• Drive from Denver to Estes Park into Rocky Mountain National Park. • On the drive to the park you will pass historic towns and beautiful landscapes from Denver through Boulder, with the option to stop in Lyons for coffee etc. • The hike has beautiful scenery, alpine lakes and diverse trails. The trail is framed with pine and aspen trees, with views of snow capped mountain ranges all around. • Immerse yourself in the mountains away from it all. • Have a tasty picnic lunch surrounded by serene nature. • See Colorado’s famous continental divide – rivers and streams west of the divide flow to the Pacific Ocean and east of the divide to the Gulf of Mexico. • This is a approx 4 mile trail (round trip) with about 800 feet in elevation gain.
The rooms here are Euro-sexy, with dark, thick, exposed beams and spacious, mirror-lined bathrooms. The spa is one of the best in Vail Valley, with a beautiful indoor-outdoor pool, fresh spa water and tea easily accessible and multiple hot tubs, both inside and out. Sit in the bubbling, warm water with a cup of tea while snowflakes drift around you.
Situated on Vail Square, The Arrabelle sets the standard for luxurious lodging, while its jaw-dropping setting reflects the romantic heritage and ambiance of the European Alps. Here you’ll find architectural touches of Salzburg, Innsbruck and Prague, along with high-end amenities such as personal butler service, ski valet and even grocery delivery. Look forward to heading to the rooftop for laps in the pool and soaking in the whirlpool together while taking in magnificent Rocky Mountain views. You can also relax and unwind together while indulging in treatments at the property’s RockResorts Spa, which offers even more stunning Rockies vistas. Each one of the spacious suites host impressive features like a living room area with a fireplace, ideal for toasting to your new life together while cuddling up next to its warmth.
No matter what time of year you choose to stay in Estes Park, you will find pleasant weather to suit the outdoor activities of the season. The coldest month is January, with an average high of 38 degrees – excellent skiing and snowboarding weather. July tends to be the warmest month of the year, with average highs reaching 78 degrees. This warmth, combined with the region's low humidity, makes for the perfect climate for hiking, biking, boating, and more.
This three-story, immaculately furnished lodge can sleep up to 30 people and is located mere minutes from the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. It can be divided into two different suites for smaller groups. Overlooking the tranquil Trout Pond, the lodge has everything you need for a perfect family reunion, wedding, retreat or any large gathering.
Tucked deep in the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado, this carefully restored 19th-century ghost town and natural spa is surprisingly well appointed. The rugged, old-timey building exteriors hide high-end features such as cathedral ceilings, air conditioning, and gas fireplaces. Dolores has four parks and a peaceful bike trail that takes peddlers along the tumultuous Dolores River. You can enjoy hands-on exhibits and a nature hike at the Anasazi Heritage Center, or explore an exact replica of the original narrow-gauge rail car, the Galloping Goose. Share a romantic meal with tasty cocktails at Sophia’s Bistro.
Mesa Verde was home to the Ancestral Pueblo who inhabited the dwellings from approximately 600 AD to 1300 AD. Thousands of archeological sites lie within the park, although the cliff dwellings are the most spectacular. A road allows access to numerous sites, many of which are on top of the mesa. A number of hiking trails, which do not require a ranger tour, lead to lookouts and interesting sites, including petroglyphs.
The Experience: If Aspen isn't quite your mountain town scene, head to Vail instead. It's equally as idyllic (it was modeled after European mountain resorts), pedestrian-friendly, and lovely, but the town itself is more of a square in a village with a small collection of boutiques and restaurants for visitors. Ride up and down the gondolas for mountain views in every direction and ski the unique back bowls. It's also closer to Denver, making it easier to get to and, therefore, a little more crowded during peak seasons.
Though the Airbnb cabin can accommodate up to 6 people, you can rent it just for the two of you. This vacation rental is located within walking distance to the historic town of Cripple Creek, Colorado. Surrounded by pine and aspen trees, this cabin makes a perfect option for couples who want a romantic getaway. The atmosphere is quiet and peaceful, allowing you to spend quality time together. There is a quite large kitchen for you and partner to prepare romantic dinners. At night, look up to the sky to see the beautiful starry night while holding each other’s hands!
Enos Mills, the main figure behind the creation of Rocky Mountain National Park, enjoyed walking to Lily Lake from his nearby cabin. Wildflowers are common in the spring and early summer. In the winter, the trail around the lake is often suitable for walking in boots, or as a short snowshoe or ski. Other lakes in the Wild Basin include Chasm Lake, Snowbank Lake, Lion Lakes 1 and 2, Thunder Lake, Ouzel Lake, Finch Lake, Bluebird Lake, Pear Lake, and Sandbeach Lake. Many of the lakes have backcountry campsites. Waterfalls include Ouzel Falls, Trio Falls, Copeland Falls, and Calypso Cascades.[47]
Colorado’s biggest city, Denver offers an eclectic mix of attractions, from its trendy eateries to its impressive museums. A combination of a cityscape and natural surroundings, Denver is more than just a base to explore Colorado’s other outdoor treasures. Boasting a laid-back ambiance, this Mile High City is centered around an outdoorsy culture of locals that welcome visitors to sample their delicious craft beer, vibrant shopping streets and beautiful hiking paths. Spend a day at the Denver Art Museum, Denver Museum of Nature & Science or the Denver Zoo, then browse Larimer Square and catch a game at Coors Field.
