Colorado’s Collegiate Peaks region is a treasure trove of natural beauty, dotted with charming towns that offer solitude and stunning mountain vistas. For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, these secluded communities provide the perfect retreat.
Nestled among towering peaks and serene alpine landscapes, each town has its unique character and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. From historic ghost towns to quiet riverside hamlets, here’s a countdown of 10 secluded towns in Colorado’s Collegiates that promise tranquility and adventure alike.
10. Monarch: Alpine Escape
Monarch is a tiny community with a population of just a few dozen residents, making it one of the most secluded spots in the Rockies. Best known for the nearby Monarch Mountain ski area, the town offers year-round recreational activities like skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and mountain biking.
While there isn’t a significant industry within Monarch itself, tourism related to outdoor sports plays a crucial role. The town’s high-altitude landscapes and proximity to the Continental Divide contribute to its isolation, providing visitors with breathtaking views and a peaceful environment free from crowds.
Where is Monarch?
Located along U.S. Route 50 near Monarch Pass, Monarch sits at an elevation of over 10,000 feet in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains. Its seclusion is amplified by the rugged terrain and dramatic mountain peaks surrounding it.
The town is about a 20-minute drive west of Salida, but the winding mountain roads and high elevation can make the journey feel like a true escape. Accessing Monarch typically involves a scenic drive through mountainous landscapes, underscoring its remote and tranquil nature.
9. Garfield: Serenity by Monarch Pass
With a population of less than 100 people, Garfield is a secluded spot nestled near Monarch Pass. The town offers minimal development, with a few lodges and local businesses catering to outdoor enthusiasts. Activities in the area include hiking, fishing, and exploring the rich natural surroundings.
Garfield doesn’t have major industries; instead, it thrives on its serene environment and the allure of untouched mountain wilderness. Its quiet ambiance and lack of urban distractions make it an ideal destination for those seeking solitude in nature.
Where is Garfield?
Garfield is situated just east of Monarch Pass along U.S. Route 50, approximately 12 miles west of Salida. The town’s secluded feel comes from its location amid dense forests and towering peaks, far from bustling cities.
Limited infrastructure and the vast expanse of surrounding wilderness enhance its sense of isolation. Visitors typically reach Garfield by car, enjoying a picturesque drive through the heart of the Rockies, which adds to the charm of this tranquil mountain community.
8. Pitkin: Gateway to the Backcountry
Pitkin is a small community with around 100 residents, serving as a portal to Colorado’s expansive backcountry. Known for its access to remote trails, off-roading paths, and pristine nature, it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The town’s history as a mining community adds a layer of rustic charm, with historic buildings and sites to explore.
While there are no major industries today, tourism related to its outdoor offerings plays a significant role. Pitkin’s remoteness and the surrounding vast wilderness make it an ideal spot for those seeking an authentic mountain experience away from the crowds.
Where is Pitkin?
Located in Gunnison County, Pitkin lies about 28 miles northeast of Gunnison, accessible via County Road 76. Its secluded nature is due to its position deep within the Sawatch Range, with limited road access and surrounded by national forest lands.
The journey to Pitkin involves traversing mountain roads that are as scenic as they are remote. This isolation is a draw for visitors who wish to immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of Colorado’s backcountry.
7. Maysville: A Peaceful Mountain Community
Maysville is a tranquil, unincorporated community with a small population that offers a peaceful retreat in the mountains. Nestled in the San Isabel National Forest, it’s an ideal location for hiking, camping, and enjoying nature without the interruption of crowded tourist spots.
There are no significant industries, allowing the natural surroundings to take center stage. The town’s seclusion is enhanced by its location far from urban centers, providing a quiet lifestyle amid the forested landscapes and mountainous terrain.
Where is Maysville?
Maysville is situated along U.S. Route 50, about 15 miles west of Salida. Its position within the national forest contributes to its secluded atmosphere, with dense woods and mountain scenery enveloping the area.
The lack of nearby cities and the enveloping natural environment make it feel worlds away from modern hustle. Visitors can reach Maysville by a scenic drive through the mountains, embracing the serenity that comes with its remote location.
6. Alpine: Seclusion at Elevation
Perched high in the mountains, Alpine is a small community that offers expansive views and access to pristine alpine environments. With a tiny population, it provides a quiet retreat where residents and visitors can enjoy hiking, wildlife watching, and the simple pleasure of mountain air.
There are no major industries, which helps maintain its untouched charm. The town’s high elevation and rugged surroundings contribute to its seclusion, making it a perfect spot for those looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in nature.
Where is Alpine?
Alpine is located in Chaffee County, near the headwaters of the Middle Fork South Arkansas River. Accessible via County Road 162, it lies deep within the Sawatch Range.
The town’s remote location, high in the mountains and away from major highways, enhances its sense of isolation. Reaching Alpine involves navigating mountain roads that offer stunning vistas, reinforcing the feeling of escaping to a hidden haven.
5. Nathrop: Between Peaks and Hot Springs
Nathrop is a sparsely populated area known for its natural hot springs and sweeping mountain vistas. Home to a few hundred residents, it’s situated between the bustling towns of Buena Vista and Salida but maintains a quiet, rural atmosphere.
Visitors can enjoy activities like soaking in geothermal pools, horseback riding, and exploring nearby trails. While agriculture and tourism are present, there are no large industries, preserving its tranquil environment. Nathrop’s location amid the Collegiate Peaks makes it a secluded spot ideal for relaxation and outdoor adventure.
Where is Nathrop?
Nathrop is positioned along U.S. Route 285 in Chaffee County, nestled between Mount Princeton and Mount Antero. Its seclusion comes from the vast open spaces and the towering peaks that surround it, distancing it from the noise of larger towns.
The easiest way to reach Nathrop is by car via U.S. 285, making it accessible yet quietly tucked away in the mountains. This balance of accessibility and isolation makes it a unique destination for those seeking serenity.
4. Tin Cup: Hidden in the Rockies
Tin Cup is a remote, unincorporated community with a rich mining history and a current population of just a few residents. Accessible via mountain roads, it’s a haven for those interested in off-roading, fishing, and exploring historic sites.
The town boasts original buildings from the mining era, giving visitors a glimpse into Colorado’s past. There are no significant industries today, which adds to its quiet, preserved state. Tin Cup’s secluded location in the Rockies offers solitude and a deep connection with nature.
Where is Tin Cup?
Located in Gunnison County, Tin Cup is nestled at an elevation of over 10,000 feet, near the Continental Divide. Its remote location is accessible via County Road 765, a scenic and rugged route.
The town is surrounded by national forest land, reinforcing its isolation from urban centers. Getting to Tin Cup involves a journey through mountain passes and forested terrain, which can be an adventure in itself, highlighting the seclusion of this hidden gem.
3. St. Elmo: Preserved Ghost Town Charm
St. Elmo is one of Colorado’s best-preserved ghost towns, with a small number of seasonal residents and a rich history dating back to the 1880s. Visitors can walk along the rustic streets, explore historic buildings, and even feed chipmunks at a local spot.
Recreational activities include hiking, ATV trails, and fishing in nearby Chalk Creek. Without active industries, the town maintains its historic charm and quiet atmosphere. St. Elmo’s secluded setting amid alpine scenery transports visitors back in time, offering a unique and tranquil experience.
Where is St. Elmo?
St. Elmo is located in Chaffee County, about 20 miles southwest of Buena Vista, accessible via County Road 162. Nestled in the Sawatch Range, the town is surrounded by towering peaks and dense forests, contributing to its isolation.
The unpaved roads leading to St. Elmo enhance its remote feel, making the journey part of the adventure. Its location within the San Isabel National Forest ensures that the natural beauty and seclusion remain preserved.
2. Granite: The Quiet Riverside Hamlet
Situated along the Arkansas River, Granite is a tiny, unincorporated community with a population of fewer than 100 people. The town offers opportunities for fishing, rafting, and gold panning, embracing its roots in Colorado’s mining history. There are no major industries, allowing the natural surroundings and historic sites to define the area.
Granite’s rugged mountains and untouched wilderness provide a quiet, peaceful environment, making it an excellent spot for those seeking solitude by the riverside.
Where is Granite?
Granite is located in Lake County, approximately halfway between Buena Vista and Leadville along U.S. Highway 24. The town’s seclusion is due in part to its location amid the Collegiate Peaks and its absence of significant urban development.
Visitors can reach Granite by driving through scenic mountain routes, which emphasize the remoteness and beauty of the area. Its position along the Arkansas River and close to several 14,000-foot peaks makes it a secluded haven for nature lovers.
1. Twin Lakes: A Mountain Oasis
At the foot of Mount Elbert, Colorado’s highest peak, Twin Lakes is a serene village with a population of around 170 residents. The area is renowned for its stunning alpine views, the expansive Twin Lakes themselves, and outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, hiking, and cross-country skiing.
There are a few local businesses catering to tourists, but no major industries, preserving its peaceful ambiance. Twin Lakes’ sparse population and breathtaking natural surroundings make it the perfect secluded getaway in the Collegiates.
Where is Twin Lakes?
Twin Lakes is located in Lake County, along Colorado Highway 82, about 20 miles southwest of Leadville. The town sits near the base of Independence Pass, which leads to Aspen, although the pass is closed in winter due to heavy snowfall.
Its secluded nature is enhanced by the surrounding mountains and the vast Twin Lakes, which limit extensive development. Accessing Twin Lakes involves a scenic drive through high-altitude terrain, underscoring its status as a mountain oasis away from the bustle of city life.
