Escape the busy city life of Denver, Colorado by taking a weekend getaway at one of these great Colorado towns. No matter if you’re looking for a destination near the “Mile High City” or a road trip across the state, these destinations are sure to please. From ski towns to charming cities, make the best of your weekend when you visit one of these top weekend getaways from Denver, Colorado.
Driving Distance:
Less Than 1 Hour From Denver
Boulder
Boulder, Colorado is a short drive from Denver, which makes it an ideal getaway for those not wanting to spend their precious weekend in a car. Known for its eclectic, college-town vibe, Boulder offers great shopping on Pearl Street, hiking trails close to the city, and a bike-friendly city center. Hiking enthusiasts will definitely want to visit Chautauqua Park to hike up Boulder’s famous Flatirons, which are the city’s iconic craggy boulders that peek out from the forested foothills. Aside from the Flatirons, the trail up Mount Sanitas is another great trek that boasts great views of Denver. Aside from outdoor recreation, rent a bike to enjoy shopping on Pearl Street, including taking a pit stop at Mountain Sun Pub and Brewery for a local craft beer.
Golden
Just 15 miles outside of Denver, Golden, Colorado is one of the closest weekend getaway options to the city. Although Golden is close to Denver, you’ll still experience some mountain charm in this historic foothills town. Historic buildings, a network of hiking trails, and Coors Brewery set Golden apart. Locals and visitors alike flock to Clear Creek during the summer months. The Clear Creek Trail is great for walking and biking, while fly fishing and sunbathing are popular on the banks of the creek. Adrenaline junkies may want to visit Clear Creek Whitewater Park to kayak, raft, and canoe.
Idaho Springs
Idaho Springs is one of the closest destinations to Denver on this list. Only a 40-minute drive outside of the city, Idaho Springs is just far enough away to forget all about city life. There are two draws to Idaho Springs: Indian Hot Springs and Smokin’ Yards BBQ. After soaking in the mineral hot springs, make sure to grab some well-made barbecue from this family-owned restaurant. The town also has a number of hiking trails in the area too.
Nederland
Just a one-hour drive from Denver, Nederland is a Colorado mountain town in Boulder County that offers a small-town vibe. During the winter, Boulderites regularly flock to Nederland to ski Eldora Mountain. After a day skiing, stop in one of the local breweries, like Knotted Root Brewing Company, for a refreshing pint. If you’re visiting Nederland during the autumn season, take a scenic drive on the Peak-to-Peak Byway to catch the aspen trees change from green to a vibrant yellow, autumnal hue. Summer travelers should take advantage of the hiking here. The hike to Diamond Lake is a must-do, as it will take you past a waterfall as you trek up to the lake, which boasts great views of Colorado’s high country.
Less Than 2 Hours From Denver
Estes Park
Home to one of the most famous national parks in the country, Estes Park is a great place to visit no matter what time of year. Since Estes Park is only an hour and a half drive from Denver, this small mountain town is ideal for a short weekend getaway. While you’re here, you must visit Rocky Mountain National Park, which has hiking trails, scenic picnic areas, and a scenic byway known as Trail Ridge Road. After enjoying the park, make sure to hit up the Estes Park attractions like the downtown shopping area and Stanley Hotel.
Fort Collins
One of the most picturesque towns in Colorado, Fort Collins is also the fourth largest city in Colorado. It’s home to Colorado State University and is a biking town filled with craft breweries. Commonly referred to as “Colorado’s Craft Beer Capital,” popular breweries like New Belgium Brewing Company and Odell Brewing Company are based here. Old Town, the downtown area of Fort Collins, is so cute that even Walt Disney himself based Disneyland Main Street USA on it. Apart from the town, however, Fort Collins is also a great place for outdoor recreation. Hike Horsetooth Mountain or take a boat out on Horsetooth Reservoir.
Georgetown
With just under an hour’s drive outside of Denver, you’ll find yourself in the quaint mining town of Georgetown. This charming Colorado town is home to a number of small museums that will make any history buff happy. Take a ride on the Georgetown Loop Railroad, which once serviced the silver mines in the area. A drive through Guanella Pass isn’t a bad idea either, as there are a number of scenic stops along the way. Hotel Chateau Chamonix is one of the most popular hotels in the area that will make your stay in Georgetown unforgettable.
Colorado Springs
Home to Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs is an iconic Colorado town that is well worth the short, one-hour drive from Denver. Since Colorado Springs is one of Colorado’s largest cities, there are plenty of accommodation options, including the iconic Broadmoor resort. Pikes Peak towers over the city, and anyone can visit this 14,000-foot mountain by taking the cog railway all the way up to the top. After enjoying Colorado Springs’ natural attractions, head to the neighborhood of “Old Colorado City,” which is full of boutiques, restaurants, and the Old Colorado City History Center.
