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
Outdoor adventurers, skiers, nature lovers and history buffs a return to Colorado year after year for memorable vacations surrounded by spectacular scenery. Colorado is famous for its first class ski resorts such as Aspen, Telluride and Crested Butte and elegant cities packed with cultural attractions, including Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs and Estes Park. You can get back to nature in the beautiful state parks where you can admire everything from towering sand dunes and waterfalls to gushing white water rapids and historic scenic railways. Here are the best places to visit in Colorado.
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest national parks in the nation, with elevations from 7,860 to 14,259 feet (2,396 to 4,346 m),[30] the highest point of which is Longs Peak.[31] Trail Ridge Road is the highest paved through-road in the country, with a peak elevation of 12,183 feet (3,713 m).[32] Sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet (3,658 m) high provide scenic vistas.[30] On the north side of the park, the Mummy Range contains a number of thirteener peaks, including Hagues Peak, Mummy Mountain, Fairchild Mountain, Ypsilon Mountain, and Mount Chiquita.[33] Several small glaciers and permanent snowfields are found in the high mountain cirques.[34]
Loveland is called so for a reason. Romantic getaways in Colorado are blessed with vast views of Big Thompson Canyon and its inhabitants – sheep, deer, and the odd eagle. Don't miss out on Loveland Brewery, which is a bastion of Colorado's brew culture. Meanwhile, Telluride is overlooked by sky piercing peaks and retains a sense of seclusion from the outside world, making it ideal for weekend getaways in Colorado for couples. Mountain Village presents visitors with a horde of glittering attractions, while a charming "free box" is still used to exchange items.
Rising from 7,800 feet to 12,000 – even 14,000 feet in some places – RMNP is a high-elevation park and if you don't give yourself time to adjust to the thinner atmosphere and lower oxygen levels, you could run the risk of getting the headaches, nausea and disorientation characteristic of altitude sickness. Along with taking a day or so to acclimate to the high altitude, you should make sure to consume plenty of water and food to ward off symptoms.
Stay up past your (kids’) bedtime at this grown-ups-only urban retreat that fuses art and sustainability. Side-by-side Victorian homes sit on the edge of downtown Denver, putting you close to the city’s vibrant dining and nightlife. Many rooms feature murals or paintings by local artists, so you can soak up some culture from your in-room whirlpool tub. There are eco-friendly perks throughout, like organic toiletries and gardens where the onsite chef grows herbs and veggies for your complimentary breakfast.
I am convinced Chautauqua is Colorado’s best-kept secret and I’m amazed how few locals know about its charms. Located at the base of the Flatirons in Boulder, this National Historic Landmark has rental cottages that are surrounded on three sides with open space that includes 48 miles of hiking trails and thousands of acres of natural lands begging to be explored. On weekends in June, Theatre-Hikes Colorado will take audience members on a moderate hike amidst the scenic backdrop of Boulder Open Space while scenes from “Snow White” are performed along the way. On June 29, don’t miss the Colorado Music Festival’s Young People’s Concert, which is a is a narrated work about a cartoon score being performed at a symphony concert (tickets are $8). The historic Chautauqua Dining Hall (a tradition since 1898) has recently undergone a huge overhaul and the wraparound porch offers some of the best patio dining in Colorado. If you visit on a Saturday, be sure to also visit the Boulder’s Farmer’s Market (the largest in Colorado). Not to be forgotten are Pearl Street Mall’s restaurants, shops, people-watching and Pop Jet Fountain–they never fail to entertain.
Still haven’t packed enough into your Colorado vacation? Make time to see some of the great Colorado mountain attractions — tour a ghost town near Aspen, sail above the mountains in a balloon over Breckenridge, rock out at a music festival in Telluride, check out the nightlife scene in Vail and try your luck at a casino in Black Hawk, Central City or Cripple Creek.
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.
Dial (970) 586-1222 for a recorded message on the status of Trail Ridge Road. You may not know that our mountain makes its own weather, so it is not uncommon to have snow in July or August at the top of Trail Ridge Road. Such weather will only last for a few hours to a day, but if you are planning to cross over Trail Ridge Road, weather may hamper your travel. You also may find the road closed due to weather in early June and September/October.
The ski resort town of Vail is one of the best places to visit in Colorado in winter but it's also a pleasant place to enjoy at any time of year. When it comes to skiing, this is one of the top ski resorts in Colorado, with seemingly endless runs for all levels of skiers. The town at the base of the ski hill is postcard cute, with chalet-style restaurants, shops, and hotels that make you feel like you are in the heart of the Alps. This is a high-end resort with luxury hotels, fine dining, and designer stores.
