3 day weekend trips from denver

Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you

15 Unique Weekend Trips from Denver with Killer Scenery

• December 9, 2023
• By foxintheforest

Last Updated on April 4, 2024 by foxintheforest

Travel like a local, not a tourist with this list of weekend trips from Denver. Catering to everyone from the hardcore outdoor adventurer to the casual weekend getaway from Denver, you’ll have it all.

I’ve lived here for over 15 years and I write about Colorado for a living folks. Not to mention, I spent 12 years living in Denver and traveling every weekend to explore everything that Colorado and the surrounding areas have to offer.

Having personally traveled to every location on this list, multiple times, you can know that you’re getting the best list of weekend trips on the web!

Hands down.

From the unbelievable mountain views of the San Juan Range to the family-friendly streets of Breckenridge and Steamboat, there is a weekend trip from Denver for everyone.

The Best Weekend Trips from Denver within a 3-Hour Drive

If you’re looking for a quick getaway, then this lineup of places to visit within a 3-hour drive of Denver is for you.

Typically we opt to stay within 3 hours of Denver if we are going for a regular weekend and don’t have an extra day to spare. This has become more true now that we have a toddler in tow!

Local Tip: I-70 traffic is NUTS! Plan to add 45 minutes to 1.5 hours to your journey if you head westbound on Friday from 12 pm to 5 pm or Saturday from 8 am to 12 pm. Add 1 hour to your journey if you plan to head eastbound from 11:30 am to 4 pm on a Sunday.

1. Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park

Okay, so if you live in Denver I’m not positive you’re going to want to spend a weekend in RMNP and Estes, but we’ve done it a few times. Typically we will just spend the day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Or we head there for one particular thing.

But, locals might want to scope out the fall here. The crowds of summer are gone and things get a little bit quieter – especially after the leaves have turned.

If you’re visiting from out of town, then looking at Estes Park as a weekend trip is an excellent idea. For a quieter experience, you can also stay at Grand Lake or Granby, which puts you on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Another popular – yet worthy – way to spend your weekend in Estes is to explore Rocky Mountain National Park . Littered with incredible things to do, Rocky Mountain is a must-see any time of year. Don’t miss some of the other beautiful hikes in Estes Park like Sky Pond , Emerald Lake , and Gem Lake!

For a quieter experience, visit the nearby Indian Peaks Wilderness for a few fantastic views and even more beautiful trails.

Wildlife is everywhere here. Don’t miss the fall elk rut. Or go for an early morning drive along Trail Ridge Road, one of the best scenic drives near Denver to spot the ram in the high alpine – a great activity if you don’t want to hike.

Quick Facts and Local Tips

Local Tip: Virtually all of the hiking trail parking lots in Rocky Mountain National Park fill up before 6 am, especially on weekends (you’ll need a permit to enter Rocky ).

Distance from Denver: 1.5 hours, 65 miles Best for: Families with school-aged children, national park enthusiasts, visitors to Colorado, those who like to check off best-of lists, hikers, wildlife photographers, mountaineers, and climbers. When to go: Late June through October. Highlights: RMNP, Peak-to-Peak scenic byway, Indian Peaks Wilderness, Trail Ridge Road Lowlights : BIG crowds, traffic, timed entry requirements for RMNP Family-friendly? Yes, but if you are coming from out of town, be aware of the altitude, especially with babies!

2. Skip the Crowds at Breckenridge and Head to Frisco Instead

Frisco often gets overlooked in favor of Silverthorn and Breckenridge. However, not exploring this small town at the base of the Tenmile Range is a huge mistake.

Hot take here, but Breckenridge is COMPLETELY over-run and has not much to write home about aside from traffic and over-priced, mediocre food. Not to mention, you can easily get to Breck or Vail from Frisco, making it an ideal choice for a home base (and one that we locals prefer).

Reservoir access gives you tons of options for water-based recreation. While the bike path literally goes through town. You can road bike on paved trails all over the I-70 corridor. Don’t miss the opportunity to climb to the top of Vail Pass (keep going – the ride down is AWESOME!)

Hikers will love the easy access to simple hikes right from their lodging. If you’re a sport climber, then rope up and climb the Royal Flush (5.9, 7 pitches) for an alpine climbing-like experience to the top of Mount Royal.

There are plenty of cool things to do for families, such as riding the bike path toward Breck and hanging out at the creek, playground, or rec center right along the path.

Distance from Denver: 1.5 hours, 69 miles Best for: Water sports, mountain biking, road biking, hiking. When to go: Early June through October. Ski season: best from January to mid-March. Highlights: Lots of hiking within walking distance to town, developed bike paths, free shuttle busses that go to Breck and Vail, marina, and some campgrounds. Lowlights : Limited lodging options, parking can be challenging, and you are very close to I70 noise. Family-friendly? Yes!

3. Soak in the Hot Springs at Glenwood Springs

I’m always up for a quick escape to Glenwood Springs with our little family. This is a really manageable way to spend the weekend immersed in beautiful scenery with young kids. The hot springs are great and there are a few active attractions worth seeing.

You can also hop over to nearby Carbondale, one of my absolute favorite weekend getaways for a quiet escape into the mountains.

You should visit Glenwood Springs at least once. Nearby you’ll find a cool (and kid-friendly) adventure park and a gondola there’s plenty for families here.

Don’t miss the iconic Hanging Lake hike , an easy hike. It also happens to be one of the most unique hikes in Colorado . You’ll need to make a reservation for a $12 permit, but it’s worth it.

The town of Glenwood Springs offers plenty of entertainment, with lovely local eating options and a charm that welcomes you with open arms to the great Centennial State.

Local Tip: Couples will also enjoy visiting Iron Mountain Hot Springs!

Distance from Denver: 2 hrs 45 mins, 157 miles Best for: Families with babies and young kids, road trippers, first-time visitors, couples looking for a romantic getaway, and hot springs enthusiasts. When to go: Year-round Highlights: Lots of hot springs, easy access from I-70, different lodgings options and various prices, access to Aspen and Carbondale. Lowlights : Can be very busy during the summer, does not have a “mountain town” feel, and you are very close to I70 noise. Family-friendly? Yes, probably the most family-friendly location on this list!

4. Enjoy Solitude in Carbondale

I always love the time I spend in Carbondale. Honestly, if it weren’t for the need for my spouse to be near a metro area for work, we would live here.

It’s a lovely, laid-back place that has quick and easy access to nearby hot spots Aspen and Glenwood Springs. The restaurants here are really delicious and the local nature of the place provides an awesome weekend escape from Denver’s hustle and bustle. Not to mention, Mt Sopris is so pretty to look at!

Think of it as the local getaway, where many people come to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Elk Mountain Range without the pretentious mindset that you’ll find in Aspen.

The first Friday of the month features a budding art scene – where downtown Carbondale turns into a hot spot for local artists. Head up Mt Sopris or go for a gravel bike ride in the mountains to soak in the beautiful scenery.

After a long day outdoors, skinny dip in the Penny Hot Springs for a real local experience.

Local Tip: Carbondale is a bit pricey compared to Glenwood Springs and traffic heading to/from Aspen can be a nightmare, so head that way early!

Distance from Denver: 3 hours, 170 miles Best for: Hikers looking for a base to explore the Elks and Maroon Bells Wilderness, those looking for a quiet escape. When to go: Mid-June through September. Highlights: Great local food, bike paths, some quieter hikes, great if you want to split your time between Aspen and Glenwood Springs. Lowlights : Expensive, not any best-of Colorado things in the immediate vicinity, can feel really sleepy if you’re looking for a lot of action. Family-friendly? Yes

5. Ski and Relax in Steamboat Springs

Steamboat is a pretty sweet spot to spend the weekend. Most people come here for the skiing, but there is plenty to do in the summer too!

Oh ya, and there’s a ski resort that has some of the best tree skiing in the country.

As one of the few places in Colorado where you can ride on dedicated snowmobile trails, you’ll want to book a rental or tour for this classic Colorado winter activity .

During the summer be sure to check out the Zirkle Wilderness, Rabbit Ears Pass (lots of ATVing), and Fish Creek Falls!

After a day of high-adrenaline fun, hit up Strawberry Park Hot Springs for a natural soak. This is THE hot springs to visit in Colorado , so don’t miss out!

Local Tip: You will need an advanced reservation to visit Strawberry Park and they sell out quickly! It can be slick and there isn’t a lot of privacy for changing, so come prepared!

Distance from Denver: 3 hours, 156 miles Best for: Skiiers, ATVers, snowmobilers, and some hiking, but not a ton. When to go: Mid-June through September and January through March Highlights: Lots to do in the village, top hot spring in Colorado, tours and rentals of ATVs/snowmobiles. Great hunting out here too. Lowlights : Expensive, mountain scenery isn’t too dramatic Family-friendly? Yes

Escape to These Scenic Locales 3-6 Hours from Denver

So I would personally recommend these Denver getaways if you have a long weekend, just because they are quite a drive. However, if you’re a road warrior, certainly get after it.

If you are coming from out of town, you may want to consider bundling a few of these locations for a Colorado road trip , as a quick weekend will feel like a lot of driving.

6. Telluride: Denver’s Best Weekend Getaway for Mountain Lovers

I love any opportunity I get to come to the San Juans and Telluride is a special treat! It’s one of the more expensive locales on this list, but it’s nestled in a stunning mountain valley with insane views at every turn.

We love to go 4×4 driving in and out of Telluride and stay in nearby Ouray. This is an excellent option if you have more than a weekend.

But if you want luxury accommodation and picture-perfect mountain scenes right outside of your doorstep, then this is the spot to be!

Nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, this charming mountain locale has everything: waterfall hikes, some of the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado , great eats, an adventurous Telluride via Ferrata , and more.

In the winter, you’ll be treated to world-class skiing at Telluride Resort and you can even hop over to Ouray for a day at the ice climbing park (no experience required).

It’s easy to spend a lifetime here indulging in Telluride’s best hikes and tackling on some of the most scenic dirt roads in the state. You’ll for sure want a vehicle with some clearance and 4WD to make the most of your stay here.

Local Tip: There is only one road in and out of Telluride – making it a pain to access. If you’re only here for a weekend, it’s best to just stick to activities in the immediate vicinity to avoid a long 1-hour drive in and out of town.

Distance from Denver: 6.5 hours, 327 miles Best for: 4×4 road drivers, skiers, luxury travelers, and hikers (most hikes are challenging due to the steep surrounding terrain). When to go: Mid-June through September and January through March. Highlights: Picture-perfect town, waterfalls, via Ferrata, Blue Lake hike, 4×4 roads in and out of town, great for road trips along the San Juan Scenic Byway. Lowlights : Expensive, food isn’t great and over-priced, isolated, difficult to get around town by car. Family-friendly? Not as much as other places on the list. Suitable for older children.

7. The Switzerland of America: Ouray

A little ways past the turnoff for Telluride you’ll find Ouray, Colorado. Dubbed “the Switzerland of America” this jaw-dropping mountain town got its start with mining. Nearby you’ll find the famous Million Dollar Highway – the most scenic drive in Colorado.

This is my all-time favorite mountain in Colorado. I can’t get enough of this place. It’s a stretch for a weekend, simply because there’s so much to do nearby. I’d recommend spending at least 3 full days here, but I included it because it’s just that stunning!

Ice Lake Basin is a world-famous hike nearby. Not to mention there are plenty of 4×4 trails, fishing opportunities, and drool-worthy vistas to keep you occupied for a weekend getaway from Denver.

The town itself boasts plenty of adorable shops and delicious eats. A must-do weekend trip from Denver for sure!

Distance from Denver: 5.5 hours, 301 miles Best for: 4×4 road drivers, hikers (most hikes are challenging due to the steep surrounding terrain), ice climbers, via Ferrata enthusiasts, scenic drives, great camping options When to go: Year-round, but it’s best from mid-June through September. Winters are lovely, but the weather can close the roads. Highlights : Beautiful town that’s easy to access, right along the famous Million Dollar Highway, lots of hiking, Ouray Adventure Park offers ice climbing and via Ferrata for free, and ATVing options. Lowlights : Windy driving on roads without guardrails can be intimidating for the uninitiated, not a lot of beginner-friendly hikes (and trails can be crowded), best if you have a 4Runner, Jeep, or equivalent. Family-friendly? Great for school-age kids and up. Challenging for toddlers and babies.

Local Tip: July is prime time to see the wildflowers blooming in the mountains. Coupled with dramatic views of red-capped peaks, this place is unbelievable.

8. Mountain Bike and Hike the Deserts of Fruita and Grand Junction

We visit Fruita and Grand Junction Fall through Spring multiple times a year. It helps that we have family out here, but it’s also a great place to get outside when it’s not quite warm enough in the mountains.

The feel in Grand Junction and nearby Fruita (15 minutes down the road) is more of a red rock desert. We love to come here for a quick escape into the desert without committing to southern Utah.

Fruita is a budding little hipster town on the western slope is best known for some of the best mountain biking trails in Colorado.

After you’re finished with single-track riding, check out some incredible hikes in the Colorado National Monument .

You’ll feel like you’re in Moab with these stunning sandstone canyons. Don’t forget to check out hikes like Devil’s Canyon Loop Trail just outside the park too.

Afterward, snag a slice at the Hot Tomato, an amazing pizza joint in town!

Grand Junction is a great nearby home base if you want more options for dining or you’d like to be close to the wine country in nearby Palisade. But realistically you’ll be within arms reach of all the amazing things to do at either Fruita or Grand Junction.

Local Tip: If the weather looks yucky in the rest of the state, definitely give Fruita and Grand Junction a peep, you may find that you can skirt the storms!

Distance from Denver: 4 hours, 254 miles Best for: mountain biking, wine tasting, desert scenery. When to go: Mid-October through early May. Highlights : Famous mountain biking trails, Palisade wine country is nearby, The Colorado National Monument (views, hikes, intrepid rock climbing, and camping) Lowlights : It does not have any classic mountain views, realllllly hot in the summer Family-friendly? Yes! Although it’s not as geared towards children as other places on this list (think cliffs, cacti, and you’ll need some stamina to bike!)

9. Visit the Black Canyon of the Gunnison

One of my first experiences in Colorado was hiking to the bottom of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison . I can’t say I recommend that for first-timers with little hiking experience (I got left at the bottom), but either way this place is impressive.

Here you’ll find sweeping views of 1,000-plus foot black granite walls. Super impressive views can be found here!

It’s often often overlooked in favor of other Colorado national parks in the state, but that’s a mistake. It’s so quiet and super beautiful here.

Now I come to climb these cliff walls (yes, you can climb here and it’s just as intense as it looks). But I always love soaking up a sunset at one of the many overlooks.

There isn’t a ton to do for the average visitor, which means a weekend is perfect here.

Camp along the rim of the national park and enjoy easy rim hikes, a challenging hike to the bottom of the canyon, or explore the rad climbs in the area.

You can also see the canyon by boat – a really unique way to grasp just how large this canyon system is.

Relax in the nearby town of Gunnison, known for its classic ranching charm. Eat at High Alpine Brewing for some post-canyon noshing.

Distance from Denver: 5 hrs, 262 miles Best for: National Park lovers, photographers, experienced hikers or leisurely hikers, great camping. When to go: Spring and fall. This park closes its gates in the winter. Summers are scorching. Highlights : Unique views, unique hikes, great camping, and very difficult trad climbing. Lowlights : Not a whole lot to do compared to other places on this list, difficult to access the North Rim of the park, not a lot of infrastructure nearby. Family-friendly? No. You can take your kiddo here, but there are very few guardrails and not a lot of things to do for children.

Local Tip : An America the Beautiful Parks Pass gets you into all 4 of Colorado’s National Parks , and many more scenic Colorado hot spots.

10. Enjoy the Fall Colors of Crested Butte

Crested Butte is my second favorite mountain town next to Ouray.

I’ve been here a LOT over the years. There’s always something to do in Crested Butte from stunning wildflower blooms to skiing. But my personal favorite is coming to Crested Butte to check out the fall color displays.

Okay, so you can certainly visit Crested Butte year-round, but the best time to visit has to be in the fall.

Kebler Pass is the most amazing place to view the aspens. In fact, it’s got one of the largest aspen groves in the world. Did you know that each grove is a single tree? How’s that for some local know-how?

The winters are an excellent time to ski Mount Crested Butte, Colorado’s favorite local mountain. While the summer is prime time for mountain biking – a Colorado hot spot.

The town of Crested Butte is the Colorado mountain town you dream about. Uber-cute boutique shopping is everywhere and Teocalli Tamale serves up an excellent breakfast burrito.

Enjoy that post-hike hunger at the Secret Stash a pizzeria serving up unique flavors with attitude.

Distance from Denver: 4.5 hours, 228 miles Best for: Mountain bikers, skiers, hikers (although not as dramatic as other hiking areas). When to go: Year-round. Highlights : Stunning wildflower displays, incredible fall colors, and great skiing Lowlights : Gotten pricier over the years, a bit isolated, and can be very busy. Family-friendly? Yes.

11. Pamper Yourself in Aspen

Personally, I’m not a huge fan of the town of Aspen. It’s mostly rich people from Texas with their mega-mansions. The traffic is awful, parking sucks, and everything is overpriced.

BUT, it has a few redeeming qualities. First, being seen in designerwear in the mountains might be your jam. And the restaurants are quite good here.

However, the BIGGEST reason to check out Aspen is the nearby Maroon Bells Wilderness.

I pop up for a weekend here not to enjoy the town, but to go backpacking or trail running these stunning mountains.

It is also home to one of the most iconic scenes in Colorado – the Maroon Bells Scenic Area – and it is worth checking out. But I personally only recommend coming to Aspen if you’re looking for an overpriced luxury experience OR to spend time sleeping in the backcountry.

Local Tip : Permits and parking for the Maroon Bells Wilderness sell out almost immediately. Plan well in advance!

Distance from Denver: 3.5 hours, 198 miles Best for: Photographers, hikers, backpackers, and uber-luxury travelers. When to go: Late June through September and January through March (skiing only) Highlights : Amazing mountain scenery, some of the best backpacking and hiking in the state, advanced 14er summits, and designer shops. Lowlights : CROWDED with lots of traffic, difficult to plan a trip here, extremely expensive, even backcountry trips are busy. Family-friendly? No. Older kids may enjoy backpacking.

12. Camp with the Kiddos at the Great Sand Dunes National Park

If you’re looking for the ultimate kid-friendly weekend away, look no further than the Great Sand Dunes National Park.

We’ve been camping here with our daughter, and pretty much the entire campground was families with kids. And it makes sense, who DOESN’T want to play on nature’s biggest sand castle?

Did you know that the largest sand dunes in North America are in Southern Colorado? These mega-dunes create one of the best weekend trips from Denver.

The sand bubbles up from a spring (considered sacred to many Native Americans in the area) and creates a natural masterpiece.

With backdrops of the Sangre de Cristo Range, this picture-perfect landscape is ripe with opportunities for enjoyment.

Make your reservations in advance to camp at the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Drive a 4×4 road, park at the dunes, and play in the sand, or take on a type 2 fun hike up Star Dune.

During late spring, there is a stream that traverses the dunes, making it an ideal place for kids and dogs to play.

Don’t forget to bring your camera. Sunsets from the campground are incredible. Not to mention the park is in designated Dark Sky Territory.

Distance from Denver: 3 hrs 30 min, 230 miles Best for: Campers, families with kids, photographers When to go: June through September Highlights : Great campground, 4×4 driving, ATVing (not in the park but nearby), accessible sand dunes. Lowlights : Campground reservations sell out immediately, not a lot of infrastructure around, and mosquitos can be really intense. Family-friendly? YES! This place is very popular with families.

Weekend Getaways from Denver that Are in Other States

Getting out of Denver sometimes means crossing the state lines. I know, we live in the best state ever, but our neighbors also have a TON of cool scenes to check out.

Spring and Fall are great times to head to the desert of southern Utah. While Wyoming occasionally avoids those pesky summer storms that take up your entire weekend.

These are a few of my favorite out-of-state spots to check out in just a weekend.

13. Climb, Camp, and Hike in Laramie, Wyoming

Whenever the weather sucks over a summer weekend, I always peep the forecast in Laramie. We love to come here to climb, but there are other things on the table too. This is a great spot to look when we get a stormy weekend across the Rockies.

Known as “Laradise” by locals, this quirky, western college town has a lot on offer.

Nearby Vedauwoo is something from another planet. Hiking trails and camping are abundant (and accessible) through these huge, lumpy rock pillars. Trad climbers flock here to try their luck at the brutal off-width climbing.

After a day of exploring head to Laramie for endless food options, quirky bars, and fun shopping.

Don’t forget to go for a hike in the Medicine Bow National Forest!

Distance from Denver: 2 hrs 15 mins, 129 miles Best for: Climbers, BLM camping, easy forested hikes, and some mountain biking. When to go: May through September Highlights : Vedauwoo, Medicine Bow National Forest, not on I-70 corridor. Lowlights : Not a ton going on here. Family-friendly? For older kids sure, bringing a baby here was tough.

14. Visit Moab Moab: Utah’s Adventure Capital

I cannot count how many times I’ve been to Moab. It’s my go-to weekend getaway location. Now that I live about 40 minutes closer, I go even more.

I’ve been here countless times fall through spring and spent several Christmases here – Moab in winter is absolute magic if you can stomach the cold. I’ve done everything from climbing the famous Castleton Tower to hiking in Arches with my toddler.

What makes it great is that you can extend your camping season by months! The scenery here is other-worldly and there’s lots of it to uncover!

There are SO MANY things to do in Moab , you’ll find yourself coming back again and again. Here are just a few of the activities on offer:

• Rock climbing near Moab
• Hiking in Arches National Park – hello Delicate Arch !
• Mountain biking
• Checking out Moab’s most scenic drives
• Backpacking in Canyonlands
• 4×4 driving on the White Rim Road

Distance from Denver: 5.5 hours, 355 miles Best for: National park enthusiasts, mountain bikers, hikers, campers, climbers, 4×4 drivers, photographers, and families. When to go: October through April Highlights : Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, 4×4 drives, world-class mountain biking, Dead Horse Point State Park , desert scenery galore! Lowlights : It can be very crowded. Avoid travel here during Easter Jeep Week. Advanced planning for permits and timed entry in national parks is required. Camping is highly restricted. Family-friendly? Moab can be as family-friendly or as rugged as you want it to be. My daughter has been here plenty and I’ve been here multiple times while pregnant.

Local Tip: Avoid this place in the summer. It’s chock full of obnoxious tourists. Visit in November through March for the slowest season.

15. Go for a Swim in Lake McConaughy, Nebraska

I’ve been coming to Lake McConaughy (or Lake Mac) for the better part of a decade. My spouse’s dad lives on the lake.

This place offers up a lot of swimming, beach camping (reservation required), and a totally different vibe than anything you’ll get near Denver.

Sick of the mountains? Head east. Okay, so before you knock me for putting a flatland locale on this list, Lake McConaughy is actually pretty unique.

It’s the largest (think speed boats, jet skis, kayaks, and spearfishing) lake within a weekend trip from Denver. 

It’s huge, the water is warm (unlike the icy alpine lakes of the Rockies), and you’ll find incredible beach-front camping.

The sand here is like being on a Caribbean beach. Fishing and camping permits are available and you can pitch your tent – or, more popular – RV right on the water’s edge. 

Come for the sand, stay for the sunsets.

Distance from Denver: 3.5 hours, 209 miles Best for: Families, boating, camping on the beach, spending time on the water. When to go: May through September Highlights : Beach camping, boating activities, fishing. Lowlights : It can be very crowded during the holidays. The nearest large town is quite far. Family-friendly? Yes!

Additional Colorado Travel Resources

Tired of playing the tourist? Get local, real advice about how to see Colorado like a local.

• The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Colorado
• The Only 4-day Road Trip Itinerary in Colorado You’ll Ever Need
• Your Guide to Camping in Colorado

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Meg Atteberry

Meg is a long-time Colorado local and outdoor industry professional. She's spent the last 15 years hiking, climbing, mountaineering, and canyoneering all over Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada in search of the best views. She's written for Outside Magazine, REI, Backpacker Magazine, and appeared on the Weather Channel.

Let’s connect!

Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. Toddler mom, queer, and neuro-spicy her favorite things to do are climb in the alpine and camp in the desert. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure.

