Colorado’s Best High-Altitude Cafés

Article courtesy of Colorado Homes Magazine

Whether you’re stopping for a sip before hitting the ski slopes or looking for a place to send a few emails, these six mountain cafés are sure to please

Throughout mountain towns in Colorado, locally-run cafés supply travelers with fuel for outdoor adventures. Here’s a round-up of our favorite small-town cafés because supporting small businesses sure beats the drip coffee at your lodging.

The Wake Coffee Shop | Grand Lake, CO

Glmthewakewestzachmahone

The Wake Coffee Shop | Photo by Zach Mahone

Just off Grand Lake, The Wake Coffee Shop is tucked neatly behind an active boat dock. The quaint café boasts the only lakeside seating in the area. Inside, customers can enjoy lite bites and aromatic coffee. With gluten-free and vegan options, the shop caters to a wide audience.

Sunrise Minturn | Minturn, CO

This dog-friendly café 7 minutes outside Vail, is a quintessential mountain coffee shop. With diner vibes, the formerly Sticky Fingers Café” serves a hot breakfast alongside a cup of coffee. En route to incredible hiking, Sunrise Minturn is the perfect spot for a lite bite.

Salto Coffee | Nederland, CO

Processed With Vsco With M5 Preset

Salto Coffee | Photo by Bailey Batchelor

The woman-run business has been a part of the town since 2012. Visitors sip lattes and espresso in the early morning but flip to wine and craft beer come evening. Salto’s rustic exterior is shared with Tin Shed Sports, a local bicycle store.

Mojo’s Coffee | Ouray, CO

P1010038

Mojo’s Coffee | Photo by Charlie Yoder

In “The Switzerland of America,” the historic building home to Mojo’s Coffee has a lively history—it was once a saloon and brothel. Since 1882, the shop has been a local and visitor favorite. The environmentally conscious business strives to minimize its footprint while also supporting local artists. Customers will find books, stickers, local art and more inside the quaint locale.

Mountain Phoenix Coffee | Salida, CO

Image7

Mountain Phoenix Coffee | Photo by Elk Raven Photography

Originally called Sacred Ground Coffee, this coffee roastery boasts a lively ambience. “the biggest thing that sets us apart is having our own full-fledged roastery just a block away,” says owner Bryan Joslin. With a focus on taste over aesthetics, Mountain Phoenix Coffee delivers a perfected espresso shot.

Plume Coffee Bar | Silver Plume, CO

Known for being in a living ghost town, Plume Coffee Bar brings life and caffeine back to the slow-living community. The historic building features grand front windows, letting ample light in. Visitors can shop for local goods or simply relax in the aesthetic seating.

About the Author