From hot springs and mountain hikes to endless sand dunes and open skies, Colorado is the perfect place to visit for anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure.
The Centennial State is known for its national parks, including big mountains, deserts, and forests to explore, making it a wonderful place for a weekend getaway.
Each destination has its amazing breweries, hiking trails, and Colorado charm, but each offers something unique that you can’t find anywhere else. Here are the top 9 weekend getaways in Colorado in no particular order.
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As the second-largest city in the state and just an hour’s drive south of the Denver International Airport, Colorado Springs provides a variety of things to do making it one of the top destinations for weekend getaways in Colorado.
One of its most famous tourist sites is Pikes Peak. Drive or hike up the 14,000-foot tall mountain and enjoy some fresh high-altitude donuts while taking in the view.
You can also visit the Garden of the Gods, a free landmark featuring acres of hiking trails through towering sandstone formations. You can also drive through the park and visit the nature center.
Take a tour of Seven Falls, a captivating natural wonder near the Broadmoor, or explore North Cheyenne Cañon Park, a local favorite for scenic hiking.
Manitou Springs is also a 20-minute drive away and offers a variety of unique shopping and places to eat.
The Manitou Cliff Dwellings are an inexpensive attraction and provide a self-guided tour through historic native dwellings. Nearby, explore underneath the mountains and discover natural wonders at Cave of the Winds.
The Broadmoor Resort is a Colorado Springs must-see. If you’re not staying at this hotel, add some time to stroll the grounds or have lunch or drinks at the Golden Bee. Situated at the base of the mountains, this historic hotel can’t be missed.
Address: Colorado Springs, CO
Also Read: Top Tourist Attractions in Colorado Springs
Situated just off Interstate 70 is the Rocky Mountain resort town Glenwood Springs, most famously known for its plethora of natural hot springs.
Take a dip in the famous mineral pool or head to the top of Iron Mountain to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.
This mountaintop theme park features rollercoasters, haunted theme rides, and cave tours.
There are also endless trails (including Hanging Lake, a popular trail that’s reservation only) and bike paths with beautiful views from every angle.
While the town is split among two major roads, the area is very walkable, with trails throughout the main stretch. End your evening with dinner and dessert on Grand Avenue or stop at a bar or shop for local products.
Head out of town to Carbondale, an adventurer's paradise with ample hiking, camping, biking, and more.
Consider stopping in Aspen, another famous Colorado ski town known for its luxury dwellings and high-end restaurants and shopping as you leave Glenwood.
Address: Glenwood Springs, CO
Located just 70 miles from Denver and known as the “Gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park,” Estes Park is an outdoorsman’s true paradise.
Start your day with a coffee or breakfast, stroll through the town's main streets, and head to Rocky Mountain National Park for hiking, camping, or whatever outdoor adventure you plan.
The area is the home to elk, bighorn sheep, bears, and other animals, so you're bound to encounter fantastic wildlife you won't see anywhere else.
Estes Park has something for everyone, from wineries to whitewater rafting. You can even tour the area via jeep, dirt bike, or snowmobile!
If you're looking for a weekend getaway in Colorado that is full of adventure, Estes Park won't disappoint.
Take an unforgettable ride up the Estes Park Aerial Tramway. As this cable takes you to the top of Prospect Mountain, you'll have 360-degree panoramic views of the mountainous landscape.
Address: Estes Park, CO
Also Read: Best Things To Do in Estes Park
Whether you visit in summer or winter, Steamboat Springs has many remarkable sights and things to do.
It's a historic resort town that offers just about everything quintessential Colorado: relaxing hot springs, miles of hiking trails, and top-notch ski slopes.
Every activity provides scenic, unforgettable views, whether you're soaking in a mountain hot spring or biking through town.
The Steamboat Ski Resort is one of the country's top mountains to find fresh powder with friends and family.
Steamboat's Gondola is also open year-round for skiers, snowboarders, bikers, and those looking for some of the most scenic views.
Old Town Hot Springs and Strawberry Park Hot Springs are Steamboat's two famous mineral pool sites.
Old Town Hot Springs has a waterslide, lap pools, and more, making it great for a family trip.