9 Stunning Road Trips and Weekend Getaways from Denver, Colorado

Denver is not entire Colorado, although it has a lot to offer to locals and visitors alike. To see other sides of the state, plan exciting weekend getaways and go on nature-infused road trips from Denver to different destinations just a few hours away.

Last updated: February 6, 2023

The Best Road Trips and Weekend Getaways from Denver, Colorado

Denver is a starting point of endless road trips and weekend getaways for a reason. First, located 26 miles from Denver International Airport, the city welcomes the majority of visitors coming to Colorado from all over the world.

Second, one of the largest cities in the state, it has gathered more than 700,000 residents. While Denver surely treats them right, even the most devoted city dwellers need some relaxing weekend getaways to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Finally, Colorado’s capital boasts outstanding scenery just outside of its limits . You don’t need to drive far to soak up an almost homey vibe of smaller towns surrounding the city. Remarkable Colorado’s parks, alpine lakes, and majestic mountains are also just a stone’s throw away.

Thus, the exciting road trips and weekend getaways from Denver are not something you have to plan for months in advance. The new adventures await you right on the outskirts of the city. Ready to start? Here are some of the best day trips, road trips, and weekend getaways from Denver. 

9 EXCITING ROAD TRIPS AND WEEKEND GETAWAYS FROM DENVER, COLORADO

Day trips and weekend getaways from denver: up to 30 minutes away, 1. buffalo overlook, golden.

25 minutes from Denver

More of a day trip than a weekend getaway, the Buffalo Overlook nestles less than 18 miles from Denver. Home to a large herd of buffalo owned by the City of Denver, the place allows you to watch Colorado’s wild oxen in a natural setting.

This road trip takes usually a few hours, but can last the whole weekend if you decide to check out nearby places, such as Genesee and Clear Creek Canyon Park , before returning to Denver. 

30 minutes from Denver

Located mere 28 miles from Denver, Boulder is one of the closest road trips and weekend getaways popular with locals and visitors alike. It’s still a rather big city. Yet it differs from the capital in so many ways.

From the bustling Pearl Street Mall with a homey twist to the opulent Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse and hidden murals scattered throughout the city, Boulder has proved to be one of the irresistible weekend getaways, what if feels like, right on the outskirts of Denver.

Nature lovers also don’t hesitate to call Boulder a home for a weekend. Surrounded by Colorado’s towering mountains, the place prepares a myriad of exciting excursions, hikes, and leisurely walks in nature.

Start your road trip from Denver early, experience Boulder’s hospitality by noon, and hit the Wonderland Lake Loop Trail or the Flatirons Vista Trail to find some solitude and serenity before returning to your daily routine in the capital of Colorado.

Often, you don’t even need the whole weekend. One day in Boulder may be sufficient to recharge your battery and feel like a new person.

READ MORE: Highlights of Denver and Boulder in One Day

Road Trips and Weekend Getaways from Denver: 30 – 60 Minutes Away

3. mt. evans scenic byway, idaho springs.

40 minutes from Denver

Indeed, Colorado abounds with the exciting road trips and weekend getaways that starts on the outskirts of Denver. The Mt. Evans Scenic Byway, located near Idaho Springs, is just one of them.

The 28-mile highest paved road in North America rises over 7,000 feet, taking you to an altitude of more than 14,000 feet. The most adventurous Denver’s roadtrippers feel in their realm at this elevation. Often they ditch their cars and continue on on foot toward 14,264-foot Summit of Mount Evans .

The famous “fourteener” can even entice hardcore city enthusiasts. These may skip hiking altogether. Instead, they base in Idaho Springs , enjoy this little town’s hospitality, and adventure along the scenic byway in a more relaxed manner, admiring the panoramic views from the car.

While the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway entertains the drivers all year round, always stealing the show during the fall season (more about it later), the Mt. Evans Scenic Byway restrains its “services” to the warmer months. Normally, the route stays open from Memorial Day (late May) until Labor Day (early September) .

4. Golden Gate Canyon State Park

45 minutes from Denver

Another favorite fall road trip and weekend getaway, Golden Gate Canyon State Park infuses your escapes from Denver with a pop of vibrant colors. Your road adventures have never looked so bright.

If this is not enough to persuade you, Golden Gate Canyon State Park sits mere 20 miles west of Denver. Not a long drive indeed. Given this, the area often serves as a relaxing day-trip destination to recharge your battery before a new busy week in Denver.

The park boasts more than a dozen scenic hiking trails, as short as 0.10 mile, such as the Visitor Center Nature Trail , and as long as 7.4 miles, a distance you’d tread along the Mule Deer Trail . For longer weekend getaways from Denver, embark on a hiking journey along the 2.5-mile (loop) Raccoon Trai l or 1.8-mile (one way) Horseshoe Trail .

And don’t let me start on panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains towering in the distance. It’s too beautiful to express in words anyway. So jump in the car and let your short one-day road trips or weekend-long escapes from Denver start right now.  

5. Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, Central City

50 minutes from Denver

One of the most beautiful drives in Colorado, the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway certainly has a lot to impress you with during your weekend escape from Denver. Established in 1918, the route is considered the oldest scenic byway in Colorado. The 55-mile drive begins as CO Highway 7 in Estes Park and ends in Central City . (Switch the direction if you are driving from Denver and not Rocky Mountain National Park like we did.)

It takes approximately 3 hours to drive along the entire byway, which makes it a perfect one-day road-trip adventure. With a little bit more time on your hands, though, you can turn this scenic journey into a memorable weekend getaway from Denver or any other city nearby.

Start with getting off the main route frequently and exploring high country lakes along the way. For the most surreal experiences on the road, drive into ghost towns such as Hesse, Apex , and Caribou .

6. Georgetown and Silver Plume

55 minutes from Denver

If fall foliage inspires you to leave Denver for a few color-infused road trips, make sure to add Georgetown and Silver Plume to your itinerary. Surrounded by aspen groves, both towns burst into yellow, orange, and red hues from mid-September through mid-October .

The biggest attraction here, however, is the Georgetown Loop Railroad . Paving the way for a vintage stream locomotive that pulls its guests up a steep slope between Georgetown and Silver Plume, it offers the best vistas of the fall brilliance visitors from Denver can only wish for.

Road Trips and Weekend Getaways from Denver: 1-2 Hours Away

7. nederland.

1 hour 5 minutes from Denver

Set approximately 46 miles from Denver, Nederland fills your road trips and weekend getaways with a hipster vibe and rural splendor.

The place feels quieter, bohemian, and has some of the perkiest places to enhance your weekend adventures with. Start with crystal shopping at Nature’s Own . Then be sure to check out historic train cars at the Train Cars Coffee and Yogurt Company.

For the serene road-trip adventures and weekend getaways from the normally bustling Denver, venture outside the town and hike along the easy Rainbow Lakes Trail , the moderate Diamond Lake Trail , or the tedious Isabelle Glacier Trail .

8. Summit Lake Park, Evergreen

1 hour 20 minutes from Denver

Located along the Mt. Evans Scenic Byway, 160-acre Summit Lake Park is one of the most thrilling road trips and weekend getaways from Denver. Home to impeccable Arctic tundra, the place takes you one step closer to the diverse terrain of Colorado.

Whether you long for the panoramic views from the 14,264-foot summit or some of the best hikes between Evergreen and Idaho Springs, the park is eager to grant all your wishes in the most aestethic way.

But before you hit the Chicago Lakes Overlook Trail and the Summit Lake Loop , be sure to grab a camera and a telephoto lens. Bighorn sheep and mountain goats roam freely in the area. This alone is enough to add Summit Lake Park to your favorite road trips and weekend getaways from Denver. 

9. Rocky Mountain National Park

1 hour 35 minutes from Denver

Rocky Mountain National Park falls into the category of the most popular road trips and weekend getaways from Denver. The favorite mountainous area boasts a profusion of easy and strenuous hikes, ample alpine lakes tucked in lodgepole pine forest, and some of the best panoramas in Colorado. With such diverse resources, your short weekend trips from Denver may turn into week-long excursions and expanded road-trip adventures.

The shortest escapes from Denver are usually built around such popular areas as Bear Lake , Alberta Falls , and the favorite lake trio, Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes .

For those city visitors that prefer to enjoy the expansive landscapes from their cars, Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road offer the best vistas and some of the shortest trails in the park. The Tundra Communities Trail and the Alpine Ridge Trail are some of the must-see places here.

TIP: These roads, however, are seasonal. Usually you should leave Denver for the nature-fueled road trips and weekends getaways during the summer season to be able to feast your eyes on this remarkable alpine wilderness. 

READ MORE: Denver to Rocky Mountain Road Trip: 5-Day Colorado Adventure

• 9 Gorgeous Road Trips and Weekend Getaways from Spokane, WA
• 11 Irresistible Day Trips from Sacramento
• 12 Irresistible Day Trips from Boise, Idaho
• The 10 Best Day Trips from Medford, Oregon

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• Last Updated On
• September 5, 2023

45 Best Weekend Getaways From Denver — Quick Trips!

A weekend reprieve from the hustle of Denver is something we all need. 

As a local who’s roamed these grounds, I’ve sampled the hidden charms that the rest of the world can only dream of. 

The best weekend getaways from Denver aren’t simply trips; they’re experiences waiting to etch themselves into your soul.

Do you crave the serenity of national parks? 

Yearning for the pulse of neighboring cities? 

Or perhaps the allure of a small, laid-back town is what beckons you? 

I’ve been there, and I’ve tasted their spirit.

Let me guide you through a hand-picked selection of destinations, like a fellow traveler whispering secrets. 

Prepare to make memories that’ll linger long after the journey ends.

Best Weekend Getaways From Denver Compared

Ready to escape the hustle and bustle?

Check out our top weekend getaways from Denver, perfect for recharging and making memories.

Editor’s Choice

The Little Nell

Splurge on a luxurious weekend getaway by driving less than four hours from Denver to the high-end Little Nell that opened in 1989 in Aspen, Colorado.

• Room Variety: 4/5
• Comfort and Cleanliness: 5/5
• Location: 5/5
• Affordability: 2/5
• Family-Friendliness: 3/5

#2nd Best Choice

Garden of the Gods Resort and Club

The Garden of the Gods Resort and Club offers you a luxurious weekend getaway in a 4-star hotel roughly a 1-hour and 10-minute drive from Denver.

• Room Variety: 3/5
• Comfort and Cleanliness: 4/5
• Affordability: 3/5
• Family-Friendliness: 4/5

#3rd Best Choice

Steamboat Grand Hotel

The Steamboat Grand Hotel, less than a four-hour drive from Denver, is a 4-star accommodation with 328 guest rooms.

• Location: 4/5

Here are top 45 weekend getaways from Denver.

1. The Little Nell (Editor’s Choice)

675 E Durant Ave Aspen, CO 81611 (970) 920-4600 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Ratings Criteria

• Unbeatable Location: Nestled in a prime spot, The Little Nell offers you the best seat in town to enjoy the local attractions and vibrant atmosphere.
• Top-Notch Comfort: You’re in for a treat with cozy rooms and impeccable cleanliness. 
• Pricey Picks: While you’re treated like royalty, it comes at a cost. 
• Limited Family Focus: Although it’s a luxurious escape, The Little Nell might lack the all-out kid-friendly features you’d expect from a family-oriented spot.

This 5-star resort offers enthralling mountain views, elevated decorations, renowned dining choices, fantastic ski areas, eye-catching art installations, transportation services, and so on.

It has a chic boutique selling luxury items like jewelry, clothing, handbags, artwork, hats, spa products, and numerous others.

It also features a high-end spa offering hot stone, Swedish, prenatal, sports, deep tissue, and in-room massages.

Other onsite amenities are two world-class restaurants, three bars, a fitness center, a pool, an outdoor hot tub, and pet-friendly offers, like dog walking and sitting services.

2. Garden of the Gods Resort and Club

3320 Mesa Rd Colorado Springs, CO 80904 (800) 923-8838 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

• Stunning Natural Setting: With breathtaking views at your doorstep, this resort showcases the beauty of the area. 
• Welcoming for All Ages: From young explorers to seasoned adventurers, there’s something for everyone. 
• Room Variety Puzzle: Finding the perfect fit for your family could be a bit of a challenge.
• Affordability Hurdle: Budget-conscious families might need to weigh the cost against the experience.

Here, you can enjoy a plethora of activities, such as playing tennis, golfing, enjoying a fun round of pickleball, listening to live music on selected nights,

Keep in shape by signing up for witness or wellness classes, like Vinyasa yoga, pilates, spin, and so on.

Enjoy a day of pampering at the Strata Spa, where you can get therapeutic massages, body therapies, organic facials, an acupuncture treatment, and the like.

It boasts a recreation center with a playground for your little ones, a teens’ room for your older kids, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, sports courts, a splash pad for kids, and more.

Have a more adventurous time outdoors by signing up for falconry lessons, booking a guided hiking tour, ziplining, e-biking, and numerous others.

3. Steamboat Grand Hotel

2300 Mt Werner Cir Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 (970) 871-5500 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

• Roomy Choices: Variety is the spice of life here. From cozy nests to spacious suites, the hotel offers room options that cater to your family’s needs.
• Family Adventure Playground: The hotel’s locale offers a buffet of outdoor activities. 
• Price Tag Peek: While not the priciest, Steamboat Grand Hotel might still nudge your budget a bit. 
• Average Elegance: While it’s not short on comfort, the elegance factor might not be off the charts.

It features several facilities, including a sports rental shop, a pool, hot tubs, a full-service health club with weightlifting machines, a sauna, a steam room, and more.

It offers services such as a shuttle to a nearby grocery store, laundry facilities on the second level, cribs upon request, and storage for your ski equipment.

It boasts luxury penthouses ideal for large families, an onsite market, packages for all seasons, and so on.

It also offers onsite dining choices, like the Cabin Restaurant and Bar, offering an expansive menu of delicious dishes prepared from scratch from local ingredients by expert chefs.

Vail, CO (970) 479-2100 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Vail, incorporated in 1966, is a small town in Eagle County and a premier destination for winter sports.

Create long-lasting memories with your friends or loved ones as you go on a thrilling adventure to Vail, roughly an hour’s drive from Denver.

Have a magical winter getaway as you enjoy activities like skiing, snowboarding, making snowmen with your younger children, and so on.

During the warmer months, you can also go hiking, try fly fishing, golf with your companions amidst the picturesque scenery, and so much more.

It also offers several cultural festivals throughout the year, such as a film festival in December, a music festival from June to August, and many others.

Recommended Hotel: The Sebastian – Vail

5. Great Sand Dunes National Park

Great Dunes National Park, CO 81146 (719) 378-6395 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Great Sand Dunes National Park is an American national park that takes its name from its colossal dunes that reach up to 750 feet high.

It is roughly four hours from Denver and offers the perfect backdrop for an epic weekend vacation with your companions.

Enjoy activities like sandboarding, backpacking, sand sledding, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, biking, stargazing, swimming at Medano Creek, 4-wheel driving, and countless others.

You can also sign up for guided tours or free ranger-led programs to have a more immersive experience.

Learn more about the area by heading to the Visitor Center featuring informative displays, a short movie about the park, and a gift shop.

Recommended Hotel: Great Sand Dunes Lodge

Related: Hotels in Denver

6. Cheyenne

Cheyenne, CO (800) 426-5009 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Cheyenne, founded in 1867, is the capital city of Wyoming, resting on the shores of the Crow and Dry Creeks.

Are you searching for a fantastic place to tour on your Denver area weekend getaways to enjoy an unforgettable sightseeing experience?

If you are, consider driving roughly two hours to this humble city.

It is home to a plethora of museums, like the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum.

It has exhibits about Western horse-drawn carriages, frontier memorabilia, pioneer artifacts, 9th-century passenger wagons, displays about early rodeos, and more.

Visit Holliday Park to view the largest steam locomotive, the Big Boy Steam Engine 4004.

Are you on a budget and looking for the ideal tourist hotspot?

Then, head to the admission-free Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, boasting a well-landscaped setting with an impressive plant collection.

Recommended Hotel: Little America Hotel & Resort Cheyenne

7. Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs, CO (970) 879-2060 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Go on one of the best romantic getaways from Denver by driving about three to four hours to Steamboat Springs, a Colorado city in the Yampa Valley.

It offers several tourist hotspots, like Fish Creek Falls, a mesmerizing and majestic waterfall towering at 280 feet.

Spend quality time with your partner at the Strawberry Park Hot Springs, boasting all-natural, spring-fed pools, charming rustic cabins for rent, massage services, and stunning scenery.

Walk hand-in-hand as you stroll through the Yampa River Botanic Park, featuring more than sixty differently-themed gardens, glimmering ponds, eye-catching sculptures, and so on.

Have a terrific time with your parting doing other activities like dining at a highly acclaimed restaurant for an intimate dinner date, exploring historical sites, visiting a ski resort, and more.

Recommended Hotel: The Bristol Hotel

8. Leadville

Leadville, CO Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Leadville, less than two hours from Denver, is the seat of Lake County and was once a Victorian-era mining town.

It boasts an expansive array of fun-filled opportunities that you can enjoy indoors and outdoors.

Have a magnificent time in nature as you go skiing or snowboarding at Ski Cooper, biking along the Mineral Belt Trailhead and countless others.

Spend the day indoors at the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum, featuring exhibits about local mining history, and the Tabor Opera House, a national treasure erected in 1879.

You can enjoy strolling along its historic district, signing up for guided tours, shopping at boutique stores, and much more.

Recommended Hotel: Columbine Inn and Suites

9. Royal Gorge Bridge & Park

4218 Co Rd 3A Cañon City, CO 81212 (719) 275-7507 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, established in 2015, is a renowned 360-acre outdoor recreation area and tourist hotspot roughly a two to three hours’ drive from Denver.

Its main highlight is the Royal Gorge Bridge, 955 feet above the Arkansas River, one of the highest bridges worldwide.

It boasts onsite attractions like an aerial tram, sky coaster, gondola, zip line, vintage-style carousel, splash pad, and lots more.

It has a plaza theater where you can view exciting artifacts and watch an informative and fascinating mini-documentary about the park.

Stop by the Visitor Center, which also features a gift shop selling various souvenir items and a cafe serving yummy treats, to learn more about this outstanding park.

Recommended Hotel: Quality Inn & Suites Canon City

Related: Weekend Vacations in Colorado

10. Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Springs, CO (970) 945-6580 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Glenwood Springs, resting on the banks of the Roaring Fork River, is a resort city offering the ideal destination for a cool overnight trip.

Have a fabulous weekend getaway with your friends as you go on a roughly 2-hour and 30-minute to 4-hour drive from Denver to this breathtaking city.

Visit places like the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, boasting a thrilling roller coaster, a giant canyon swing, guided cave tours, several fantastic rides, and tons more.

Trek through the Hanging Lake Trailhead to head to a jaw-dropping lake with stunning emerald waters backed by a breathtaking natural landscape and sheer cliffs.

Make new memories as you go skiing at the Sunlight Mountain Resort, view various artifacts at the Frontier Historical Museum, hike along the Grizzly Creek Trail, and numerous others.

Recommended Hotel: Glenwood Hot Springs Resort

11. Breckenridge

Breckenridge, CO (877) 864-0868 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Breckenridge rests on the base of the Tenmile Range of the Rocky Mountains, boasting a gorgeous landscape and rich Gold Rush history.

Get a break from the mundane daily life cycle as you head to this charming town, roughly a one hour and thirty-minute drive from Denver.

You can head to Main Street to enjoy a terrific shopping spree, dine at top-rated restaurants catering to your every craving, and sample exquisite-tasting alcoholic concoctions at a bar.

Enjoy all sorts of activities at the Epic Discovery at Breck, such as crossing a hanging bridge, riding a coaster, gemstone panning, miniature golfing, and more.

Try other activities like going on a scenic drive along Boreas Pass Road, hiking along the Mohawk Lake Trail, and much more.

Have a more laid-back time sipping craft beer at a distillery, taking in the fresh air at a park, and learning about the area at a visitor center.

Recommended Hotel: Beaver Run Resort

12. Idaho Springs

Idaho Springs, CO (303) 567-4421 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Idaho Springs, founded in 1859 by prosecutors, rests in Clear Creek Canyon and is known for its rich mining history.

It is the perfect destination for short trips from Denver because it is roughly a forty to sixty-minute drive away.

Have a memorable sightseeing tour by visiting the Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel, a former gold mining and milling company now a specialty museum.

Get a better idea of what awaits you and which tour options best suit your needs by stopping at the Historical Society of Idaho Springs & Visitor Center.

Treat yourself to a relaxing, stress-free experience as you soak in the magical waters of the Indian Hot Springs or pamper yourself at its spa.

Enjoy a unique experience by taking a guided tour of the fully operating Phoenix Gold Mine, one of the oldest continuously operating, family-owned mines of its kind in the US.

Recommended Hotel: JC Suites

13. Estes Park

Estes Park, CO (970) 577-9900 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Estes Park is a picture-perfect town resting on the base of the Rocky Mountains in Larimer County in northern Colorado.

Are you planning inexpensive weekend getaways near Denver with your travel buddies?

Then, I recommend driving to this town for about one hour and forty minutes.

Prepare your playlist and favorite snacks as you enjoy a fantastic road-trip experience along the jaw-dropping Peak To Peak Scenic Byway.

Enjoy a brilliant time sightseeing without breaking the bank by buying a ticket for the Estes Park Aerial Tramway, leading to a mountain summit with a cafe and scenic vantage points.

Head to the Estes Park Visitor Center to learn more about the area and affordable tour options through informative displays and knowledgeable staff.

You can also try activities like exploring its downtown area, sampling beer at the Rock Cut Brewing Company, and watching talented glass blowers at work at Mountain Blown Glass.

Recommended Hotel: Woodlands on Fall River

Golden, CO (303) 279-2282 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Golden is the seat of Jefferson County and a former gold rush town in Colorado, roughly thirty minutes from Denver.

It is the perfect place for your last minute weekend getaways from Denver because it is extremely close by and won’t take too much of your time.

Spend time in nature at Lookout Mountain Park, boasting awe-inspiring views of the natural landscape.

Visit something unique, like the Mines Museum of Earth Science, displaying mining artifacts, fossils, meteorites, minerals, gemstones, and the like.

Have a leisurely afternoon at Coors Brewery, offering free guided tours, tastings, and a gift shop selling themed souvenirs.

Another must-visit is the Colorado Railroad Museum, featuring exhibits about the rich railroad history of the state and a collection of steam locomotives.

Recommended Hotel: The Golden Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

Aspen, CO (970) 920-5000 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Aspen, less than four hours from Denver, is a municipality in the Rocky Mountains and Pitkin County.

It is a popular destination for tourists for its year-round outdoor recreation.

It boasts attractions like the John Denver Sanctuary, where you can have a lovely picnic backed by lush greenery, grassy areas, and perennial flowers of varying colors.

Have a more exciting time at the T-Lazy-7 Ranch, offering a spectacular snowmobiling experience in winter and horseback riding in summer.

Do you want to go on an unforgettable hiking or biking experience with your group?

Then, I suggest the 1.9-mile Maroon Lake Scenic Trail or the longer Rio Grande Trail spanning at least 42 miles.

Recommended Hotel: The Gant

16. Keystone

Keystone, CO Open in Google Maps

Keystone is a census-designated place in Summit County, less than two hours from Denver.

Here, you can create long-lasting memories with your family, partner, or friends as you enjoy activities for all seasons.

Have a memorable winter at Keystone Ski Resort, where you can go skiing, ice skating, going on sleigh rides, riding gondolas, and so much more.

Other brilliant ski destinations include the Arapahoe Basin, the Keystone Nordic Center, and tons more.

Try other fun things like treating yourself to a day of pampering at a spa, signing up for guided horseback riding tours, souvenir shopping, and so on.

Recommended Hotel: The Keystone Lodge and Spa by Keystone Resort

17. Palisade

Palisade, CO Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Palisade, resting on the banks of the Colorado River, is a Statutory Town roughly four hours from Denver.

Here, you can enjoy activities like going on guided segway tours, sipping fine wines at a winery, meeting the locals at a laid-back bar, and lots more.

Have a fun time visiting places like the ​​Suncrest Orchard Alpacas, where you can go on guided mill tours and meet friendly, adorable alpacas.

