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.
Ouray is one of the many historic Colorado mining towns that have re-invented themselves as outdoor playgrounds for adventure sport fanatics. The town is steeped in history, which you can explore at the Ouray County Historical Museum, the Ouray Alchemist Pharmaceutical Museum or on a tour of the Old Hundred Mine, before visiting one of the natural thermal pools that have been attracting visitors for over 100 years.
The Snow Queen Lodge is a Victorian jewel built during Aspen's Wild West Silver Boom that was later converted to a family-run cozy bed and breakfast. It has nine charming rooms with private baths and tasteful Victorian details and a spacious loft at a different location. The lodge is located in downtown Aspen at the base of Aspen Mountain, walking distance from the gondola, world class skiing, and the free shuttles that will take you to other mountains such as Snowmass, Highlands, or Buttermilk.
Vail doesn't always fit with everyone's budget, particularly if you want to spend a night during the high season. In the vicinity are a number of small towns and villages that are less well known but more affordable and also worth a visit. Although not a ski resort, Frisco is a charming mountain town and one of the best places to visit in the area. This is a nice base if you are exploring the I-70 Corridor around Vail and Beaver Creek. The town has all kinds of quirky cafés, shops, and restaurants, and a true mountain vibe. Just up the way from here is the small town and ski resort of Breckenridge, at an altitude of 9,600 feet.
The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park – Just a few minutes away from Echo Canyon River Expeditions office, you’ll find Colorado’s Natural Wonder – the Royal Gorge. In 1929, the Royal Gorge Bridge was built across the gorge and still stands as one of the world’s greatest engineering feats. Buy tickets online or as a rafting package to save a few dollars. The newly rebuilt attractions and visitor’s center enhance your experience of this amazing chasm and expansive view of the Wet Mountain range. There are also trails, located just before the gates of the park at the rest area, that allow visitors to walk or bike a few miles along the rim of the Gorge. 
Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness showcases some of Colorado's most spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery and offers a chance to get out of your car and into nature. This area has six mountains over 14,000 feet, along with forests, alpine lakes, meadows, and 175 miles of trails to help you explore the terrain. Alternatively, you can enjoy the views on some of the scenic drives.
The park is home to many predatory animals, including Canadian lynx, foxes, bobcat, cougar, black bear, and coyotes. Wolves and grizzly bears were extirpated in the early 1900s. Most of these predators kill smaller animals, but mountain lions and coyotes kill deer and occasionally elk. Bears also eat larger prey. Moose have no predators in the park. Black bears are relatively uncommon in the park, numbering only 24-35 animals. They also have fewer cubs and the bears seem skinnier than they do in most areas.[79] Canadian lynx are quite rare within the park, and they have probably spread north from the San Juan Mountains, where they were reintroduced in 1999. Cougars feed mainly on mule deer in the park, and live 10–13 years. Cougar territories can be as large as 500 square miles.[80] Coyotes hunt both alone and in pairs, but occasionally hunt in packs. They mainly feed on rodents but occasionally bring down larger animals, including deer, and especially fawns and elk calves. Scat studies in Moraine Park showed that their primary foods were deer and rodents. They form strong family bonds and are very vocal.[81]
Overlooking the scenic Beaver Creek Mountain, Park Hyatt Beaver Creek is a luxury Colorado resort and spa where guests can experience the vacation of their dreams. From breathtaking mountain views to championship golf courses to exquisite cuisine, Hyatt’s Beaver Creek ski resort offers the perfect year-round Vail Valley mountain escape with premium amenities, such as ski in and ski out access, a year-round heated outdoor pool, and an outdoor fire pit for roasting s’mores.
By day, this forested hot spring just north of Steamboat Springs teems with families splashing in the all-natural pools. After dark, it becomes exclusively adults-only — and clothing-optional; don’t be surprised if you spy a cowboy or two taking a dip au naturel. Secluded hillside cabins and train cabooses are within sprinting distance from the pools, for those cooler Colorado nights.
What could be more romantic than enjoying a candlelit dinner for two as you gaze out over the elegant natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains? In Colorado, this is an occurrence that happens on a regular basis thanks to the close proximity to these majestic peaks. The Antlers at Vail has luxurious condos and vacation homes for a great private retreat. Enjoy your proximity to Vail Mountain and curl up by your gas fireplace. The Osprey at Beaver Creek, A RockResort is your perfect romantic getaway with steam showers and stunning fireplaces in your luxurious accommodations. And for a great experience, Mt. Prince Hot Springs Resort has the elegant Princeton Club and gorgeous hot springs to warm and relax you and your sweetheart in bliss. Start planning your own romantic rendezvous to Colorado today!
