The Mountain Region That’s Being Called The ‘Anti-Aspen’ Is A Top Travel Destination For 2026 — With Neon-Blue Lakes And Powder Skiing That Looks Like CGI

New Yorkers love a good getaway — whether that means wandering the Lower East Side for a night out or hopping a plane to somewhere with scenery you can’t find anywhere near the boroughs. And for 2026, American Express Travel has named one of those far-flung spots a must-visit: the San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado — a dramatic alpine world of hot springs, 14,000-foot peaks, ghost towns, and ski terrain so powdery it looks CGI. Ranking among American Express Travel’s “Top Trending Destinations for 2026,” the San Juans are quickly becoming the place travelers want to be — especially those who prefer dramatic scenery and under-the-radar luxury over crowded slopes and A-list-loaded resort towns . Think rugged wilderness, volcanic rock spires, neon-blue alpine lakes, and [mountain towns](https://secretnyc.co/best-mountain-towns-near-nyc/) that feel like the Rockies before the mega-development boom. It’s the kind of destination that’s still a bit of work to get to from New York City — a flight plus a mountain shuttle — but that difficulty is part of the magic. This is the Anti-Aspen : raw, cinematic, and rewarded only to those who make the effort. 🏔 A mountain range with serious “wow” factor -------------------------------------------- The San Juans form the wild southern arm of the Rocky Mountains — steeper, sharper, and more dramatic than what you’ll find in most of Colorado. These mountains climb straight out of the valleys like stone cathedrals, creating a skyline that’s earned towns like Ouray the nickname “The Switzerland of America.” Unlike tourist-flooded resorts to the north, the San Juan region still feels untouched: old mining tunnels carved into cliffs, abandoned ghost towns slowly being reclaimed by wildflowers, waterfalls and glacial lakes that require effort to reach, and views that will make you say “Ohhhhhh” out loud even if you’re not the type. ❄️ Winter in the San Juans — A powder lover’s dream --------------------------------------------------- In winter, the San Juans get hammered with some of the best snow in the Rockies. This is where skiers and snowboarders go when they want something with more edge — literally and figuratively — than the big ski resorts. Expect: * Serious terrain and deep powder skiing * Snowcat and backcountry access for expert riders * Snowshoeing , cross-country trails , and sledding under open sky * Ice climbing on frozen waterfalls (Ouray hosts a world-famous ice climbing festival) * Soaks in natural hot springs afterward while snow falls around you Is it intense? A little. Is it unforgettable? Absolutely. 🌸 Summer & Fall — neon lakes, waterfalls, & wild passes ------------------------------------------------------- The warm seasons might be even more impressive. Great San Juan experiences include: * Blue Lakes Trail near Ridgway — A turquoise alpine lake that looks like the Caribbean got dropped inside a volcano — but you have to earn it with a hike. * Bridal Veil Falls in Telluride — Colorado’s tallest waterfall, thundering out of the mountains above town. * The Million Dollar Highway — A cliff-hugging road from Ouray to Silverton with no guardrails and views that look stolen from a movie backdrop. (Pro tip: let someone else drive.) * Ghost towns, mining ruins, and historic switchbacks — The American West, both beautiful and haunting. * Rafting, horseback riding, mountain biking, Jeep tours, rock climbing, and 14er mountaineering 🏘 Mountain towns with real character ------------------------------------ ### Telluride & Mountain Village Aspen vibes without the attitude — world-class dining, big festivals, luxury hotels, a free gondola, and scenery that feels like a movie backdro p. ### Ouray Ringed by massive peaks, known for hot springs, winter ice-climbing, and postcard scenery from every angle. ### Silverton A rugged historic mining town surrounded by ski chutes, snowcat touring routes, and backcountry so dramatic it barely looks real. Each one offers something different, but all share that sense of “you’re not in the normal Rockies anymore.” 🍽 Where New Yorkers will love to eat & drink -------------------------------------------- ### Telluride * Alpino Vino – Fine wine and Italian fare at nearly 12,000 feet, reachable via ski run or snowcat. Bougie but unforgettable. * The National – A buzzy New American spot that wouldn’t feel out of place in the West Village. * Stronghouse Brew Pub – Craft beer inside a stone building dating back to 1892. ### Durango * 11th Street Station – Food-truck collective and urban bar in a former auto shop; big Brooklyn energy. * El Moro – Craft cocktails served in a historic saloon once known for gunfights. ✈️ Getting there from NYC ------------------------- It’s a trek — and that’s why the region still feels special. Option 1: Fly into Montrose (MTJ) Usually via Denver, Chicago, or Dallas. About 1.5 hours to Telluride . Option 2: Fly into Durango (DRO) A scenic drive that climbs into the high country. Option 3: Fly into Grand Junction (GJT) Often cheaper, with 2.5 hours of mountain driving . From the New York area, expect roughly 9–10 hours total travel with a flight and connection — a small price to trade skyscrapers for real mountains. 🌎 See the full list of the best travel destinations for 2026 according to American Express Travel here! Source: https://secretnyc.co/san-juan-mountains-top-travel-destination-2026-american-express-travel/