The ​​Clark Family Orchards is another must-visit, boasting free wagon rides, a guided tour of its over 100-acre property, and a seasonal fruit stand selling farm-fresh produce.

Go on a quiet escape by visiting the Palisade River Ranch, ideal for having a delightful picnic by the riverside, taking in alluring mountain views, and relaxing in a charming cabin.

End your weekend trip by having a fabulous meal at Caroline’s, boasting captivating views, a Victorian-style dining area, local wines, and French-inspired takes on Colorado favorites.

Recommended Hotel: Wine Country Inn

Frisco, CO Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Frisco, roughly one hour and thirty minutes from Denver, is a picturesque waterfront town in Summit County.

It is a well-known destination for skiers and offers an extensive selection of fun-filled activities to enjoy with your loved ones, friends, or partner.

Have a blast at Frisco Adventure Park as you enjoy sledding, snow tubing, skiing, signing up for sleigh rides, signing up for ski lessons, and so much more.

Enjoy an educational experience at the Frisco Historic Park & Museum, featuring exciting exhibits, artifacts, and old photos depicting stories of Frisco’s rich history.

Visit a popular attraction like the Frisco Bay Marina in the warmer months, where you can go fishing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, or dining at a waterfront eatery.

Recommended Hotel: New Summit Inn

19. Buena Vista

Buena Vista, CO (719) 395-8643 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Buena Vista is a serene Colorado town in Chaffee County, about a 2-hour and 30-minute drive from Denver.

Here, you can go on a quieter weekend vacation with your group away from large crowds or busy streets.

Enjoy a waterfront adventure at Buena Vista River Park, where you can enjoy a superb time whitewater rafting or kayaking.

Go on a quick nature getaway at Cottonwood Lake and enjoy activities like camping, hiking, fishing, picnicking, kayaking, and many more.

Catch up with your companions as you enjoy a relaxed afternoon sipping alcoholic drinks at the Deerhammer Distillery, established in 2010.

Have a terrific time bouldering and rock climbing by taking your group to the picturesque Buena Vista Boulder Garden.

Recommended Hotel: Surf Hotel & Chateau

20. Boulder

Boulder, CO (303) 441-3388 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Boulder is a Colorado city and seat of Boulder County, resting on the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.

Are you searching for places to go for a weekend trip near you that won’t entail driving for long hours?

Then, consider visiting Boulder, roughly thirty minutes from Denver.

Go on a terrific shopping spree at Pearl Street Mall, boasting independent boutique shops, national chain brands, diverse dining choices, and art galleries.

Enjoy the fresh air at Chautauqua Park, featuring wide-open meadows, scenic hiking trails, a community center with a dining hall, a romantic restaurant, and various festivals.

You can also learn about astronomy and astrophysics at the Fiske Planetarium, featuring a state-of-the-art Zeiss telescope, interactive full-dome films, late-night laser shows, and more.

Recommended Hotel: Basecamp Boulder

21. Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest

Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 (970) 870-2299 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest encompasses over 2.2 million acres in the Colorado and Wyoming states.

It is less than a four-hour drive from Denver and offers the perfect setting for an epic nature excursion with your travel buddies.

It boasts a gorgeous natural landscape featuring majestic mountains, dense forests, glimmering lakes, and lush grasslands that change with the seasons.

Enjoy an exciting time outdoors by horseback riding, hiking, snowmobiling, skiing, observing passing wildlife, signing up for ranger-led programs, and so on.

Have a more leisurely time as you enjoy camping, fishing, picnicking, honing your nature photography skills, and much more.

Recommended Hotel: Legacy Vacation Resorts Steamboat Springs Hilltop

22. Georgetown

Georgetown, CO (303) 569-2405 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Georgetown, the seat of Clear Creek County, is the ideal destination when searching for cheap vacations from Denver for history buffs.

This historic town is roughly an hour’s drive and is home to several fascinating attractions for you to discover without emptying your pockets.

You can ride the historic Georgetown Loop Railroad dating back to the late 1800s, and go on a scenic drive along Guanella Pass.

Enjoy other activities like skiing at the Loveland Ski Area, signing up for guided tours of the area, and much more.

Visit attractions like the Capital Prize Gold Mine, where you can go on a guided trip 1000 feet into a mine, and Historic Georgetown with boutique shops, century-old buildings, and more.

Another superb choice for history buffs is the Hotel de Paris Museum, a historic French-inspired hotel erected in 1889 and now a renowned museum.

Recommended Hotel: Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Georgetown Lake

23. Nederland

Nederland, CO 80466 (303) 258-3266 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Nederland is a charming Statutory Town in Boulder County, about an hour from Denver.

It offers a quick weekend getaway with your companions as you try a myriad of enjoyable activities.

Are you visiting with your little ones?

Then, I recommend stopping by the Carousel of Happiness, boasting hand-carved animals and a 1913 Wurlitzer organ constructed in 1910.

Have a memorable time in nature hiking along the Hessie Trailhead, offering jaw-dropping mountain views, serene lakes, and lush greenery.

Learn about local mining from the 1800s to 1900s by visiting the Nederland Mining Museum, displaying old pictures, authentic mining tools, and artifacts.

You can also sample refreshing craft beer at the Very Nice Brewing Company and sign up for environmental programs at the Wild Bear Nature Center.

Recommended Hotel: Century Casino & Hotel – Central City

24. Hotel Boulderado

2115 13th St Boulder, CO 80302 (303) 442-4344 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Go on a romantic weekend trip with your significant other by checking into the Hotel Boulderado in Boulder, roughly a 45-minute drive from Denver.

It is a historic hotel constructed in 1909 boasting an Italian Renaissance and Spanish Revival-inspired architectural design.

It boasts Victorian-style guest rooms, jaw-dropping nature views, magical events on special holidays, live jazz music on Friday nights, and a wine club.

It also offers the Love Worth Remembering package for couples, which includes luxury rooms, a dine-in breakfast for two at a partner restaurant, chocolate, and chilled sparkling wine.

25. Frisco Lodge

321 Main St Frisco, CO 80443 (800) 279-6000 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Frisco Lodge is a charming bed and breakfast that opened over 50 years ago in Frisco, Colorado, roughly one hour and twenty minutes from Denver.

This magnificent accommodation boasts a homemade breakfast daily, a beautiful garden courtyard, a cozy outdoor fireplace, delightful picnic areas, and an intimate ambiance.

It offers rentable DVDs for fantastic movie nights and board games for a fun bonding experience with your children.

It is also less than thirty minutes from several tourist hotspots, like gorgeous parks, outdoor recreation areas, pub crawls, and much more.

26. The Silver Lake Lodge

336 Crest Dr Idaho Springs, CO 80452 (303) 567-9299 Visit Website Open in Google Maps

Go on an adults-only weekend vacation with your friends by driving roughly an hour from Denver to the Silver Lake Lodge along Crest Drive in Idaho Springs.

This fantastic accommodation features breathtaking nature backdrops, a quiet atmosphere, and a gift shop selling various souvenir items.

It has outstanding outdoor picnic areas with grills for barbecuing, a shared lounge with a flat-screen HDTV, and other facilities to make your stay more relaxing and stress-free.

It also has different rooms for you to choose from, featuring amenities such as comfortable linens, beautiful decor, colossal windows, complimentary toiletries, fast wifi, and many others.

27. Niwot Inn & Spa

342 2nd Ave Niwot, CO 80503 (303) 652-8452 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Enjoy a much-deserved weekend trip alone or with a friend or partner at Niwot Inn & Spa, about a 40-minute drive from Denver.

It is an upscale, 13-room bed and breakfast in the heart of the historic center of Niwot.

Stay in an ultra-comfortable room with a soft wool carpet, custom hand-peeled aspen beds, hand-crafted furniture, a cozy natural stone fireplace, flat-screen HDTVs, and more.

Pamper yourself at its spa offering a steam shower, massages, craniosacral therapy, and other services by expert staff.

It is within walking distance of picture-perfect parks, fantastic dining establishments for all appetites, laid-back bars, and so on.

It also offers several packages, like the Romance Package for couples and the Girls’ Getaway Package when traveling with friends.

28. Chalet Val d’Isere

2415 Val D’Isere Cir Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 (970) 846-7006 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Chalet Val d’Isere is an elevated 4-star bed and breakfast that debuted in 2003 in Steamboat Springs, about a three-hour drive from Denver.

It offers an in-room snack basket with chocolates, fruits, and cookies and sparkling water, coffee, and tea in the lobby all day long.

Some onsite facilities include a lovely garden, picnic areas, a hot tub, billiard tables, a games room, a sun terrace, storage for your ski equipment, a ski area, and lots more.

Depending on which room you book, you can discover amenities like a deep tub, colossal windows offering majestic mountain views, large flat-screen TVs, comfy linens, and so on.

29. The Surf Hotel and Chateau

1012 Front Loop Buena Vista, CO 81211 (719) 966-7048 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Surf Hotel and Chateau, about a 2-hour and 30-minute drive from Denver, is a boutique hotel featuring backdrops of the Rocky Mountains and European-style accents.

Are you searching for places to take your loved ones on your Denver weekend getaways?

If you are, consider booking a room at this acclaimed accommodation.

Some of its amenities include a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, an outdoor fireplace, a picnic area, family rooms, and more.

It also boasts a fantastic onsite eatery, the Wesley & Rose Lobby Bar, offering freshly baked goods, classic cocktails, homemade pizzas, rotating beers on tap, fine wines, and so on.

Here and in its surrounding area, you can enjoy activities like watching live performances, water sports, canoeing, skiing, horseback riding, fishing, and other fun-filled opportunities.

30. Minturn Inn

442 Main St Minturn, CO 81645 (970) 331-5461 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Minturn Inn is a hidden gem that stands out in the crowd. 

Unlike other destinations in the area, it’s got this cozy, home-away-from-home vibe that’s perfect for family bonding. 

Imagine waking up to the fresh mountain air, sipping coffee on the porch, and exploring local shops that ooze charm. 

Other places might offer luxury, but Minturn Inn offers connection. 

It’s not just a stay; it’s an experience. 

Whether it’s a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, this place has a magnetic pull that makes you feel like you belong.

31. Fort Collins

Fort Collins, CO (970) 232-3840 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Fort Collins is a vibrant and populous city in Larimer County, located in the northern region of Colorado.

It is also a mid-size college town and roughly an hour’s drive from Denver.

Consider heading to Fort Collins when looking for places near Denver for vacation to enjoy an impressive array of fun-filled activities.

It boasts several tour agencies offering guided experiences, breweries serving house-crafted beer, and dining choices boasting mouth-watering dishes for all cravings.

Are you visiting between May to October?

Then, I recommend strolling along the CSU Annual Flower Trial Gardens, a free public park at the University Center for the Arts boasting at least 1000 different cultivated flower varieties.

Enjoy a fun and educational experience at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, featuring fascinating cultural, science, and history displays.

Have a leisurely time with your companions at Spring Canyon Park, boasting grassy areas, an ADA-accessible playground, a mountain biking course, sports courts, walking trails, and more.

Recommended Hotel: The Armstrong Hotel

32. Highland Haven

4395 Independence Trail Evergreen, CO 80439 (303) 674-3577 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Go on an elevated nature-rich getaway with your travel buddies by vacationing at Highland Haven, a 4-star accommodation in Evergreen, about 40 minutes from Denver.

Its concierge offers 5-star customer service and provides dining and tourist recommendations.

Enjoy a luxurious and one-of-a-kind experience with your significant other by booking a room at the fairytale-like TreeHouse Suite.

This magical room boasts two stories, a spa room with a jacuzzi, stunning chandeliers, picturesque views of Blue Spruce trees, a stone fireplace, a king-sized bed, and more.

I recommend booking the Hillside Cottages when visiting with family.

It includes two bedrooms with memory foam king-sized beds, a full homemade breakfast, a private hot tub, gas fireplaces, wet bars, a DVD player, and other amenities.

33. Four Mile Creek Bed & Breakfast

6471 Co Rd 117 Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 (970) 945-4004 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Four Mile Creek Bed & Breakfast was once a homesteaded in 1885 and is now a 4-star accommodation in Glenwood Springs, about 45 minutes from Denver.

Get a break from the hustle and bustle of city life as you go on a quiet escape at this delightful bed and breakfast.

It offers differently-themed cabins for you to choose from, a peaceful landscape, mesmerizing nature backdrops, and many amenities to make your stay relaxing.

Its spacious and serene area offers the perfect setting for a leisurely outdoor stroll, superb pictures, and the like.

34. Lawson Adventure Park and Resort

3440 Alvarado Rd Dumont, CO 80436 (720) 779-2595 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Lawson Adventure Park and Resort, which initially opened in 2016, is a well-known hotel along Alvarado Road in Dumont, roughly 45 minutes from Denver.

Have an exciting weekend with your friends or family by vacationing at this popular resort.

It offers an impressive array of activities that you can enjoy no matter what season you choose to visit.

In the cold winter months, you can have a blast building snowmen with your kids, ice fishing, skiing, and the like.

Come the warmer months, create long-lasting memories driving ATVs, ziplining, kayaking, paddleboarding, rafting, fishing, and so much more.

You can also try hiking, signing up for guided mountain climbing, disc golfing, and many other fun-filled possibilities.

Have a memorable dining experience by booking the Fine Dining Yurt, where you can enjoy a gourmet dinner in a heated yurt.

35. One Ski Hill Place

1521 Ski Hill Rd Breckenridge, CO 80424 (970) 547-8800 Visit Website Open in Google Maps

One Ski Hill Place is a full-service luxury resort in Breckenridge, roughly between a 1-hour and 30-minute to 2-hour and a 15-minute drive from Denver.

It is an outstanding destination for skiing, boasting classes for beginners, equipment rentals, and ski storage for your gear.

Its elegant apartment rooms boast a balcony, a seating area with a fireplace, a washing machine, a dryer, a full kitchen, a flat-screen TV with cable, and comfortable linens.

Onsite amenities include bowling lanes, an indoor pool, a sauna, a hot tub, ATMs, an electric car charging station, an airport shuttle, ADA-accessible facilities, valet parking, and more.

Enjoy a stress-free day at its spa, offering customizable massages, detoxifying body wraps, facials, and other packages.

36. The Silk Pin Cushion

1523 Ford St #1950 Golden, CO 80401 (303) 278-8813 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Silk Pin Cushion is a charming accommodation that opened its doors in a former Victorian home in the late 1880s.

You can find it in Golden, Jefferson County, a mere thirty minutes from Denver.

Do you want to go on a much-needed weekend trip without breaking the bank or traveling far?

If you do, consider booking a room at this lovely bed and breakfast.

Some amenities include captivating mountain views, a beautiful garden, a library, antique furnishings, a full breakfast at its well-decorated dining area, and plenty more.

It boasts a Victorian-style setting, reasonable rates, hospitable staff, an intimate ambiance, and many nearby attractions.

It also has a boutique shop selling sewing-related items, like kits, patterns, books, equipment, accessories, thread, needles, and countless others.

37. Grand Colorado on Peak 8

1627 Ski Hill Rd Breckenridge, CO 80424 (970) 547-8788 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Grand Colorado on Peak 8 is the perfect destination for skiing because it boasts over 2,900 acres of groomed slopes, a halfpipe, 187 ski runs, 34 lifts, four terrain parks, and chutes.

You can find it in Breckenridge, Colorado, about a 2-hour drive from Denver.

Are you planning your upcoming Denver vacations and want to enjoy exciting activities in the area?

Then, consider driving less than two hours to this outstanding attraction and ski resort.

It is a winter wonderland offering skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, snowboarding, and lots more.

Come springtime, it comes alive with wildflowers, offering the ideal place to go hiking, golfing, biking, fishing, and numerous others.

38. The St. Mary’s Inn

530 N Nevada Ave Colorado Springs, CO 80903 (719) 540-2222 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The St. Mary’s Inn is an award-winning, 4-star bed and breakfast along Nevada Avenue in Colorado Springs, about one to two hours from Denver.

It rests in the historic downtown neighborhood and is within walking distance of several stores, dining establishments, and parks.

Its rooms boast amenities such as a king or queen-sized bed, a flat-screen HDTV, free wifi, a mini fridge, a modern bathroom, air conditioning, and more.

It also offers a full gourmet breakfast, an outdoor fireplace, a sun terrace, a picnic area with barbecue facilities, a garden, shuttle services, an onsite minimarket, and many others.

39. Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park, CO (970) 586-1206 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Rocky Mountain National Park is a renowned American National Park encompassing over 265,000 acres and welcomes over 3.3 million visitors annually.

Do you want to go on a nature excursion on your long weekend trips from Denver?

If you do, I recommend driving less than two hours to this spectacular outdoor attraction.

Here, you can have a blast trying activities like rock climbing, mountaineering, bouldering, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and so much more.

Enjoy more family-friendly things such as hiking, scenic drives, signing up for ranger-led programs, and many others.

Enjoy wildlife viewing as you observe passing animals, like elk, bighorn sheep, moose, mule deer, golden eagles, prairie falcons, bats, otters, and so much more.

It also has designated campgrounds completed with amenities you may need, whether camping in a tent, RV, or trailer.

Recommended Hotel: Murphy’s Resort

40. Seven Keys Lodge

4900 S CO-7 Estes Park, CO 80517 (970) 586-5397 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Seven Keys Lodge, previously known as the Baldpate Inn, is a well-renowned historic hotel about one hour and thirty minutes from Denver.

This delightful accommodation offers awe-inspiring nature views, reasonable prices, a relaxing ambiance, and a welcoming staff.

It has at least four charming cabins to rent, featuring wooden accents, comfortable bedding, cozy decor, fireplaces, and other amenities to guarantee a laid-back getaway.

It offers a fantastic Sunday brunch serving dishes like French Toast Casserole, Shrimp Creole, assorted house-made pastries, buttermilk biscuits with sawmill gravy, and more.

It also features twelve guestrooms with varying amenities, engaging events throughout the year, and many others.

41. Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, CO (719) 635-7506 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Colorado Springs , nicknamed Little London, is a magnificent metropolis on the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains, roughly a 1-hour and 20-minute drive from Denver.

It offers a boatload of activities ideal for whether you are going on a romantic weekend trip, a fun getaway with friends, a solo adventure, or a vacation with family.

Kick-start your vacation by visiting its most popular attraction, the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center, a National Natural Landmark.

It boasts dramatic views of majestic sandstone rock formations, picture-perfect backdrops of the snow-capped Pikes Peak, and a rich flora.

Get the chance to view diverse animals at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, like giraffes, African lions, meerkats, kangaroos, bears, parrots, snow leopards, hippopotamuses, and so on.

Have a memorable time touring other places like specialty museums, beautiful parks, historic districts, iconic monuments, and many others.

Recommended Hotel: The Mining Exchange, A Wyndham Grand Hotel & Spa

42. Winter Park Chateau

405 Lions Gate Dr Winter Park, CO 80482 (970) 281-5998 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Winter Park Chateau, founded in 2008, is a boutique hotel featuring pet-friendly amenities, a peaceful setting, differently-themed rooms, and eye-catching decorations.

Are you tired of getaways in Denver and want to explore other nearby areas?

Then, check into this hotel and explore the town.

Consider booking the Mountain Goat + The Llama Loft when traveling with your loved ones because it is spacious, has a bunk bed, a hangout area, and other kid-friendly amenities.

It has many nearby attractions, like superb restaurants, bustling bars, delightful parks, terrific shopping malls, vibrant entertainment centers, and local agencies offering various tours.

43. Georgetown Mountain Inn

1100 Rose St Georgetown, CO 80444 (303) 569-3201 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

If you’re searching for fantastic accommodation on your next getaway, Denver has many nearby hotels within the area to discover, like the Georgetown Mountain Inn.

It is less than an hour’s drive away and neighbors various local favorites, like the historic downtown area, top-rated restaurants, multiple shops, fascinating museums, and more.

This family-friendly hotel features a sparkling indoor swimming pool heated during winter months, a relaxing outdoor hot tub, a laundry area, and a picnic area.

It has amenities such as ADA-accessible facilities, family rooms with a kitchen, extra beds upon request, mountain-themed art installations, free wifi, and many others.

44. The Red Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast

11147 E Bronco Dr Parker, CO 80138 (303) 840-6235 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Red Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast is a renowned vacation spot in Parker, sitting on five acres of serene property with a babbling stream and visiting wildlife, like deer and foxes.

Go on a much-needed, stress-free, country-style weekend vacation by booking a room at this bed and breakfast, roughly 45 minutes from Denver.

It has four well-decorated rooms, an impressive selection of books at its library, high-speed internet, a cozy fireplace in the lobby, and several other amenities.

It offers a full hot breakfast, complimentary freshly baked cookies in the evenings, and DVDs and board games for rent for a fun night with your travel buddies.

45. The Ski Tip Lodge

764 Montezuma Rd Keystone, CO 80435, (970) 496-4950 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Go on one of the best weekend getaways from Denver by driving one hour and thirty minutes to Keystone to check into the Ski Tip Lodge, a former stagecoach stop in the 1800s.

It offers a spectacular four-course dining experience and comfortable rooms fully equipped with the amenities you need for a guaranteed relaxing experience.

This award-winning accommodation features airport shuttle services, a 24-hour front desk, a shared lounge area with a flat-screen TV, luggage storage, ski lessons, and tons more.

It is also less than 30 minutes from several attractions, like outdoor recreation areas, fantastic eateries, gorgeous parks, historical sites, vibrant bars, and so on, to have a memorable trip.

Getaway Guide 

Comparing destinations: which one is right for you.

Ah, Colorado. 

My home state, where I’ve had the pleasure of discovering hidden gems and top-tier resorts. 

Let me share my recent experiences with you.

At The Little Nell in Aspen, I felt like I was wrapped in luxury. 

Skiing down those pristine slopes was a dream. 

The kids loved the hot cocoa, and the staff treated us like royalty. 

But you know what? 

It wasn’t just about the glitz.

Next, there was the Garden of the Gods Club & Resort in Colorado Springs. 

The scenery.

Those red rocks seemed to dance in the sun. 

The family hikes were invigorating, and the spa was heavenly. 

It was more about reconnecting with nature and family here.

Steamboat Grand Hotel was our last stop, and boy, did it charm us. 

Think cozy cabins, marshmallow roasts, and some good ol’ Western hospitality. 

So what’s the right pick for you? It depends. 

If you want opulence, head to The Little Nell. 

Craving nature? Garden of the Gods is your spot. 

For a down-home feel with warmth, Steamboat Grand is the answer.

Each spot had a soul of its own, and I loved every one of them. 

How I Picked The Destinations 

Picking these destinations wasn’t just a Google search for me – I’ve been there, felt their heartbeat. 

Sure, I’ve researched and talked to fellow travelers and locals, but being a part of this state is like having a backstage pass to its magic. 

Consider me your travel companion, revealing hidden treasures like a friend sharing secrets. 

Our Property Rating Method 

I rate these properties based on the following criteria:

• Room Variety: I use this to rate the room options offered by every property. What room types are available? Can it accommodate different budgets, group sizes, and preferences? I ask myself these questions when evaluating the property’s room variety. 
• Comfort and Cleanliness: This measures the overall cleanliness and comfort of the accommodations. Does it have comfortable beds? Are the rooms spotless and dust-free? These are important factors I consider when rating comfort and cleanliness. 
• Location: This is used to evaluate how convenient and accessible the property is. How close is it to the attractions? Are there good public transportation options near the location? Is it easily accessible for families? These questions are important when I rate the location of every accommodation. 
• Affordability: I use this to evaluate the property’s affordability. Are the room rates reasonable? Does the property have any additional fees? Does the property offer discounts or packages? I ask myself this in order to rate affordability. 
• Family-Friendliness: This evaluates the family-friendliness of each property. Does it offer babysitting services and children’s activities? Does it have connecting rooms for families? I use these questions to rate the family-friendliness of the property. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What’s a great weekend getaway from denver for outdoor enthusiasts.

Breckenridge is your go-to spot. With its stunning hiking trails and world-class skiing, it’s a paradise for nature lovers.

Where Can I Escape To For A Relaxing Weekend Near Denver?

Look no further than Aspen. This charming town offers serene landscapes, top-notch spas, and a chance to unwind.

Where Can I Experience A Charming Small-Town Vibe Near Denver?

Golden fits the bill perfectly. Quaint streets, cozy shops, and a welcoming atmosphere await.

