12 Best Weekend Getaways In Colorado - Vacation In Colorado With Things To Do + Activities

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Looking for what to do in Colorado? Then check this list of weekend getaways in Colorado with the best places to visit in Colorado. Plan your exciting vacation in Colorado.

ALSO READ: 👉🏼 7 Best Road Trips In Colorado – Scenic Drives + Scenic Stopovers & Hotels

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Weekend Getaways In Colorado – Vacation In Colorado

There are many places to visit in Colorado like no other state, boasting diverse experiences from the majestic Rocky Mountains and picturesque alpine lakes to charming mountain towns, providing the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures, cultural exploration, and relaxation.

ALSO READ: 👉🏼 155 Best Colorado Captions For Instagram With Colorado Quotes, Puns & Slogans

Aspen

How to Reach: Fly into Aspen/Pitkin County Airport or drive from Denver (about 3.5 hours).

Aspen is a world-renowned ski destination, and its picturesque landscapes and cultural attractions make it a year-round destination. Take the chance to experience the glamour of Aspen’s high-end shopping and dining. Therefore, it is one of the best places to visit in Colorado.

Overnight Hotel: The Little Nell – Luxurious accommodations with stunning mountain views.

Activities & Things To Do:

Skiing (in winter), hiking,
Visit Maroon Bells,
Explore Aspen’s vibrant art scene.
Shopping on Aspen’s Historic Main Street.
Explore the historic Ashcroft Ghost Town, located just outside Aspen, offering a glimpse into the area’s mining history.
Visit Snowmass Village, a nearby resort community, for additional outdoor activities, shopping, and dining options.
Experience white water rafting on the Roaring Fork River or nearby rivers, providing an adventurous way to enjoy the scenic surroundings.

ALSO READ: 👉🏼Colorado In Winter Itinerary – Best Winter Activities + Day Wise Things To Do

Breckenridge – Colorado Things To Do

How to Reach: Drive from Denver (about 2 hours).

Breckenridge is a charming mountain town with a historic downtown. In addition to outdoor activities, explore the local art scene and enjoy the lively atmosphere on Main Street.

Overnight Hotel: The Lodge at Breckenridge – Offers panoramic views and a rustic mountain charm.

Activities & Things To Do:

Skiing/snowboarding, hiking,
Enjoy a thrilling ride on the Gold Runner Alpine Coaster, an exhilarating mountain coaster that operates year-round.
Explore Breckenridge’s historic Main Street’s shops and restaurants.
Walk or bike along the Blue River Recreation Path, a scenic trail that meanders through the town and offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Climb the Breckenridge Troll.
Visit Carter Park for outdoor recreation.

Colorado Springs – Places To Visit In Colorado

How to Reach: Drive from Denver (about 1.5 hours).

Colorado Springs offers a mix of outdoor adventure and cultural attractions. Take a scenic drive to Pikes Peak and explore the unique rock formations at Garden of the Gods.

Overnight Hotel: Garden of the Gods Club & resort with a rich history and beautiful surroundings.

Activities & Things To Do:

Visit the Garden of the Gods,
Hike Pikes Peak,
Step back in time at Rock Ledge Ranch, a living history museum.
Explore the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum.
Explore the Ghost Town Museum, featuring preserved buildings and artifacts from Colorado’s gold rush era.
Hike or bike the trails at Palmer Park, a large city park with diverse ecosystems, rock formations, and panoramic city views.
Challenge yourself with the Manitou Incline, a steep hiking trail that climbs over 2,000 feet in just under a mile.
Explore the quirky town of Manitou Springs, known for its art galleries, unique shops, and the historic Manitou Springs Penny Arcade.

Telluride

How to Reach: Fly into Montrose Regional Airport or drive from Grand Junction (about 2.5 hours).

Telluride is known for its scenic beauty and world-class Skiing. Take the gondola for panoramic views of the mountains and explore the town’s rich history.

Overnight Hotel: The Peaks Resort and Spa – Offers luxurious accommodations and a spa with stunning mountain views.

