Where History Meets the Season in Western Colorado

As spring turns to summer, discover timeless stories written into the landscapes west of the 105

June 06, 2025

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From rugged frontier towns to preserved cliff dwellings, Western Colorado is rich in history—and spring and early summer are the perfect times to explore it all. Whether you're drawn to ancient cultures, mining legends, or early pioneer life, these destinations offer a meaningful way to travel through time while soaking in sunshine and mountain air.

Photo Courtesy of More Than Just Parks

Mesa Verde National Park

Near Cortez
One of the most iconic historical sites in the U.S., Mesa Verde preserves over 600 cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Puebloans. The 700 Years Tour takes visitors through centuries of human history, and the park’s high-elevation mesas are especially beautiful in the mild spring and early summer months.

Museum of the Mountain West

Montrose
This outdoor museum feels like a movie set, with dozens of authentic historic buildings arranged like a pioneer town. Guided tours dive deep into frontier life in the late 1800s and early 1900s, offering a hands-on experience for history buffs and families alike.

Photo Courtesy of Museum of the Mountain West

Ouray County Historical Museum

Ouray
Housed in a former hospital from 1887, this museum offers a look at the mining, medical, and cultural past of the region. It’s a great stop before or after a soak in the nearby hot springs—and the historic charm of “The Switzerland of America” is on full display in warmer months.

Fort Uncompahgre Living History Museum

Delta
Step back into the 1830s fur trade era at this recreated trading post. With costumed interpreters and demonstrations, Fort Uncompahgre offers an immersive look at the early days of commerce between Native Americans and trappers in the region.

Photo Courtesy of National Park Service

Crested Butte Museum

Crested Butte
 This charming museum captures the transition of Crested Butte from a coal mining town to the outdoor mecca it is today. As the snow melts and wildflowers bloom, it’s an ideal time to stroll through downtown and connect with the town’s resilient, quirky history.

Silverton Historic District

Silverton
The entire town is a living museum. Once a bustling mining camp, Silverton retains its Old West character with historic hotels, saloons, and the famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad that runs through the high country in late spring and summer.

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Ute Indian Museum

Montrose
Dedicated to the history and culture of the Ute people, this museum sits on the former homestead of Chief Ouray and his wife Chipeta. With indoor exhibits and outdoor interpretive trails, it’s a vital stop to understand the deeper roots of this region.

Photo Courtesy of Visit Montrose

History feels closer when the skies are blue and the roads are clear. This season, take a different kind of road trip—one that follows the stories carved into the canyons, bricks, and railways of Western Colorado.