What’s A Unique Weekend Escape For Adventure Seekers Near Denver?

Moab is your ultimate playground. With thrilling outdoor activities and mesmerizing red rock landscapes, it’s an adrenaline rush.

Any Recommendations For A Foodie Weekend Trip From Denver?

Boulder is a culinary delight. From farm-to-table restaurants to food festivals, your taste buds are in for a treat.

Conclusion 

After exploring all these incredible spots, one thing’s for sure: Colorado’s got soul. 

The best weekend getaways from Denver are not just about locations but experiences that touch your heart. 

And while each place has its own charm, The Little Nell in Aspen wins my vote. 

I’ve tasted the luxury, charm, and coziness of The Little Nell, and it’s our top choice for a reason. 

Going on vacation here is more than just a temporary escape from reality. 

It’s a chance to create unforgettable moments and lasting memories that will stay with you for years to come. 

Trust me, your family will be talking about it for years to come.

15 Best Weekend Trips from Denver for the Colorado Adventurer

This website may contain affiliate links and we may be compensated (at no cost to you!).

If you’re looking for the best weekend trips from Denver, then look no further! As a Colorado local, born and raised, I’m listing my favorite getaway locations.

The Mile High City is an amazing place to live , but it’s always nice to escape the hustle and bustle on a weekend trip from Denver. 

In less than a handful of hours you can be on a road trip across the state to some of the most scenic and stunning towns in the United States.

From the majestic Rocky Mountains to all of the activities available in nearby tourist hotspots, there are plenty of places to explore and sights to see. 

Here is a list of my favorite weekend getaways that are sure to please any Colorado-bound adventurer.

1. Rocky Mountain National Park

One of the best weekend trips from Denver is an escape to Rocky Mountain National Park.

In less than an hour and a half from Denver, this stunning national park offers breathtaking views and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. 

By booking a private tour , you’ll have the flexibility to customize your itinerary to your interests and pace. Take in the stunning scenery as you hike along gorgeous trails and photograph diverse wildlife.

Thinking of living in Colorado? This guide will help you avoid costly mistakes and remove the stress of planning so you can experience the joys of mountain living.

This natural wonderland is filled with towering peaks over 14,000 feet tall. The landscape is full of glimmering alpine lakes, lush wildflower-filled meadows, and a wealth of wildlife. 

Inside RMNP there are over 350 miles of hiking trails, not to mention scenic drives boasting stunning mountain vistas. From June to October, take a leisurely drive along Trail Ridge Road for some of the park’s best views.  

Although the summer months bring the warmest weather, the park is a must-visit destination any time of year. 

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a nature lover, this destination has something for everyone. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to discover the beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Distance from Denver: 66 miles

Time from Denver: 1 hour 23 minutes

Discover Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver 🤩 5/5 stars (1,900+ reviews)

2. Garden of the Gods & Pikes Peak

Colorado Springs is home to some of the most epic destinations in all of North America, including Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak .

And you can explore two of Colorado’s most breathtaking natural wonders on a small-group trip from Denver. First, marvel at the stunning views from the top of Pikes Peak, one of the state’s most famous mountains. 

Then, immerse yourself in the beauty of the Garden of the Gods. This unique and awe-inspiring park features towering sandstone formations and breathtaking vistas. 

Join a knowledgeable guide who will provide fascinating insights into the history and geology of the area. Plus, find out tips for the best spots to take in the breathtaking views.

This is a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see two of Colorado’s most stunning natural wonders in one day. 

Add a tour of Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak to your weekend trip from Denver and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.

Distance from Denver: 70 miles

Time from Denver: 1 hour 25 minutes

Book a Trip to Pikes Peak & Garden of the Gods 🤩 5/5 stars (800+ reviews)

3. The Continental Divide

Another stunning destination to add to your list of weekend trips from Denver is the Continental Divide . 

In Colorado, the Continental Divide runs along the Rocky Mountains and separates the eastern and western parts of the state. 

It offers some of the most incredible landscape in the country and is well-known for stunning views of the Colorado Rockies.

The Continental Divide is also a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, and fishing.

Start your day by exploring Red Rocks Park, known for its incredible natural amphitheater and towering red rock formations. 

Next, take in the stunning views from the Continental Divide, where the mighty Rocky Mountains soar high into the sky. 

This small group tour allows you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Colorado, with a knowledgeable guide to show you the way. 

From rugged mountains to picturesque towns, a tour along the Continental Divide has something for everyone. 

Distance from Denver: 251 miles

Time from Denver: 5 hours 16 minutes

Visit the Continental Divide 🤩 5/5 stars (170+ reviews)

4. Breckenridge

The town of Breckenridge is an absolute favorite of mine, and one of the best weekend trips from Denver. It makes for an epic weekend trip with historic architecture, boutique shops, and local restaurants. 

Plus, it’s close to famous ski resorts like Breckenridge Resort, Keystone, and Arapahoe Basin. Regardless of what time of year you visit, there are tons of things to do. 

I recommend visiting the Breckenridge Troll, or taking a ride on the free BreckConnect gondola . 

The ride up to Peak 8 takes you over the Cucumber Gulch Wildlife Preserve where you can expect to see bald eagles, foxes, and moose.

The Welcome Center near the Blue River offers a wealth of information, maps, and history about the town and surrounding area.

Take time for lunch with snacks and beverages included, then as you travel back to Denver you’ll pass through Eisenhower Tunnel. It’s the longest, highest, passenger car tunnel in the world.

If you’re looking for a weekend trip to Breckenridge, immerse yourself in the scenery and adventure of this full day mountain town tour.

Distance from Denver: 80 miles

Time from Denver: 1 hour 28 minutes

Book a Breckenridge Mountain Day Trip from Denver 🤩 5/5 stars (160+ reviews)

5. Central City

If you’re looking to explore the history of the Colorado Gold Rush, then a stroll through the historic town of Central City is a must. 

Located a quick 45-minute drive from Denver, Central City, and its sister city Black Hawk, are unlike any other destinations in Colorado. 

They are both known for being one of the few cities in the state to host fully operational casinos and gaming resorts. Not to mention Central City offers a unique blend of history, entertainment, and outdoor activities. 

Take a stroll through the city center and explore its historical landmarks, quirky local businesses, and unique architecture. Learn about the history of the 1859 gold rush and take a tour of a real gold mine. 

You and your family can experience what it was really like to be a Colorado gold miner back in the 1860s.

During the peak gold rush days, the historic streets of Central City were once considered to be the richest square mile on earth.

Book a tour of this historic Colorado Gold Rush town and add it to your weekend trip from Denver.

Distance from Denver: 38 miles

Time from Denver: 46 minutes

Book a Colorado Gold Rush Mine Tour 🤩 5/5 stars (likely to sell out)

6. Idaho Springs

After a quick 30-minute drive from Denver you’ll come to the lovely town of Idaho Springs.

This former mining town is home to outdoor activities like white water rafting, hiking, and shopping down main street. But the main thing the city is known for is the Indian Hot Springs Resort.

This facility was built into the side of the mountain between 1903 and 1911. And it’s considered one of the best hot springs near Denver .

Experience the soothing effects of naturally hot mineral water in the walk-in hot tubs and caves.

Each cave is gender specific, so bathing suits are optional if you choose. And the naturally hot mineral water is kept at temperatures ranging from 104 to 112 degrees.

Another popular activity in Idaho Springs is glacier hiking at Saint Mary’s Glacier and exploring geothermal cave pools. These natural attractions offer incredible panoramic views all year long. 

All expenses, including parking, water, snacks, admission to the hot springs, equipment, and transportation, are fully covered and included in your tour package.

Take a quick break from the city and join a tour of Idaho Springs and St Mary’s Glacier, just a short hour drive from Denver.

Distance from Denver: 33 miles 

Time from Denver: 38 minutes

Book a Glacier Hiking & Idaho Springs Day 🤩 5/5 stars (100+ reviews)

7. Estes Park

The charming mountain town of Estes Park is nestled in the north central region of Colorado at an altitude of 7,500 feet. 

It’s known for being on the doorstep of Rocky Mountain National Park as well as the home to the famous Stanley Hotel. This haunted landmark is both full of history and ghostly sightings.

Aside from this, Estes Park boasts a variety of other must-see attractions, including the picturesque Lake Estes.

In the summer, the Lake Estes Marina offers rentals for kayaks, paddle boards, and motorized fishing boats.

The charming downtown district is full of shops and restaurants, including the famous Riverwalk. In the fall, you’ll see a remarkable sight of hundreds of elk roaming the city during their rutting season. 

With a small population of just 6,000 residents, Estes Park offers a tranquil escape and the chance to be surrounded by nature. 

And with its convenient location near the Front Range, reaching Estes Park is a breeze.

8. Glenwood Springs

It’s no secret that the town of Glenwood Springs is one of my favorite small mountain towns in Colorado.

Located just 4 hours from Denver, Glenwood Springs is a charming small town with lots of fun things to do. The city is surrounded by the rugged Rocky Mountains and the White River National Forest. 

This affordable destination is the perfect escape for those looking for relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty. 

Relax day or night in a soothing soak at Glenwood Hot Springs Pool , the world’s largest hot springs pool, and enjoy the stunning mountain views. 

Take a scenic walk along the Rio Grande Trail, explore the rugged terrain of Glenwood Canyon, or hike to the famous Hanging Lake. 

Hanging Lake is one of Colorado’s most famous natural wonders. It’s renowned for its striking blue-green color which is the result of minerals that have dissolved in the lake over time. 

Be sure to plan ahead, as permits and reservations are required to enter this breathtaking destination. 

Distance from Denver: 157 miles

Time from Denver: 2 hours 35 minutes

9. Telluride

Nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, Telluride is everyone’s favorite mountain town for good reason. 

This Colorado mountain town is situated inside of a box canyon, making it look as if it’s something out of postcard.

From upscale shopping and dining to skiing in the winter or waterfall hiking in the summer, Telluride has it all. Enjoy a relaxing day out at any one of the top notch spas. 

Or spend time strolling along main street viewing the stately buildings and historic architecture. Then, take the free gondola to Mountain Village for even more shopping and gourmet eating options. 

The popular Bridal Veil Falls near the town is Colorado’s highest free-falling waterfall. Any time of year this destination makes for an incredibly beautiful photo opportunity.

A visit to Telluride makes for a long weekend getaway from Denver that’s not to be missed.

Distance from Denver: 362 miles

Time from Denver: 6 hours 10 minutes

Just two hours west of Denver lies the glitzy ski resort town of Aspen . Although the town is known for world-class skiing, there’s so much more to explore in this small town.

Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure or cultural enrichment, Aspen is a charming and picturesque mountain town that’s perfect for a weekend trip.

Take a stroll down the historic streets and check out the beautiful Victorian architecture.

Take an art tour through downtown Aspen where you can find charming shops and galleries showcasing local artwork, such as the Aspen Art Museum.

For those who love the outdoors, Aspen has plenty of hiking trails and nature walks to choose from. This includes the Maroon Bells, which is often regarded as one of the most beautiful spots in Colorado . 

You can even try your hand at fly-fishing or take a hot air balloon ride for a bird’s eye view of the town and surrounding mountains. 

Aspen is also a foodie’s paradise, with plenty of amazing restaurants to choose from. If you’re looking for something more casual, try one of the many food trucks located around town. 

No matter what your interests are, Aspen, Colorado is a great weekend trip destination from Denver. 

Distance from Denver: 198 miles

Time from Denver: 3 hours 42 minutes  

11. Fort Collins

Enjoy a relaxing weekend trip from Denver in the heart of Colorado’s craft beer scene: Fort Collins . 

This charming city is home to some of the largest and most renowned breweries in the country, including New Belgium Brewing and Odell Brewing Company.

For those seeking a smaller, more intimate experience, there are also plenty of local microbreweries to choose from. 

Located just over an hour from Denver, Fort Collins is a hub of outdoor adventure. The town’s crowning jewels are Colorado State University and its thriving downtown area. 

From the city’s small business shops, restaurants, and coffeehouses to the many outdoor activities in the surrounding areas, there’s always something to keep you entertained. 

Near Fort Collins, you’ll find Poudre Canyon or Arapahoe and Roosevelt National Forest. Both offer whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking, and camping as incredible outdoor activities.

And if you’re traveling with your furry best friend, Fort Collins has you covered. As one of Colorado’s most dog-friendly cities , Fort Collins features numerous fenced-in dog parks for your pet to run, play, and socialize.

For those seeking outdoor thrills, Fort Collins is the place to be.

Distance from Denver: 65 miles

Time from Denver: 1 hour 7 minutes  

12. Gunnison

For a quick weekend trip from Denver, look no further than the charming town of Gunnison, Colorado. 

Located just over 200 miles southwest of Denver, Gunnison is surrounded by the stunning Rocky Mountains. Because of this, the city is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. 

During the winter months, visitors can hit the slopes at nearby Crested Butte Mountain Resort or take part in activities such as snowshoeing and ice fishing. 

In the summer, hiking and biking trails abound thanks to the gorgeous Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park . The Gunnison River also provides opportunities for fishing and rafting. 

Beyond its natural beauty, the city of Gunnison also offers a variety of cultural attractions. 

The Gunnison Pioneer Museum provides a glimpse into the town’s history. While local art galleries, like Gunnison Arts Center, showcase the work of Colorado artists. 

Next time you’re in need of a weekend escape, consider making the trip to Gunnison. With its breathtaking scenery and small-town charm, it’s sure to be a trip you won’t forget.

Distance from Denver: 201 miles

Time from Denver: 3 hours 35 minutes  

13. Durango

Another popular weekend trip from Denver is Durango, which is a charming town surrounded by the staggering San Juan Mountains. 

Located just over 300 miles southwest of Denver, this destination is a great option that shouldn’t be missed. It’s even one of the cheapest places to live in Colorado , if you want to live near the border. 

The smaller mountain town offers incredible natural beauty as well as high quality restaurants and breweries. 

In the winter, visitors can hit the slopes at the nearby Purgatory Resort or enjoy activities such as snowmobiling and snowshoeing. 

In the warmer months, the Animas River provides opportunities for kayaking, rafting, and fishing. And the surrounding mountains are perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. 

Beyond its natural beauty, Durango is also rich in history and culture. Visitors can ride the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which is one of the most scenic train rides in Colorado .

Or take a stroll through the town’s historic district, which boasts a variety of Victorian-era buildings. You can also spend a day exploring Mesa Verde National Park, which is a true historic wonder.

Durango is also home to a vibrant dining and nightlife scene, including the Animas Brewing Company which is a must-visit for craft beer enthusiasts. 

With its combination of natural beauty, history, and culture, Durango has something for everyone. 

Distance from Denver: 337 miles

Time from Denver: 6 hours 18 minutes

14. Pagosa Springs

A list of the best weekend trips from Denver isn’t complete without mentioning Pagosa Springs. 

Pagosa Springs, Colorado is located just over 200 miles southwest of the city. It is perfect for anyone seeking a hot springs experience with a little more peace and quiet than Glenwood Springs offers. 

The natural hot springs in the area are said to have healing properties. Visitors can soak in the hot springs at various locations throughout town, including the popular Springs Resort & Spa.

The resort also offers a variety of spa treatments, including massages and facials, for those seeking further relaxation.

Beyond the hot springs, Pagosa Springs offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure. Head out into Nature Park to explore its miles of trails offering stunning views of surrounding mountainsides and valleys below.

Or check out the nearby San Juan National Forest which offers miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. In addition, there are plenty of opportunities for fishing and horseback riding.

When it gets cold, the Wolf Creek Ski Area offers some of the best skiing in Colorado , with an average of 430 inches of snowfall per year. 

With its combination of natural beauty, relaxation, and adventure, Pagosa Springs is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. 

Time from Denver: 1 hour 20 minutes

15. Crested Butte

Looking for a weekend adventure in the mountains? Head to Crested Butte, Colorado, just over 200 miles southwest of Denver. 

Crested Butte is a charming, historic town surrounded by the stunning Elk Mountains, offering endless outdoor adventure opportunities. 

Hit the slopes at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, known for its challenging terrain and stunning views in the winter. The resort also offers other winter activities, such as snowmobiling and ice skating. 

Then as the weather warms up, Crested Butte transforms into a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. 

The surrounding mountains offer miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, and the nearby Gunnison River provides opportunities for fishing and rafting. 

Visitors can also take part in activities such as horseback riding and rock climbing. 

Beyond outdoor adventure, Crested Butte also offers a variety of cultural attractions. The Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum provides a glimpse into the town’s mining history. 

With its combination of natural beauty and cultural attractions, Crested Butte is perfect for a weekend trip from Denver. 

Distance from Denver: 228 miles

Time from Denver: 4 hours 29 minutes

There are so many incredible places within driving distance from Denver that make great weekend trips. 

Whether you want to relax in hot springs, go hiking in national parks, or explore charming mountain towns, Colorado has something for everyone! 

I hope this list of the best weekend getaways from Denver allows you to escape the city and take in the stunning nearby mountain views.

Colorado Native & Personal Chef

Ryan Nicholson is a homegrown born and raised Colorado native. Being a rare unicorn to have grown up in CO, he has a unique perspective on the changes here and knows all the hidden spots to get outside in this state. Ryan's a classically French trained chef so he LOVES to try new foods and places to eat. When he's not experimenting in the kitchen or working as a personal chef along the Front Range, he loves to get outdoors and away from it all hiking, camping and backpacking.

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10 Best Weekend Trips From Denver

Plan an adventurous weekend trip from Denver to one of these top destinations. From ski resorts to National Parks, there’s something for everyone.

One of the most amazing things about living in Denver is the endless outdoor activities and adventures that you can go on from skiing to hiking and everything in between. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or looking for a quick getaway, there are plenty of beautiful weekend trips from the Denver metro area to some of the most beautiful destinations within Colorado.

Within a short distance, there are countless adventures for outdoor enthusiasts including National Parks, wildlife-viewing opportunities, scenic byways, and so much more.

Here are 10 of the best long weekend trips from Denver within the state of Colorado.

Feature image: Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs | Photo credit: Abby Price

1. Rocky Mountain National Park

Driving distance from Denver: 2-3 hours

One of the best weekend trips from Denver is to Rocky Mountain National Park . Not only is this one of the most beautiful National Parks in the country but it also contains some magnificent hiking trails, endless wildlife, and one of the most famous scenic byways in the United States: the Rocky Mountain National Park Scenic Loop.

Rocky Mountain National Park is located only about 2 to 3 hours from the Denver metro area making it a super easy drive and the views are unbelievable the entire way.

One of the top attractions within the park is the Trail Ridge Road which is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. It is roughly 50 miles in length and takes you from Estes Park to Grand Lake.

Rocky Mountain National Park Resources

2. colorado springs.

Driving distance from Denver: 1-2 hours

Colorado Springs is a great weekend trip from Denver if you are looking to explore a smaller city within an hour or two of the city. The town of Colorado Springs has so much to offer from quaint coffee shops, breweries, endless restaurants, and quite a bit of shopping. If you are looking for some of the best chocolate in Colorado, be sure to check out Cacao Chemistry for a tasty treat!

For a more outdoorsy and adventurous long weekend trip, there are endless hiking options in the area including Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak .

One of the main attractions in Colorado Springs is being able to drive to the top of Pikes Peak, which is only 15 feet short of being the highest paved road in the United States at 14,115 feet in elevation. It’s such a steep drive down the mountain that they stop all cars at the halfway point to check your brake temperatures. Whether you choose to drive or hike to the summit, the views from the top are incredible and it’s a wonderful way to check off your first 14er!

Read next: Tips for Climbing Your First 14er

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3. Steamboat Springs

Driving distance from Denver: 3-4 hours

Steamboat Springs is known for its beautiful ski resort town and proximity to the slopes. If you are looking for a fun weekend getaway but would like to focus on skiing powder, look no further. Ski Steamboat’s ‘champagne powder’, walk the charming downtown area, and explore countless shopping and dining options.

Additionally, being a little further away from Denver than most of the other resorts, you will avoid some of the crowds too!

As you may have guessed from the name, there are some wonderful hot springs in the area as well. We love heading to the Strawberry Park Hot Springs after a long, cold day on the slopes to warm up and get some much-needed relaxation.

Read next: 10 Best Ski Resorts in Colorado

4. Breckenridge

Driving distance from Denver: 1.5-2 hours

Breckenridge is one of the most well-known ski towns in the United States and has so much to offer for both visitors and locals alike including endless shops, dining options, incredible ski slopes, and their infamous brewery!

If you haven’t already noticed, Colorado has many of the highest elevation records in the United States and Breckenridge is no exception. For the skiers and snowboarders looking for a little extra thrill be sure to head up the Imperial Express , which is the highest chair lift in North America taking you all the way up to 12,840 feet!

If you are visiting Colorado in the summer, bring your mountain bike and check out the endless trails that Breck has to offer.

Another option in the summer is to check out one of the amazing hikes in the area such as Quandary Peak for the more intense hikers or a stroll around the Dillion Reservoir for the more casual hikers, which is situated between the towns on Breckenridge, Frisco, and Dillion.

5. Glenwood Springs

Driving distance from Denver: 3 hours

Glenwood Springs is a small town about three hours from Denver that is known for its natural hot springs.

Glenwood Springs is also a great central city in the mountains. You can quickly drive to Aspen to ski or check out the legendary fall foliage around the Maroon Bells or head over to the wineries in Palisade, which are mentioned next!

Colorado Fall Resources

6. palisade.

Driving distance from Denver: 4 hours

Palisade is located in Colorado’s wine country and is a perfect destination for a fun and romantic long weekend trip from Denver. The small town of Palisade is full of wineries both big and small and is also known for its delicious peaches!

If you’re looking for more of an adventure-filled weekend, the Palisade Plunge mountain bike trail drops riders over 30 miles and 7,500 feet from Mesa Top to town. It’s a big, backcountry ride, so be sure you’re prepared if this is on your adventure list.

For a tamer weekend, Palisade is situated near the entrance of Colorado National Monument , which is known for its sheer wall canyons, unique rock formations, and scenic 23-mile Rim Rock Drive.

Driving distance from Denver: 6 hours

If you are looking for a weekend trip that is a bit off the beaten path, Ouray is your spot. Ouray is commonly known as the “Switzerland of America” because of its old-school charm, quaint establishments, and proximity to some of the sheerest, drastic mountains in the United States!

Additionally, Ouray is only an hour’s drive from Telluride, making it an ideal location to check out if you want to get a local feel near such a popular tourist destination!

Read next: Ultimate Guide to the Million Dollar Highway & the San Juan Skyway Loop

8. Fort Collins

Driving distance from Denver: 1 hour

Fort Collins is about an hour outside of Denver which makes it an easy drive for a weekend trip or just a short day trip.

Fort Collins is known for endless brewery options and is home to some of the best beer in the state. Make sure to swing by Odell Brewing Company for a beer by one of their fire pits as their beer is famous in Colorado and growing rapidly across the country!

9. Great Sand Dunes National Park

Driving distance from Denver: 3.5 hours

Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of Colorado’s most unique National Parks. It features massive sand dunes that have formed at the base of 13,000-foot peaks. Seeing dunes backed up against snowcapped mountains is truly magical.

If you’re planning to visit in the spring, bring a beach chair . Yes, you read that correctly, a beach chair! The snowmelt from the mountains creates a wide, slow-moving river at the base of the sand dunes and people come from all over to experience a Colorado “beach”.

If the Great Sand Dunes National Park is your final destination, but you aren’t feeling up to camping, then check out the nearby town of Alamosa which has a cute main street filled with restaurants and breweries.

Read next: Best Sand Dunes in the United States for Outdoor Adventure

10. Moab, Utah

Moab is outside of Colorado, but just a 6-hour drive from downtown Denver, making it a great long weekend trip. Moab has so many things to do from the endless red rock formations to Arches National Park , and so much more. If you’re looking for several days of exploration and a change of scenery, with some of the best hiking trails in Utah, you must check out Moab!

Additionally, Idaho Springs, Frisco, Glenwood Springs, and Palisade are on the way to Moab so if you are looking to stop at multiple locations during your long weekend trip this is a great option.

Moab Adventure Resources

Looking for some more weekend getaways from Denver? Check out these Colorado road trip blog posts:

• 15 Best Stops for your Colorado Road Trip
• Fall Colors in Colorado: A Road Trip Itinerary Thorough Aspen Country
• Ultimate Guide to the Million Dollar Highway & the San Juan Parkway

We hope this list helps you find the best weekend trips from Denver! What are your top places to visit around Colorado? Which destinations are on your list to visit? Leave a comment below!

