Mountain towns are the base point to the great outdoors for many people, and are crucial to the $560-plus billion outdoor recreation industry in the United States. Polished resort towns like Aspen and Park City tend to hog most of the all-season glory, not to mention the crowds. Often, however, there are charming, overlooked mountain towns not far from the big-name destinations — and they tend to make better home-away-from-home hubs if you prefer unpretentious vibes and a cheeseburger that won’t cost a half-day’s pay.

These 11 small mountain towns in the US all fit that description. None have a year-round population of more than 10,000 people, and all have easy access to multiple types of outdoor recreation. What’s more, there’s the underlying history (often related to mining) that make these towns iconic and important pieces of America’s history.

Rather than waiting in long lift lines or struggling to park at crowded trail heads, plan a trip to one of these epic small mountain towns across the country.

Entries are in no particular order. Picks were chosen and written by Katie Scott Aiton, Alex Bresler, Suzie Dundas, and Tim Wenger.

• Population: 5,000
• Why it’s notable: A historic (and haunted) mining town that’s never very crowded
• When to visit: Any season but summer — it’s in the Arizona desert and many businesses close in peak heat
• Type of traveler who will love this town: Quirky history buffs who love a good story

Bisbee, a small Arizona town about 30 minutes south of the Wild West town of Tombstone, reflects the rise and fall of the American mining boom. It was a bustling and wealthy copper town after metal deposits were discovered here in 1877. While the mines have closed, it still looks much the same as it did back then with Victorian-era buildings, steep hillsides, and staircases connecting narrow streets. Walking through its winding alleys feels like stepping into a living museum.

Today, Bisbee attracts artists, writers, and eccentrics, creating an atmosphere that’s relaxed yet slightly surreal. The Queen Mine offers tours led by former miners that dig into the town’s mining heritage, local galleries and antique shops showcase Bisbee’s creative side, and a short hike up to Castle Rock or along the “Bisbee 1000” will provide sweeping views of the gorgeous surrounding desert. Bisbee also isn’t afraid to lean into its spookier historical history, with evening ghost tours, a “seance room”, and the Copper Queen Hotel, which goes so far as to advertise its many ghosts.

Dining in Bisbee is unpretentious, with cafes, bakeries, and pubs that feel rooted in the community, plus a local brewery. Despite the tourist attractions, it isn’t very touristed, and in my experience Bisbee rarely feels crowded or inauthentic. — Suzie Dundas

• Population: 744
• Why it’s notable: A tiny mountain town literally steps from the world’s first national park
• When to visit: Year-round, though the sole focus in winter is park wildlife watching
• Type of traveler who will love this town: Wildlife watchers and national park buffs

Gardiner sits just outside of Yellowstone National Park’s northern entrance. This small town carries a rugged, no-frills charm that feels grounded in the area’s wild surroundings and deep history with the park. As Yellowstone’s only year-round gateway, Gardiner is both quiet and well-connected, drawing travelers who appreciate the proximity but want smaller crowds than those around Jackson or West Yellowstone.

In town, you’ll find locally owned cafes, outfitters, and shops, all with a welcoming feel and strong ties to the community. Gardiner’s access to Yellowstone provides opportunities for wildlife watching, hiking, and river trips, with the Yellowstone River flowing through town. While wildlife watching in the park’s northern reaches is a popular draw (specially with wolves in winter), there’s plenty to do nearby aside from the park. Whitewater rafting and fly fishing along nearby rivers is quite popular, and the historic resort of Chico Hot Springs is just 30 minutes away for a quick post-hike soak. Outdoors types may want to add a day or two to hike in the nearby Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, with natural wonders ranging from alpine lakes to snow-white mountain goats to waterfalls reached via accessible, family-friendly hikes. — Suzie Dundas

• Population: 3,179
• Why it’s notable: An open-minded (and still affordable) mountain town getaway
• When to visit: Late March through early June for wildflowers and waterfalls, June and July to climb Mount Shasta and see solstices and equinoxes for metaphysical experiences
• Type of traveler who will love this town: Mountain travelers who love California but hate the crowds and costs of Tahoe

Mount Shasta towers over its namesake town, drawing visitors for both its striking natural beauty and the quirky character of the surrounding community. It intertwines rugged outdoor adventure with a sense of mysticism that has long drawn spiritual seekers and explorers alike. You’ll likely hear visitors and locals alike talking about the town’s “vortex” energy that seems to emanate from the peak, giving this mountain town a vibe that’s both grounded and otherworldly. That means you can hike remote alpine trails by day and unwind in crystal shops or mineral springs by evening.