Activities & Things To Do:

Skiing, hiking,
Take a ride on the free Telluride Gondola, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It operates year-round and provides access to Mountain Village.
Visit Telluride Historical Museum.
Wander through the historic downtown area, featuring Victorian architecture.
Visit Box Canyon Falls Park to see the powerful 285-foot waterfall and explore the surrounding canyon trails.
Hike or drive to Alta Lakes Observatory, a picturesque area with alpine lakes and a historic mining structure.
Hike to Bear Creek Falls for a rewarding view of a stunning waterfall surrounded by lush mountain scenery.

Estes Park

How to Reach: Drive from Denver (about 1.5 hours).

Estes Park is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, offering outdoor adventures like hiking and wildlife watching.

Overnight Hotel: The Stanley Hotel – Famous for its historical significance and as the inspiration for Stephen King’s “The Shining.”

Visit The Stanley Hotel for a taste of history and a ghost tour.

Activities & Things To Do:

Explore Rocky Mountain National Park,
Drive or take a scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the United States, for breathtaking views of the Rockies.
Ride the Estes Park Aerial Tramway for panoramic views of the town and the surrounding mountains.
Visit The Stanley Hotel.
Enjoy outdoor activities at Lake Estes Marina, such as fishing, paddleboarding, and scenic boat tours.

Durango

How to Reach: Drive from Albuquerque (about 3.5 hours) or fly into Durango-La Plata County Airport.

Durango combines Old West history with outdoor recreation. Take a scenic train ride on the Durango & Silverton Railroad and explore the ancient cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park.

Overnight Hotel: The Strater Hotel – A historic hotel in downtown Durango with Victorian charm.

Activities & Things To Do:

Ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, offering breathtaking views as it winds through the San Juan National Forest. This train ride is one of the most unique things to do in Colorado.
Explore Mesa Verde National Park,
Go river rafting.
Bike, walk, or run along the scenic Animas River Trail.
Stroll through historic downtown Durango, lined with charming shops, boutiques, galleries, and restaurants housed in Victorian-era buildings.
Enjoy outdoor activities at Purgatory Resort.
Relax at Trimble Hot Springs, featuring a range of hot spring pools, offering a soothing experience surrounded by nature.

Vail

How to Reach: Drive from Denver (about 2 hours) or fly into Eagle County Regional Airport.

Vail is a world-class ski resort with stunning mountain scenery. Enjoy summer outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking, and explore the charming Vail Village with its shops and restaurants.

Overnight Hotel: The Arrabelle at Vail Square – A luxurious alpine-style hotel in the heart of Vail Village.

Activities & Things To Do:

Hit the slopes at Vail Ski Resort, one of the world’s largest and most famous ski destinations. Enjoy Skiing/snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking,
Explore Vail Village, a charming pedestrian village with cobblestone streets, upscale boutiques, art galleries, and dining options.
Visit the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, the highest botanical garden in North America.
Shop for outdoor gear, fashion, and souvenirs in Lionshead Village.

Steamboat Springs

How to Reach: Drive from Denver (about 3.5 hours).

Steamboat Springs is known for its Champagne Powder snow and offers a range of outdoor activities. Relax in the natural hot springs or take a scenic hike to Fish Creek Falls.

Overnight Hotel: The Steamboat Grand – A ski-in/ski-out resort with modern amenities.

Activities & Things To Do:

Hit the slopes at Steamboat Ski Resort and enjoy Skiing, hot air ballooning,
Relax in the natural hot springs at Old Town Hot Springs.
Visit Strawberry Park Hot Springs,
Explore Fish Creek Falls.
Explore the historic downtown area with its Western-inspired architecture, boutique shops, art galleries, and various restaurants.
Explore the Yampa River Botanic Park.

Glenwood Springs

How to Reach: Drive from Denver (about 2.5 hours).

Why to Visit: Glenwood Springs is famous for its hot springs and outdoor attractions. Take a scenic hike to the breathtaking Hanging Lake or enjoy family-friendly rides at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.

Overnight Hotel: Hotel Colorado – A historic hotel with Victorian charm.