Abby and Sam Price live in Denver, Colorado. They are obsessed with traveling the world internationally and domestically and spending as much time outdoors as possible doing their favorite activities hiking, skiing, kayaking, and playing with their dog Clover. They created their blog trekkingprices.com to share their adventures with others in order to inspire other couples to explore more of the world and live life to the fullest.

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If you included Moab, you should also include Santa Fe, NM. I stopped there on a drive back from Phoenix to avoid a snow storm. The place is unique and beautiful.

Hi Tim — thanks for the suggestion! We also love Santa Fe & think it would make a great road trip from Denver.

• Destinations

16 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways from Denver, Colorado

Last Updated By VI on April 17, 2024 in Colorado Weekend Getaways & Day Trips

Hotel Boulderado - 40 minutes from Denver

Frisco lodge - 1 hour 45 minutes, the silver lake lodge - one hour drive from denver, niwot inn - 45 minutes.

• Complete List & Map

2115 13th Street, Boulder , CO 80302, Phone: 303 442 4344, HMap

321 Main St, Frisco, CO 80443, 800-279-6000 , Map

More ideas: Colorado Dude Ranches

Niwot Inn , 342 2nd Avenue, Niwot, CO 80503, 303-652-8452

Chalet Val d'Isere

Chalet Val d'Isere , 2415 Val D'Isere Cir, Steamboat Springs , CO 80487, 970-846-7006

The Surf Hotel and Chateau, Buena Vista

The Surf Hotel and Chateau, Buena Vista , 1012 Front Loop, Buena Vista, CO 81211, 719 966 7048

Garden of the Gods Resort and Club, Colorado Springs

More ideas: Day trips from Colorado Springs

Highland Haven - 35 minutes

More ideas: Free in Colorado Springs

Lawson Adventure Park and Resort, Dumont

More ideas: Romantic all-inclusive hotels

Minturn Inn - 2 hours from Denver

Minturn Inn , 442 Main Street, Minturn, CO 81645, 970-827-9647

The Silk Pincushion

1523 Ford Street, Golden, CO 80401, 303-278-8813 , Map

Grand Colorado on Peak 8, Breckenridge

More ideas: Vail

The Little Nell, Aspen

The Little Nell , 675 E. Durant Ave, Aspen, CO 81611, 855 920 4600

Winter Park Chateau

Winter Park Chateau , 405 Lions Gate Drive, Winter Park, CO 80482, 970-726-2884

The Red Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast

The Red Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast , 11147 E. Bronco Drive, Parker, CO 80138, 303-840-6235

The Ski Tip Lodge

The Ski Tip Lodge , 764 Montezuma Rd, Dillon, CO 80435, 970-496-4950

Driving Distances from Denver

• 1. Hotel Boulderado - 40 minutes from Denver
• 2. Frisco Lodge - 1 hour 45 minutes
• 3. The Silver Lake Lodge - One hour drive from Denver
• 4. Niwot Inn - 45 minutes
• 5. Chalet Val d'Isere
• 6. The Surf Hotel and Chateau, Buena Vista
• 7. Garden of the Gods Resort and Club, Colorado Springs
• 8. Highland Haven - 35 minutes
• 9. Lawson Adventure Park and Resort, Dumont
• 10. Minturn Inn - 2 hours from Denver
• 11. The Silk Pincushion
• 12. Grand Colorado on Peak 8, Breckenridge
• 13. The Little Nell, Aspen
• 14. Winter Park Chateau
• 15. The Red Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast
• 16. The Ski Tip Lodge

Get away for a weekend of pampering, relaxation and fun outdoor activities at one of these great hotels, inns and lodges near Denver, Colorado . Quick weekend trips from Denver include Estes Park , Evergreen, Minturn, Idaho Springs, Niwot and other beautiful Colorado towns.

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Budget Travel Buff

13 Best Weekend Trips from Denver, CO

With national parks, world-class skiing, mountain resort towns, and hot springs, there are so many incredible weekend trips from Denver to check out. With trips ranging from an hour to a few hour’s drive, there are plenty of weekend getaway options to escape city life and explore the beautiful mountains of Colorado.

Did you try out cheeseburger at Humpty Dumpty Drive in Denver or did you know Denver gets its first snow in October? Whether you’re driving and staying in a hotel, car camping or you rented an RV in Denver for the weekend , these are the best weekend getaways from Denver, Colorado. Let’s know where you can go from Denver!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay any extra penny, but I’ll get a small commission that encourages me to deliver more helpful content for you.

1. Rocky Mountain National Park

Peaks rising over 14,000 feet, glistening crystal-clear alpine lakes, luscious meadows filled with wildflowers, and abundant wildlife sightings are just a few reasons to head to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Located just an hour and a half northeast of Denver, this is the perfect weekend getaway destination from Denver. With over 350 miles of hiking trails, scenic drives offering impressive mountain views, ranger-led horseback riding trips, and plenty of camping and backpacking options there are plenty of ways to enjoy Rocky Mountain National Park .

While visits in the summer provide the warmest weather, the park is worth visiting year-round. Denver is one of the warmest places to live in Colorado . But during the winter, the snow-covered peaks and meadows make for a tranquil experience with far fewer visitors than in the summer. However, certain parts of the park are only accessible in the summer. Between June to October cruise along Trail Ridge Road  for some of the best views in the park.

Also, as of summer 2020, during the high season, park reservations are required. Acquire your timed entry permit online ahead of time at recreation.gov if you plan to visit from May to October.

Read More: Winter Wonderland: Top 4 Ice Caves in Colorado to Explore

2. Estes Park

Estes Park is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s about 90 minutes northwest of Denver and is a great pit stop on your way to the park, or a weekend trip destination with all the attractions surrounding this lovely mountain town.

Enjoy views of the Rocky Mountains from the aerial tramway cable car up to the summit of Prospect Mountain . It operates daily from the end of May to early September. Or go for a stroll, fish for trout, or enjoy some water activities on Lake Estes.

Estes Park also offers plenty of accommodations and restaurants downtown. Sip wine at Snow Peaks Winery, adventure off-road on a jeep tour, or head into town to enjoy some local shopping. For a luxury night stay book a night at the historic Stanely Hotel.

With the variety of options from mountains to a chill town, this is one of the best weekend getaways from Denver.

3. Colorado Springs : Best Weekend Getaway from Denver

Colorado Springs sits at the base of the glacially carved Rocky Mountains, featuring the prominent Pikes Peak in the distance and the beautiful red sculpted rocks, Garden of the Gods  park in the foreground.

Just over an hour from Denver, this city is a great day trip or full weekend trip destination . If you’re an avid hiker, make your way up the grueling trail to summit Pikes Peak. Or for a more relaxing experience, take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway  or drive your own vehicle up. But don’t be surprised if you feel a bit dizzy at the summit; at 14,115 ft of elevation, you might feel the lack of oxygen in your brain!

Colorado Springs is surrounded by over 300 miles of trails throughout the surrounding national forests and in Garden of the Gods park. From the park, you can take the perfect photo of the red rocks and mountain background. Or hike through the unique sandstone formations.

Recommended post: Discovering The Best 26 Reasons: What is Colorado Known for?

4. Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs is about 3 hours northwest of Denver. With its variety of both summer and winter activities, it’s one of the best weekend trips from Denver.

For outdoor enthusiasts, winters here are well known for visits to the Steamboat Springs ski resort. It’s not one of the largest resorts in the state so it’s less touristy and still features great terrain and generally really good snow conditions.

For a relaxing visit, Old Town Hot Springs located in the center of downtown is famous for relaxing in the geothermally heated pools. If you arrive during the summer, ride the scenic chairlifts, go for a hike, go horseback riding, or take a hot air balloon tour.

5. Idaho Springs

Idaho Springs is a small historic town located about 45 minutes west of Denver and is just a few miles off Highway 70. It originally grew to fame as a mining town during the 1880s because of the gold rush but is now also visited as a spot for outdoor adventure enthusiasts.

For a summer weekend getaway in Idaho Springs go rafting or camping. If you’re into Gold Rush history visit the Pheonix Gold Mine , check out the Argo Mill and Tunnel , or stop by the Idaho Springs Museum and Visitor Center.

With its close distance to Denver, Idaho Springs is also a great spot for a day trip or a quick weekend trip near Denver.

6. Glenwood Springs : Top Weekend Trip from Denver

Geothermal springs, bright-colored lakes, and a relaxing resort city, Glenwood Springs is located about 4 hours from Denver and is a great weekend trip. This small city is one of the most affordable places to visit in Colorado . Glenwood Springs sits in the rugged part of the Rocky Mountains surrounded by White River National Forest.

Check out Glenwood Hot Springs Pool or Iron Mountain Hot Springs for a nice soak in the naturally heated water while enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery. If you enjoy scenic strolls take a walk along the Rio Grande Trail. For great hiking explore Glenwood Canyon or Hanging Lake.

Hanging Lake is one of the most famous natural formations in Colorado. Its unique geologic formation and appearance were formed when a geologic fault forced the bed of the lake off the above valley, leaving behind Bridal Veil Falls trickling into Hanging Lake.

The lake is a striking bright blue-green color because of the minerals that have dissolved into it over time. Permits and reservations are required to enter so plan your visit ahead of time.

7. Great Sand Dunes National Park

This national park is located about 4 hours south of Denver. It’s home to the largest sand dunes in North America with dunes rising around 750 feet tall! Not only is this park famous for its majestic dunes, what really makes it special are the breathtaking mountain peaks in the distant background, making for the perfect photo spot.

This park is fun for all visitors . There are plenty of hikes throughout the dunes, however, hiking here is much harder than on a regularly maintained trail so prepare for your legs to burn as you climb uphill. In addition to the dunes, the park is also home to miles of trails near alpine lakes, wetlands, grasslands, and shrublands. While visiting, always look out for the diverse wildlife and carry a small binocular .

For an adrenalin-rushing experience, go sandboarding or sand sledding! You can rent boards at the visitor center or at other nearby shops and slide down the dunes anywhere throughout the dune fields!

If you visit during the summer take a dip at Medano Creek or tour the park during the night for the best photo opportunities of the Milky Way. Check the moon calendar and plan your trip during a new moon for the best views of the night sky.

If you take the western route through the mountains all alien believers should stop at the funky UFO Watchtower attraction in Alamosa.

8. Fort Collins

The craft beer capital of Colorado: Fort Collins. Sip brews at some of the largest and most famous breweries in the country. New Belgium Brewing, Odell Brewing Company, and Left Hand Brewing, as well as many smaller breweries, are some of the amazing drinking options you can choose from here.

The city is located just over an hour drive from Denver and is also well known for Colorado State University, its access to outdoor activities, and its bicycle-friendly culture. Downtown is filled with restaurants, local small business shops, and coffee shops.

Near Fort Collins, there are plenty of outdoor activities within close distance to the city. Head to Poudre Canyon  to go whitewater rafting or kayaking. Drive a bit west and you’ll end up in Arapahoe and Roosevelt National Forest  where there is plenty of hiking and camping.

In addition to the public city parks, Fort Collins is also known as a very dog-friendly city in Colorado. The city features several fenced-in dog parks where pets can run off-leash and there are drinking fountains and shade shelters.

9. Crested Butte

A ski town in the winter and a mountain biking mecca in the summer. Crested Butte is a small town nestled high in Colorado’s mountains about 4 hours away from Denver. In the spring and early summer, it’s become well known for the beautiful wildflower blooms.

While Crested Butte is small compared to other Colorado mountain towns, the main street is filled with brightly colored buildings, restaurants, and shops. Explore the town like a local and enjoy your breakfast at Butte Bagels followed by a stop at Townie Books .

Crested Butte is far less visited than most other towns throughout Colorado so it’s a great place to relax for a weekend escape from Denver.

Vail is home to one of the largest ski resorts in the US. It’s known for its incredible, diverse terrain and many visitors say it has some of the best conditions in the country. It’s easily one of the most famous ski options located near Denver.

Vail Resorts also own nearby locations including Keystone, Breckenridge, and Beaver Creek. Located within a few miles you can spend your weekend hopping around to different mountains if you’d like.

But Vail isn’t only known for its winter activities. The main street downtown is filled with luxury shopping, dining, and accommodations. In the summer spend your day zip-lining, tubing, or whitewater rafting.

11. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a great long weekend road trip from Denver, CO. Located in the western part of Colorado, it’s about 6 hours away from Denver. It’s famous for its deep, narrow, and steep canyon reaching 2,722 feet deep where it meets the Gunnison River.

The park is home to the Painted Wall , the tallest cliff in Colorado standing 2,250 feet from water to the canyon rim. Hike down into the canyon to discover this area or go on an overnight trip from Denver. Rock climbing and kayaking are also popular activities in the park. The Gunnison River  is also famous for its trout fishing.

If you enjoy a more chill national park trip you can drive along both the North and South Rims or take the windy East Portal Road from the canyon rim down to the river. This road is very steep with grades reaching over 16% so make sure your brakes are working!

While summer days bring the most sun to the canyon the hot temperatures are difficult to enjoy. Explore the park at night for a chance to see an incredible stary sky. Or explore the park during the winter when it’s covered in snow. Cross country skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities.

This charming mountain town is known as the Little Switzerland of Colorado. Denver is about 6 hours from Ouray so plan a long weekend road trip to enjoy this area. And while it is most famous as a winter ice climbing destination, it’s a great spot to visit at any time of year.

The downtown area is filled with restaurants, shops, a brewery, and both quaint and modern hotel accommodations. In the summer spend your day hiking, climbing, or on the new Via Ferrata course.

With year-round activities, a friendly local community, the surrounding mountain views, and activities for all types of travelers, this is one of the best weekend trips from Denver.

Aspen is another resort town just over 3 hours west of Denver. The resort, Aspen Snowmass, is well known for skiing and snowboarding in the winter and bike trails and ziplines in the summer. It is also known for its glitzy resort area with hotels, shopping, and restaurants.

Just outside of Aspen is a famous wilderness area called Maroon Bells. It’s one of the most visited areas in Colorado and features some of Colorado’s iconic mountain peaks. There are plenty of hiking and backpacking trails throughout that region.

With the massive Rocky Mountains, relaxing resort cities with spas, unique parks, and plenty of outdoor activities there are so many weekend trips from Denver, Colorado for any type of traveler. With such a variety throughout the state, there are plenty of places to visit at any time of year. So start planning your weekend getaway now to see the best of Colorado!

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Even though some people might say that the nature of Colorado is pretty dull and has the same parks, mountains, and hitching spots all around the state, I am personally very much amused by the environmental features of Denver. I have been there three times and all of them were not similar to one another. I had an incredible experience meeting the gorgeous nature of Denver, and highly suggest everyone go and visit the amazing places listed in the article.

Thank you, Marina, for your suggestion.

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• Jun 15, 2021

15 Best Weekend Getaways from Denver (within a 3 hour flight)

Updated: Jan 21

Denver residents are blessed to be in the heart of one of the world's best mountain ranges. The Rocky Mountains offer world-class hiking, skiing, and of course the most beautiful National Parks in the country. Denver is also situated near the entire west coast and is in short reach to popular cities to the east. Oh and for the most part, the flights are insanely inexpensive.

This article will focus on domestic destinations via airplane and car. Here are some weekend getaway ideas for locals in the Denver area within a 3 hour flight (with one bonus 4 hour destination). More importantly, these trips are all possible without having to request PTO (for you M-F 9-5'ers), it just depends what you want to do at your destination.

Miami, Florida (MIA, FLL) - 4 Hour Flight

Beaches, outdoors activities, clubs, restaurants, culture. As a current resident in Miami, this is at the top of the list of weekend trips from Denver! I just ask that you please please please venture out beyond Miami Beach.

When to go?

Any time of the year, but best is October - February for perfect weather.

Who can fly you there?

AA from DEN - See flight deals

United from DEN - See flight deals

Southwest from DEN - See flight deals

Spirit Airways from DEN- See flight deals

Frontier from DEN - See flight deals

How much will it cost to get there?

Airfare: $100+

Where can you stay?

See hotels in Miami

See hotels in Miami Beach

Visit the following neighborhoods to step away from the "typical Miami": Wynwood, Brickell, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Midtown, Edgewater.

Chicago, Illinois (ORD, MDW) - 2.5 Hour Flight

Food, bars, sports, rivers!

United Airlines from DEN - See flight deals

See hotels in Chicago

For bourbon enthusiasts, visit Untitled Supper Club on W Kinzie for an incredible speakeasy experience.

Kansas City, Missouri (MCI) - 1.5 Hour Flight

BBQ! BBQ! BBQ!

See hotels in Kansas City

Visit the Power & Light District for a unique nightlife experience & go to Arthur Bryant's for BBQ.

Nashville, Tennessee (BNA) - 2.5 Hour Flight

Music (not just country), endless bars, brewpubs, hot chicken.

Spring, Summer and Fall

Airfare: $200+

See hotels in Nashville

Stay in the Gulch or near printer's alley.

Moab, Utah (CNY) - Just over a 1 Hour Flight

Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, Camping, Hiking, Sky Diving, Off-Roading, and anything else you can do in the outdoors.

See hotels in Moab

Do not sit around indoors!

New Orleans, Louisiana (MSY) - 2.5 Hour Flight

Jazz music, other music, culture, architecture, partying, passionate football fans.

Spring, Summer, Fall

See hotels in New Orleans

Check out Bourbon Street for a little bit, but don't get sucked in. It's absolutely disgusting. Chartres Street is better for those looking to maintain their cleanliness.

Seattle, Washington (SEA) - 3 Hour Flight

Whales, Olympic National Park, Mt. Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, gorgeous views, intelligent individuals, good breweries.

Summer (you can't really avoid the rain but you can pray)

Delta from DEN - See flight deals

Alaska from DEN - See flight deals

See hotels in Seattle

Visit the REI flagship store. Wow.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming (JAC) - 1.5 Hour Flight

Bears, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, skiing, golfing, horseback riding, rustic boutique, hotels, cool people.

Airfare: $300+

See hotels in Jackson Hole

Make sure you have time to visit both Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Jenny Lake is a must.

Telluride, Colorado (TEX) - 50 Minute Flight

Skiing, mountainous scenery, great hotels.

Key Lime Air from DEN - See flight deals

See hotels in Telluride

One of the best hospitality experiences I've ever had took place during my stay at Lumiere Hotel . 100% worth every penny.

Aspen, Colorado (ASE) - 50 Minute Flight

Skiing, great scenery, luxury.

See hotels in Aspen

It's very expensive, but worth a shot. 3.5 hour drive if you wish to save some $$.

Los Angeles, California (LAX, BUR, SNA, LGB, SBA, ONT) - 2.5 Hour Flight

Surfing, Hiking, Sports, City Life, Culture, Fame, Disneyland, Food.

Spirit from DEN - See flight deals

See hotels in Los Angeles

San Diego, California (SAN) - 2.5 Hour Flight

Surfing, Hiking, Zoo, Mountain Biking, Partying.

See hotels in San Diego

San Francisco, California (SFO, SJC, OAK) - 2.5 Hour Flight

Tours, Food, Silicon Valley, Golden Gate Bridge, Surfing

See hotels in San Francisco

Monterrey, California (MRY) - 2.5 Hour Flight

Big Sur and the Pacific Coast

See hotels in Big Sur

Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS) - 2 Hour Flight

Gambling, Hoover Dam, Death Valley National Park, Valley of Fire State Park, Partying, more Gambling.

See hotels in Las Vegas

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These Are The Most Unforgettable Denver Weekend Trips

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Welcome to the mile-high city of Denver, where the buildings reach for the mountains and the mountains reach for the sky!

Just a short distance outside of the hustle-and-bustle of Denver are adventures awaiting to be sought in some of the most charming mountain towns.

Cut the city chaos and reconnect with nature by heading out to one of these places for your next Denver weekend trip!

Denver is truly the gateway to the mountains, with short, scenic drives to stunning mountain towns that’ll drastically change your scenery for days in just minutes.

We’ve visited, hiked, planned, and decided on the best Denver weekend trips that’ll surely make the list for your next weekend getaway from Denver. These towns below are only a few hours’ drive from Denver, so load up the car. We’ll meet you there!

Table of Contents

Denver Weekend Trips

Breckenridge.

🚗 Distance from Denver: 80 miles, 1.5 hours

Breakaway from the basics of city life by heading to Breckenridge for the weekend!

Whether you’re searching for a memorable weekend trip for the family or just a quick weekend getaway from Denver, Breckenridge offers the breathtaking city escape you’re desperately searching for.

Just a short drive over the mountains, you’ll break free from the chaos of the city and enter the scene of the breathtaking town of Breckenridge.

Breckenridge offers an array of activities that’ll be sure to keep you busy all weekend long. Explore the trails that surround the beautiful city (Breckenridge Troll is a fun, easy one!), hit the bunny slopes of the nearby ski resorts, or simply wind down at the coffee shops or breweries of Breck!

One weekend in this mountain town, you’ll start to wonder why you chose the downtown dance of Denver over the blissful backcountry of Breckenridge.

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Rocky Mountain National Park

🚗 Distance from Denver: 70 miles, 1.5 hours

Escape the city and explore the expanse of Rocky Mountain National Park for an enchanting weekend trip from Denver!

Just a quick ride into the mountains from the Denver International Airport is a national park waiting to be scratched off your bucket list.

With just a short drive into your weekend, this park offers enough wilderness, wildlife, and natural wonders to fill your soul and your schedule. Camp under the stars, spend time hiking , chase the alpenglow at sunrise and take a dip in one of the many lakes RMNP has to offer.

Be sure to plan this weekend getaway from Denver ahead of time if you’re looking to enter the Bear Lake Corridor.

This sought-after side of the park offers many adventures but requires a timed-entry reservation, especially during the busy summer season. No need to worry – you can easily access the reservations online !

Colorado Springs

Known for its stunning backdrop of Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs is a standard Denver weekend trip for families!

Start your weekend in Colorado Springs by summiting Pikes Peak Highway and enjoying the panoramic views of neighboring mountains ahead and the lights of the city below!

With an entire weekend with the fam still ahead of you, be sure to stop by and stroll the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo , the Garden of the Gods , and the Seven Bridges for memories that will last a lifetime!

Soak up the sun and have fun with your family in Colorado Springs before heading back after your weekend trip from Denver.

🚗 Distance from Denver: 335 miles, 5-6 hours

Are you ready for a romantic road trip outside of the city? Look no further. Ouray is a day’s drive through the Rockies and into the San Juan Mountains for the perfect Denver weekend trip for couples.

Nestled into the mountains and in the arms of your partner, you’ll find that Ouray offers the exact getaway you were both searching for. Sit back, relax, and soak in the hot springs while soaking in the natural beauty that surrounds you.

Ouray is truly a hidden gem, with some of the most adventurous hikes and iconic views. Be sure to enjoy the cascading falls of Box Canyon while you’re there!

🚗 Distance from Denver: 355 miles, 5.5 hours

Moab is the true adventure seekers weekend getaway from Denver! Home to several National and State Parks, Moab is sure to keep you busy and free your mind from those mundane months in the city!

The red rock landscapes, natural bridges, and distinct arches truly transport you into another world only hours away from downtown Denver.

Hike the winding trails of Canyonland National Park , climb the Delicate Arch of Arches National Park , and visit the canyons carved by ice at Dead Horse Point State Park .

The daring beauty of the desert is no match to the humble chaos of the city.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

🚗 Distance from Denver: 235 miles, 3-4 hours

Exchange Denver for the Dunes for an adventurous weekend getaway at Great Sand Dunes National Park! Home to some of the tallest sand dunes in North America, this park offers a sandy escape in the mountainous state of Colorado.

Surf the dunes, hike the trails, splash in the creeks, and explore every inch of the dunes on your weekend away from Denver.

Did you know that there are more stars in the sky than grains of sand in the park? The Great Sand Dunes National Park is off the beaten path and almost appears out of nowhere, miles away from the nearest city.

Camp under the stars and explore the Milky Way above the dunes before returning to the lights of the city!

Steamboat Springs

🚗 Distance from Denver: 160 miles, 3 hours

Steamboat Springs is a short road trip north of Denver and ranks on the list of best Denver weekend trips for families!