If you're looking for a more secluded, relaxing soak, Strawberry Park lets you relax surrounded by forest – and sip champagne if you want.
Address: Steamboat Springs, CO
Telluride is well-known as a former mining town at the base of a popular ski and golf resort, but the town offers so much more for a jam-packed weekend getaway.
In addition to miles of trails through beautiful mountain scenery, Telluride is known for its great rock-climbing paths and summer festivals.
Telluride Ski Resort offers thousands of acres of some of the best skiing in the United States. At the base of the slopes is Mountain Village, where weekenders can enjoy top restaurants and shop along mountainside streets.
Even driving around Telluride provides scenic views. Head out of town for a day and hit the San Juan Skyway, a winding road that takes you through the most beautiful parts of the San Juan Mountains.
Address: Telluride, CO
Known to Coloradoans as "Breck," the town is well-known as a ski town but is another Colorado go-to for year-round activities.
When you arrive in Breckenridge, you’re greeted by 200-year-old buildings in the historic district, exposing a history rich in the Gold Rush.
Out-of-state and local tourists alike flock here throughout the year to ski one of its five peaks, hike to the infamous Breckenridge Troll, and enjoy an evening beer.
Another popular attraction is Boreas Pass Road, a 20-mile stretch that takes you to the top of the Continental Divide.
For a unique Colorado weekend getaway, try out dog sledding in the winter, or go on an evening ghost tour of Breck’s historic district. With such unique offerings, there are always fun things to do in Breckenridge.
Address: Breckenridge, CO
It’s the state capital and Colorado’s largest city, but Denver is more than just a stopover for adventurers heading to the mountains.
You can explore the Denver Art Museum or stroll through the Botanic Gardens or Denver Zoo. The Red Rocks Amphitheatre is also a must-see and hosts outdoor summer concerts featuring well-known artists.
The city itself is a city for foodies, and you’ll find diverse, highly acclaimed restaurants on every street corner.
Some of the state’s best breweries are a short drive away – in Boulder, Golden, and the city of Denver itself. Take a craft beer tour to taste test some of the best brews in Colorado.
There are museums, amusement and water parks, and everything you need for a fun weekend getaway in Colorado.
Denver is also close enough to the mountains that a day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park or another mountainous escape isn’t out of the question.
Address: Denver, CO
Also Read: Top Tourist Attractions in Denver
Step away from the mountain towns and visit the Wild West in this western Colorado town.
Close to the New Mexico border, Durango offers unique experiences from the other destinations on this list, in addition to Colorado’s quintessential skiing, hiking, and rafting.
Wind through miles and miles of mountain biking trails or visit the Diamond Belle Saloon and dance away to ragtime music.
Visit Mesa Verde National Park and enjoy the historic cliff dwellings or have a drink at one of many breweries and microbreweries.
The San Juan National Forest is also nearby and available for hiking, camping, and overall adventures.
The Silverton and Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad is open for visitors to ride aboard a historic steam train and take in beautiful views from the mountains, bridges, and even cliff-side. The San Juan Skyway winds through Durango as well.
Address: Durango, CO
Also Read: Most Beautiful Small Towns in Colorado
As one of Colorado’s premier ski resorts, Vail is truly one of the perfect Colorado, weekend getaways and there’s no shortage of places to visit.
Enjoy skiing or snowboarding in the winter or rent a bike and ride down the mountain in the summer. The summer also offers visitors great golfing and hiking and unforgettable festivals.
For those not so interested in hitting the slopes, snowmobiling is a hugely popular activity in Vail.
The open landscape of the area lets you go at top speeds while taking in the surrounding Rocky Mountains. Many vacationers love snowshoeing and snow tubing around Vail as well.
What’s a weekend getaway without a spa day? As a luxe resort town, Vail has no shortage of great spas open for a quick massage or a day of pampering.
Vail Village itself is an attraction, and visitors can spend an entire afternoon strolling the streets, shopping, and dining at the quaint European mountain-inspired village.
The Eagle Bahn Gondola is open all year round and free for anyone who wants to take a sweeping ride up the mountain. Head to the top of the mountain for an après ski dinner in one of Vail’s historic mountaintop cabin restaurants.
Address: Vail, CO