Enjoy LUXURY mountain cabins at our resort with outstanding VALUE. "A Home Away from Home Getaway." 1, 2, and 3-bdrm condos available with fully applianced kitchens, living room fireplaces & private decks overlooking Fall River. Private hot tubs & spa suites are also available. Located only 1 mi. to RMNP, 3 mi. to Downtown. FREE: Stocked river fishing, Wi-Fi, local calls, movies, games, indoor & outdoor activities. Estes Park Condos Details
Surrounded on three sides by Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake is aptly known as the “Western Gateway” to the Rockies. Because of its close proximity to the wilderness, it’s one of the best weekend getaways in Colorado for an itinerary full of adventure. Strap on your cross-country skis or rent a snowmobile to explore the area’s large network of trails no matter the weather. For indoor entertainment, head to the Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre, which puts on professional shows loved by kids and parents alike.
Couples can share snowy adventures together, try out new activities, or split up and go different directions during the day. Meals with other engaging guests liven the conversation, and the dining room is always filled with laughter. Leisurely afternoon naps or late night soak in the hot tub give couples a chance to retreat from it all and focus on each other.
Georgia peach, coffee addict, and Bananagrams champ (in no particular order), Olivia is a travel writer and designer based in Central America. She has a particular affinity for road trips to warm Southern cities and down the California coast, with frequent pit stops for local fare at roadside stands. Follow her on Instagram @olivia.ashra for lots of nature pics and keep up with her travels at therecouldbeblackberries.com.
There is a fitness area, complimentary wireless internet access in the lobby, 24-hour room service, a full-time concierge, twice-daily maid service and overnight valet parking. Choose from 241 guest rooms and suites, some furnished in Victorian style, while others reflect Art-Deco decor. There are five restaurants, ranging from fine dining to casual fare. Room rates start at $ 152 per night on weekends.
Sleep helped the altitude sickness, and after a full night in one of the research site’s cabins, I felt much revived. Brian fished in the morning and I scrambled up a rocky outcropping with a graduate student studying pikas through their poop (a non-invasive way to analyze stress levels of this small mammal that looks like a cross between a rabbit and a mouse): but our afternoon was free. What to do?
Denver is the capital of Colorado and it perfectly reflects the diversity of the state, offering visitors of all ages virtually unlimited attractions to suit all interests. You can visit several art museums, including the Denver Art Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, and there are several art districts filled with galleries to thrill and delight all art lovers.
Colorado is the perfect destination for an extra-special weekend getaway, especially since it’s home to numerous exciting cities and nature spots. Admire panoramic views of the sweeping, majestic Rocky Mountains, and plan an afternoon hike and picnic. Book a stay at a gorgeous Colorado vacation rental near a historic national park to conveniently enjoy the great outdoors. Here are eight of the most romantic weekend getaway locations in Colorado.
Colorado Springs lies at the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of over 6,000 feet and is a springboard to some of Colorado’s best hiking trails as well as many other outdoor activities. Just a few of the energetic activities you can try include white water rafting in the Royal Gorge, hiking in the beautiful Garden of the Gods Park or cycling the Barr Trail.
Beginning in Durango, the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway is a complete loop that will take you up to Silverton, along the Million Dollar Highway to Ouray, over to Placerville, south to Telluride, Dolores, Mancos, and back to Durango. If you have less time or are only planning on heading in one direction, you can do the Silverton to Ouray section beginning from Durango, up to Silverton, over the Million Dollar Highway to Ouray, and beyond to Montrose or further north to Grand Junction.
Surrounded by over 100,000 acres of the Pike National Forest, the Ranch at Emerald Valley is an unmatched, all-inclusive retreat that combines the rustic charm of a wilderness enclave with The Broadmoor’s incomparable luxury and service. Honeymooners can indulge in one of 10 beautifully appointed cabins, featuring gas fireplaces, rich furnishings, and modern amenities. Couples can spend their days fly fishing in pristine mountain lakes, hiking and biking along scenic trails or exploring the mountains on horseback. Afterward, unwind by soaking in an outdoor hot tub and sipping fine wine on a panoramic terrace while enjoying the beauty of a Rocky Mountain sunset. All meals and ranch activities are included as part of the stay, making it an ideal setting for intimate getaways where every detail is thoughtfully handled.