Steamboat Ski Resort is a family-friendly ski resort that offers an array of terrain, from the bunny slopes to some of the scariest slopes, so bundle up and hit the slopes on your weekend away from the city!

Surrounded by six peaks and several hot springs, you’ll surely find something to do all weekend long.

Idaho Springs

🚗 Distance from Denver: 33 miles, 45 minutes

While we’re on the topic of hot springs, hop on over to Idaho Springs for the weekend to soak in the closest hot spring to downtown Denver!

This quick Denver weekend trip for couples is close enough to the city yet far enough into the evergreens that you can finally relax after a long week.

Indulge in the amenities Idaho Springs has to offer by relaxing in the springs, sipping on some local beers, and exploring the surrounding mountain trails.

Be sure to hike up to St. Mary’s Glacier while here!

Crested Butte

🚗 Distance from Denver: 230 miles, 4-5 hours

We find Crested Butte to be the perfect weekend getaway from Denver any time of the year. Located in the center of the mountains is a charming mountain town overflowing with friendly locals, cute shops, enchanting peaks, and delicious food.

The road trip up to Crested Butte is no less amazing than the town itself, with several passes, highways, and routes to make the trip your very own. Each season, the Crested Butte highlights what makes the spring, summer, fall, and winter so magical in the mountains.

Hit the slopes with some of the best powder days at the Crested Butte Mountain Ski Resort . In the summer, visit the town to watch the wildflowers peak as you explore the trails.

And, of course, in the fall, see the largest aspen grove in North America turn golden right off of Kebler’s Pass!

Whether you’re looking to bring the whole family, your significant other, or just yourself on your weekend getaway from Denver, Crested Butte is a town for everyone.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

🚗 Distance from Denver: 250 miles, 4-5 hours

Perhaps you’ve heard that the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is one of the most underrated national parks in America. That just means you have to visit!

Now, you’re searching for ways to turn it into a weekend getaway from Denver. Well, look no further!

It is important to note that there is no bridge across the canyon, so to see this beautiful expanse,  you’ll want to allow enough time in your weekend to drive from the South Rim to the North Rim.

Turn this into an entire day of exploring by camping out at one of the scenic overlooks for a picnic at the provided picnic tables!

Just outside of this National Park is a culture of wineries, shops, and museums to stop at to make the most out of your weekend.

🚗 Distance from Denver: 40 miles, 1 hour

Blackhawk is a historic mining town filled with history and casinos for a weekend full of hitting the slots before the slopes!

There are over a dozen casinos in the betting town of Blackhawk. Hop around all weekend long to increase your winning odds beyond beginner’s luck!

Discover hundreds of activities, thousands of acres of nearby forests, and millions of dollars in Blackhawk during your weekend getaway from Denver!

And it’s only an hour away from Denver? Jackpot!

Glenwood Springs

🚗 Distance from Denver: 157 miles, 2.5 hours

Nestled into the nooks of the Rocky Mountains is the glowing mountain town of Glenwood Springs. Getaway from Denver this weekend by gathering up some friends and heading towards Glenwood Springs!

Spend your weekend exploring the trails, canyons, caverns, and waters of Glenwood Springs. Step into the fairytale of Hanging Lake by taking the short, steep hike just miles off of I-70 to the surreal emerald waters and stunning waterfalls!

After your hike, don’t forget to soak in the muscle-soothing minerals of one of the many hot springs this town has to offer to relax after your day in the mountains.

🚗 Distance from Denver: 355 miles, 6-7 hours

Although this historic mining town gets its name from mining silver, it ranks gold on our list of best weekend getaways from Denver! Silverton is an alpine adventurer’s dream with an abundance of alpine lakes and adventures awaiting to be sought.

Just off of the Million Dollar Highway, this town has the best location in Colorado, surrounded by rugged peaks, enchanting evergreens, and winding rivers. Driving the Million Dollar Highway alone is an adventure you don’t want to miss out on!

After a long day of off-roading, hiking, or exploring, the charming city of Silverton awaits your arrival to sip on some hot cocoa and shop the local stores!

Silverton will send you packing the minute you arrive back into the daze of Denver.

Cheyenne, Wyoming

🚗 Distance from Denver: 100 miles, 1-2 hours

Welcome to Wyoming! This is a town where the Wild West will rope you in for a wild ride during your weekend trip from Denver. It’s hard to imagine exploring another state after a short car ride from Denver, but Cheyenne is all of that and more.

Historic charm is truly the way this Western town keeps the spirit of the West alive. Your weekend could be filled with museums, boutiques, and yummy food as you explore the western frontier of Cheyenne, Wyoming!

Saddle up the car for this quick road trip and ride along with the family for a weekend in the Wild West just hours from Denver!

Mesa Verde National Park

🚗 Distance from Denver: 370 miles, 6-7 hours

An ancient adventure awaits in the archaeological world of Mesa Verde National Park! Follow the footprints of our ancestors and discover the prehistoric cliff dwellings of the ancient Pueblo people.

Take the self-guided tours, see the dwellings from the Spruce Tree Overlook, and take the scenic drive around the park.

Mesa Verde National Park is wedged between Durango, Colorado, and the desert state of Utah for an entire weekend filled with family activities.

Final Thoughts: Weekend getaways from Denver

Sometimes, all we need is a short weekend getaway from Denver to remind ourselves of our connection with nature. Life in the city can get busy, but the mountains are only miles away!

Whether you’re visiting Denver and looking for a Denver weekend trip during vacation or you’re searching for some time to reconnect with nature, we’re here for you. We feel you. That’s why we’ve mapped out the best Denver weekend trips to match your needs.

Escape into the mountains, breathe the fresh mountain air, and follow your soul into the forest as you spend your weekend rejuvenating away from the city of Denver.

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Check out these posts next:

• 13 Fun Things to Do Alone in Denver
• 9 Best National Parks Near Denver Colorado
• 11 Closest Ski Resorts to Denver for Outdoor Fun

After moving to Denver in 2020, KP & Jessie absolutely fell in love with the beauty of the city (and the entire state of Colorado). Together, they're always seeing more of what Colorado has to offer. They love exploring, going on hikes, and trying tasty foods! When they're not traveling, they can be found watching the latest season of Love Island or hanging out with their cat.

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Best Road Trips From Denver

Top road trip destinations from denver.

Head to Great Sand Dunes National Park, with the tallest sand dunes in North America. The unbelievable landscape is perfect for hiking and enjoying views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Discover the charm of Colorado Springs, found at the foot of Pikes Peak. With stunning drives and the Garden of the Gods along the way, you are in for a treat.

The rich culture and art scene of Santa Fe draws visitors back time and again. Explore the historic Plaza, charming stores and tasty authentic Southwestern dishes.

You can expect a memorable adventure to Yellowstone National Park, home to geothermal wonders, stunning landscapes and wildlife aplenty. Hike to breathtaking waterfalls, and marvel at the beauty of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

Renowned for its red rock formations and vortex sites, in Sedona you can expect hiking trails, breathtaking sunsets, and a chance to recharge and unwind at this desert oasis.

Experience the charm of Telluride, surrounded by stunning San Juan Mountains. With world-class skiing in winter, and scenic hikes in summer, its a must for outdoor fans. Plus it's has a historic town to explore too.

Breckenridge, famous for its world-class skiing, it's a must if you want to hit the slops. However whether you're hitting the slopes or strolling through town, Breckenridge offers something for everyone year-round.

Known as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is stunning, with plenty of scenic trails to soak up the mountain views. Don't miss the charming downtown area with its interesting stores, galleries, and restaurants.

Explore the ancient cliff dwellings and rich history of Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn more about the Ancestral Puebloans as you hike this epic Park.

Experience the rugged beauty of Badlands National Park, with striking rock formations. You are likely to catch sight of bison and bighorn sheep as you take on the trails. Time with a sunset for a memorable hike.

Tick off a bucket-list visit to the Grand Canyon, one of the world's most iconic natural wonders. When you stand on the edge of the canyon it's easy to see why this site has captivated visitors for centuries.

There is nothing quite like it! Experience the vibrant energy and endless entertainment of Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world. With dazzling shows and world-class dining from morning to night, it's an unforgettable escape.

Make a visit to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks for a real adventire, where you can wander the towering red rock formations and deep canyons.

The remote wilderness of Big Bend National Park makes this a special Park to visit, where the Rio Grande carves through desert landscapes. A hidden gem to experience calmness and real escape.

Discover the charming town of Golden. With the stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, here you can explore explore historic landmarks, visit local breweries, and enjoy hiking and biking along Clear Creek.

Known world-wide as the place to head for the very best skiing, snowboarding, and outdoor adventure. Aspen also enjoys charming streets lined with boutiques and art galleries, against jaw-dropping views of the Rocky Mountains.

Discover the historic town of Durango, within Animas River Valley. Here Old West charm meets outdoor adventure, so make sure to take a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and explore local ancient ruins.

Escape to the sunny oasis of Phoenix, with desert botanical gardens, scenic trails and a lively atmosphere and nightlife in the heart of the city.

With stunning red rock formations and iconic national parks like Arches and Canyonlands, Moab is has plenty going on. And if you are a mountain bike fan, then this is the place to head for some world-class trails.

Discover the vibrant capital of Utah, Salt Lake City. Found between the Great Salt Lake and the Wasatch Mountain, the historic Temple Square, world-class museums, and outdoor activities like skiing and hiking, make this a popular place to head.

The rich heritage of Albuquerque, where Spanish colonial history meets modern Southwestern charm, makes this an extra special find. Explore Old Town, ride the Sandia Peak Tramway, and enjoy delicious New Mexican treats.

Beautiful White Sands National Monument is hard to beat, where the gypsum dunes make for a stunning place to hike or sled down. Make sure to stay longer and enjoy the memorable sunset views.

Explore the stunning landscapes of Canyonlands and Arches National Parks,near the charming town of Moab. The ancient rock art and hiking trails draws in those looking for a sense of history and adventure.

Iconic Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota is a must visit. The faces of four American presidents are carved into the granite cliffs, with the surrounding Black Hills region equally impressive to see.

Charming Georgetown, Colorado, is a historic mining town located in the Rocky Mountains. Explore its quaint streets lined with Victorian architecture, visit local stores and galleries, and ride the historic Georgetown Loop Railroad.

Enjoy the arts scene and rich cultural heritage of Taos, dotted with historic buildings and interesting museums, all surrounded by the impressive Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Experience the stunning landscapes of Monument Valley, straddling the Arizona-Utah border. It gives a chance to explore the Navajo Tribal Park, where you can take a guided tour and see close-up this incredible landscape.

Experience the charm of Steamboat Springs, a stunning mountain town renowned for its world-class skiing and hot springs. Make sure to visit the scenic Yampa River Botanic Park during your stay.

The small village of Vail is amidst the White River National Forest, and well known as a popular skiing destination and vibrant après-ski scene. Experience outdoor adventures, gourmet restaurants, and mountain views during a visit.

Embark on an adventure to Jackson Hole, a pretty valley surrounded by the stunning Teton Range. From here you can enjoy Grand Teton National Park, the iconic Jackson Hole Aerial Tram, and soak up Old West charm in the town square.

Longer road trips from Denver

LA, the entertainment capital of the world. Make sure to visit Hollywood Boulevard, Universal Studios, and Santa Monica Pier in the California sunshine.

Relax in sunny San Diego, and visit Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo. There is no end to the adventure you can have in America's Finest City.

Enjoy vibrant city of San Francisco, strolling across Golden Gate Bridge, and visiting lively neighborhoods like Chinatown and Mission District.

Chicago, known for its iconic architecture and world-class museums, has sites including Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Navy Pier to pay a visit.

Discover the eclectic city of Seattle, with beautiful surroundings and landmarks including Space Needle and Pike Place Market to enjoy.

Within Montana's Rocky Mountains, Glacier National Park is known for its alpine scenery and crystal-clear lakes. Travel Going-to-the-Sun Road to take it all in.

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• Weekend Getaways

The Perfect 3-day Weekend in Denver

Here's what to do, where to stay, and what to eat on a long weekend in Denver.

Say what you want about Denver of yesteryear — a cow town stuck in its gold mining roots, where tumbleweeds were more animated than its culture. But since the mid-1990s, an expanding tech industry and work-from-anywhere gig economy jobs have attracted new residents to this city at the edge of the Rocky Mountains.

Denver has emerged as a vibrant, marijuana- and LGBTQ-friendly city with a health-conscious populace that thrives on its “work hard, play hard” ethos. The city is known for having a sunny and dry climate, especially between May and October. As for those tumbleweeds, they’ve blown away, and the Mile High City’s streets are now lined with excellent restaurants, breweries and distilleries, museums, and professional sports stadiums. Here's how to spend the perfect three-day weekend in Denver.

If you're arriving at Denver International Airport, hop onto the A Line to get downtown, which costs around $10 per person and takes about 35 minutes. Get off at the 38th and Blake Street station, where you can walk or Uber to The Source Hotel . Located in the hip River North Art District (RiNo), the industrial-chic property is an ideal launchpad to explore the former manufacturing district. Within steps of your guest room, you'll find street art, cideries, craft studios, dozens of art galleries, and live music venues like the 3,000-seat Mission Ballroom.

You won’t have to go far from the hotel to dig into RiNo’s great shopping and food scene either. The property is also home to The Source Market, an 1880s foundry-turned-market hall with over 25 food and retail vendors across two buildings. At sunset, head to the hotel’s rooftop bar, The Woods, which offers more than 20 craft beers on tap and a view of the city. For dinner, drop by Safta, a brilliant homage to the Middle East’s culinary landscape by James Beard Award-winning Chef Alon Shaya. Wood-fired pita (baked just a few steps away from the table) soaks up the flavors of Israel, Yemen, Syria, Morocco, Turkey, Palestine, and Greece.

After a cappuccino and brûléed grapefruit or breakfast burrito at RiNo’s Crema Coffee House on Larimer, head downtown to shop some of the best independent and cult-favorite brands at Free Market , a collective of boutiques, bars, restaurants, and services. On the same block, you'll find the celebrated Denver Milk Market food hall, where you can grab lunch from vendors offering everything from fried chicken to poke bowls.

In the afternoon, do as Coloradans do and get moving. Denver has more than 850 paved trails that can be explored by bike ( Mile High Bike Tours offers rentals and guided rides). Try the Cherry Creek Bike Trail, a 40-mile route that starts at Confluence Park and connects to Cherry Creek State Park, a popular spot for hiking, biking, and birding. End your adventure in Denver’s Golden Triangle Creative District, home to the Denver Art Museum, the Denver Public Library, the Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art , and the History Colorado Center.

For dinner, head to Denver’s best Italian restaurant, Tavernetta , helmed by the James Beard Award-winning team behind Frasca Food and Wine (located in nearby Boulder). You can’t go wrong with anything on the seasonally changing menu, but if you can, try the carpaccio alla Cipriani, bucatini with papini pesto, and the branzino with tomato, orange, and fennel.

Part of the beauty of Denver is its easy access to the mountains and nature. Travelers can rent an electric car and head West for about 20 minutes to Colorado’s landmark music venue, Red Rocks Amphitheatre , which bills itself as "the only naturally occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheater in the world." Seeing a concert here is one of the best things to do in Denver , but you can also admire the iconic rock formations by hiking the 1.4-mile Trading Post Trail.

Explore further by driving along the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway, the highest paved road in North America. The route winds its way to the summit of Mount Blue Sky, one of 54 peaks in Colorado rising to 14,000 feet or more. The road is generally open between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and you'll need to reserve a time slot in advance. Four-wheel drive isn't required, but you should be prepared for thinner air at the top. On the way, stop at the Walter Pesman trail for a wildflower hike full of rare flowers and centuries-old bristlecone pine trees. Be sure to bring a daypack with food, water, and an extra layer – the Rocky Mountain weather can change on a dime.

If you have more time, head 71 miles north to Rocky Mountain National Park, one of Colorado's best national parks . Here, you'll find hundreds of miles of hiking trails as well as lakes, waterfalls, wildlife, and horseback riding.

Return to the city in time for a cozy and delicious dinner at Union Station , an exciting dining hub in downtown Denver's revitalized landmark railway station. Inside, you'll find Ultreia, a Spanish pintxos restaurant led by James Beard award-winning chef Jennifer Jasinski, where you can cap off your Denver weekend with cocktails and sharing plates like bacon-wrapped dates, pan con tomate , blistered shishito peppers, and charcuterie.

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3 Best Day Trips From Denver

By Megan Barber

A proper visit to Denver is worth at least a weekend in its own right, but if you have the time, it would be a shame not to check out the rest of colorful Colorado. Fortunately, you don’t have to go far to experience the splendor of the Rocky Mountains or any other top town. Whether you're interested in Colorado ski country and head to Vail, want to travel 45 minutes to Boulder, the chic yet hippie city that basks in the glory of its red Flatiron peak, or crave the fresh air of Rocky Mountain National Park, there's something for you. These are the best day trips from Boulder.

Click the link to read our complete Denver guide .

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VAIL, COLORADO

As the gateway to Colorado ski country, Denver has more than a few awesome ski towns within driving distance. But for a short getaway, we like the iconic town of Vail, two hours away. With a walkable, Austrian-inspired pedestrian village and plentiful activities, Vail feels like a vacation from the big city. Don’t miss the hiking in the summer, and of course when the snow piles up, skiing the back bowls is hard to beat. It also has more than meets the eye; locals and tourists keep coming back for the innovative restaurants and breweries, dozens of kid-friendly activities, and the highest botanical garden in the world.

Four Seasons Resort Vail Arrow

The Four Seasons Resort Vail was built to impress, a towering structure of peaked roofs, floor-to-ceiling windows, and balconies that face the snowy slopes of Vail Mountain . Check-in at the elegant wood-paneled lobby, then head to the adjacent Remedy Bar for a cocktail in front of a massive modern fireplace. One of the best parts of the Four Seasons's 121 rooms and 24 suites is the size—the smallest rooms are just under 600 square feet. This gives you plenty of space to spread out (ski jackets included!), and the standard mountain view rooms come decked out in a neutral alpine color palette with down duvets, gas fireplaces, leather headboards, and hickory trim. Most open up to a smallish balcony, just big enough for a book and coffee. For a splurge, upgrade to the more recently renovated deluxe mountain-view one-bedroom suites. These units offer over 1,000 square feet, a limestone bathroom and touches like a Nespresso machine, Bose Bluetooth speakers, and L'Occitane Amande bath products.

Vail Ski Resort Arrow

Vail Ski Resort is great in all seasons. Head to Gondola One at the base of the faux-Bavarian Vail Village, or the Eagle Bahn gondola in nearby Lionshead Village, and ride the lifts 2,000 vertical feet up the mountain. In summer and early fall, you can mountain bike, hike, and explore the activities at Epic Discovery—adventure courses, ziplines, a mountain coaster, tubing hills, and a climbing wall await. Come winter, it’s all about (duh) skiing. Vail’s 5,289 skiable acres are some of the best in the state, with back bowls, trees, and well-groomed beginner areas.

Root & Flower Arrow

Root & Flower is a go-to for elevated après, the popular alpine routine of drinks and appetizers after hitting the slopes . You won't find shot skis or a 30-tap draft list, but if wine or small plates are your thing, Root & Flower fills the bill. It's first and foremost the Vail Valley's first (and best) wine bar, with a carefully curated wine list. But whether you like a "crisp and clean" white or a "bold and structured" Cab Franc, don't sleep on the cocktail list. Drinks like the Matcha Mule and the Smoking Bird (a blend of Mezcal, Tequila, pineapple, and bitters) are concocted with house-made ingredients. Stay for dinner: Root & Flower's new, larger kitchen means a full meal is not only possible, it's recommended.

Steph Koyfman

Shannon McMahon

Charlie Hobbs

Vail Brewing Co. Arrow

It's all about the brewskis here, with an array of rotating taps. Start with a flight of tasters and be sure to include the Free Rye'd Hazy Rye IPA, an easy-drinking, golden orange beer with hints of peach, mandarin, and spicy rye. For those looking for something a bit lighter, the brewery also serves up a tasty blonde ale, flavorful kombucha, and a Rose Hard Seltzer brewed with real fruit puree. Stop by the tasting room after skiing or hiking for a brew and mountain views. It's a good après or pre-dinner stop, and it also does growler fills and six packs to-go if you'd rather imbibe in your own accommodation.

Betty Ford Alpine Gardens Arrow

The highest-elevation botanical garden in the world is a pleasure no matter the season, thanks to well-planned landscaping and a window-filled education center. It’s free to visit, and in the spring, summer, and fall you’ll see streams, waterfalls, and a vast array of wildflowers. In the winter, grab some snowshoes and follow the tree trail to see a magical wonderland of pines, conifers, and the glistening mountain above. The gardens are free to visit, although feel free to leave a donation if you’d like. Anyone looking for a break from the busy center of Vail will like the calm environment; for families, the alpine gardens and the adjacent Ford Park are not to be missed.

BOULDER, COLORADO

A short 45-minute drive from Denver and you’re in the Republic of Boulder, a chic yet hippie city that basks in the glory of its red Flatiron peaks. When Denver locals want a break from the city gridlock, this is where they go. A thriving restaurant scene provides plenty of food options; some of the best beers in the state are brewed in town; and Boulder’s quirky Pearl Street Mall is a pedestrian oasis full of shops and patios. Whether you enjoy a hike or want to indulge in some R&R, Boulder is the place to do it.

Avery Brewing Company Arrow

It’s worth the trek to the northeast side of town to sample Avery’s beers; for decades now, the brewery has been pumping out award-winning suds. A recently built $27 million facility offers a boisterous tap room with big windows, a patio, and a row of 30-something taps that keep the nectar flowing. Upstairs is the brewery’s restaurant, complete with tall ceilings, concrete floors, and even more people that pack it on weekends and after work. From a refreshing Belgian-style white ale to IPAs that really pack a punch, Avery just can’t seem to make a bad brew. Perennial favorites like Ellie’s Brown ale and the Maharaja IPA are made year-round, but be sure to sample the seasonal selection for innovative takes on sours, lagers, high-alcohol brews, and barrel-aged beers.

Chautauqua Park Arrow

Chautauqua Park, a sprawling complex at the foot of the red Flatiron mountains, started in the early 20th century as a chautauqua—an educational center that hosted lectures, concerts, and plays. Historic cottages and a dining hall still stand tall and offer services to visitors, and the park offers access to 48 miles of hiking trails. Pack a picnic and head to the Enchanted Mesa trail for a gentle climb and fantastic views, or head to the Royal Arch trail for scenic picnic tables.

St. Julien Hotel & Spa Arrow

There's a reason why St. Julien is considered Boulder’s premier hotel: it leaves no detail unnoticed, and offers gorgeous views of the Flatirons and a prime location downtown. The Boulder Creek Path is right outside the red sandstone exterior; inside, the lobby impresses with contemporary marble staircases and walnut floors. Modern decor, a neutral color scheme, and comfortable, all-white beds equipped with Italian linens make the rooms feel upscale but unfussy. A heavenly spa, top-notch location, and on-point service make the St. Julien a shoe-in for Boulder's best hotel.

Mount Sanitas Trailhead Arrow

The classic Sanitas 3.2-mile loop uses Mount Sanitas Trail to ascend, East Ridge Trail to descend, and the Sanitas Valley Trail to cool down. It's popular with hikers, runners, and dog walkers, and its likely that an ultra-fit Boulder local or two will pass you on the climb. The moderately steep ascent up to Sanitas Mountain features high steps on logs and boulders, but shade offers a bit of respite. Don't let the false summits fool you, when you get to the top you'll know it: All of Boulder is spread out to the east and you'll also see views of the foothills and Indian Peaks mountains to the west. A more technical section—the East Ridge Trail—makes for a tricky down, but the trail eventually spreads out on an easy gravel road with great views of the red-hued Flatirons.

Frasca Food and Wine Arrow

Since opening in 2004, Frasca has been a powerhouse on the Colorado dining scene , racking up award after award and exhibiting rare staying power in a finicky industry. The minimalist, modern decor lets you focus on the food, and the combo of food and wine prove time and again that Frasca is one of the best restaurants in the American West. Delectable hand-made pastas and perfectly cooked meats shine on this Northern Italian menu. Don’t feel like stressing over what to order? Choose the six-course chef’s tasting, which showcases Friulian specialties; an ever-changing menu highlights fresh produce, dry-aged or roasted meats, and pasta that will make you swoon. See more from the team at Denver's Tavernetta .