There’s no need to travel far from Denver unless you really want to. Boulder is less than an hour’s drive away and is home to the luxurious St. Julien Hotel and Spa. One of the state’s most romantic properties, by booking the St. Julien Suite you’ll enjoy an opulent two-room suite with a balcony, deep soaking tub and plenty of room and relax, unwind and enjoy your time together. You can even order up an in-room couples’ massage. When you do want to venture outside of your room, you’ll find lots to do in town and nearby. Hike the scenic trails that skirt its famous Flatirons Mountains, stroll through legendary open-air mall on Pearl Street, and dine at some fabulous restaurants like The Med, with its Greek Island-themed interior, fine wine and sumptuous Mediterranean small plates.
Alta Lakes is a pristine and secluded wilderness setting situated 30 minutes outside the charming mountain town of Telluride, Colorado. The Observatory is nestled underneath the 13,000-foot peaks of the San Juan Mountains – it is one of only a few homes in the United States at 11,000+ feet! The backcountry cabin with charming rugged details serves as the perfect romantic mountain getaway for couples.
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.
With stunning Colorado surroundings and easy access to a national park, a visit to an Estes Park vacation rental will capture the whole family's imagination. Sitting at 7,522 feet above sea level, this town is a favorite Colorado getaway due to its proximity to the Rocky Mountain National Park, landmarks such as the historic Stanley Hotel, and a variety of galleries and family-friendly museums that are well worth a visit. Whether you're visiting in the summer or winter, our Estes Park cabin rentals are the perfect setting for an unforgettable trip.
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.
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.
A small city that packs a lot of punch for its size, Vail is one of the most beloved ski destinations in the country, where its not uncommon to spot a celebrity or two. Nestled between the Gore Mountain Range and Sawatch Mountain Range, this narrow alley is home to the largest single-mountain resort in the United States. While most visitors come to Vail for its famous 5,289 acres of ski slopes, in the summer visitors can also explore the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area and Holy Cross Wilderness area to hike the area’s rugged mountainside trails.
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
Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a fabulous, rugged looking canyon, and it's remote enough that it has the feeling of being undiscovered. Steep cliff walls rise up from the Gunnison River, creating a narrow and dramatic canyon. The depth of the canyon is around 2,000 feet, with Gunnison Point and Chasm View at just over 1,800 feet and Warner Point at 2,722 feet.
The nearest airport is Denver International Airport[91] and the closest train station is the Denver Union Station. Estes Park may be reached by rental car, shuttle or RTD bus.[91][98] During peak tourist season, there is free shuttle service within the park and the town of Estes Park provides shuttle service to Estes Park Visitor Center, surrounding campgrounds, and the Rocky Mountain National Park's shuttles.[91]
If you were any closer to the national park, you'd be in it! No street lights, power lines or major roads. Just peace, wilderness & wildlife, and sounds of the river! Each of our 12 cabins is unique & comfy. Walk to Park trails, or fish the Big Thompson River. Just 2.5 miles west of downtown Estes Park, dining & shopping options are never far away. Aspen Brook Details.
A comfortable reading and DVD library serves as the perfect place to relax with a book and a glass of wine, and there is free high-speed Internet throughout the property. The Wild Horse Inn is surrounded by incredible natural landscapes that offer an array of activities to partake in, from hiking, mountain biking, and climbing to boating, rafting and fishing, and various snow sports in the winter. The inn is located 1 hour and 30 minutes from Denver.
In the subalpine zone, lodgepole pines and huckleberry have established themselves in previous burn areas. Crystal clear lakes and fields of wildflowers are hidden among the trees. Mammals of the subalpine zone include bobcats, cougars, coyotes, elk, mule deer, chipmunks, shrews, porcupines and yellow-bellied marmots. Black bears are attracted by the berries and seeds of subalpine forests. Clark's nutcracker, Steller's jay, mountain chickadee and yellow-rumped warbler are some of the many birds found in the subalpine zone.[72] Sprague Lake and Odessa Lake are two of the park's subalpine lakes.[72]
A famous ski resort town that attracts visitors year-round, Aspen is the premiere destination for outdoor activities. It is a more upscale area that has numerous high-end restaurants and stores, in addition to landmarks like the Wheeler Opera House and the Aspen Art Museum. It’s a great place to come relax and have a good time, or to stay busy with a range of fun outings.
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]
Located at the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs has multiple attractions, ranging from museums and parks to trains and a zoo. It is within close proximity to Pikes Peak, a landmark in the Pike National Forest. The Garden of the Gods park is also located in Colorado Springs and features red sandstone formations and stunning mountain views.
