{"rendered":"

Two Colorado destinations are getting national attention after being named among the best small towns in the Western U.S. in USA TODAY\u2019s 2026 Readers\u2019 Choice Awards<\/a>.\n

Palisade<\/a> claimed the number one spot, while Breckenridge placed fifth among 10 small towns, each with fewer than 25,000 residents. The list was nominated by an expert panel and chosen by readers who voted on the region\u2019s top destinations for their diverse offerings.\n

Known as the “Peach Capital of Colorado,” Palisade is north of the Colorado River near Grand Junction. With a climate that yields a 182-day growing season, Palisade has more than two dozen orchards and fruit farms, as well as 30 wineries.\n

\"Farm
Farm worker Emmanuel Enrique Aguamea Gutierrez delivers a box of freshly harvested peaches to a trailer at the Rancho Durazno farm east of Palisade Colo., Wednesday morning, July 31, 2024. (Photo by William Woody\/Special to The Denver Post)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The town offers year-round recreational opportunities, including skiing, hiking, biking and rafting, as well as a walkable downtown with numerous shops and restaurants.\n

Palisade was runner-up in the Readers\u2019 Choice Awards for Best Small Town Arts Scene in 2025 and was also runner-up for Best Small Town Food Scene in 2024.\n

While Palisade showcases Colorado\u2019s Western slope charm and agricultural abundance, the state\u2019s mountain towns offer an entirely different experience, most notably in Breckenridge.<\/p>\n

Once a mining town, Breckenridge has evolved into one of the top ski destinations<\/a> in North America, known for its exceptional slopes, energetic apr\u00e8s-ski culture and preserved historic charm, according to the 10BEST website. \n

\"Skiers
Skiers and snowboarders at Breckenridge Ski Resort on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. (Photo by Hyoung Chang\/The Denver Post)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In the warmer months, the mountain town remains a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, mountain biking and exploring alpine lakes. After a day of adventure, visitors can recharge at the town’s renowned craft breweries and hearty mountain cuisine, providing the perfect balance of activity and relaxation.\n