ESTES PARK & ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

There’s a reason Rocky Mountain National Park is on so many traveler bucket lists: It’s simply stunning. Stay in the nearby town of Estes Park—about a one-and-a-half hour drive from Denver—and explore one of the state’s scenic gems. The adventurous can tackle epic hikes and conquer peaks, but don’t be intimidated if that’s not your style. There are also family-friendly lakeside strolls, picturesque drives, and a rustic town with an impressive culinary scene anchored by a few stand-out new restaurants.

The Stanley Hotel Arrow

The Stanley Hotel has been welcoming guests into its grand white-and-red exterior since it opened in 1909. While the hotel boasts beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, it’s most famous as the inspiration for the Stephen King novel (and Kubrick's famous film) The Shining . Guests can stay in the same room where King spent the night—room No. 217—and take a night tour that discusses the spirits and ghostly phenomena rumored to roam the property. Ghost hunters can ask to stay in a Spirited room—a room that's believed to have high paranormal activity. Unsurprisingly, these are the hotel’s most requested rooms. But there's plenty more on offer: A new $10 million pavilion hosts a series of concerts and events held throughout the year.

Bird & Jim Arrow

There's no shortage of locally sourced, New American restaurants in the Colorado high country, but Bird & Jim sets itself apart with a menu that manages to overlap fine dining and comfort food. The Mountain Jim Burger is a well-executed classic, topped with white cheddar and a "magic sauce." Venture beyond the sandwich section and try entrées with ingredients from the Centennial state, like the Colorado Trout or the Colorado Lamb Bolognese. This is a do-it-all spot that works equally well for a sit-down, casual lunch as it does for a dress-and-heels date night with wine.

Sprague Lake Arrow

There are a lot of stunning hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park , but Sprague Lake is the top choice if you need something relatively easy and accessible. Start the hike from the trailhead located off of Bear Lake Road. The park sign reports that the hike around the lake is a half-mile, but it’s closer to a mile. Still, the flat trail features an easily walkable surface; upon arrival, you’ll find a picturesque lake surrounded by pine and aspen forests. For novice hikers or families who want to get a taste of the park’s beauty without working too hard, Sprague Lake is a winner.

Notchtop Bakery & Café Arrow

This comfy diner-style cafe in an Estes Park strip mall is named after Notchtop Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park, so it’s fitting that it’s our favorite stop before adventures. Red booths, simple tables, and reclaimed wood prove that it’s all about the food here, and that’s a good thing. The exhaustive menu can be hard to choose from, especially because all the offerings sound so good. There are breakfast combos, hashes, sandwiches, scrambles, Benedicts, and pancakes; for our money, though, the cinnamon roll French Toast and the Santa Fe hash both hit the spot.

Twin Sisters Peak Trail Arrow

If you’re looking for a challenge, the Twin Sisters Peak Trail is a short but strenuous foray into some of the park’s prettiest scenery. The well-marked trail climbs 2,400 feet and 3.2 miles to the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with above-treeline vistas that seem to go on forever. The climb is steady and you’ll have a nice easy incline for the first mile as a warmup. Steep switchbacks farther up increase the hike’s difficulty, but the total mileage is never long enough to make it too hard for weekend visitors. Athletic or outdoorsy types who like challenges but don’t want to be on the mountain for 12 hours: This hike’s for you.

Trail Ridge Road Arrow

Traveling 48 miles between Estes Park and Grand Lake through Rocky Mountain National Park, Trail Ridge Road climbs 4,000 vertical feet and is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. It crosses the Continental Divide at 12,183 feet and includes countless turnouts for photo ops of sweeping mountain views. Start from the east entrance and drive to Farview Curve to enjoy dozens of 12,000-foot peaks and glimpses of distant lakes and waterfalls.

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3-Day Denver Itinerary

Denver is a vibrant, active city with 300 days of sunshine and brilliant blue skies and breathtaking. It's located at the base of the majestic Rocky Mountains, 5,280 feet (1,609 meters) above sea level — exactly one mile high. Get ready to shop, take in the sights and see the best of Denver with our three-day itinerary. While it's a walkable city, also check out our guide to  getting around without a car . 

Day One: Performing Arts, Visual Arts, History and More

16th street mall .

Built in 1982, the  16th Street Mall  is a mile-long pedestrian promenade that runs through the center of downtown and is lined with outdoor cafes and retail shops. Free shuttle buses cruise the mile-long mall about 90 seconds apart and stop at every intersection so it's easy to cover a lot of ground in a short period of time. 

"I See What You Mean," or better known as " The Big Blue Bear ," on 14th and California streets, was created by the late Denver-based artist Lawrence Argent. This delightful 40-foot-tall sculpture peers curiously into the building, injecting a sense of fun and playfulness into the  Colorado Convention Center . Take a photo or two of this only-in-Denver icon — he looks good from all angles.

Shopping at the Denver Pavilions 

An outdoor entertainment and shopping destination, this center is located on the 16th Street pedestrian mall between Welton and Tremont streets in the heart of downtown. The  Denver Pavilions  complex features 40 shops, restaurants and entertainment venues, including a movie theater and bowling alley. This two-city-block, three-story-high, open-air mall also offers convenient underground parking.

Denver Performing Arts Complex 

The  Denver Performing Arts Complex  is the cultural hub of The Mile High City, encompassing opera, theater, stage, dance and music. A variety of cultural enrichment awaits you — symphony and orchestral arrangements, jazz and musicals, performances by dance companies, theatrical extravaganzas, one-person shows, plays, stand-up comics, and more. Plan ahead and purchase your tickets before the day of the show.

Brown Palace Hotel & Spa by Marriott

A Forbes Four Star, AAA Four Diamond luxury landmark located in the heart of downtown Denver. The  Brown Palace Hotel & Spa  is a charter member of National Trust Historic Hotels of America. The hotel opened its doors on August 12, 1892, and hasn't closed them for a single moment since. The Brown Palace remains one of the city's crown jewels today, with its stunning stained glass atrium lobby, extravagant suites and extraordinary dining venues. The hotel's original artesian spring well is located 720 feet beneath the lobby floor and still provides water to every faucet in the hotel. Historical tours are available. 

Denver Union Station

Lower Downtown 

Denver union station .

Denver Union Station  has undergone a massive restoration and re-development that has made it an exciting place in the heart of downtown. The 1914 Beaux-Arts station is now a hub for transportation, dining, shopping and entertainment with 112 hotel rooms at The Crawford Hotel , four new Colorado chef-owned restaurants, two quick-service restaurants, local one-of-a-kind shops and a Colorado beer hall. Direct rail service connects  Denver International Airport   and this historic landmark. 

Rockmount Ranch Wear 

A true Western icon,  Rockmount Ranch Wear  introduced the first Western shirts with snaps and helped popularize it as legitimate American fashion throughout the United States and abroad. The Rockmount building is a historic landmark built in 1909.

Museum of Contemporary Art Denver (MCA) 

The  Museum of Contemporary Art Denver  is an innovative forum for contemporary art that inspires and challenges all audiences, creating understanding and dialog about art of our time. As Denver's first institution devoted entirely to contemporary art, MCA Denver is housed in an environmentally sustainable facility designed by David Adjaye.

Larimer Square 

Denver's urban shopping and dining district is also the city's oldest and most historic block. Complete with glittering lights strung over the entire block,  Larimer Square  is charming and elegant with a nightlife that defines hip urban renewal. Victorian buildings house specialty boutiques and unique chef-driven restaurants. Shop one-of-a-kind stores with distinctive fashion and exclusive offerings, and enjoy special events and a vibrant atmosphere year-round. Located on Larimer Street between 14th and 15th streets. 

Denver Art Museum

Golden Triangle Creative District 

Denver art museum .

See the famous collection of Native American art and explore the bold art inside and out of the Frederic C. Hamilton building, designed by world-famous architect Daniel Libeskind. Denver Art Museum recently celebrated the reopening of the Martin Building (formerly known as the North Building). First opened in 1971, the building was designed by Italian architect Gio Ponti and Denver-based James Sudler Associates. The building has been fully renovated with expanded gallery space, plus stunning views of the city skyline and Rocky Mountains. The museum is free for children under 18. There are also select free days, generally one per month, for all ages. The museum is open every day. 

Clyfford Still Museum 

This museum showcases the work of Clyfford Still, considered one of the most important painters of the 20th century and among the first generation of abstract expressionist artists. The Clyfford Still Museum  was founded to promote the late artist's work and legacy. Still's estate — 2,400 artworks — had been sealed off from the public since 1980.  

History Colorado Center 

Denver's  History Colorado Center  includes exhibits and programs that tell the stories of Colorado and engage visitors in the past, present and future of our state. Enjoy interactive exhibits like a virtual ride in a real Model T; testing your skills on a ski jump simulator and setting off dynamite in an 1880s hard-rock mine.

Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art 

The museum houses three major collections: paintings by namesake artist Vance Kirkland, fine and decorative art by other Colorado and regional artists, and international decorative art.

Colorado State Capitol 

Modeled after the U.S. Capitol, the magnificent  Colorado State Capitol  is topped by a dome containing more than 200 ounces of real gold. The 13th step on the west side is exactly one mile (5,280 feet) above sea level. The Colorado State Capitol building is open to the public Monday through Friday. 

Downtown 

Mcgregor square  and  denver milk market.

Right next door to Coors Field is McGregor Square , the city's newest urban playground. You'll find the  Milepost Zero  food hall surrounding a 17,000-square-foot plaza that hosts year-round events like concerts, festivals and movie nights. The plaza has a stadium-sized LED screen. Catch a game at  Tom’s Watch Bar,  get a bite to eat at  Carmine's  or browse the books at  Tattered Cover Book Store. Or head to Dairy Block , a walkable micro-district in LoDo that contains Denver Milk Market , a diverse mix of culinary concepts, and the Alley, a laid-back place to have a drink. 

Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre

Day Two: Red Rocks, Shopping, Science Museums and More

Front range, red rocks park & amphitheatre .

Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre,  just 15 miles west of Denver, is the only naturally occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheater in the world. The Visitor Center features interactive educational displays, a short film documentary on the geologic and musical history, a Performer's Hall of Fame and delicious food at Ship Rock Grille. Red Rocks is recognized for its star-studded concert roster as well as its awe-inspiring hiking and biking trails in the surrounding park. 

Denver Buffalo Herd 

The city of Denver maintains a bison herd in a natural setting located 20 miles west of Denver at I-70 Exit 254.  The Denver Buffalo Herd  are direct descendants of the last wild bison herd in America.

Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave

Enjoy the temporary and permanent exhibits and displays at the  Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave . Exhibits include memorabilia from Buffalo Bill's life and Wild West shows, American Indian artifacts, antique firearms, and other Old West artifacts. The historical complex on Lookout Mountain includes the Museum, Buffalo Bill's grave, the Pahaska Tepee gift shop and a children's activity area.

Cherry Creek

Cherry creek shopping center.

This shopping hotspot has more than 160 stores, a quarter of which are exclusive to the area. You'll also find big names like Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Abercrombie & Fitch, Michael Kors, H&M and Forever 21. Plus, there are not-to-be-missed dining spots like  Elway's  and  801 Chophouse .  

Cherry Creek North

Cherry Creek North is all about atmosphere and authenticity, making any shopping experience one to remember. From unique jewelry and art to couture fashion and accessories, Cherry Creek North has the highest concentration of high-end retail in the region. The 16-block district is also home to an impressive collection of well-established galleries, renowned restaurants, luxurious day spas and more.  Cherry Creek North  is a must-see for the savvy shopper, art lover or foodie begging for a thrill!

Meow Wolf Denver's Convergence Station

Meow Wolf Denver

Meow Wolf Denver's   Convergence Station  is an unforgettable and transformational experience for all ages. Discover immersive, mind-bending art across the four alien worlds of C Street, Eemia, Ossuary and Numina. Uncover the secrets within. Inside the bustling multiverse transit station known as  Convergence Station  lies HELLOFOOD, an oasis of combined culinary cultures serving QDOT for 2,500 years and counting! Here, visitors can recharge from their cosmic exploration, and find sustenance in tasty treats and bold brews from local vendors.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science 

Explore exhibits like Space Odyssey, Exhibition Health, Gems & Minerals, Egyptian Mummies and Prehistoric Journey. The  Denver Museum of Nature & Science  also features an IMAX theater and a planetarium.

Denver Zoo 

Denver Zoo  spans more than 75 acres and is home to some 4,000 animals, including rare Amur leopards, okapi, black rhinoceros, elephants, vampire bats, orangutan, Komodo dragons and more! The Toyota Elephant Passage exhibit is the largest bull elephant habitat in the world. The zoo's Amur tiger habitat, The Edge, brings guests closer than ever to these magnificent felines. 

Denver Botanic Gardens 

This oasis in the middle of the city has 45 different gardens, some 33,000 plants and one of the nation's top 10 conservatories. Relax in the Japanese Garden, climb through the Rock Alpine Garden and explore the Mordecai Children's Garden.

Dos Luces Brewery

Throughout Denver

Denver beer trail.

The Mile High City is known as a craft beer mecca, but with more than 100 brewpubs, breweries and taprooms in the metro area to choose from, where do you begin? Let the Denver Beer Trail , organized by neighborhood, be your guide. Explore the best Denver has to offer while sampling an amazingly diverse lineup from Latin American-inspired brews to traditional German offerings to gluten-free options. 

Neighborhoods

The River North Art District  (RiNo) is “where art is made," a hotspot for creative types, with several uniquely renovated spaces that provide room for creativity and street art murals around every corner. There is something for everyone at urban food halls like The Source or Denver Central Market . Music venues like Nocturne and Mission Ballroom hold live music acts almost nightly. 

South Broadway , meanwhile, is lined with an eclectic mixture of neighborhood taverns, avant-garde clothing stores, art galleries, antique stores, used bookstores, ethnic restaurants, music clubs and more.

And   LoHi (Lower Highland), just west of downtown, is characterized by a mix of old and ultra-modern architecture, some of the city’s most innovative restaurants and bars like Linger and Avanti F & B , and incredible views of the Highland Bridge and downtown Denver.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Day Three: Take a Day Trip to the Rocky Mountains or Nearby Town

Option 1: rocky mountain national park.

Located 71 miles (114 km) northwest of Denver,  Rocky Mountain National Park  features 400 square miles (1,036 sq km) of scenic beauty, including Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous highway in the world, which crosses the Continental Divide at higher than two miles above sea level. The park has two information centers, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, tranquil lakes, waterfalls, wildlife and horseback riding. Estes Park is a resort town on the edge of the park with restaurants and shops.

Option 2: Golden

Located at the base of the foothills,  Golden  was the territorial capital until 1867 and remains one of the most historic towns in the state. An arch spanning the street proudly proclaims that Golden is "Where the West Lives!" Spend the day exploring Golden's fantastic museums such as the  Colorado Railroad Museum ,  Golden History Museum ,  Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum  or the  American  Mountaineering Museum . The legendary  Coors Brewery  can brew up to 22 million barrels and package up to 16 million barrels annually, making it the biggest single-site brewer in the world. For a fee, take a guided tour (requires a reservation) highlighting the malting, brewing and packaging processes and ending with a sampling of Coors products or opt for a sampling-only experience. You can also visit the gift shop.

Option 3: Colorado Springs 

Pikes Peak Country is located 60 miles (97 km) south of Denver and features more than 40 attractions centered around 14,000-foot (4,267 m) Pikes Peak and the city of  Colorado Springs . Things to see include the Air Force Academy, one of three United States military colleges; the famous Broadmoor Resort with its lake and three golf courses; the nearby Seven Falls , a magnificent series of waterfalls; the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame with its exhibits on this exciting professional sport; and Garden of the Gods , which has gigantic, 500-foot-high (152 m) red sandstone rock monuments at the base of Pikes Peak; and speaking of the mountain, you can hike, drive or take a truly unique trip to the summit via the  Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway . For an adventurous guided experience, check out Adventures Out West , which offers Jeep tours, zip-line fun, hot-air balloon rides and tours of Garden of the Gods on Segway vehicles. 

Option 4: Idaho Springs , Mount Blue Sky  and Georgetown   

Idaho Springs , only about 30 miles (48 km) from Denver, packs in a full day of adventures. Take a trip back into Colorado's gold mining history at the  Argo Mill and Tunnel . During the warmer months,  Clear Creek Rafting Co.   and  Raft Masters  offer rafting along beautiful Clear Creek. Or zoom above Clear Creek on a canopy zip-line tour with  Colorado Adventure Center . You'll reach heights of up to 65 feet and get stunning views of the canyon as you fly along nearly a mile of zip line. But what if you want to experience it all in one place?  Lawson Adventure Park & Resort  offers a do-it-all package where you can zip line, traverse granite cliffs (thanks to Colorado's only private via ferrata), roll down the mountain inside a giant ball and finish your adventures by rafting on Clear Creek. You can also spend a night in either cabins or yurts and do it again the following day or try disc golf, ATV tours, fly-fishing and more.

Mount Blue Sky  has the highest paved auto road in North America, snaking its way to the 14,260-foot (4,346 m) summit. Please note:  online reservations  are now required for timed slots . The road is open only from the Friday before Memorial Day through the first Monday in October and frequently has snow on it, even in August. (The road closes at Summit Lake after Labor Day, preventing you from reaching the top). The summit is 60 miles (97 km) from downtown Denver and the view from the top takes in the entire Front Range. On your way up the mountain, be sure to stop at M. Walter Pesman Trail (maintained by Denver Botanic Gardens) for a wildflower hike; you won't see anything like the rare flowers and 1,500-year-old bristlecone pine trees anywhere else in the world. The trail winds through subalpine and alpine areas where wildflowers and animals of the fragile tundra live. 

Located just 42 miles (68 km) west of Denver,  Georgetown  is a delightful Victorian village set in a spectacular mountain valley with 200 restored buildings from the 1870s. The main street has shops and restaurants and many of the old homes have been turned into antique stores. The Georgetown Loop Mining & Railroad Park operates during the summer months with narrow gauge steam locomotives curling down a mountain ledge, at one point crossing over a 90-foot-high (27 m) trestle with an optional tour of a silver mine.

Option 5: Fort Collins 

Situated at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains,  Fort Collins  offers fabulous recreational opportunities, diverse cultural attractions, a vibrant nightlife scene and plenty of family-friendly activities. Just 65 miles north of Denver (about an hour's drive) on I-25, the town is home to Colorado State University. Explore the city's 50 parks, trek over 280 miles of trails (including paved and unpaved walking and bike trails) or go for a whitewater adventure on the Cache la Poudre, a river runner's paradise, from May through September. Downtown Fort Collins features a wide array of cuisine and nightlife options, not to mention some great shopping. And of course, no visit to the city would be complete without a trip to the world-famous New Belgium Brewery , a must-see for craft beer aficionados.

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3 Days in Denver: How to Plan a Perfect Weekend In Denver

Have you been thinking about taking a long weekend away? If you love nature sunshine, and eating and drinking your way through a city, you’re going to love spending 3 days in Denver. 

Denver, Colorado, the Mile High City, is the gateway to the Rocky Mountains. But it’s also a thriving city full of interesting neighborhoods and a booming food and drink scene. Of course, getting out and seeing nature is a great way to spend your time, but there’s also a lot to see, eat and drink in this fabulous city. Denver offers more restaurants, bars, breweries, food markets, and cafes than even the most demanding foodie could wish for.

We have been to Denver at least five times in the past few years because Alysha has family in the area, and I had a few work trips to conferences in Denver. This past time, we spent a few weeks split between Denver and Boulder, exploring and eating and drinking our way through Denver and the surrounding area.

In this guide, I’ll take you through a complete 3 day Denver itinerary. I’ll suggest where to visit, where to eat and drink, and cover the basic logistics so you can plan an incredible long weekend in Denver, without wondering what to do or wasting your valuable time. 

Ready? Let’s dive in!

Important Note : this guide won’t take you outside Denver – there is so much to do there that there’s no need to head out. Of course, if you’re spending more than 3 days in Denver, then exploring Rocky Mountain National Park or Red Rocks is great, but I think there is more than enough to do inside the city limits to keep you busy. 

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

Where to Stay For 3 Days in Denver

If you haven’t booked a place to stay yet, you’re in luck. I’ve been to Denver several times in the last few years, and have a strong perspective about where you should stay to have the most incredible trip.

The two best areas to stay in Denver are RiNo (River North Art District) , a hip and happening district to the east of Downtown Denver, and LoDo (Lower Downtown) , which is perfectly located between Downtown Denver and RiNo.

If you’re into stylish boutique hotels, you’re going to love the options in RiNo and LoDo .

Want to Stay in a Stylish Hotel? Find the Perfect Hotel for your stay in Denver with our guide to the 10 Coolest Hotels in Denver

Here are three fantastic boutique hotels to look at for your trip.

The Maven Hotel (LoDo) : I have personally stayed here, and it’s fantastic. It’s in the same building as the Milk Market, with Huckleberry Coffee in the lobby (the best coffee in Denver), and it’s super central and walkable to pretty much everywhere.

The Ramble Hotel (RiNo) : Denver’s most aesthetically pleasing hotel; this is one of the best places to stay in Denver if you are always on the lookout for unique boutique hotels when you’re traveling. It was styled after the 17 th  Century French salons with bold Prussian blue feature walls and large airy windows. 

The Source Hotel (RiNo) : The Source Hotel is all about styled minimalism. You are even served a beer at check-in! It is connected to the Market Halls which is full of designer boutiques, vintage vinyl stores, and restaurants serving just about every cuisine you could imagine. The highlight, though, is the rooftop hot tub and plunge pool, perfect after a day of exploring.

The Complete Guide to a Perfect Long Weekend in Denver

Now, onto the meat (plant-based, if that’s your thing) of how to spend your time in Denver.

Denver Itinerary Day 1: RiNo

RiNo is the nickname of Denver’s River North Art District, an area full of food halls, hip art galleries, cool jazz bars, fine restaurants, bars and brewpubs. It’s urban chic with its industrial revival buildings and is an area to see and be seen. 

If you like renovated warehouses, exposed brick, and white-walled spaces, this is the place for you. 

With three full days ahead of you, here’s what I suggest you do on your Denver itinerary for the first morning.

After a leisurely breakfast, head over to Crema Coffee House on Larimer Street for that caffeine-fueled kickstart to your day. It’s a great place to start and grab breakfast, too, if you don’t want to make it yourself. 

Now you’re ready to hit the three great hipster food halls/markets of the area.

Denver Central Market offers amazing local food vendors selling everything from ceviche to ice cream in a fascinating historic building. 

Zeppelin Station is another of Denver’s trendy food halls that also highlights independent fashion and art makers. They also have the great Big Trouble Bar on the mezzanine. La Rola is a great stop for lunch here, with its out of this world Colombian cuisine that had us reliving our six weeks in Colombia. Definitely get an arepa (we got the plantain arepa and it was stuffed FULL of plantains) and a toston – a fried plantain topped with chicken, cheese, and a delicious spicy sauce.

At the Source Market Hall , you’ll find cocktails, flowers, boutiques, coffee and lots more in 45,000 square feet of historic market halls. 

Take your time wandering the streets of RiNO – there’s some truly AWESOME street art hidden away in the tight alleyways that connect the main thoroughfares here.

For example, these incredible Star Wars murals in the alleyway between Blake and Walnut St near Improper City Brewing.

Afternoon 

While you’re in RiNO, you should definitely do some exploring of the countless breweries, cideries and wineries in the area. This is an amazing place to go brewery hopping – there’s an almost unlimited selection of great places to grab beer, wine, cider, and more.

One of the top-rated breweries is Epic Brewing , which specializes in high alcohol content beer packed with flavor and with great names like Lunar Transit, Escape to Colorado and Chasing Ghosts.

Odell Brewing Company is another, where you can enjoy beer from 16 taps in two bars, half of them made in the 100-year-old building. They do 4oz pours if you’d like to sample a range without stumbling home for a nap.

Two more that caught my eye as we wandered the streets were Our Mutual Friend , which has a super colorful paint job and a cute patio to hang out on, and Improper City , which has a huge outdoor seating area.

