6 Coolest Cities on the Colorado Plateau for a Summer Vacation in 2024

The Colorado Plateau, which spans southern Utah, Colorado, northern Arizona, and New Mexico, is one of the most distinctive geographic regions in the United States. It consists of vast plateaus surrounded by highlands and alternating with narrow stream valleys. The Colorado Plateau’s best-known geographic marker is the Grand Canyon, but the plateau is also home to several other national parks and monuments, including the Arches, Sunset Crater, Mesa Verde, and Petrified Forest.

Hidden among these beautiful sights are cool cities full of great attractions and atmosphere for a great holiday. They are also easily accessible by car from many major airports, including those in Las Vegas, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Albuquerque and Denver. Add to that the picturesque surroundings of these small towns on the Colorado Plateau and they offer a cool environment perfect for a summer vacation in 2024.

Cortez, Colo

Known as the gateway to Mesa Verde National Park and Ute Mountain Tribal Park, Cortez is ideally located in the middle of the Four Corners Area. It is a city truly embedded in its Plateau identity. Some of the best things to do in Cortez include exploring the region’s natural and cultural heritage by visiting the Cortez Cultural Center and the Canyons of the Ancients Monument, all within an hour’s drive of the city. Some of the best places to visit while in town are the Cortez Cultural Center and the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, where you can enjoy local heritage.

Durango, Colo

About an hour’s drive from Cortez is Durango, an old railroad community known for its outdoor recreation. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad takes visitors on a day trip through the San Juan National Forest. AAM’s Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours offer whitewater expeditions on the Animas River that flows through the city. For history buffs, downtown Durango is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is worth a stroll through. Also downtown are numerous restaurants, shops and cultural centers such as Azul Gallery and Sticks & Stones Handmade. Just 10 miles north of the city, the James Ranch offers a unique lodging and dining experience, featuring farm-to-table 100% grass-fed beef, artisan cheese, raw milk and handcrafted restaurant meals. are Grill and Market.

Moab, Utah

Moab is located at the intersection of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, surrounded by breathtaking natural red rock formations and the Colorado River. Moab is an excellent place for those who enjoy exploring the surrounding protected landscape and a vacation spot for those looking for a small-town getaway. For those interested in natural history, Moab is full of dinosaur remains and deposits, with fossils dating back 250 million years. Furthermore, you can indulge in the Museum of Moab and the Moab Giants Museum & Dinosaur Park, which is full of preserved fossils and educational resources for visitors, the latter offering a fossil walk. The Moab area also has three certified International Dark Sky Parks, with some of the darkest night skies in the continental United States. View the Milky Way anywhere in the region or at sky parks like Dead Horse Point State Park.

Gallup, New Mexico

This slightly larger community is known for its role as the headquarters of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, founded in 1881. Gallup, New Mexico, has received several accolades, including as the “Indian Capital of the World” for producing over 70% of the country’s indigenous population. American Jewelry, the “Adventure Capital of New Mexico” and “America’s Most Patriotic Small Town.” These nicknames create an endless array of activities that lure travelers from all over the world.

Red Rock Park is located just eight miles from downtown and is known for its trading posts along Route 66. Beginning in early June, every Tuesday through Thursday, the Gallup Summer Indian Dances & Market features the area’s New Mexican tribes and danced to traditional music. village. While in town, consider visiting the El Morro Theater, the Gallup Cultural Center, or the Rex Museum to explore this city’s rich living culture and arts.

Sedona, Ariz

The most famous city in Red Rock County, Sedona has a reputation as a spiritual and artistic center. Sedona is one of the main gateways to the Grand Canyon and is one of the best cities to stay in for those wanting to take a day trip to this natural wonder. While visiting the city, tap into your artistic side by taking a pottery class at the Sedona Arts Center, visiting the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, or practicing your photography on a sunrise hot air balloon ride. For those seeking a spiritual escape around the Red Rocks, consider visiting a Vortex location such as Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, or the Boynton Canyon Vortexes.

Kayenta, Arizona

The gateway to Monument Valley and full of deep red earth and rocks, Kayenta is the closest town to the Navajo Tribal Park. The city’s Navajo Arts and Crafts Enterprise sells the region’s finest traditional silver, pottery, and woven crafts and goods. In addition to the monuments, some of the best sites around Kayenta include the nearby Mittens Monoliths and extensive native rock art panels that adorn the region’s rock formations. Within an hour and a half drive are Antelope Canyon, Gooseneck State Park and Canyon de Chelly.

Despite its vastness, many of the Colorado Plateau’s greatest wonders and sights are easily accessible by car for tourists and optimally suited for those who enjoy day trips. Nevertheless, those interested in a peaceful holiday against the backdrop of the Plateau will find no shortage of exciting towns in all four states of the Plateau. Rich in culture, a distinct indigenous and settler history, and a quintessentially American landscape, the Colorado Plateau is an ideal vacation spot for adventure seekers, family getaways, and solo spiritual seekers looking for something new.