And when it’s time to book your weekend trip to Colorado, consider a vacation rental as your accommodation. Whether you prefer an urban loft, slopeside home, or mountain chalet, TripAdvisor offers a wide variety of different rentals across the state. You’ll be treated to homey amenities such as a full kitchen, laundry, and even perhaps a fireplace and Jacuzzi for those chilly Colorado nights!
Tucked deep in the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado, this carefully restored 19th-century ghost town and natural spa is surprisingly well appointed. The rugged, old-timey building exteriors hide high-end features such as cathedral ceilings, air conditioning, and gas fireplaces. Dolores has four parks and a peaceful bike trail that takes peddlers along the tumultuous Dolores River. You can enjoy hands-on exhibits and a nature hike at the Anasazi Heritage Center, or explore an exact replica of the original narrow-gauge rail car, the Galloping Goose. Share a romantic meal with tasty cocktails at Sophia’s Bistro.
The Pierre Shale formation was deposited during the Paleogene and Cretaceous periods about 70 million years ago. The region was covered by a deep sea—the Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway—which deposited massive amounts of shale on the seabed. Both the thick stratum of shale and embedded marine life fossils—including ammonites and skeletons of fish and such marine reptiles as mosasaurs, plesiosaurs, and extinct species of sea turtles, along with rare dinosaur and bird remains—were created during this time period. The area now known as Colorado was eventually transformed from being at the bottom of an ocean to dry land again, giving yield to another fossiliferous rock layer known as the Denver Formation.[58]
If you and your valentine enjoy winter adventures, a mountain escape is perfect for a weekend away! Opt for your favorite resort or venture somewhere new to enjoy outdoor winter activities during the day, like snowshoeing, skiing and skating, and relax at night with drinks and hot tubbing. Make the weekend extra special with a horse-drawn carriage ride to dinner. Find a Colorado cabin perfect for any getaway here .
Does the AP realize they have just exposed Democrat hypocrisy? “Unauthorized border crossings are at their lowest levels in decades, Di Fi (D) .“We are currently experiencing the lowest number of (illegal) border crossings since 1971.” Gavin Newsome (D)We here can add to this Jason Crow who said “Democrats are going to push back legislatively and through the courts, to Trumps emergency declaration”. The declaration is because of drugs entering the country, human trafficking, and gangs entering the country. So, if Crow is going to “push back” Crow must support drugs entering the country, human trafficking and gangs entering the country.And who is the President with these low numbers? And those number can be lowered to zero, with the wall, or at the very least, numbers the country choose to let in and can handle.
The rugged and elevated landscape and disused mining roads provide a challenging playground for mountain biking and off-road vehicles, while fishermen can head to Molas Lake to cast a line. You can go hiking in the San Juan National Forest, take a four wheel drive along the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, or savor a scenic ride on the Durango & Silverton Rail Road. Things to Do in Silverton
Glacial geology in Rocky Mountain National Park can be seen from the mountain peaks to the valley floors. Ice is a powerful sculptor of this natural environment and large masses of moving ice are the most powerful tools. Telltale marks of giant glaciers can be seen all throughout the park. Streams and glaciations during the Quaternary period cut through the older sediment, creating mesa tops and alluvial plains, and revealing the present Rocky Mountains.[61] The glaciation removed as much as 5,000 feet (1,500 m) of sedimentary rocks from earlier inland sea deposits. This erosion exposed the basement rock of the Ancestral Rockies. Evidence of the uplifting and erosion can be found on the way to Rocky Mountain National Park in the hogbacks of the Front Range foothills.[60] Many sedimentary rocks from the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras exist in the basins surrounding the park.[62]
An excellent vacation destination for visitors who are ready to hit the slopes, winter enthusiasts flock to Telluride every year for its 1,700 skiable acres that cater to both experts and novices alike. Visitors flock to Town Park on the southeast edge of town for its abundance of activities available, such as swimming pools, tennis courts, fishing ponds and campgrounds that are popular for the city’s annual festivals and events. Bear Creek Falls and Bridal Veil Falls offer a variety of scenic hiking trails, while the Telluride Historical Museum and Historic Sheridan Opera House are two cultural attractions that shouldn’t be overlooked.
For the ultimate mountain getaway, stay in one of our updated vintage 1, 2, or 3 bedroom cabins! Just 1 mile from the entrance to RMNP on the quiet side of town. Walk to a Park trailhead, fish for stocked trout in front of your cabin, soak in the hot tub, relax around the campfire. Experience the Estes of yesteryear! Idlewilde by the River Details
Explore the nearby great outdoors at the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space or get your adrenaline pumping by rafting on Cache La Poudre River with the Mountain Whitewater Descents Company. Visit Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures to learn about folk art from all over the world. Take the kids to the Farm at Lee Martinez Park to learn about the farm life and play with baby farm animals.
