35 Colorado Getaways for 2023 (Picked By a Local)

If you’re looking for incredible Colorado getaways, then you’re in the right spot. Colorado is chock full of options for romantic getaways and places you can visit when you don’t have much time.

I’m a Colorado local, and in this article, I’ll go over the best spots for a weekend getaway in the state. From getting your adrenaline fix ziplining over a massive gorge to finding spiritual renewal in a serene setting, there are weekend places to visit in Colorado for every couple and family. Let’s get into it!

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35 Best Colorado Weekend Getaways

Vail

🗺️ Distance from Denver: 90 minutes to 2 hours | Google Maps | Vail Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Vail on Booking 

With a ton of things to do in Vail, it really is the perfect weekend Colorado getaway for the whole family. 

In winter, the Vail Ski Resort is hopping (and is one of the biggest ski resorts in Colorado). In summer, there’s hiking, mountain biking, or just strolling the Swiss-inspired streets and window shopping with your sweet baboo. 

Rocky Mountain National Park

🗺️ Distance from Denver: 90 minutes to 2 hours | Google Maps | Rocky Mountain National Park Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Estes Park on Booking 

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the perfect Colorado getaways for couples (or families) who love nature.

In less than two hours from Denver, you can be inside the park and hiking as leisurely or intensely as you want. As for where to stay, nearby Estes Park has lots of options for quaint hotels and adorable vacation rentals. 

Downtown Denver

🗺️ Distance from Denver: 0 minutes | Google Maps | Denver Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Denver on Booking 

Make your couples getaway a staycation right in Denver by checking out all of the awesome Denver activities. 

There are so many great downtown Denver hotels to make a weekend special. And whether you want to hit up a museum, get outside, or take in a show, there are endless ways to spend a weekend. Of course, there are also tons of great restaurants in Denver so no one has to worry about making food for the weekend. 

Strawberry Park Hot Springs

🗺️ Distance from Denver: 3 to 3 ½ hours | Google Maps | Strawberry Park Hot Springs Website | Steamboat Springs Accommodation Guide | 👉 Search Hotels in Steamboat Springs on Booking 

Just a few hours from Denver, Strawberry Park Hot Springs are one of Colorado’s many great hot springs spots. This is a great weekend getaway spot if you want to truly relax, as you can spend a day soaking in the springs or ski at Steamboat Resort and soak away the aches afterward. 

Aspen

🗺️ Distance from Denver: 3 ½ hours to 4 hours | Google Maps | Aspen Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Aspen on Booking 

Aspen is a bit of a drive from Denver, but for a long weekend you’ll find so many fun and outdoorsy things to do in Aspen . 

As with many far-flung places in Colorado, the gorgeous drive is part of the vacation. You can hike near Maroon Bells and visit the farmers’ market in summer or ski in winter. Aspen also has plenty of upscale shopping and great places to eat, making it a very well-rounded place to escape for a weekend.

Boulder 

🗺️ Distance from Denver: 45 minutes | Google Maps | Boulder Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Boulder on Booking 

Boulder makes for a super fun and quick getaway from Denver. Make the weekend special by staying at an impressive hotel like the $36 million St. Julien Hotel. 

Eat at one of the great spots along Pearl Street, go for a Boulder hike near the Flatirons, or check out a football game at CU Boulder. 

Breckenridge

🗺️ Distance from Denver: 90 minutes to 2 hours | Google Maps | Breckenridge Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Breckenridge on Booking 

With a weekend trip to Breckenridge, you can be at a world-class ski resort in under two hours. When you’re considering where to stay in Breckenridge, it’s worth the extra money to be close to the resort if you’ll be on the mountain all day. 

But if snow sports aren’t your thing, or you’re visiting in summer, there are still a ton of things to do in Breckenridge, including hiking and shopping downtown. Not to mention some amazing places to eat. 

Estes Park

🗺️ Distance from Denver: 90 minutes | Google Maps | Estes Park Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Estes Park on Booking 

Although Rocky Mountain National Park is a big draw in this area, there are lots to do in Estes Park even without heading to the park. 

