Salida is known for its white-water rafting and gorgeous mountain scenery in southeastern Colorado. Nature-lovers, adrenaline-junkies, and ski-bums alike will all enjoy this Colorado weekend getaway. Those who want a mellow weekend trip in Colorado can stroll through downtown galleries and museums, while adventure seekers will find no shortage of heart-thumping excursions.
19th-century ghost town, and hosts its own fabulous mineral hot springs. The five-star property enjoys a backdrop of aspens and the dramatic San Juan Mountain Range, situated about 30 miles southwest of Telluride. It’s the perfect place to disconnect from the chaos of the modern world and connect with the one you love. Nearby you can go heli-skiing, rock climbing or hike miles and miles of scenic trails. It hosts a ring of historic log cabins that now serve as luxurious retreats as well as other historic buildings that house a lavish spa, a well-stocked library and a saloon with wagon-wheel chandeliers.
Guests are treated to a delicious gourmet three-course breakfast every morning along with complimentary bedtime snacks. An intimate library and comfortable lobby offer the perfect place to curl up with a book, an experience that is even nicer when it’s done in front of a crackling fire. The adjacent Rocky Mountain National Park provides a variety of activities from hiking and mountain biking to mountain climbing, fishing, and wildlife watching.
Cheyenne Mountain Resort offers a honeymoon escape that includes breathtaking mountain views, outstanding dining and especially luxurious rooms. It has a good menu of special romance packages to choose from too, including having Champagne, locally-sourced gourmet cheeses and fresh fruit delivered to your room. You can look forward to indulging in a romantic dinner buffet for two, or even go all out by booking the boudoir portrait session, which includes complimentary Champagne. Activities abound too, with a 35-acre lake for water sports, five indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, 18-hole golf course, tennis courts and a fitness center.
The town has a lively arts and culture scene, reflected by several galleries and a busy live theater schedule. Outdoors, the fun never stops; you can hike over 70 spectacular trails, have fun on a Jeep, snow-mobile or OHV tour, bike the Ridgway Area Trail System or go rock climbing, canyoneering, fishing, skiing, and hot air ballooning. Keep reading for more Colorado points of interest. Things to Do in Ouray
Rocky Mountain National ParkAt the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake is the deepest natural lake in Colorado, dipping to 265 feet. Fed by high mountain runoff, the lake is clear and pristine. In the summer, you can rent a boat, bring your own or simply enjoy the gentle lapping of the waves from the sandy shore. Grand Lake connects with Shadow Mountain Lake via a canal, and just down the road is Lake Granby, the second largest body of water in Colorado.
Colorado’s second-largest city, Colorado Springs is nestled at the foot of the majestic Pikes Peak. Filled to the brim with scenic landscapes, escape your daily stresses for a weekend away exploring the Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods. Capture the perfect shot of the rocks framing the snow-capped splendors, or visit the area’s cultural attractions such as Pioneers Museum, American Numismatic Association Money Museum or the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. The downtown area is full of impressive art galleries, in addition to a U.S. Olympic Training Center and the U.S. Air Force Academy.
Since it’s just the two of you, a tiny house would be a great choice for the most romantic vacation. The small house known as “Dreamy Romance Parisian Honeymoon Cottage” in Colorado is the perfect option for lovebirds. In addition to the comfortable bed and beautiful decor, there is a small, beautiful, private garden where you can have a glass of wine with your partner and watch the changing colors of the gorgeous sunset.
Another one of the state’s most popular skiing and snowboarding destinations, Steamboat Springs may be a winter wonderland during the chillier months of the year, but the summer brings an endless landscape of green dotted with brilliant wildflowers. This is when this Wild West town really comes alive, with visitors enjoying fly fishing, inner tube rides and rafting trips on the Yampa River, endless scenic hiking and mountain biking trails, and natural hot springs that are ideal for soothing sore muscles afterward. If you can be here around late June/early July, you can attend the legendary annual Hot Air Balloon Rodeo and Art in the Park festival which boasts an extensive display of colorful hot air balloons along with some 50 artist vendors, live entertainment, food and drink vendors, and an interactive children’s art area.
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.
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Images of Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, ColoradoEnjoy winter in all its beauty and head for the mountains on this incredible 8-hour tour to Rocky Mountain National Park. Around each corner are breathtaking views, alpine lakes and wildlife in a serene setting. Wintertime is the perfect to head to the park as the snow capped mountains are truly breathtaking with the peace and tranquility the mountains have to offer.Duration: 5 hours
The Leland House and Rochester Hotel are family-owned historic hotels with an authentic Western theme. The 14 rooms at the Rochester Hotel are themed after Westerns that were filmed in the Durango area. Each of the 12 accommodations in the Leland House is named after a historic Durangoan and is decorated with that person’s memorabilia, biographies and photos. All rooms have Wi-Fi, cable, Aveda products, complimentary gourmet breakfast and free Cruiser bike rentals. Grab a drink at the Rochester Bar which serves the hotel’s signature Rochester wine.