Golden is less than an hour drive from Denver and you’ll love escaping to its stunning views and small-town feel. There are lots of amazing restaurants to check out, some fantastic theater to enjoy and a long street filled with tons of quaint shops, perfect for browsing. Book your room at the Dove Inn Bed and Breakfast and you’ll also have a romantic getaway retreat that is very affordable. You can even add in a special romance package which includes a dozen roses, a box of premium chocolates and sparkling cider for an additional $50. If you want to splurge a little, opt for the Serenity Suite, with an over-sized jet tub for two, cathedral ceilings and, of course, a delicious home-cooked breakfast.
Most visitors to the park drive over the famous Trail Ridge Road, but other roads include Fall River Road and Bear Lake Road.[95] The park is open every day of the year, weather permitting.[96] Due to the extended winter season in higher elevations, Trail Ridge Road between Many Parks Curve and the Colorado River Trailhead is closed much of the year. The road is usually open again by Memorial Day and closes in mid-October, generally after Columbus Day.[93] Fall River Road does not open until about July 4 and closes by, or in, October for vehicular traffic.[97] Snow may also fall in sufficient quantities in higher elevations to require temporary closure of the roads into July,[49][93] which is reported on the road status site.[95]
A famous winter destination for travelers throughout the country, Aspen’s four impressive ski mountains make up its beautiful surroundings. Nestled in the heart of the White River National Forest, this area is a mecca for winter sports, popular for skiing and snowboarding. While hitting the slopes is the area’s most beloved attraction, visitors can also explore the wealth of high-end boutiques, interesting museums and wonderful hiking trails. Those who want to experience a different kind of outdoor adventure can also try cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fly-fishing. Boasting even more activities in the summertime, visitors can go rafting, horseback riding and soar above the city in a hot-air balloon.
Now part of the Estes Park Condos family, Black Canyon Inn offers privately owned condos and a stunning log cabin — all located off of the beaten path but still within Estes Park. Max occupancy options range from two guests in the secluded Columbine Cabin all the way up to ten guests in other lodges. See all of them here and enjoy jaw-dropping photos and views before you arrive!
In the winter, Steamboat Springs is famous for its champagne powder; in the summertime the Yampa River Valley, Steamboat Lake and Zirkel Wilderness Area become a veritable outdoor wonderland with boat rentals, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, SUP, swimming and camping. The Coca Cola Adventure Zone at the base of Steamboat Ski Resort includes ropes course, slingshot bungee jump, climbing wall, mini-bounce, mechanical bull, human gyro and t-shirt spin art. Bring your bikes and wind along the paved four-mile Yampa River Core Trail that follows the Yampa River. Or better yet, grab a tube and cruise down the only free-flowing river in the state, meaning that nowhere along its 261 miles is it obstructed by dams or diversions (a bonus for those float trips). If you want to warm up (really hot), checkout the natural hot mineral springs at Old Town Hot Springs and Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs. A not-to-be missed event is Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo where contestants gather once a week to compete. Once upon a time, my daughter won the Ram Scramble and still raves about it. It’s not every day grabbing a ribbon from a sheep’s rear counts as a win!
If you needed a reason to visit Keystone this summer, here are several: Cupcakes and Canvases, Bike-In Movies, Kidtopia Kids Theatre, festivals such as Snake River Festival and Cirque D’Wheels, Model Boat Regata. If those don’t keep you busy, try Adventure Point Summer SNOW Tubing Hill, Kidtopia Play Park, Lakeside SUP, paddle boating, kayaking, GPS Geo-Cache Adventure, Keystone Science School Day Camps, miniature golf and dinner wagon rides. There are plenty of freebies, too, including a free scenic ride for kids 12 and under and if you’re staying at the resort, the Kidtopia Children’s Theatre in the Quaking Aspen Amphitheatre is free on Fridays.