The mountain itself offers popular hiking routes like the relaxed Bunny Flat Trailhead to Avalanche Gulch, or spring wildflower hikes through Panter Meadow. In the winter, there’s plenty of snowshoeing around the area, unless you want to downhill ski at the never-crowded Mount Shasta Ski Park instead. Then there’s the mountain bikers who may or may not be participating in the Mount Shasta Enduro, which has 635 acres of skiable terrain when it snows, and are likely to be spotted at the hybrid taproom and bike shop Deadwood Supply. The town of Mount Shasta complements the outdoor experience with a blend of hiking shops, crystal stores, and cafes like Yaks Shack. Local favorites like the Berryvale Grocery and Cafe and Seven Suns Coffee offer a cozy stop after a day on the trails, rounding out the area’s mix of rugged beauty and small-town charm. It’s also affordable for a range of visitors, whether you want a basic cabin at a KOA, prefer a historic B&B, or want to stay in a modern alpine chalet.

Just as much as Mount Shasta is known for its access to the outdoors, the sacred town is said to hold numerous energy vortexes and represent Earth’s root chakra, which is said to have a grounding effect on visitors. There are almost as many crystal shops and energy healers in town as there are bars and burger joints, as well as a handful of operators that host spiritual tours and retreats. Visitors can meander through the Gateway Peace Garden to introduce themselves to this vibe. A different version of Mount Shasta side steps both extremes, making space for family vacationers, road-trippers, and anyone else who wants to split their time between outdoor excursions and romps through town. Those visitors can spend their days on gentle waterfall hikes, swimming or fishing at Castle Crags State Park, pursuing the local art galleries, or perhaps taking a short drive to the Dunsmuir Railroad Museum and Amtrak Depot. Whatever type of mountain town you want, Mount Shasta can be that for you. — Suzie Dundas and Alex Bresler

• Population: 400
• Why it’s notable: A slice of the High Sierras that you barely have to share
• When to visit: March and April for sunny, last-of-the-season winter sports; June, August, or September for not-too-hot summer recreation
• Type of traveler who will love this town: Hikers, mountain bikers, unpluggers

For the past couple of years, my friends and I have taken a Memorial Day trip to Graeagle, a barely-there town in the High Sierras with a permanent population of about 400 people. Graeagle feels like it’s in the middle of nowhere — and belongs to a region known as the Lost Sierra, to be fair — but it’s just an hour west of Reno and 2.5 hours from Sacramento.

Our trips typically go like this: We plan a big group hike (or snowshoe, depending on the year) in Plumas National Forest on the first day. The next day, we divide and conquer: the mountain bikers might ride locally or commute to Downieville about an hour away, the golfers might head to the 18-hole Graeagle Meadows Golf Course, the hikers might pick another wilderness area like Plumas-Eureka State Park to traverse, and anyone looking for a mellow activity might browse the few shops on the main road that runs through town and grab some famous (among us, at least) soft serve at Graeagle Mountain Frostee. In the afternoon, we’ll all link back up and play a few rounds of pickleball at the community courts before returning to our cabin cluster for patio cocktails, a big family-style dinner, and some sort of game night.

For a group of Bay Area-based friends who spend a lot of time in the Sierras for both summer and winter sports, Graeagle promises something that many of Northern California’s mountain towns do not: a genuine feeling of getting off the very, very well-trodden path. — Alex Bresler

• Population: 8,346
• Why it’s notable: The epicenter of adventure in the Columbia River Gorge
• When to visit: November through April for ski season, June through September for windsurfing and water sports
• Type of traveler who will love this town: Windsurfers and lovers of all things artisan

Hood River sits at the base of Mount Hood, Oregon’s tallest peak, quietly ticking all the boxes of a quintessential mountain town from its perch on the Columbia River. Winter sees Mount Hood Meadows, one of Oregon’s largest ski resorts, swell with mostly local skiers and snowboarders. In the warmer months, hikers and bikers descend on the Cascade Mountains trails, while the Columbia River Gorge floods with windsurfers and kiteboarders. Some go so far as to call Hood River the “windsurfing capital of the world,” owing to its strong and consistent winds.