Activities & Things To Do:

Soak in Glenwood Hot Springs,
Explore Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park,
Soak in the mineral-rich waters at Iron Mountain Hot Springs, which features 16 individual soaking pools with different temperatures and a freshwater family pool.
Hike Hanging Lake.
Enjoy an evening of entertainment at the Glenwood Vaudeville Revue.
Experience the natural vapor caves at Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves, where mineral-rich steam baths offer relaxation and rejuvenation.
Take a scenic walk or bike ride along the Glenwood Springs River Trail, following the Colorado River through town.
Experience the thrill of white-water rafting on the Colorado River with Rock Gardens Rafting, offering guided trips for all skill levels.

Ouray

How to Reach: Drive from Montrose (about 1 hour) or fly into Montrose Regional Airport.

Ouray, known as the “Switzerland of America,” offers outdoor adventure and charming hot springs. The scenic Million Dollar Highway provides breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains.

Overnight Hotel: Beaumont Hotel & Spa – A historic hotel in the heart of Ouray.

Weekend Getaways In Colorado - vacation in Colorado - places to visit in Colorado — The Million Dollar Highway

Activities & Things To Do:

Ice climbing (in winter): In the winter, experience the Ouray Ice Park, a world-renowned ice climbing destination with frozen waterfalls for climbers of all skill levels.
hiking, relaxing in the Ouray Hot Springs,
Hike the Perimeter Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the town, the Uncompahgre River, and the surrounding San Juan Mountains.
Take a guided tour of the Bachelor Syracuse Mine to learn about Ouray’s mining history and experience a real mine.
Visit Box Canyon Park to see the cascading waterfall and explore the park’s walking paths and scenic overlooks.
Drive the Million Dollar Highway(U.S. Route 550).

Crested Butte

How to Reach: Drive from Gunnison (about 30 minutes) or fly into Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport.

Crested Butte is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering world-class winter skiing and excellent summer mountain biking. Explore the vibrant, historic downtown area.

Overnight Hotel: The Old Town Inn Crested Butte – A comfortable hotel.

Activities & Things To Do:

Enjoy Skiing or snowboarding at Crested Butte Mountain Resort in the winter and explore hiking and mountain biking trails in the summer.
Explore Crested Butte’s colorful historic district. Wander through the bright downtown area, lined with Victorian buildings, boutique shops, art galleries, and various restaurants.
Go for a hiking adventure in the nearby Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, known for its stunning alpine scenery and challenging trails.
Take the Crested Butte Mountain Express to Gothic during the summer, offering a scenic ride through the mountains to the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory.

Grand Lake

How to Reach: Drive from Denver (about 2 hours).

Grand Lake, located near the western entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, is a serene mountain town with a beautiful lake. Enjoy outdoor activities and the picturesque boardwalk along the shores of Grand Lake. Grand Lake is one of the most unique things to do in Colorado.

Overnight Hotel: Western Rivereria Lakeside Lodge – A charming lodge with a lakeside location.

Activities & Things To Do:

Boating on Grand Lake,
Hike the Rocky Mountain National Park, and
Explore the town boardwalk.
Stay at the Lakeside Motel and Resort, known for its lakeside cabins and stunning views of Grand Lake and the surrounding mountains.
In the winter, enjoy ice skating at the Grand Lake Community House and Ice Rink in the heart of the town.
Explore the Kauffman House Museum, a historic Victorian-era home that now serves as a museum showcasing the history of Grand Lake.

Whether you’re seeking thrilling activities like skiing, hiking, or exploring vibrant city scenes or simply unwinding in natural hot springs and enjoying local cuisine, a weekend in Colorado promises a rejuvenating escape in a breathtaking and dynamic setting. I hope you loved reading about unique things to do in Colorado, with some of the best places to visit in Colorado.

These weekend getaways in Colorado offer a variety of experiences, from the adrenaline rush of Skiing to the relaxation of hot springs, ensuring a memorable vacation in Colorado.

12 Best Weekend Getaways In Colorado – Vacation In Colorado With Things To Do + Activities