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Nature created a perfectly beautiful vacation spot right on Fall River, where you will find our lovely village of 20 cabin suites. They are sprinkled over 17 acres amid the Pine & Aspen with kitchens, fireplaces, decks, grills, Free Wi-Fi, & some private hot tubs overlooking the stocked fishing river. Streamside is perfect for your relaxing river-front getaway. Streamside on Fall River Details
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.
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.
Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa - Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort is really a special place for active couples. There's 3 types of accommodation (Bunkhouse, Lodge and Cabin), and outside an opportunity to experience some very romantic adventures like wagon & sleigh rides, zip-lining, horseback riding and evening campfires. As well, there's two restaurants, a wine cellar and a coffee shop. Oh, a word about their pool: it's heated geothermally, and since you actually enter it indoors and swim to the outdoor part, it's great on colder days and evenings. 2017 ERV Rating* for Couples - Romantic Colorado Ranch Resorts: 88% - Very Good. (3530 Country Rd 83, Tabernash, CO 970-726-5632)
If you are looking for romantic mountain getaways in Colorado, Taharaa Mountain Lodge in Estes Park, Colorado is a beautiful country lodge just minutes from the Rocky Mountain National Park. Set on five acres, the lodge offers vacationers nine rooms and nine suites with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Guest room decor incorporates natural elements from the region. Each room and suite has floor-to-ceiling windows, fireplace and a panoramic outdoor deck, perfect for savoring the view. Ask for one of the suites with a Jacuzzi tub if you are planning a romantic getaway or a honeymoon in Colorado. The lodge has a sauna and a cozy massage room where guests can enjoy a variety of treatments, such as aromatherapy, hot stone massage and facials. Rooms start at $159 per night. Delicious morning breakfast and evening happy hour are included in the cost of your stay.
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Buena Vista is an historic mining and railroad town that resoundingly lives up to its Spanish name meaning “good views” – you are surrounded by towering mountain peaks that provide a wonderful year-round playground for adventure seekers. The area boasts some of the best river rafting adventures in the country and you can also go hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing and zip-lining.
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
DENVER (CBS4) – With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, you may be thinking about a last-minute escape for two. If you don’t have a lot of money to spend, you need not worry, as there are plenty of amazing destinations just a short drive from home that will still feel like you are getting away from town for a few days. The trick to saving money this time of year is to avoid the busy ski resort towns, where the room rates get very high and the towns can be very crowded. Instead opt for off-season at one of the other beautiful summer destinations in Colorado. You’ll find you can get an amazing room with lots of amenities for a much better rate.
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Another of Colorado's fourteeners, Mount Evans reaches an elevation of 14,271 feet. Almost equally impressive is the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, which extends almost to the summit. This is the highest paved road in the United States, reaching over 14,130 feet. The views from the top and on the way up, above the tree line, are outstanding, with meadows, lakes, and rolling mountains extending out into the distance. The area is so open and exposed that you have a good chance of seeing wildlife, particularly bighorn sheep.
Located one mile from the main entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park and two miles from Estes Park, Rams Horn Village Resort offers 46 luxury cabins, a heated outdoor swimming pool in the summer, three outdoor, year-round hot tubs, a fitness center and a playground on over seven acres of landscaped grounds. Every amenity at Rams Horn is free to use with your reservation and every cabin will turn into a second home.
The ski resort town of Vail is one of the best places to visit in Colorado in winter but it's also a pleasant place to enjoy at any time of year. When it comes to skiing, this is one of the top ski resorts in Colorado, with seemingly endless runs for all levels of skiers. The town at the base of the ski hill is postcard cute, with chalet-style restaurants, shops, and hotels that make you feel like you are in the heart of the Alps. This is a high-end resort with luxury hotels, fine dining, and designer stores.
Southern ColoradoKnown as a heritage town with grand nineteenth-century architecture and brick streets that date to the early 1900s, Trinidad is set in a green valley halfway between Denver and Santa Fe. The town is surrounded by vast state and national recreation areas, including two state parks. Trinidad is the gateway to the Scenic Highway of Legends, where travelers find lakes and stunning dikes that radiate out from the ancient Spanish Peaks. Historic and prehistoric sites abound in every direction.
Brian and I descended back to ~7,000 feet for dinner in a small-town Indian restaurant in Nederland, Colorado, west of Boulder. By then, both our heads ached like a bad hangover, and my lungs literally burned when I tried to inhale anything but shallow breaths. Add generalized joint pain, and I had a full-blown case of altitude sickness. Given that I am a noted hypochondriac, I expected the worst.