Hood River also delivers on its promise of a quintessential mountain-town experience with its many craft breweries, wineries, and cideries, not to mention its robust agricultural scene. Farm hop the Hood River Valley’s 35-mile Fruit Loop to sample the region’s pears, apples, and cherries straight from the farmstand, and pop by the year-round Hood River Farmers Market to wander the stalls for artisanal goodies to bring back home with you. — Alex Bresler

• Population: 713
• Why it’s notable: One of the few Colorado ski towns not overrun by traffic and high prices
• When to visit: January through April for winter activities, June through September for summer activities and the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
• Type of traveler who will love this town: Hardcore skiers and snowboarders, river rats, hikers, mountain bikers, history buffs

I went to school at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, and first made the one-hour trek over Molas and Coal Bank Passes to Silverton my first full winter in town. I’ve since been back some three dozen or more times, even after moving away from the San Juan Mountains. It’s a backcountry skier’s paradise, with trailheads lining both those passes and Red Mountain Pass heading north toward Ouray. Of course, there’s no need to even leave Silverton to do a ski tour – you can simply skin up Kendall Mountain right from the edge of town. Then there’s the legendary, and extreme, Silverton Mountain ski area, a once-rickety, old-lift haunt where workers won’t let you on the chair without avalanche gear. Come prepared to get rowdy, or be ready to stay in the parking lot nursing a can of PBR.

In summer, the town is the northern terminus of the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, but for the purpose of active adventure, there’s no better place in western Colorado to base yourself. Mountain biking, hiking, camping, and a deep dive into the town’s mining history are all readily available. When it’s apres time, head into Avalanche Brewing Company for craft brew and pizzas or The Shady Lady to experience old-time mountain lore. Stay at Smedley’s Suites and enjoy free soaking at the Shangri-La Soaking Pools downstairs. There’s no better way to unwind after a long day of exploration. — Tim Wenger

• Population: 595
• Why it’s notable: Historic pub and easy access to great, lift-line-free skiing
• When to visit: December through March for skiing, June through September for summer activities
• Type of traveler who will love this town: Outdoor enthusiasts and those who appreciate a historic dive bar

Legend has it the Shooting Star Saloon in Huntsville served right on through Prohibition, staring tee-totaling regulators in the face with a middle finger raised. It’s the state’s oldest bar, and its IDGAF attitude underwrites the rugged spirit of the Wasatch. Huntsville is tiny, at least when compared to resort towns like Park City, but its 595 residents enjoy incredible access to the high country.

Snowbasin ski resort is up the road, with Powder Mountain not much farther in the other direction. What makes Huntsville stand out, however, is that it’s right on the shoreline of Pineview Reservoir, meaning on-water activities are just as much a part of the lifestyle here as the on-mountain counterparts. Getting to Huntsville or its surrounding trailheads from Salt Lake City International Airport takes under an hour, and if you’re coming from Ogden, cut that drive time in half. If you’re a fan of both the Old West and high-altitude recreating, there’s no better place to go. — Tim Wenger

• Population: 1,038
• Why it’s notable: Few towns in the US offer such easy access to both mountain and water sports
• When to visit: June through September for on-water activities and a bustling town scene, December through March for Midwest skiing and small town charm
• Type of traveler who will love this town: Midwesterners on a road trip, golfers, mountain bikers

Sure, some might scoff at the idea of a mountain town in Michigan, but hear me out. Northern Michigan is the most underrated outdoor recreation hotspot in the US, and no small town better exemplifies this than Bellaire. Less than an hour from Traverse City and its airport, Bellaire and its Victorian charm is to Michigan what Interlaken is to Switzerland – not just because of the lakes on either side of it, but because Bellaire is the hub town for Shanty Creek Resort’s multiple ski hills, half a dozen top-tier golf courses, and some of Michigan’s best hiking and biking trails.

