For many of us, the mountains were the original lure to the Denver area. While 5280 has spent 10 years as the expert on the city, we often have readers asking us for our mountain town recommendations.

This year, we decided to take on the task of discovering our Rocky Mountains. 5280 set out to find the best the hills have to offer, but we wanted to go beyond the obvious slope-side choices. What you’ll find here are the results. Much like our annual June/July Top of the Town issue, we’ve spread the tasks amid our favorite writers and editors – many of whom live in the mountains. We also asked our readers for their opinions in ballots published in the February/March and April issues. You’ll see some of those favorites here.

True. It might be harder to get away these days – blame it on the traffic or on your crazy schedule. All the more reason to plan ahead. We’ve made it easy for you to make the most of your escape. You bought that SUV for a reason, didn’t you?