Keystone is the ultimate year-round outdoor playground. Families will discover a wealth of things to do to keep the kids, and themselves happy, with everything from a Kidtopia Play Park, Keystone Science School Day Camps and the summer snow tubing hill to stand up paddle boarding and boating on the lake, miniature golf, GPS Geo-Cache Adventures and dinner wagon rides. Then there are the festivals, like the Model Boat Regata, the Snake River Festival, and Cirque D’Wheels. If you stay at Keystone Resort, the Kidtopia Children’s Theatre hosted in the Quaking Aspen Amphitheatre is free every Friday.
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.
For ice cream and milkshakes, try Flavors of the Rockies, Hayley's or Laura's – all on Elkhorn Avenue and all recommended by recent travelers. To get your caffeine fix, check out Elkhorn Avenue's Kind Coffee and Inkwell & Brew, or Coffee on the Rocks on Moraine Avenue. And to sample a major Colorado food group, travelers can head to Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co. or Estes Park Brewery for a craft beer.
The climate change study projects further temperature increases, with greater warming in the summer and higher extreme temperatures by 2050. Due to the increased temperature, there is a projected moderate increase in the rate of water evaporation. Reduced snowfall—perhaps 15% to 30% less than current amounts—and the elimination of surface hail, along with the higher likelihood of intense precipitation events are predicted by 2050. Droughts may be more likely due to increased temperatures, increased evaporation rates, and potential changes in precipitation.[53]
The Experience: Everywhere you look in Aspen, the views will take your breath away, especially if you stay at the historic Hotel Jerome. It's the ultimate mountain resort town every time of year, with world-class shopping, delicious food spots, and, as we mentioned, gorgeous scenery. Ski in Snowmass or Highland Bowl. In the summer, try to plan your trip to attend the wine and food festival or the annual jazz festival. Catch a show at Belly Up, party on the mountain at Cloud Nine, eat at Matsuhisa, or cross-country ski to dinner at the remote Pine Creek Lodge.
“By 1900, the growing national conservation and preservation movement, led by Theodore Roosevelt, Gifford Pinchot, and John Muir, advocated an appreciation for nature. The Estes Park Protective and Improvement Association fostered local conservation efforts. "Those who pull flowers up by the roots will be condemned by all worthy people," they warned. In 1909, Enos Mills, a naturalist, nature guide, and lodge owner, championed the creation of the nation's tenth national park. He hoped that: "In years to come when I am asleep beneath the pines, thousands of families will find rest and hope in this park." Unleashing his diverse talents and inexhaustible energy, he spent several years lecturing across the nation, writing thousands of letters and articles, and lobbying Congress to create a new national park. Most civic leaders supported the idea, as did the Denver Chamber of Commerce and the Colorado Mountain Club. In general, mining, logging, and agricultural interests opposed it. On January 26, 1915, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Rocky Mountain National Park Act.”
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. You may also like: Boulder, Crested Butte, Steamboat Springs, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins and Aspen, CO.
Lawn Lake Trail climbs to Lawn Lake and Crystal Lake, one of the parks deepest lakes, in the alpine ecosystem and along the course of the Roaring River. The river shows the massive damage caused by a dam failure in 1982 that claimed the lives of three campers. The trail is a strenuous snowshoe hike in the winter.[42] Ypsilon Lake Trail leads to its namesake as well as Chipmunk Lake, with views of Longs Peak, while traversing pine forests with grouseberry and bearberry bushes. The trail also offers views of the canyon gouged out by rampaging water that broke loose from Lawn Lake Dam in 1982. Visible is the south face of Ypsilon Mountain, with its Y shaped gash rising sharply from the shoreline.[42]
Rock climbing and mountaineering opportunities include Lumpy Ridge,[85] Hallett Peak, and Longs Peak, the highest peak in the park, with the easiest route being the Keyhole Route. This 8 mi (13 km) one-way climb has an elevation gain of 4,850 ft (1,480 m). The vast east face, including the area known as The Diamond, is home to many classic big wall rock climbing routes. Many of the highest peaks have technical ice and rock routes on them, ranging from short scrambles to long multi-pitch climbs.[86]
Central ColoradoFind yourself in Colorado Springs at Pikes Peak. We have five historic trains to transport you back to the days of cowboys and gold mining. Endless trails allow you to enjoy the abundant sunshine and spectacular scenery. A family vacation in Colorado Springs is the smart choice – great lodging values, a long list of low-cost or no-cost activities, and adventure around every corner. Order your free guide today.