Lake Estes, one of the best lakes in Colorado, allows fishing and kayaking. You can check out the Stanley Hotel and see where Stephen King was inspired to write “The Shining.” Or there’s a downtown area with lots of shops, restaurants, and other spots to sit and enjoy the view. 

Dunton Hot Springs

🗺️ Distance from Denver: 8 hours | Google Maps | Dunton Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Dunton Hot Springs 

Dunton Hot Springs is the perfect Colorado getaway for a pampering long weekend. The area is secluded so it’s the perfect place to cozy up with your significant other, and you can enjoy soaking in the natural hot springs or head for a hike in the picturesque mountains.

Colorado Springs 

🗺️ Distance from Denver: one hour to ninety minutes | Google Maps | Colorado Springs Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Colorado Springs on Booking

Colorado Springs makes a great getaway when you just want to see what’s going on in Colorado cities outside of Denver. 

As far as things to do in Colorado Springs go, you can stroll through Garden of the Gods or visit the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum in town. If you’re on a couples’ getaway, try a hot air balloon ride over the city. 

Glenwood Springs

🗺️ Distance from Denver: Two hours and 49 minutes to 3 hours | Google Maps | Glenwood Springs Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Glenwood Springs on Booking 

Glenwood Springs is best known for the magnificent hot springs where you can soak the day away. I recommend heading to the springs after a day of hiking at nearby Hanging Lake (accessible with a permit reservation), biking along the Colorado River, or exploring the downtown area.

Mesa Verde National Park

🗺️ Distance from Denver: 6 hours and 47 minutes to 7 hours | Google Maps | Mesa Verde National Park Website | Where to Stay Near Mesa Verde | 👉 Search Hotels in Durango on Booking 

Visiting Mesa Verde National Park is such a unique Colorado experience. You’ll be amazed by the cliff dwellings built by the ancient Pueblo people, and by their ingenuity as they survived Colorado’s harsh weather. 

Although Cortez is the closest town, you’ll find more lodging, food, and activity choices in Durango and I recommend staying there instead.  

To visit, see our full guide to Mesa Verde National Park.

Telluride

🗺️ Distance from Denver: 6 hours and 20 minutes to 7 hours | Google Maps | Telluride Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Telluride on Booking 

If you’re looking for a romantic getaway in the Rocky Mountains, Telluride is your spot. There are plenty of things to do in Telluride – it’s home to the tallest waterfall in Colorado (Bridalveil Falls), the Mountain Village Gondola, scrumptious breweries, a world-class ski resort, and so much more.

Or you can just book a cabin or fancy hotel and … I won’t tell you what to do after that. 😉

Fort Collins

🗺️ Distance from Denver: 70 to 90 minutes | Google Maps | Fort Collins Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Fort Collins on Booking 

Fort Collins is an often-overlooked spot for weekend getaways. I love this area, however, because the views of the Rocky Mountains are different than they are in the Denver metro area, or even in the mountain towns. 

Also, because it’s overlooked, you’ll find fewer crowds at the best Fort Collins attractions – like plenty of rafting, fly fishing, hiking, and other outdoor fun.

Steamboat Springs

🗺️ Distance from Denver: 3 hours | Google Maps | Steamboat Springs Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Steamboat Springs on Booking 

Steamboat Springs is near Strawberry Hot Springs, but there are more activities in Steamboat Springs. In winter, it’s a world-class ski destination. You can also try ice skating or snowshoeing if you’re not a skier. 

In summer, you can hike or visit nearby Steamboat Lake State Park. And year-round, you can enjoy the outdoor hot springs that make this area so popular.

Ouray

🗺️ Distance from Denver: 5 hours and 43 minutes to 6 hours | Google Maps | Ouray Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Ouray on Booking 

Travel the Million Dollar Highway from Ouray to Silverton for a beautiful weekend drive. A beautiful mountain retreat, you can also enjoy Ouray’s hot springs pools, and tons of outdoor activities. 

