When you want to get away for the weekend in Colorado I’ve got you covered. Here are some of my favorite weekend getaways in around our beautiful state of Colorado. Let me know in the comments some of yours!
Aspen⎪ A weekend getaway to Aspen is a special experience. In summer or winter, there is plenty to keep you busy for a weekend. Park yourself at one of the luxurious resort properties and be as active or as relaxed as you want. Dining in Aspen is excellent. Renowned chefs operate top-end restaurants with innovative, trendy cuisine. If your weekend plans include shopping, the main street is full of shops selling the latest designer clothing and fashion items. In winter, hit the slopes at the ski resorts. In the summer, a visit to Maroon Bells is a must do. Situated in White River National Forest it is fit for a picnic, hike and fishing; you will be immersed in breathtaking landscape. Distance from Fort Collins: 6 hours drive. Distance from Denver: 3.5 hours drive
Boulder⎪Boulder is only 45 minutes from Denver and ideal for a quick weekend getaway. This outdoorsy town is set against the foothills of the Rockies, and the Flatirons rock formation is one of the most defining elements. local shops, restaurants, and galleries all line Pearl Street Mall. Rock climbing is big here, and many climbers plan a weekend around tackling some of the various routes near town. If you just want to get out into nature and hike start at Chautauqua Park; there are many trails from easy to hard. You can also soak up the Rocky Mountains on bike ride on the 200 miles of maintained trails. To cap off an evening on your weekend getaway to Boulder, drive or hike to the top of Flagstaff Mountain and catch the sunset. The views from nearly 7,000 feet are spectacular. Boulder is nestled at the base of the iconic flatirons, so it’s loaded with natural things to do. Distance from Fort Collins: 1 hour drive. Distance from Denver: 35 minute drive
Breckenridge⎪Breckenridge is a four-season resort town and has a bit of everything on offer. You can be as busy or as slack as you’d like. Many people come here for the sole purpose of skiing at Breckenridge Resort. Skiing at “Breck” is legendary. The mountain boasts the highest chair in North America, topping out at an astounding 12,840 feet. Up here, the snow is light and soft right into May. The rest of the mountain offers a wide variety of terrain, and the lower elevations feature wide-open runs with gentle inclines, just perfect for families. Breckenridge is also a great spot for a spring weekend getaway. The sun is warm, and you can sit out on a patio and enjoy a meal in town while watching the skiers do their thing on the slopes.Summer weekend getaways in Breckenridge are also fun. You’ll find fantastic mountain biking, hiking, and white water rafting on the Arkansas River. If you are just looking for some rest and relaxation, Breckenridge can provide that, too. Take a stroll on the historic main street to find interesting shopping opportunities, from famous brands to eclectic hometown stores. Distance from Fort Collins: 2.3 hours drive. Distance from Denver: 1.3 hours drive
Crested Butte⎪Today, Crested Butte is known not only for its winter ski season but also for its summer mountain biking and scenic meadows full of brilliant wildflowers, which have earned it the title of “Wildflower Capital of Colorado.” Cultural heritage is also an important part of the town’s identity. It is so easy to lose yourself in this quant mountainside town: while you wander through Main Street you can eat and drink to your hearts content. Put on your hiking shoes or snow gear and head to the mountain where there is every activity imaginable waiting for you. If exercise isn’t your jam you will find many shops and restaurants that you will love. This town must be added to your list!
Denver⎪A weekend getaway to Colorado’s capital city can include almost an endless amount of activities. Shopping, museums, concerts, and sporting events are some of the main attractions. This bustling city also has a thriving dining scene, with some innovative and trendy restaurants. A weekend away here can easily be built around a concert at the impressive outdoor Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater venue. If your plans include a bit of culture and learning, check out the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Distance from Fort Collins: 1 hour drive
Durango⎪Durango is a scenic and historical town nestled in the San Juan Mountains. This is a destination that holds so much character and history; if you’re up to it ask the people to tell you the stories of ghosts who still live here. Meander the main street to find a great selection of restaurants or enjoy nearby skiing, hiking, and mountain biking trails. One of the most famous year-round attractions in town that should be on your weekend away agenda is the Silverton-Durango Narrow Gauge Railway. Ride the rails behind an authentic steam powered engine as it winds its way up Cascade Canyon on its way to Silverton. Distance from Fort Collins: 7 hours drive. Distance from Denver: 6.1 hours drive
Fruita ⎪Fruita is one of Colorado’s best mountain biking destinations and an ideal weekend getaway for those wanting some challenging trails. A short drive from town brings you to 18 Road Trails, one of the best spots for smooth rolling descents with reasonable ascents. More advanced riders looking for some slickrock should seek out nearby Kokopelli Loops trail. Even closer is Rabbit Valley and the Lunch Loop Trails. The town itself is small and funky, with bike shops and other interesting establishments. Local restaurants are small and fun, and many of them have outdoor patios. Park the car and wander the streets until you find something interesting. Distance from Fort Collins: 5 hours drive. Distance from Denver: 4 hours drive
Glenwood Springs⎪Pack up your bathing suits and head to Glenwood Springs for a romantic weekend getaway. You’ll know you are getting close when the road begins to twist and turn as you travel through spectacular Glenwood Canyon along the way. There’s nothing quite like a soak in the hot springs to soothe all your worries away and to help you unwind. The only thing you’ll need to worry about is where to go for dinner, and Glenwood Springs has numerous options for you to choose from. The compact and historical downtown area has a variety of restaurants, where you can find fine dining right through to cheap and casual fare. I love the Riviera Supper Club for craft cocktails and amazing eats. Distance from Fort Collins: 3.3 hours drive. Distance from Denver: 2.4 hours drive
Ouray⎪The small town of Ouray has been a popular weekend getaway for many years due mainly to the town’s historic hot springs. In fact, there are five public and one private hot springs to choose from. The town has a cute main street, with local shops and restaurants, and is the perfect place for an evening stroll. Accommodation is in local bed and breakfasts or hotels. In the summer, a day trip up to Silverton along the Million Dollar Highway is not to be missed. The twisty road ascends steeply from Ouray and passes some of Colorado’s most spectacular scenery along the way. Distance from Fort Collins: 6.3 hours drive. Distance from Denver: 5.4 hours drive
Steamboat Springs ⎪Steamboat Springs is less than three hours from Denver, making it an ideal weekend getaway from the city. The drive here takes in some beautiful mountain scenery. The western-themed town is known for its cowboy culture and is a good place to visit at any time of year. The ski resort of Steamboat is one of the top ski resorts in Colorado. Other activities off the mountain include romantic sleigh rides, snowmobile tours, horseback riding, and visiting the Strawberry Hot Springs. Just a short drive from downtown, these outdoor hot springs, set in a natural surrounding of exposed rocks, are the perfect way to relax. Distance from Fort Collins: 4 hours drive. Distance from Denver: 3 hours drive
Telluride⎪Picture-perfect Telluride is a great place for a weekend away; you will feel like you’re in a western movie. This historical town is set at the end of a valley with soaring peaks on three sides. You can find things to do here in summer and winter. If you are looking for a great winter weekend getaway in Colorado and you are a skier, this is a popular destination. Telluride Ski Resort has some incredible lift serviced terrain and a substantial amount of hike to descents. Throughout the summer, any weekend will do for a getaway to Telluride. A different festival takes place almost every weekend, from May right through until October. Some of the most notable are the Bluegrass Festival, Yoga Festival and the Telluride Film Festival. Distance from Fort Collins: 7.1 hours drive. Distance from Denver: 6.25 hours drive