For wine lovers, you have to go to Infinite Monkey Theorem . They actually make wine in “the back alleys of Denver” and sell it in bottles and cans. Check their website for tastings, and don’t forget to try the cider. The dry-hopped Sauvignon Blanc was our favorite.

Speaking of cider: Stem Ciders has a tasting room in RiNo, and they make some of my favorite cider in the country. . They have a huge collection of apple ciders with incredible flavors like hopped, pear, and my personal favorite, chile guava.

It’s amazing, and it’s a great spot to try cider for the first time. If you picture cider as the sickeningly sweet, syrupy stuff that rhymes with Langry Torchard, then you’re going to be blown away by Stem’s range of ciders, from dry and effervescent, like a sparkling wine, to semi-sweet, vibrant, fruity and even spicy! 

Day 1: Evening 

I recommend you stay in the area for dinner, and I have two amazing recommendations for you.

The first would be Work & Class with its relaxed atmosphere and Southern and Latin American menu. Delicious food, attentive staff, and a great selection of drinks and cocktails. No reservations, but they have deals for cocktails while you wait. Get there early unless you’re planning on sticking around for an hour or more.

Super Mega Bien is its sister restaurant across the street, and it’s arguably even better. Most of the menu is inspired by Mexican influences, and we really enjoyed the Cochinita Pibil (roasted pork that comes with rice, beans, and tortillas) and the shrimp curry soup. The desserts were pretty outstanding too – the flourless chocolate cake and the flan – YUM. We basically rolled out of there back to our Airbnb.

Celiac note : Both places have clearly labeled menus and knowledgeable staff. 95% of the menu at Super Mega Bien is gluten free. However, neither has a dedicated fryer, so things like pupusas and fried plantains are not safe for Celiacs.

For a nightcap (in case you ignored my advice and haven’t been drinking all afternoon), head to Millers and Rossi , a speakeasy cocktail bar that’s elegant, relaxing and unique.

Denver Itinerary Day 2: Highlands and Downtown

Highlands and Downtown together are both hip and historic. It’s here you’ll find the best bookstore in Denver, theaters, food stalls, elegant old homes, some of the best restaurants and bars plus the South Platte River and lovely parks.

Day 2: Morning 

After Day 1, you might want to sleep in, so let’s begin our second day with a later brunch. 

But first, coffee.

The best coffee in Denver, hands down, is at Huckleberry Roasters , which has two spots in Denver. One of them, their flagship , is close to where you’ll be brunching, so head there to start the day off right. Whether you’re looking for a crisp & clean single origin, or a smooth and creamy latte, they’ve got you covered.

Head over to Root Down , which is my favorite restaurant in Denver. Great ambiance, friendly staff, loved by the locals, and a great menu. They are always happy to produce vegan and gluten-free options. I’d say that brunch here is a must-do in Denver.

After brunch, check out some of the other LoHi (that’s Lower Highlands) hotspots.

Healthy and on-trend, Kombucha fermented tea is worth seeking out, and there’s nowhere better than American Cultures . Here, they specialize in combining Kombucha with ice cream, proving that it’s a combination made in heaven! The huge variety of Kombuchas they make are on tap, and the ice cream is locally made by Scrumptious and Sweet Action. American Cultures is super light and airy, and a must-visit. They’re closed now. So sad.

There are lots of tea drinkers out there, and Tetulia Tea Bar is for all those who love this ancient beverage. Sourcing their tea from Northern Bangladesh ( wow !), they are organic, fresh and ethically produced. The choice is immense: iced teas, bubble teas, tea sodas – tea like you’ve never experienced it before.

If you like ice cream (side note: who doesn’t?), Denver has a treat for you: Little Man Ice Cream . I would say it is the best ice cream in Denver, bar none. This is nostalgia in every scoop of each of its 20-something flavors. And for every scoop sold, they donate a “scoop” of essential food to the someone in need. You get to eat ice cream and feel good about doing it!

After all this eating and drinking, you’d better get a little exercise! 

So head off on a self-guided walking tour from LoHi (where you’ve just enjoyed ice cream) to Union Station. There are three places you should stop by on this Denver itinerary on the way. You know, for more eating and drinking to fuel your exercise.

The Germans like and know their beer, and Prost Brewing takes German beer very seriously. They source their ingredients from Germany and follow the traditional lagering brewing methods – they don’t make beer, they make bier. Whatever style you’d like to try, they have it.

Staying with the beer theme, the Denver Beer Co offers artisan beer at its finest. Small batches, carefully made, beautifully packaged. The taproom is a super cool space and has a spacious outdoor patio for good weather. ( Gluten free note : They only serve beer, so you won’t find any wine or cider to drink. It’s still a cool spot, and we spent a few hours on their outdoor patio. I can personally vouch for their water – it’s top notch. But my friends loved their beer, too.)

Denver is home to many parks, but none are better than Confluence Park on the banks of the South Platte and Cherry Creek. It’s a great place to walk, watch kayakers and get some great views of downtown Denver. Downtown Aquarium is also close by.

When you make it to Union Station, there are three spots to visit in the vicinity.

If you have read my guides to 3 days in Seattle or 3 days in Portland , then you might already know how much we LOVE independent bookstores . Tattered Cover is acknowledged as the best bookstore in Denver, and you browse its shelves for both new and used books. It has been supplying the book lovers of Denver for nearly 50 years and has become an institution.

By now, you might be ready for another dose of ice cream, and Mailbox Ice Creamery is there to satisfy that craving. Great flavors in a great building. You should definitely try one of their boozy alcohol shakes. A tequila shake? Yum!

To set you up for your return journey, drop in at Terminal Bar situated in what was once the ticket office of Union Station. Beautifully restored and historically accurate, a wonderful place to drink craft beer, enjoy a glass of wine, or sip a cocktail.

Day 2: Evening 

It’s back to LoHi for dinner and drinks! There’s only one option for you to choose from this time:  Avanti Food & Beverage .

Head to their spectacular rooftop for a pre-dinner drink and dinner. 

To eat, you have the choice of seven different restaurants there. Since so many of my readers and I are gluten free, I highly recommend Quiero Arepas , a 100% gluten free arepa joint. Get the queso arepa – stuffed with sweet plantains and fresh mozerella cheese – and the fried plantains topped with cheese and spicy sauce. It’s so good, we went back tice on our last trip.

Denver Itinerary Day 3: A Little of Everything 

You’ve got a busy day ahead for the last day of your 3 days in Denver, so you’ll need a good breakfast! 

Morning 

My favorite new discovery on our last foray to Denver is River and Roads Coffee . it’s east of RiNo, and north of City Park, and I’m not really sure what the neighborhood is called. But it doesn’t matter – you should go there to start your last day off.

They are 100% gluten free, but you’d never know unless I told you that going in. They have all sorts of baked goods, great coffee, and a full breakfast and lunch menu. The patio outside is a nice place to relax in the sun as you recover from the food coma you’re about to descend into.

But what should you order? Get. The. Breakfast. Fries. Alysha and I still dream about them. They start with sweet potato fries (you can get regular, but I never pass up the opportunity to get sweet potato fries), smother them in cheese, and then topped with bacon, tomato, a spicy aoli, and two sous-vide eggs. YES. PLEASE.

The donut holes and biscuit sandwich were also great, but not “swerve-off-the-road-because-I’m-daydreaming-about-the-breakfast-fries” great.

By now, it’s mid-morning, and you’re raring to go. Denver has beautiful parks, so I suggest you work up an appetite for lunch by exploring them! You’ve got three options (or fit in more than one with an early start): 

Head to City Park where not only are there two lakes, picnic sites and historical monuments, but you’ll also find Denver Zoo and the Museum of Nature and Science . There are a lot of walking trails to explore too – it’s worth doing a loop around the lake while you’re here.

For your last afternoon in Denver, I’ve got a bit of a choose-your-own-adventure proposition for you. There are three cool neighborhoods that are a little bit off the beaten path that are well worth your time. You should pick one (maybe two) to explore this evening, and save the rest for next time (because I guarantee you’re going to want to come back to Denver).

The first would be Tennyson Street . Lining Tennyson you’ll find all sorts of boutiques, bars, coffee shops, and restaurants. We stayed in Berkeley Park on our last trip to try something new, and ended up really enjoying it. BookBar is a great little bookstore. Downpours makes awesome coffee. And Vital Root (FRIED CAULIFLOWER) and Revelry Kitchen , which happen to be next door to each other, are great spots to eat. But those four spots only scratch the surface – visit for yourself and discover a favorite boutique or new bar.

The second area you could explore would be Capitol Hill , where you’ll find the Colorado Capitol Building and Civic Center Park . The whole Cultural Complex – which includes the Denver Art Museum and Denver Public Library – is worth a walkthrough (and a visit for museum junkies, but we skipped it). Continue south down Broadway and you’ll find two great coffee shops – Amethyst Coffee and further away to the southwest, Copper Door Coffee Roasters . The latter is in a cool little complex that includes Board Game Republic , which would be a good place to spend an afternoon drinking and playing board games with friends.

The last area, which is a true wildcard, is to head even further south down to Platt Park . The reason we were down here is Quiero Arepas , who has a standalone restaurant here. But I fell in love with Steam Espresso Bar while we were here. Corvus Coffee Roasters is another great coffee stop, while Que Bueno Suerte is a good stop for happy hour and good Mexican food. The whole S Pearl Street stretch is lined with all sorts of cute boutiques and places to eat and drink, and is worth an afternoon.

Evening 

For dinner on your third evening, I am going to point you in the direction of The Denver Milk Market , another of Denver’s fabulous food halls with a mix of dine-in restaurants and take-aways. Chef-in-chief is Frank Bonanno, author and award-winning cook. 

He oversees a breathtaking array of food establishments all united in quality, and seeking to produce one thing in their customers – happiness! The perfect way to finish your last day in Denver.

Got more Time?

There you have it. And we didn’t once go out of the city! If you’ve got more time than a weekend in Denver, its surroundings offer so much more. If you’ve got some extra days, find time for… 

This Denver Graffiti Tour offers two hours of astonishing street art. You’ll find out how the art form has evolved and the effect it has.

Go on a food tour around Downtown Denver. Get behind the scenes at some of the best eateries Denver has to offer.

Denver is home to a lot of top sports teams, like the Colorado Rockies and the Denver Broncos , and going to a game is a great way to add to your Denver itinerary.

Red Rocks is nearby and hosts some world-class acts, you should try and catch a show at this famous venue. And the hiking is pretty good too!

The Rocky Mountains are stunning, and if time allows, you should take a day trip to the National Park . Or head there after for some camping! 

Boulder, Colorado is close to Denver and well worth exploring, with its galleries, museums and planetarium, not to mention fine cafes and restaurants.

Logistics for Planning a Trip to Denver

Before we get to the full itinerary, let’s talk logistics to set you up for an incredible trip.

First, A Little About the Mile High City

Denver is the capital of Colorado and lies in the South Platte River Valley between the High Plains and the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. Colorado is pretty much in the middle of the country north-south and to the west of center, and Denver definitely has a western feel.

Founded in 1858, when gold was discovered locally, the area stayed popular because Denver became the supply center for the mines in the nearby Rockies. The railways came in the 1870s, and the city’s transformation began. 

The wealth of the city and its inhabitants can be seen in the beautiful Victorian architecture that still graces Denver, particularly in the historic Larimer Square area.

Today it is a thriving cool and relaxed city, with a great economy and growing population.

300 days of sun a year doesn’t hurt either! A fact that was a surprise to me when our Lyft driver casually dropped it, right before saying “don’t move here though it sucks there’s so much traffic and rent is crazy!”

Sorry, Mr. Lyft Driver, I’m from San Francisco and I can assure you that the rent isn’t THAT crazy.

And yes, it really is a mile high!

When is the Best Time to Visit Denver?

Spring and Fall have to be favorites when the temperature is comfortable. In summer, it doesn’t get too warm – you’ll find temperatures in the high 80s and low 90’s in July and August – but it’s a dry heat (I laugh everytime someone says this to me, but it’s true to an extent). 

Winter can be pretty chilly, but it’s also a beautiful city in winter, so just wrap up and continue enjoying what it has to offer! (Plus, there will be far fewer tourists.)

How to Get Around in Denver

From dia (the airport) to downtown .

Getting from Denver International Airport to Denver is pretty fast and straightforward. There is a dedicated airport rail system that will get you to Denver Union Station in just over half an hour, and of course, there are taxis that will take you the 23 miles as well.

Public Transportation Options in Denver 

Like most modern cities, the transport infrastructure is pretty good. There’s a light rail system with nine lines and 53 stations, buses, yellow cabs, plus Uber and Lyft. But much of what you want to see and do is likely in easy walking distance, and that’s what I’d do. It’s usually the best way to experience any city, especially when the weather’s good. 

I wouldn’t bother renting a car unless you’re spending more than 3 days in Denver and plan to head off into the mountains. There’s really no need.

I hope you have an amazing time in Denver – and if you follow this 3 day Denver itinerary, I know you will! 

Read Next: Related Denver Travel Guides

• Where to Stay in Denver, Colorado
• The 10 Coolest Hotels in Denver
• Gluten Free Denver: The Best Gluten Free Restaurants in Denver
• The Best Gluten Free Restaurants in Boulder
• A Complete Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary
• The Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park

Matt is the founder and main writer behind Wheatless Wanderlust, which he started back in 2018 as a way to share his gluten free travel guides with his fellow Celiac travelers.

Since then, Matt and his wife Alysha have visited 18 national parks, spent three months in Europe and six weeks in Colombia, and have explored every corner of the Pacific Northwest, which is where Matt grew up.

He writes super detailed guides to the places they visit, bringing together personal experience and historical context to help YOU plan an amazing trip.

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The Best Weekend Trip To Denver Itinerary

Denver is one of the most unique cities in the USA and is packed with things to see and do.

The mile high city is known for its incredible mountain views, buzzing sports culture, fascinating museums and so much more.

There’s so much to see and do in a weekend trip to Denver, no matter your taste and style.

If you’re planning a weekend trip in the Mile High City, here are some ideas on how to make the most of your time.

Why visit Denver?

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Denver maintains an air of the unknown; most visitors only see it on their way to or from the legendary ski resorts in the Colorado Rocky Mountains – if they see it at all.

It does not have the robust tourism industry of some other American cities, but it is a city with new surprises waiting to be discovered by the intrepid traveler.

First and foremost, Denver is an active city. It is consistently ranked at the top of ‘healthiest city ‘ lists and it is the capital city of the least obese state in the United States.

Denver residents love the outdoors and take advantage of the abundant sunshine and access to world class hiking trails, cycling, rafting, rock climbing, and skiing in their own backyard.

Not to mention it’s one of the highest cities in North America, measuring at an altitude of 1,600 meters above sea level (now you know why it’s called the Mile High City!).

Denver is a city that seeks adventure, and the best way to experience Denver is to get outside – run the trails, cycle the roads, or take a kayak down the rapids that run right through the middle of downtown.

Save money on Denver attractions with this city pass ; which allows you to save up to 43% off up to 40 attractions in Denver!

A Weekend Trip to Denver Itinerary

Below you will find a suggested itinerary for a weekend trip in Denver. You can switch these around according to your taste and travel plans.

Start your day with a visit to the Denver Botanic Gardens. This beautiful oasis in the heart of the city features over 50 gardens spread across 24 acres.

Take a leisurely stroll through the grounds and enjoy the various flora on display.

After lunch, head to the Denver Art Museum. This world-renowned museum has an incredible collection of over 70,000 works of art from around the world.

Be sure to check out the Western art collection, which features pieces that highlight the history and culture of the American West.

Finish up your first day in Denver with a visit to the Red Rocks Amphitheatre. This iconic outdoor venue is world-famous for its natural acoustics and stunning setting.

If you’re lucky enough to catch a concert while you’re in town, you’re in for a treat. If not, simply taking in the views is an experience in itself.

On the second day, start your day with a trip to the Denver Zoo. This 80-acre zoo is home to over 4,000 animals from around the world. Highlights include the Predator Ridge exhibit, the Primate Panorama, and the Tropical Discovery exhibit.

After lunch, head to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. This fascinating museum features a variety of exhibits on everything from dinosaurs to space exploration. Be sure to check out the Planetarium and the IMAX theater while you’re there.

Finish up your weekend in Denver with a visit to Larimer Square. This historic block of Victorian buildings is home to some of the city’s best shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Take a stroll down the street and soak up the atmosphere.

Read More: Fun Things to Do in Denver, Colorado

If the attractions in the above weekend itinerary don’t suit you, or if you have more time at your disposal, then perhaps you may like to visit some of these places…

• RiNo (River North Art District) – a vibrant district known for its street art murals and contemporary art galleries. If you’re an art lover, be sure to wander around this neighborhood. You can even pop into Denver Central Market and get some picnic items and head over to City Park for a picnic.
• Colorado State Capitol Building – there are free guided tours on weekdays, so if you plan your weekend to be a midweek trip, then consider taking a free tour of the building.
• Union Station – ok, you might think that it’s just a station, but it’s one of the prettiest train stations I’ve seen. If you’re traveling into downtown Denver from the airport, chances are you will find your way here anyway.
• 16th Street Mall – this is a mile long pedestrianised shopping street that’s a great place to do some shopping. If you’re looking for a shopping spree weekend, this is the place to go.
• Rocky Mountain National Park – this is the most popular day trip from Denver but it really does take a full day. There are so many hiking trails and monuments to see, you need to give it a full day.
• Great Sand Dunes National Park – home to the tallest sand dunes in North America. It’s a good 3 hour drive each way, so again, you will need to plan a full day to visit here.
• Pikes Peak and Gardens of the Gods – these are two attractions that showcase the beautiful mountainous nature around Denver but only within an hour drive of the city. If you’re planning a trip to Denver on route from Colorado Springs, this is something you can stop over and see on the way.
• Colorado Springs – known for its hot springs, though personally I think Colorado Springs is a destination that deserves a weekend trip in its own right.
• Keystone – this is a unique place. It’s an unincorporated community and is also home to the largest amount of ski terrain in Colorado, so if you’re planning a trip in the winter, you might want to consider a visit to Keystone afterwards.

I’ll be the first to admit that Denver is not a food city; food is simply not one of the city’s strengths. But there are still plenty of unique Denver cuisines to try and restaurants to visit.

Mexican food and wild game are local specialties, with green chile being the quintessential Denver ingredient.

Rocky Mountain oysters (deep fried bull testicles) are a regional delicacy, though we usually only order it for our out-of-town guests to watch them squirm.

• Tocabe – An American Indian eatery where the speciality is fry bread tacos served with shredded bison. Topped with hominy and corn salsas, these tacos are unlike any others.
• Little Man Ice Cream – this is the best place to pick up some homemade ice cream. It’s open until midnight, so don’t feel like this is only a daytime thing.
• Cherry Cricket – A landmark dive bar/burger joint that stands as the lone blue-collar joint in the Tony Cherry Creek neighborhood. It is a favorite of locals and visitors alike and offers some of the best green chili cheeseburgers in town.
• Biker Jim’s – A food cart-turned-brick-and-mortar restaurant, Biker Jim’s serves up the best sausages in town. Meats like pheasant, bison, reindeer, wild boar, and rattlesnake are seasoned and stuffed into sausage before being topped with cream cheese and onions caramelized in Coca-Cola.
• Santiago’s – This ubiquitous Denver-based Mexican chain is a staple for city residents. The food is authentic, the prices are cheap, and the green chile is hot – just the way Denver locals like it.
• Buckhorn Exchange – Denver’s oldest restaurant proudly displays liquor license #0001. The Buckhorn Exchange specializes in wild game including ostrich, yak, elk, quail, bison, and alligator. The walls are covered with old western memorabilia and stuffed animal heads from all over the world.

Where to Drink in Denver

Denver is a beer city . It constantly ranks as one of the top beer cities in the nation and plays host to the Great American Beer Festival.

Even the former mayor (and current Colorado governor) is a former brew pub operator. Because of this, there are plenty of great places to drink beer in Denver.

• Wynkoop Brewing – The first brewpub in Denver, founded by now-Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper. Wynkoop offers great beers and an incredible atmosphere in an old brick warehouse in the heart of the Lodo neighborhood.
• Great Divide – One of the oldest and largest breweries in Denver and located right downtown. Tours and tap room tastings are offered every day of the week.
• Williams & Graham – Denver’s newest speakeasy offers a prohibition-style secretive drinking establishment (you enter through a faux-bookshelf door). Classy cocktails are served the old-fashioned way with hand chipped ice and panache from some of Denver’s best bartenders.

Lodo is a popular place for the young and the young at heart. Bars like The Sports Column , The Tavern , and Jackson’s pack their rooftop patios after Colorado Rockies baseball games while locals and visitors alike fill the upscale clubs and restaurants that line the fronts of Blake and Market streets.

While Lodo has the densest concentration of bars, restaurants, and clubs, every neighborhood has its own commercial strip giving visitors a great way to get a taste of local Denver life.

Highland Square, Pearl Street, Colfax Avenue, Lohi, and South Broadway all provide refreshing local alternative nightlife scenes.

The Brown Palace – An elegant and historic hotel in the heart of downtown. It has played host to presidents, royalty, and pop icons. For those such as myself who can’t afford the elegant prices that come with it, a visit to the afternoon tea ceremony in the lobby is a suitable alternative.

The Curtis – A much more affordable hotel that offers a unique and whimsical alternative to the high class of The Brown Palace. Each floor has a unique pop culture theme ( think one hit wonders, sci-fi, etc. ) that is carried through to all of the rooms.

The Crawford Hotel – A lovely four-star hotel with a perfect location in the heart of Denver’s CBD district. It’s sheek and modern, and primarily caters to couples over large groups. It’s the perfect place to stay if you’re planning a romantic weekend in Denver.

We have also stayed at and loved the  Aloft Hotel  on 15th Street, the  Hilton Homewood suites  on 15th Street and the  Ritz Carlton  on Curtis Street.

For more places to stay in Denver choose from the largest range of hotels, apartments, and guesthouses with our partner Booking.com . You get free cancelation on most rooms, and in most cases you only pay when you stay.

Larimer Square is a unique Victorian era street that offers boutique shopping and dining in Lodo. Just a few blocks away sits Rockmount Ranchwear , providing a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.

Rockmount introduced the first Western style snap button shirts and is still the premier supplier of the iconic clothing to clients in Hollywood and all around the world.

Just down the street from Rockmount Ranchwear is The Tattered Cover Bookstore . Located in an old warehouse, the independent bookstore is one of the largest of its kind.

It’s an incredibly atmospheric store with ancient hardwood floors, exposed bricks, and plenty of comfy chairs and hidden corners to settle into with a good book.

Late summer in Denver is spectacular. In early September, the city is still in full on summer-mode with residents flocking to the outdoor cafes, rooftop patios and the parks in the largest public park system in the United States.

But within a short drive, the mountains are beginning to show the signs of autumn. This is the time when the aspen leaves flash their vibrant gold hues, lighting up the slopes of the Rocky Mountains.

Visiting in late summer provides visitors with the best of summer and autumn in Colorado.

Denver is incredibly isolated – the closest big cities are Phoenix and Dallas which are both more than 14 hours away by car.

Thankfully, Denver has one of the largest and busiest airports in the United States. Three major airlines use Denver International Airport as a hub – United , Frontier , and Southwest . This competition helps keep the prices in and out of Denver relatively cheap.

When it comes to getting around, Denver has a comprehensive bus system and an expanding light rail and commuter rail network, but the most fun form of public transportation is by bike, which you can source from Denver’s community bicycles .

Denver was the first city in the United States to find sustained success using the bicycle as a large-scale form of public transportation, and bicycle sharing stations have been popping up all over the city since.

For just a few dollars, guests can pick up a bicycle at one of the check-out stations and ride it all over town before checking it back in to another station.

You can also get an Uber from place to place, though this is more expensive.

I love Denver because the city seeks adventure.

Work comes second to play as residents take ‘powder days’ off from work to hit the slopes on exceptionally good snow days, pack their backpacks for extended camping trips, or strive to summit every one of Colorado’s 53 14,000 foot (4260 meter) mountains.

Denver offers the best of both worlds with all the amenities of the big city and the Rocky Mountains as its backyard.

I hope this guide gives you some inspiration for how to plan your weekend getaway in Denver!

Do you have any tips on what to do in Denver? Please share in the comments.