Are you looking for an exciting weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of Denver? Look no further! From national parks to ski resorts, there are plenty of nearby destinations that will provide an unforgettable weekend getaway. In this blog post, we’ll explore 8 of the best weekend trips from Denver that will knock your socks off. So grab your weekend bag and get ready for an adventure!
1) Rocky Mountain National Park
If you’re looking for an adventure close to Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park should be your first stop. Located just 75 miles northwest of Denver, the park spans more than 265,000 acres and offers a wealth of activities to explore.
Whether you want to take a leisurely hike along one of the many trails, or take on a more strenuous journey up Longs Peak or Mount Ida, you’ll find something to suit your needs. Rocky Mountain National Park is also home to some incredible wildlife including bighorn sheep, elk, marmots, and mountain goats.
During summer months, visitors can also enjoy scenic drives through the park, as well as fishing, camping, horseback riding, picnicking, and more. But the highlight of any visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is certainly the stunning views of the snow-capped mountains that make up this beautiful landscape.
2) Boulder
Located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and home to the University of Colorado, Boulder is one of the most beautiful towns in the United States. With its stunning landscapes, abundant outdoor activities, and vibrant cultural scene, it’s no wonder Boulder is a popular weekend getaway for Denverites.
When visiting Boulder, don’t miss out on a chance to explore the Flatirons. These unique rock formations are among the most iconic sites in all of Colorado. While you’re there, check out Chautauqua Park, which offers hiking trails with unbeatable views of the city below. If you’re looking to get off the beaten path, head over to Eldorado Canyon State Park for more adventurous hikes and rock climbing.
As night falls, make your way downtown for some shopping and dining. Boulder is known for its diverse selection of restaurants and boutique shops. Be sure to try out The Sink for delicious burgers and fries, or take a stroll along Pearl Street Mall for some retail therapy.
For an unforgettable weekend getaway from Denver, look no further than Boulder!
3) Aspen
The former mining town of Aspen is one of the most popular weekend destinations from Denver. Located in the Rocky Mountains and set against a backdrop of gorgeous mountains, it’s easy to see why so many people flock to this city.
Aspen is known for its excellent skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports. The ski areas here include Snowmass, Buttermilk, Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain and Aspen Valley Ski Resort. Each area has something different to offer, so no matter your skill level or preference, you’ll find something perfect for you.
When the snow melts away, visitors can still find plenty of activities. From fly-fishing and mountain biking to hiking and nature walks, Aspen offers an abundance of outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy.
Of course, no trip to Aspen would be complete without a visit to its downtown area. Here, visitors will find charming cobblestone streets filled with boutiques, art galleries and fine dining. No matter what time of year you go, you’re sure to find something that catches your eye.
From the majestic mountains to the vibrant downtown, there’s something for everyone in Aspen. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, you’ll find all you need in this quaint mountain town.
4) Vail
If you’re looking for a great winter weekend escape from Denver, then Vail should be at the top of your list. This luxurious ski town is located in Eagle County and features some of the best ski resorts in the US. In addition to skiing, visitors can enjoy a variety of winter activities such as snowboarding, sledding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
When it comes to nightlife, Vail is home to a variety of clubs, bars, and restaurants. Some of the most popular places include the Level Nightclub and The Clubhouse Bar and Grill. There are also plenty of shopping and dining options available in Vail. You’ll find everything from upscale restaurants to small, local boutiques.
During the summer, Vail turns into a paradise for outdoor lovers. Visitors can go hiking, biking, fishing, camping, and even horseback riding in the area. There are also plenty of festivals and events that take place throughout the year.
No matter what time of year you visit, Vail is sure to have something for everyone. With its beautiful mountain views, luxury amenities, and endless outdoor activities, you won’t be disappointed with a weekend trip to Vail!
5) Breckenridge
If you’re looking for an awesome weekend getaway from Denver, look no further than Breckenridge. This stunning mountain town is located about two hours away from Denver and is one of the best ski destinations in the country. Not only does it offer some of the best skiing in the area, but it also has plenty of other attractions to keep you busy.