Breckenridge
This iconic mountain town is well known for its ski slopes. However, Breckenridge is a great weekend getaway no matter what time of year. Skiers flock here during the winter to shred Colorado’s powdery snow at Breckenridge Ski Resort. However, during the fall and summer seasons, hiking is a great option. An easy hike that is close to downtown Breckenridge is the Sawmill Trail. Experienced hikers may want to consider the Quandary Peak hike, a trek up one of Colorado’s 14,000-foot mountains (referred to as 14’ers). Often known as simply “Breck” among locals, Breckenridge wouldn’t be as popular of a mountain town without its cute downtown area. This walkable area is full of bars and breweries, art galleries, shopping, and eateries. If you do intend to head to Breckenridge on the weekend in the winter, make sure to leave early on Friday to avoid traffic that often hits I-70, as skiers flock to the slopes for the weekend.
Winter Park
Home to Colorado’s longest-running ski resort, Winter Park is a snowy oasis for skiers and snowboarders during the winter months. Winter activities at Winter Park Resort vary from skiing to snowshoeing to ice skating. The area has plenty to offer for a weekend getaway. Since Winter Park is a little over an hour’s drive from Denver, it’s well worth the drive, no matter what time of year. For summer travelers, you can soak up the mountain scenery with a gondola ride at the resort or lace up your boots for a hike. Take an easy stroll on the Fraser River Trail, but if you’re looking for a more rugged trek, consider the popular hike up Berthoud Pass.
Vail
With less than a two-hour drive from the Mile High City, Vail is a great mountain town getaway for Denverites. Outdoor enthusiasts flock here in the winter to enjoy the slopes at Vail Ski Resort. However, summer visitors will have plenty to do here too, like fly fishing in Gore Creek, hiking Booth Falls, or golfing at Vail Golf Club. Aside from outdoor activities, stroll the cobblestone streets of Vail Village, which is home to a variety of shops from upscale ski wear boutiques to fine dining restaurants. Unwind after a long day with a craft beer from Vail Brewing Company. If you have time during the weekend, spend some time in nearby Beaver Creek too.
Manitou Springs
Just outside of Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs offers a small-town vibe with a cute main street and plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities. Start your day with the Manitou Incline, a steep one-mile hike that consists of over 2,700 stair steps. It’s known as one of the highest sets of stairs in the world. Expect a strenuous workout, but something that is bucket list worthy. After hiking the Incline, take a soak in one of the hot tubs at SunWater Spa. Downtown Manitou Springs offers shopping, eateries, and art galleries. Spend some of your weekend getaway exploring nearby Colorado Springs too, which is also on this list.
Granby
This lowkey Colorado town is perfect for Denverites seeking some solitude. Although not as popular of a destination city as Boulder or Vail, Granby offers plenty to weekenders year-round. Within a two-hour drive from the Mile High City, Granby is ideal for outdoor lovers, especially fishing enthusiasts, as Granby is home to the part of the Colorado River that is designated as “Gold Medal” waters. Since Granby is within a reasonable driving distance of Lake Granby, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Winter Park, this Colorado town acts as a home base for travelers wanting to visit these popular Colorado destinations.
Less Than 3 Hours From Denver
Steamboat Springs
The three-hour drive from Denver is well worth a weekend spent in Steamboat Springs. Perfect for skiers and snowboarders, this mountain town during the winter comes alive as tourists flock to Steamboat Ski Resort. However, this town has plenty to offer in the summer too, like hiking, biking, and horseback riding. After a long day on the trail or the slopes, you’ll want to visit Strawberry Park Hot Springs, a natural hot springs pool that is arguably the best in the state.
Medicine Bow, Wyoming
Escape the state of Colorado this weekend and head to Wyoming to explore Medicine Bow. Although Medicine Bow is a further drive at about three hours away, it’s well worth the trip, as the scenic drive will just add to your relaxing Wyoming weekend. During the winter, flock to the Snowy Range Ski Area. This ski area isn’t as big as some Colorado ski areas, however, a lift pass here is a portion of the price, making it ideal for skiers on a budget. Medicine Bow is well known among hikers due to the hike up Medicine Bow Peak, a 12,000-foot peak that is the highest peak in the Snowy Range.
Glenwood Springs
Come to Glenwood Springs and leave your worries behind while you rest in the world’s largest hot springs pool. This little mountain town is a three-hour drive from the Mile High City. Consider staying at the Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge, which is a hotel home to the largest hot spring-fed pool. You don’t have to stay at the lodge to gain access to the pool. Another hot spot to consider in Glenwood Springs is Yampah Spa & Salon, where you can get a massage and enjoy the natural vapor caves here. Before you leave, you may also want to hike the Hanging Lake Trail, one of the most popular hikes in the state.
Less Than 4 Hours From Denver
Aspen
For a luxurious weekend getaway, look no further than Aspen, Colorado. This mountain town is known for its skiing and luxury lodging options. However, this ski town is not just for skiers and snowboarders. Foodies will also enjoy the top-notch restaurants here. If you’re visiting here during the summer or fall, make sure to check out the Maroon Bells, one of the most photographed spots in Colorado.
Palisade
Wine lovers should head to Palisade for the weekend. This town found on the western slope of Colorado is set right in the middle of wine country. The drive here is longer than others on this list at nearly four hours, but tasting Colorado’s best wines is well worth the wait. The Palisade Fruit and Wine Byway is not only scenic but also offers stops at over a dozen wineries.