In the summer, mountain bike the Glacial Hills Trails, get out for a hike along the shores of Torch Lake or Grass River (or Glacial Hills), and don’t forget to spend some time on the water – paddleboarding, sailing, kayaking, fishing, and more are easily accessed. Shanty Creek offers three golf courses open through fall, and summer is when this area really pops off. No matter your activity of choice, round out the day with a pint and a pizza at Shorts Brewing Company. — Tim Wenger

• Population: 5,000
• Why it’s notable:Small regional hub for adventure with convenient road or air access
• When to visit: June through September for hiking and biking, July and August for fly fishing, December through March for skiing at Lost Trail Ski Area
• Type of traveler who will love this town: Those who want an escape from hectic resort towns, and those who love wide-open trails with no one else in sight

I first drove through Hamilton en route to Lost Trail Ski Area from Missoula in 2020. The town immediately struck me as a place I’d love to check out, not least because the Bitterroot Mountains tower about it like a beacon call to adventure. On my way back, I stopped. Hamilton is located in western Montana surrounded by the ranches and farms of the beautiful Bitterroot Valley, and the community is incredibly friendly. Fly fishing on the Bitterroot River is incredible, I was told, and there are many local fly shops in the area as well as outfitters. Culturally, Hamilton is home to the Daly Mansion, built in the late 1800s for Marcus Daly, who is among the most notorious of Montana’s “Copper Kings.” Despite being so small, the town has a great local beer scene, headlined by Bitter Root Brewing and Higherground Brewing, along with delicious restaurants like Ember. It’s also home to Ravalli County Airport, which means you can land and be at a trailhead within an hour. — Tim Wenger

• Population: 2,500
• Why it’s notable: Exceptional skiing and snowboarding 40 minutes south of Anchorage
• When to visit: January through April for winter activities, June through September for summer activities
• Type of traveler who will love this town: Hardcore skiers and snowboarders, fishing enthusiasts, hikers, mountain bikers, and gold prospectors

People traveling to Alaska often have to go through Anchorage, the state’s largest city. Despite being home to more than 280,000 people, Anchorage feels like a small town with wildlife, outdoor recreation, and world-class fishing minutes from downtown. But if you’d like to escape any trace of city life, the picturesque mountain town of Girdwood is just 40 miles south.

For winter sports enthusiasts, Girdwood means world-class skiing and snowboarding at Mount Alyeska. The area has over 2,500 acres of skiable terrain ranging from gentle slopes to steep, challenging runs. Girdwood’s proximity to Anchorage, its diverse terrain, and abundant snowfall makes it the place to be come winter. You can also take the scenic tram ride to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views of the Chugach Mountains, Turnagain Arm, and the surrounding wilderness.

As with most snow destinations, come summer, there’s an exceptional warm weather outdoor scene. The Chugach National Forest, which surrounds Girdwood and the nearby rivers, provide endless opportunities for trekking, biking, and fishing for salmon, rainbow trout, and Dolly Varden – a trout found from the British Columbia Coast to the Alaska Peninsula. Not far from Girdwood (a 10-minute drive), you can even pan for a nugget of gold at Crow Creek Gold Mine. — Katie Scott Aiton

• Population: 6,039
• Why it’s notable: A thriving small-town country music scene and outstanding stargazing opportunities
• When to visit: Throughout the year, but in November the Alpine ArtWalk has a calendar of live music and art events worth planning a trip around
• Type of traveler who will love this town: Country music fans, history buffs, art aficionados

One of the things I love most about visiting a small town is that you don’t have to plan an elaborate itinerary. You can slow down, take a beat, and the opportunity to have a few days without a packed schedule. If Texas is calling, you’re spoilt for choice for small-town Americana. The town of Alpine sits on a plateau in the Chihuahua Desert, with the Davis Mountains to the north and the Chisos range to the south.

Outdoor music performances are held almost every night at The Ritchey, a historic saloon with a beer garden housed in the oldest commercial structure in town. But the first thing you should do before a Morgan Wallen cover has you slow dancing with a handsome Alpine local is hike or bike to the top of Hancock Hill. Here, you’ll be gifted panoramic views over the town and valley. It’s especially nice at sunset. Due to the elevation of Alpine and exceptionally low levels of light pollution, it’s also a great place to go stargazing. It’s in the heart of Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve, the largest protected dark sky area on Earth. During the day, stroll downtown (a designated Cultural Arts District) to browse galleries, pick up a local title at the independent bookstore Front Street Books, and take in beautiful, colorful street murals before chowing down on cowboy cuisine on the patio at the restaurant Reata, or swing by Cow Dog, a local food truck for a hot dog topped with chili and fried onions. If your visit is timed well, the Alpine ArtWalk takes place in November, promising free art exhibits, live music and a street party. – Katie Scott Aiton