There’s a lot of quirkiness in the Rockies region, home to hearty mountaineers and nature lovers. Each town nestled in the Rockies offers a unique vibe, making them some of the most distinctive in this ‘wild bunch!’ Buffalo was the former roaming ground of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, while Park City boasts the biggest character on this list. Visit this small Utah town to find out why now, and you may spot a celebrity.
Head north to Idaho Falls, where you can see the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple set against the backdrop of the shimmering falls, or south to Granby, with its two rivers and a lake. Fraser, another Colorado town sitting at an elevation of over 8,700 feet, offers an otherworldly experience with its stunning vistas, lush forests, and abundant wildlife. If you find yourself near Montana, don’t miss Hamilton during the Daly Days, which offer a variety of family-friendly activities like arts and crafts, food, sales, and the Microbrew Fest.
Buffalo, Wyoming
Nestled in the rolling plains of the beautiful Big Horn Mountains, these towering peaks shield Buffalo from the outside world, preserving its quirky character, unique culture, and a Western sense of community. Sitting at 4,646 feet above sea level, with a population to match, Buffalo is known for its beautiful scenery, open spaces, and sweeping views, all contributing to its cozy atmosphere. Boasting over a dozen historical downtown buildings, there’s the infamous “Hole in the Wall,” where the “Wild Bunch,” including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, hid. You can explore shops for gifts and visit art galleries, along with a wide selection of lodging for every comfort level and budget, like guest ranches and the historic Occidental Hotel, where Teddy Roosevelt and Calamity Jane once stayed.
Buffalo, your perfect base for outdoor recreation, nestles against the serene Bighorn National Forest, offering camping, fishing streams, and alpine lakes. You can stay at South Fork Campground and explore around, or, alternatively, choose the Paradise Guest Ranch. Welcoming you right from the Cloud Peak Scenic Highway, it’s easy to connect to Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park! When the scenery turns frosty, you can enjoy snowshoeing, downhill, and cross-country skiing, then find local warmth in history museums and the welcoming mountain hospitality. From family sit-down meals to candlelit fine dining, the Busy Bee Cafe, a popular breakfast spot and a key location in the hit book and television series ‘Longmire,’ was inspired by the Buffalo area.