Colorado is a state that is loaded with lots of beautiful places. Many are hot spots you need to wait in line to see, but there are so many other places you can go and experience a great day in the Rocky Mountains.

With a chance in season approaching fast, it's time to start considering a few places off the beaten path to enjoy the great outdoors. Keep reading as we take you on a tour of ten small Colorado towns with big views that are fun destinations to consider for your next outing.

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Small Colorado Towns with Big Views

Rocky Mountain National Park and Pikes Peak are excellent destinations for having fun in the mountains. They are also expensive and usually pretty crowded. When was the last time you had a chance to visit some of Colorado's smaller towns with mountain views? Towns like Fruita, Carbondale, Basalt, Gateway, Paonia, Ouray, Colorado City, Marble, Crawford, and Nederland all offer great views of the mountains without high prices and big crowds. We'll touch them all in the gallery below.

Read More: Can You Still Spot Sasquatch at the Top of Colorado's Pikes Peak?

Scenic Small Town Day Trips

We tried to include something for everyone as we put together the list of underrated towns that deserve some love. Many of these underrated locations have National and State Parks nearby, and some are near lakes or reservoirs. Some are close to Colorado's major rivers. Our day trip suggestions also include some of Colorado's historic scenic byways as routes to reach your destination.

Read More: The Dolores River: 13 Cool Facts About Colorado's Hidden Gem

Don't Forget Your Manners

One of the best things about visiting these smaller towns is the beautiful views with little or no waiting. The traffic on the way to Paonia is nothing like it is going to Estes Park, so take advantage. Just be sure to bring a smile and say please and thank you. There are still places in Colorado with good manners and kind people, so be sure to pay it forward.

10 of Colorado's Most Underrated Small Towns with Big Views

Are you searching for a relaxing place in Colorado that offers mountain views without big crowds? Let's try someplace new. Join us for a virtual tour of ten underrated small towns in the Centennial State that all deserve some love for their impressive views of the Rocky Mountains.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

LOOK: 7 Hidden Colorado Lakes Most People Don't Even Know About

The Centennial State is home to more than 3,000 lakes and reservoirs that are a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. While some of the larger reservoirs are more easily accessed near larger cities, several hiking trails leading into the mountains can take you to some of the most breathtaking bodies of water that many people didn't even know existed.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

LOOK: 11 of the Most Underrated Restaurants in Colorado

Are you ready to find your next favorite restaurant in the Centennial State? Get ready for the new year by checking out eleven of Colorado's most underrated restaurants you need to try. From a huge breakfast to specialty drinks and amazing steaks we've got something for every Rocky Mountain appetite in the gallery below.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams