Top 10 Must-Visit Small Towns

Bucket List Destinations for Every Jeeper

Buckle up, Jeep enthusiasts it's time to hit the open road! Across the United States, countless small towns offer rich history, incredible scenery, friendly locals, and access to unforgettable Jeep adventures.

Over the years, I’ve explored dozens of these hidden gems on my Jeep travels. Whether you're seeking off-road thrills, mountain beauty, or unique roadside Americana, these towns deserve a spot on your Jeep Life bucket list.

So grab your keys, roll those windows down, and let’s explore 10 small towns every Jeeper should visit.

1. Saguache, Colorado (San Luis Valley)

Home of the Original Jeep Rescue League

This mountain town is a must-see for anyone who loves Jeep history. Saguache is home to the Jeep Rescue League, where you’ll find restored vintage Jeeps, antique military vehicles, and historical exhibits.

Nearby highlights:

• Elephant Rocks

• Natural Arch 

• Del Norte & the Rio Grande River (fishing, scenic drives)

• Great Sand Dunes National Park 

• Zapata Falls

• Medano Pass Jeep Trail (inside the National Park)

For more trail adventure:

• Bishop’s Rock Trail

• Elwood Pass Trail

• Chinaman’s Gulch & Carnage Canyon (hardcore rock crawling near Buena Vista)

The San Luis Valley is truly a 360° Jeep playground.
Read more: Saving Jeeps one Jeep at a Time

photo courtesy The Jeep Rescue League

2. Moab, Utah

The Off-Road Capital of the World

Moab is legendary and for good reason. But you don’t need to be a hardcore wheeler to appreciate its beauty.

Must-see destinations:

• Arches National Park

• Canyonlands National Park

• The Colorado River

• Utah Scenic Byway 128

• Deadhorse Point State Park

• Ghost town of Cisco

This area is a mix of iconic Jeep trails and breathtaking landscapes.
Check out my adventure: Jeep Momma Moab Adventure

Selfie at Arches National Park

3. Oatman, Arizona

Old-West Mining History & Wild Burros

Located on historic Route 66, Oatman is a quirky desert gem. Wild burros roam the streets, descended from the mining burros of the early 1900s.

What to expect:

• Fun shops

• Scenic drives

• Old-west charm

• One of my  Top 5 scenic routes on Black Top.  to reach the village

This is Americana at its best.

Donkey on the streets of Oatman

4. Creede, Colorado

Mining History, Mountain Beauty & Gateway to the Alpine Loop

Creede is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and rich history. A perfect base for Jeep exploration.

Nearby 4x4 highlights:

• Stoney Creek Pass → Connects to the Alpine Loop

• Bachelor’s Loop Tour (22 miles of mining history)

• Pool Table Road → Leads to Wheeler Geological Area 

• North & South Clear Creek Falls  (stunning roadside waterfalls)

This town is small but full of character and adventure.

North Clear Creek Falls, Colorado

5. Lake City, Colorado

High-Altitude Beauty & a Jeep Badge of Honor Trail

From Creede, take the scenic Colorado 149 Byway to stunning Lake City. This peaceful mountain town is packed with outdoor opportunities:

• Lake San Cristobal (boating, fishing, paddleboarding)

• Ghost towns and mining relics

• Engineer Pass (Jeep Badge of Honor trail)

• Alpine Loop access

It’s one of the most picturesque Jeep towns in America.

My Jeep on Engineer Pass

6. Silverton, Colorado

A Historic Mining Town Surrounded by Jeep Trails

Reach Silverton via Engineer Pass, Stoney Pass, or the world-famous Alpine Loop. The town is a National Historic Landmark with lively shops, restaurants, and endless mountain scenery.

Nearby trails include:

• Engineer Pass (Jeep Badge of Honor)

• Poughkeepsie Gulch (Jeep Badge of Honor)

• Corkscrew Pass

• Cinnamon Pass

Silverton is a dream come true for Jeepers and overlanders.

Old Mine near Silverton, Colorado

7. Winslow, Arizona

Standin’ on the Corner—Eagles Fans Welcome

Made famous by the Eagles’ hit Take It Easy, Winslow is the perfect stop if you're exploring Northern Arizona.

Nearby destinations:

• Sedona (known for Jeep trails and red rock scenery)

• Flagstaff (gateway to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim)

A fun roadside Americana experience for Jeep travelers.

Jeep Momma Standin' on the Corner in Winslow, AZ

8. Bar Harbor, Maine

Coastal Charm & World-Class Scenery

Bar Harbor is packed with great food, local shops, and seaside views. It’s also the gateway to Acadia National Park, one of the most beautiful coastal parks in the U.S.

Perfect for Jeepers who want a mix of relaxation, maritime scenery, and national park exploration.

9. Taos, New Mexico

Art, Adobe, Mountain Views & the Rio Grande Gorge

Taos is one of the most beautiful mountain towns in America.

Why visit:

• Adobe architecture and vibrant art community

• Ski resort nearby

• The stunning Rio Grande Gorge Bridge (10th highest in the U.S.)

• Scenic 83-mile driving loop through Carson National Forest

• Off-road opportunities around Wheeler Peak

Don’t miss the moment when you unknowingly drive over the Gorge Bridge—your stomach will drop!

Rio Grande River Gorge Bridge

10. Salem, Massachusetts

History, Witches & Coastal Exploration

Salem is filled with fascinating stories from the 1692 witch trials. Take a ghost tour, visit historic homes, or stop by haunted Murphy’s Bar.

While Salem isn’t known for off-roading, it offers:

• Coastal adventures

• Maritime activities

• Ferry access to nearby islands

• Historical walking tours

A fun blend of spooky history and coastal charm.

More Haunted Places in Salem

My Experience Exploring Small-Town America

As someone who has driven my Jeep across mountains, deserts, forests, and coastal towns, these small towns stand out as the most memorable and meaningful. My adventures have taken me through rugged 4x4 terrain, scenic highways, ghost towns, national parks, and hidden backroads. These recommendations are based on real experiences, not guidebooks—each one a place that left a lasting impact on my journey.

FAQ: Must-Visit Small Towns for Jeep Owners

What makes a small town great for Jeep owners?
Great Jeep towns offer scenic drives, accessible off-road trails, good camping options, unique history, and beautiful landscapes. They make it easy to explore both on pavement and dirt.

Do I need a highly modified Jeep to visit these towns?
No. Many of these destinations offer a mix of paved scenic routes, dirt roads, and optional 4x4 trails. Stock Jeeps can access much of the surrounding beauty.

Which of these towns has the best off-roading?
Moab and the Colorado mountain towns (Silverton, Lake City, Creede) offer the most iconic Jeep trails, including Jeep Badge of Honor routes.

Are these towns good for non-off-roaders too?
Absolutely. Many destinations feature national parks, museums, scenic byways, fishing, hiking, shopping, and historic sites.

What’s the best time of year to visit Colorado mountain towns?
Late June through early October is best, as high pass trails are often snow-covered or closed outside of summer.

Is it safe to explore these towns alone?
Yes, but use standard road-trip and off-road safety precautions: tell someone your plans, carry navigation tools, pack essentials, and check weather/trail conditions.

Can I overland or camp near these towns?
Most of these areas are surrounded by National Forest or BLM land, offering excellent dispersed camping opportunities.

Small towns are the heart of America and exploring them in a Jeep makes the experience even more magical. Whether you're seeking jaw-dropping scenery, historic mining roads, desert solitude, or coastal charm, these 10 towns offer unforgettable adventure both on and off the trail.

Wherever your Jeep takes you, embrace the journey, support local communities, and make memories that last a lifetime.

7 Ways to Live in the Moment

Prioritizing the Present

Living in the moment with my son at the
Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado.

What Does It Mean to Live in the Moment?

Living in the moment means focusing fully on the present, letting go of past regrets and future worries. It’s about savoring experiences, connecting deeply with people, and appreciating life as it happens.

For me, that lesson came during my first cross-country Jeep Adventure Jeep adventure in 2012. As my kids grew into their own adult lives, I realized how precious each moment with them had become. That shift taught me the gift of letting go and being present.

👉 Related: Empty Nest: Evolution of Motherhood

My 7 Ways to Live in the Moment

1. Smile More

A simple smile can reset your mood and connect you to others instantly. It’s a reminder to stay lighthearted, even in stressful moments.

2. Stop Worrying About Tomorrow

The future is uncertain. Focus on what you can do today, and release what’s outside your control.

3. Always Move Forward

Don’t dwell on the past. Each new day is an opportunity to grow, reset, and take small steps toward what matters.

4. Pay Attention to the Small Things

Slow down. Notice the laughter of your kids, the taste of your morning coffee, or the view on your drive. Life is full of overlooked joys.

5. Practice Gratitude

Gratitude turns ordinary moments into extraordinary ones. Write down 3 things you’re thankful for each day.

6. Let Go of the To-Do List Pressure

Your laundry can wait. Your dishes can wait. But time with loved ones doesn’t come back. Release the need to finish everything “right now.”

7. Disconnect from Technology

Take breaks from screens. Put your phone down during family meals, Jeep trips, or hikes. Presence beats scrolling.

Ben & I at Zapata Falls
savoring the moment together. 

Embracing the Present

Living in the moment is about conscious awareness:

• Drive slower, eat slower, and breathe deeper.

• Appreciate nature whenever possible.

• Focus on the people around you—you never know when it might be your last moment with them.

This isn’t easy. It requires practice and “brain re-training.” But once you taste the freedom of presence, you won’t want to go back.

FAQ: Living in the Moment

Q: Why is living in the moment so hard?
A: Our brains are wired to multitask and plan. It takes conscious practice to slow down, but over time, presence becomes a habit.

Q: How can I start practicing presence?
A: Begin small—pause before meals, smile, or take a deep breath when you feel rushed. Build from there.

Q: Is living in the moment the same as mindfulness?
A: They overlap. Mindfulness is a practice of awareness; living in the moment is applying that awareness to everyday life.

Final Reflection

My journey to living in the moment has been anything but perfect—I’m still learning every day. But my Jeep adventures, faith, and time with my kids have shown me this truth: life is too short to rush through.

Smile. Slow down. Be present. Because these moments? They’re the ones you’ll cherish forever.