Pagosa Springs

🗺️ Distance from Denver: 5 to 5 ½ hours | Google Maps | Pagosa Springs Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Pagosa Springs on Booking 

Another one of Colorado’s best spots for hot springs, Pagosa Springs is the centerpoint for a ton of outdoor fun. The Suan Juan River runs right through town, and Wolf Cree Ski Area is just a short jaunt away.

While here, I also recommend making the 35-minute drive to Chimney Rock National Monument – the ruins of Ancestral Pueblo dwellings. And of course, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, rafting, or paddling.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

🗺️ Distance from Denver: 3 hours and 47 minutes to 4 hours | Google Maps | Great Sand Dunes National Park Website | Where to Stay Near Great Sand Dunes |👉 Search Hotels in Alamosa on Booking

Great Sand Dunes National Park is an unusual Colorado spot, where giant, arid dunes shoot up in front of green mountain ridges. Because you can camp with views of the dunes, I recommend having an unforgettable outdoor experience under the stars, but there are places to stay in Alamosa as well. 

To get planning, see our guide to Great Sand Dunes National Park.

Crested Butte

🗺️ Distance from Denver: 4 hours and 17 minutes to 4 ½ hours | Google Maps | Crested Butte Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Crested Butte on Booking 

With all the things to do in Crested Butte, it’s no wonder that it landed on our list of 50 best places to visit for 2023.

The area has more than 750 miles of singletrack for mountain biking, and of course it’s home to skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. You’ll want to set aside time to stroll the historic main street and shop as well. 

Grand Junction

🗺️ Distance from Denver: 4 to 4 ½ hours | Google Maps | Grand Junction Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Grand Junction on Booking 

The variety of things to do in Grand Junction makes it one of the best Colorado getaways. The best part about Grand Junction is the variety – spend the day hiking or biking at Colorado National Monument, and unwind in the evening with a glass of wine at one of the many wineries in the area. 

Durango

🗺️ Distance from Denver: 6 hours 15 minutes to 6 ½ hours | Google Maps | Durango Website | Where to Stay in Durango | 👉 Search Hotels in Durango on Booking 

Ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for a truly unique Durango experience. The town is also near plenty of outdoor activities, and there’s a hot springs resort and spa in the town if you want a relaxing weekend. 

Get planning with our guide to what to do in Durango.

Grand Lake

🗺️ Distance from Denver: 2 to 2 ½ hours | Google Maps | Grand Lake Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Grand Lake on Booking 

Grand Lake sits at the western entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, so you could venture into the park during a weekend getaway. You could also spend time by the lake and go paddling, fishing, hiking, or just enjoying the mountain views. 

Buena Vista

🗺️ Distance from Denver: 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 ½ hours | Google Maps | Buena Vista Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Buena Vista on Booking 

Adventures abound in Buena Vista. Buena Vista is the place for some great rafting adventures on the Arkansas River, including trips through Browns Canyon. 

This town also makes a great home base for hiking several nearby 14ers, so strap on your hiking boots and get ready for some world-class trails.

For more trip planning, see our guide to what to do in Buena Vista.

Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort

🗺️ Distance from Denver: 2 hours 22 minutes to 2 ½ hours | Google Maps | Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Buena Vista on Booking 

Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort isn’t far from Buena Vista, but you could easily spend an entire weekend at the resort itself. 

Enjoy the soaking pool, exercise pool, and creekside hot springs. If you want private hot springs for a romantic weekend getaway, you can rent some of these pools for just two people. There’s also a waterslide if you’re bringing the kids for family time.

Frisco

🗺️ Distance from Denver: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 ½ hours | Google Maps | Frisco Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Frisco on Booking 

Although Frisco makes a good base to ski at several nearby Colorado ski resorts including Breckenridge and Copper Mountain, there are a ton of Frisco activities of its own accord. In particular, I recommend boating and fishing on Lake Dillon or biking and tubing at the Frisco Adventure Park. 

Silverton

🗺️ Distance from Denver: 6 ½ hours to 7 hours | Google Maps | Silverton Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Silverton on Booking 

Silverton is the town at the other end of the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge train ride, although you can get there by car as well. Some popular Silverton activities include exploring nearby ghost towns, taking a gold mine tour, or wandering through historic downtown. 