During the winter, Breckenridge offers some of the best skiing in Colorado, with five peaks and 2,358 acres of skiable terrain. The ski resort also offers a variety of slopes for all levels of skiers, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced. On top of that, Breckenridge also offers activities like snow tubing and snowmobiling.
During the summer months, Breckenridge is just as popular. In fact, it’s known as one of the top hiking destinations in Colorado. With more than 130 miles of trails, you’ll be able to explore all that Breckenridge has to offer. You can also enjoy activities like fishing, mountain biking, kayaking, and rock climbing.
In addition to its outdoor activities, Breckenridge also offers plenty of shopping and dining options. It’s home to a variety of restaurants that serve everything from Mexican food to sushi. The town also features numerous boutiques and galleries, so you can find unique souvenirs to bring home with you.
Overall, Breckenridge is an amazing weekend getaway from Denver. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities or a laid-back shopping experience, Breckenridge is sure to have something for you. Make sure to add it to your list of must-visit places this year!
6) Copper Mountain
If you’re looking for an action-packed weekend trip, head to Copper Mountain, located in Summit County, Colorado. With its excellent ski and snowboard runs, this mountain resort is a great destination for both winter and summer activities.
In the winter, Copper Mountain offers some of the best skiing in the state. With over 20 lifts and 143 trails, Copper Mountain has something for every type of skier or snowboarder. The resort also offers snowshoeing, sledding, and tubing.
For the summertime, Copper Mountain has plenty of options. The mountain biking trails are excellent, ranging from beginner to expert. And if you’re looking to get out on the lake, Copper Mountain’s 880-acre lake is perfect for boating, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Hiking is also a popular activity in the area. There are several trails that range from easy to difficult, with amazing views along the way.
The resort village of Copper Mountain is also home to several restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. Whether you’re looking for a nice dinner out or some family-friendly fun, Copper Mountain has something for everyone. After a long day of outdoor adventure, you can enjoy some live music at the resort’s club or relax at the spa.
With so much to do and explore, Copper Mountain makes for an excellent weekend getaway. Whether you’re a winter sports enthusiast or a nature lover, you’ll find something to love about this mountain paradise.
7) Keystone
Keystone is the perfect weekend destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city. Located in Summit County, Keystone offers up a diverse range of activities both on and off the slopes. Skiing and snowboarding are of course the main attractions, with three huge peaks offering up 3,148 acres of terrain, so there’s something for everyone regardless of skill level. But if you’re not into hitting the slopes, no worries – there’s plenty else to do. The resort also features an award-winning terrain park, snow tubing, and a winter bungee trampoline.
If skiing and snowboarding isn’t your thing, then you can take advantage of Keystone’s on-site activities such as ice skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and fat biking. Plus, there are numerous shops and restaurants throughout the resort that you can explore.
No matter what you decide to do, Keystone is sure to be a great weekend getaway destination. With its diverse range of activities, vibrant nightlife, and stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, it’s a great spot for a quick escape from Denver.
8) Estes Park
Located just an hour and a half away from Denver, Estes Park is a great destination for those looking to get away for the weekend. It is situated in the beautiful Rocky Mountains at the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park.
The town of Estes Park itself has plenty to offer, including museums, restaurants, galleries, shopping, and a host of outdoor activities. There are also plenty of options for lodging, from hotels and motels to bed and breakfasts and campgrounds. For the adventurer in you, Estes Park offers great opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, fishing, biking, and boating. During winter months, Estes Park is a prime spot for skiing and snowshoeing.
If you’re feeling daring, you can take a ride on the Estes Park Aerial Tramway, which takes visitors up over 500 feet in elevation for stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. Other attractions worth checking out include scenic drives, the Stanley Hotel (which served as the inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining), local breweries, and numerous golf courses. No matter what you’re looking for, Estes Park is sure to provide you with a memorable weekend getaway.
Final Words
No matter what type of weekend getaway you’re looking for, Denver is the perfect launching point for a memorable trip. With easy access to incredible outdoor attractions, top-notch ski resorts, and charming mountain towns, you’re sure to find an adventure that suits your needs. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the best weekend trips from Denver!