Crested Butte is an amazing ski destination and the wildflower capital of Colorado, attracting outdoor enthusiasts all year round. Before you hit the slopes or the hiking trails, you can learn about the mining history of the town on a Crested Butte Historic District Walking Tour and meet some of the town’s talented artists on a tour of the Crested Butte Creative District.
Colorado is a year-round destination that piques the imagination and inspires the soul with its dramatic landscape and natural beauty. The state is nothing less than stunning, with a diversity that ranges from the majestic Rocky Mountains to the rolling hills, rivers, streams, and high desert of the Colorado Plateau. Mountain towns beckon skiers, hikers, climbers, mountain bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all types, but are also great places to soak up some tranquility and enjoy the mountain vibe. Scenic drives through parks and along state highways are some of the best ways to see the amazing sites that the state has to offer. Remnants of the cultures that inhabited the area and the dinosaurs that once roamed the land can be seen and better understood by visiting some of the national parks and monuments. Colorado is an unbeatable destination that will make you rethink your future travel plans.
Spa facilities are quite unique - hot springs are housed in the teepee and bath house, while the massage and yoga rooms are located in the Pony Express Stop. Direct feeds from geothermal springs in some of the guest cabins are even more surprising and a fun adventure honeymoon idea. Spa treatments offered at the spa include wraps, reflexology, Trager Therapy, hot rocks massage and other holistic and therapeutic healing techniques. The resort is situated near the Four Corners and in the midst of two national forests where you can enjoy hiking, climbing, snow-shoeing, back country skiing, heli-skiing and fly fishing on your adventure honeymoon.
Hilton Denver Inverness in Englewood is set at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Located 20 minutes from Denver, the resort is a fun weekend getaway. Hotel activities include golf, tennis, walking and jogging. There is also an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, whirlpools, saunas and massage services. The Golf Course is a 18-hole PGA championship course, open an average of 300 days per year. There are 284 luxury guest rooms and 18 suites. The 32 Club Floor Rooms offer exclusive access to the Mountain View Lounge for continental breakfast, and scenic views of the Rocky Mountains from the top floor of the hotel.
Grand Lake is arguably the biggest attraction in the town of Grand Lake, offering boating, sailing, fishing, swimming, kayaking and yachting – it even hosts a Regatta Week in early August. This is also where you’ll find the biggest Fourth of July fireworks display in all of Colorado, as well as a wealth of popular tourist spots like candy shops, old time photo galleries and saloons, an array of gift shops and even mini-golf courses. Plus, as it sits near the western entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, you’ll be steps away from one of the country’s most spectacular wildlife-filled parks too.
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.
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.
Located in Lions Gate Drive in Winter Park, Winter Park Chateau is a boutique Victorian-style bed and breakfast ideally placed, as it allows visitors to easily explore the surrounding area. The Chateau offers well appointed, comfortable accommodation in the form of eight guest rooms, which feature king, queen, or double beds, designer décor, private bathrooms, and amenities such as flat-screen televisions and wireless Internet. Some of the rooms have fireplaces, jetted spa baths and private balconies with stunning views.
Our warm and inviting Beaver Creek accommodations feature premium amenities that will make guests feel right at home, such as our Hyatt Grand Beds® with crisp linens, large flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and rich alpine views. Indulge in one of our luxury suites and enjoy extra perks, like a 500 sq. ft. terrace overlooking the entire valley, a kitchenette, and cozy fireplace for chilly nights.
The Snow Queen Lodge is a Victorian jewel built during Aspen's Wild West Silver Boom that was later converted to a family-run cozy bed and breakfast. It has nine charming rooms with private baths and tasteful Victorian details and a spacious loft at a different location. The lodge is located in downtown Aspen at the base of Aspen Mountain, walking distance from the gondola, world class skiing, and the free shuttles that will take you to other mountains such as Snowmass, Highlands, or Buttermilk.
The Experience: This gorgeous crystal-blue mountain scene captures Loch Lake, which is in the Rocky Mountain National Park. Take a day trip here to see the national wonder and spend the rest of your vacation enjoying the charming college town of Boulder. Stay at the St. Julien and enjoy a spa treatment or book a room at the hip, adult-only Basecamp Hotel for a quintessential Colorado vibe.
My mind calm, the knitting absorbed any excess energy and left my senses free to absorb the stunning surroundings. Feeling no need to move, I watched the silhouettes of fish moving upstream, hummingbirds zip over my head, and a northern harrier cruise over the grassland, looking for prey. Months later, I can imagine every detail of that spot on the bank anytime I close my eyes.