Evergreen

🗺️ Distance from Denver: 35 to 45 minutes | Google Maps | 👉 Search Hotels in Evergreen on Booking 

Evergreen is a quick trip from the Mile High City, making it one of the easiest weekend getaways in Colorado to plan. Some great things to do in Evergreen include grabbing a beer at Revival Brews, paddling on the lake, or browsing shops in this foothills mountain town. 

Leadville

🗺️ Distance from Denver: 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours | Google Maps | Leadville Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Leadville on Booking 

Leadville is less-crowded than nearby ski towns, making it the perfect spot for a low-key weekend trip. Check out local Leadville activities like Twin Lakes for fishing or paddling, go for a bike ride on the Mineral Belt Trail, or see the fish hatchery and take the short nature hike nearby.

Dinosaur National Monument

🗺️ Distance from Denver: 5 hours | Google Maps | Dinosaur National Monument Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Vernal on Booking 

Dinosaur National Monument may be lacking in romantic ambiance, but it’s the perfect spot for couples and families who love ancient history. 

You’ll be able to see dinosaur remains, petroglyphs, and other artifacts.

Idaho Springs

🗺️ Distance from Denver: 38 minutes to 1 hour | Google Maps | 👉 Search Hotels in Idaho Springs on Booking 

Idaho Springs makes a great stop on the way home from a ski getaway, but it’s also a fun place to stay all on its own. 

You’ll find breweries, shops, and restaurants along the main historic street. For activities in Idaho Springs, there’s also plenty of hiking and biking, and you can spend a day soaking at the Indian Hot Springs pool.

Crestone

🗺️ Distance from Denver: 3 ½ hours | Google Maps | Crestone Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Crestone on Booking 

Crestone is known for being a spiritual center, so if you’re looking for a weekend getaway to find your center and refocus, this town is a great option. 

Visit the Crestone Ziggurat, modeled after structures in ancient Mesopotamia, and with amazing views from the top. There are also other temples and a Zen Center in this town of just 138 people. 

Loveland 

🗺️ Distance from Denver: 1 hour | Google Maps | Loveland Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Loveland on Booking 

Loveland is a fun romantic getaway simply thanks to the name. In fact, if you’re looking for creative romantic weekend getaways around Valentine’s Day, that’s when this town really shines. 

Along with taking a picture by the love lock sculptures, you can go hiking at Devil’s Backbone, head out to eat, or see the ice sculptures at the Fire and Ice Festival in the winter. 

Manitou Springs

🗺️ Distance from Denver: 70 to 90 minutes | Google Maps | Manitou Springs Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Manitou Springs on Booking 

Manitou Springs has something for every couple, making it one of the best weekend getaways in Colorado. If you’re sporty, race each other up the lung-busting Manitou Incline. If you want an easier stroll, head to the nearby Garden of the Gods. 

You’ll find plenty of places to eat, or you can relax in the mineral water at SunWater Spa. 

Golden

🗺️ Distance from Denver: 24 to 30 minutes | Google Maps | Golden Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Golden on Booking 

Golden is just a short drive from Denver, making it a great staycation option. In summer, there’s tubing on Clear Creek, or you can walk along the path next to the river. 

The Golden History Museum is nearby, and downtown you’ll find everything from cheap pizza to fine dining options. Head to Lookout Mountain for great views and some easy hikes near Denver. 

Royal Gorge

🗺️ Distance from Denver: 2 hours and 17 minutes to 2 ½ hours | Google Maps | Royal Gorge Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Cañon City on Booking 

Crossing the Royal Gorge Bridge is not for those who are terribly afraid of heights, but it is an amazing experience. There are lots of spots for beautiful pictures where you can pose with your beloved. 

If you want an adrenaline rush, try the zipline or SkyCoaster. If you want a more technical challenge, you can climb the Via Ferrata for great views of the gorge. 

FAQs About Colorado Getaways

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Hopefully this article has given you some ideas for fun Colorado getaways! If you’re looking to explore more than you can see on a weekend trip, check out this guide to the best Colorado National Parks.