Manor Vail Lodge - ideal for both winter and summer romantic getaways in Vail. The spacious condo-style studio & 1 bedroom suites are roomy (700+ sq ft) and have private balconies with creek or Mountain views, cozy fireplace, full kitchens and Queen or King beds. Outside are 2 pools, hot tubs, fitness and spa facilities, local free shuttle (short walk) and Golden Peak Chair 6 & Gondola 1 (5 minute walk away). 2017 ERV Rating* for Couples - Romantic Lodging in Vail, CO: 91% - Excellent. (595 E. Vail Valley Dr, Vail, CO 800-950-8245)
Chapin Pass trail traverses a dense forest to beautiful views of the Chapin Creek valley, proceeding onward above timberline to the western flank of Mount Chapin. Tundra Communities Trail, accessible from Trail Ridge Road, is a hike offering tundra views and alpine wildflowers. Other trails are Tombstone Ridge and Ute Trail, which starts at the tundra and is mostly downhill from Ute Crossing to Upper Beaver Meadows, with one backcountry camping site. Cache La Poudre River trail begins north of Poudre Lake on the west side of the valley near Milner Pass and heads downward toward the Mummy Pass trail junction. Lake Irene is a recreation and picnic area.[40]
Later in June is the Scandinavian Midsummer Festival, Estes Park's annual celebration of Scandinavian culture. This festival features many Scandinavian and Nordic traditions, such as raising the Maypole, as well as authentic food and drink from the region. There is also dancing, knitting, arts & crafts, and even a reenactment of a Viking camp complete with a Viking ship and sword fight!
The Experience: Like Crested Butte, Telluride is a place that anyone will fall in love with no matter the season. Plus, it's a bit more down-to-earth than Aspen and Vail for anyone looking for a Colorado ski town that has a more casual energy. Surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, the charming town is lined with authentic saloon-like bars, boutique gourmet eateries, and old-school chop houses. If you visit during the winter, hit the slopes or go helicopter skiing and dog sledding. And in the summer, you can do anything from riding around the backcountry in an old Jeep to river rafting, fly-fishing, and hiking to the many striking mountain springs, including Blue Lakes, Hope Lake, and Navajo Lake. Book a room at the Dunton Town House for an intimate stay.
Visiting several national parks, including Rocky Mountain National Park, is easy or make the most of the abundant outdoor activities, which include hiking, biking, rafting, kayaking, fishing, golf and horseback riding. There are several fascinating museums and over 15 galleries to visit on the First Friday Gallery Walk. Round off the day with a Local Table foodie tour or take in a Canyon Concert Ballet or the Fort Collins Symphony Orchestra. Things to Do in Fort Collins
Above tree line, at approximately 11,000 ft (3,400 m), trees disappear and the vast alpine tundra takes over.[69] Over one third of the park resides above the tree line, an area which limits plant growth due to the cold climate and strong winds. The few plants that can survive under such extreme conditions are mostly perennials. Many alpine plants are dwarfed at high elevations, though their occasional blossoms may be full-sized.[73]
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
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.
You won’t believe the powdery slopes, 14,000-foot peaks, and stunning scenery of Telluride until you see the town for yourself. This Colorado destination screams weekend getaway—there are dozens of hikes and even more things to do. For example, you could give paragliding a chance, or bring the whole group along for a food tour featuring Telluride’s best bites.
Wildflower-lovers are never disappointed in June and July when the meadows and hillsides are splashed with botanical color. Autumn visitors can relax among the golden aspens or enjoy the rowdier antics of the elk rut during mating season. And those brave enough to venture into the cold during the winter are treated to snowscapes unlike any other, as the park is open year-round.
The Big Meadows area with its grasses and wildflowers can be reached via the Onahu, Tonahutu, or Green Mountain trail. Other scenic areas include Long Meadows and the Kawuneeche Valley (Coyote Valley) of the upper Colorado River which is a good place for birdwatching, as well as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter. The valley trail loops through Kawuneeche Valley[36] which contained as many as 39 mines, though less than 20 of those have archived records and archeological remains.[37] LuLu City is the site of an abandoned silver mining town of the early 1880s located along the Colorado River Trail.[5] According to a 1985 report prepared for the NRHP, there were only three cabin ruins remaining along with remnants of six other buildings.[38]
The Olives Aspen restaurant, run by Chef Todd English, serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with a local flare. The Lobby Lounge features beautiful views, and offers a light menu with cocktails, aperitifs, wines, and beers. Doubles from $725 per night. The hotel is located 10 minutes from the Airport. You can contact the hotel to arrange transportation. Doubles from $725 per night. The hotel is located 10 minutes from the Airport.