Summer nights are long in Colorado, and after dinner Brian and I still had time for a shoreline walk around the Barker Reservoir, rimmed by mountains and fed by a cool and clear river. I took photos of the baby Canada Geese near shore, a speck of black in the middle of the water that turned out to be a cormorant, a hummingbird settled against a tree branch, while Brian cast a line. But I really didn’t want to move.
At 265,000 acres, Rocky Mountain National Park isn't the country's largest national park, nor is it the most-frequented with about 4 million annual visitors (compared to Great Smoky Mountains National Park's more than 11 million visitors). But there is something definitively magical about RMNP, which rises 12,183 feet into the Colorado sky. The main attraction is hiking its 350-some miles of trails that wind through pine and spruce forests, glittering alpine lakes, swaths of wildflowers and if you're lucky, some elk or bighorn sheep. And maybe it's the thinner atmosphere that goes to visitors' heads, but even the most jaded report feelings of awe and wonder after a day or two of breathing in that refreshing mountain air.
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.
Located on Main Street of the charming historic mining town of Frisco, Colorado, the Frisco Lodge Bed and Breakfast has been greeting guests with comfort, luxury, and old-world hospitality since 1885. A range of opulent rooms with refined furnishings will make you feel pampered and relaxed, and the beautiful cozy living room with a piano and fireplace will allow you to meet some interesting people and have a chat or a glass of wine in the afternoon.
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.
The Experience: Super close to Manitou Springs, you'll find another town called Colorado Springs, which is also in the Pikes Peak region. While you're there, you have to see the park known as the Garden of the Gods. As its title implies, it's pretty otherworldly. With incredible, oddly shaped sandstone rock formations, you'll want to spend all day here. You should also pay a visit to the Royal Gorge Bridge, an insanely high, dramatic bridge between the canyons. Then head to the upscale resort Broadmoor. 
This 5-bedroom residence features a stunning family room with a massive gas fireplace and a professional chef’s kitchen with dining area and breakfast nook. No expense was spared on the multi-zone sound system and other electronics throughout the home. Guests can settle into the cozy library/TV room or be blown away by the mineshaft themed cinema with a state-of-the-art digital projector and 11.1-point channel sound and hundreds of first-run movies and TV – all complimentary!
True love deserves nothing but the best. Have a romantic getaway at the Broadmoor, where you will experience world-class service and be pampered like royalty! Located not far from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the hotel provides only the best for its guests. To start the day, you can have a swim in one of its three swimming pools. Then, have breakfast in one of the 18 dining sites in the hotel. There are plenty of activities for you to spend the rest of the day, such as golfing, getting a spa treatment, and playing tennis.
Diana Rowe is a freelance writer living in suburbia Denver, 20 minutes from downtown and under an hour to the Colorado Rockies. Finding the perfect hotel, whether for leisure or business travel, is an important part of Diana’s travels. Her articles have been featured in Global Traveler Magazine, Business Traveler, Away.com, TripAdvisor.com, Latitudes (American Eagle in-flight), American Cowboy, Persimmon Hill Magazine, Prevue Magazine, and Corporate & Incentive Travel Magazine. She’s also a blogger/writer for TravelingMom.com, TravelShark.com and Cvent.com. Catch up with Diana at www.dianarowe.com or follow her adventures at www.TravelingInHeels.com, Facebook fan page or Twitter @dianarowe
Region 5, known for waterfalls and backcountry, is south of Estes Park and contains Longs Peak—the park's iconic fourteener—and the Wild Basin area.[35] Other peaks and passes include Lily Mountain, Estes Cone, Twin Sisters, Boulder-Grand Pass, and Granite Pass.[47] Eugenia Mine operated about the late-19th to early-20th century, with some old equipment and a log cabin remaining.[47] Sites and trails include Boulder Field, Wild Basin Trail, and Homer Rouse Memorial Trail.[47]
Owners Wendye Sykes and Shelley Powers came to Estes Park from San Francisco looking for an escape from the grind of everyday city life — and that’s exactly what they’ve created at River Spruce. Offering nine different cabins, you’ll find lodgings suitable for couples and families all nestled amidst the scenic Rocky Mountain wilderness and along the Big Thompson River.
