10 Places to Go in Colorado for the Weekend

If you only have 1 weekend to go skiing, go to Vail. Not only is Vail Mountain a historic ski destination, but new high-speed chair lifts also allow lines to move faster – so you can get more runs in less time. Don’t miss a chance to try a snowshoe or cross-country ski tour to take in even more of this winter wonderland.

Vail is not only a winter town. In summer you can catch an outdoor concert at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheatre, golf surrounded by stunning high alpine terrain, or bike on miles of groomed single-track trails. And no matter the season, Vail boasts numerous high-end dining experiences you’ll want to come back for.

Breckenridge, Colorado has all the charm and adventure of a mountain town with the nightlife of a metropolitan city. That means top-notch skiing and hiking beside wine tastings and live theatre. Breck – as the locals call it – is a worthwhile weekend trip for just about anyone.

A couple of can’t-miss activities include hiking to see the 15-foot wooden Breckenridge Troll, taking historic walking tours of the town’s old saloons, catching theatre shows at the Riverwalk Centre, and dropping in on a Breck Create ceramics class.

For food and wine lovers, a weekend in Palisade, Colorado is a tasty treat. The Western slope locale is blessed with fertile soil for orchards and vineyards. A trip down the Fruit and Wine Byway is one of the best ways to explore all the area has to offer – either via car or bicycle. Summer is the best time to visit the famous peach orchards and dreamy lavender fields. In fall, pear and apple picking is best, while spring is ideal for snagging apricots and cherries. Wineries of the area – some of the oldest in the state – are known for their variety of fruit wines.

Another interesting way to view the vineyards and orchards is to take a float trip down the Colorado River, where you’ll leisurely drift past the agrarian valley. A weekend is just enough time to take in this small town.

Though Crested Butte offers the thrills mountain towns are known for (skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, climbing, and 4-wheeling), this town is all about taking it slow. If you’re looking for a weekend to unwind and recuperate, Crested Butte is the place to do it.

Take a stroll down Elk Ave. Stop into one of the art galleries or shops and talk with the friendly craftspeople that call Crested Butte home. Hike the alpine and take in the colourful array of wildflowers that bloom in the summer. Enjoy a mountain sunrise while sipping on a locally brewed cup of Camp 4 Coffee – an iconic brand known for hand-roasting their beans.

The main draw for a weekend trip to Glenwood Springs is the opportunity to immerse yourself in the soothing hot springs. The minerals in the warm water can act as a pain and stress reliever and even offer some benefits for skin rejuvenation.

That’s not the only form of relaxation you can melt into on a short trip to this Western Slopes town – spas and wellness centers are popular destinations. For something truly unique, visit the Yampah Vapour Caves for a geothermal steam bath. Take in a bit of history as well, as the caves were once used as a place of healing for the Indigenous Ute people.

Though you might not see the entire Rocky Mountain National Park in a weekend, you can certainly make a great weekend out of exploring as much as you can. The whole park is 415 square miles in total, with 350 miles of accessible trails – including more than 70 mountain peaks. A weekend backpacking trip is one recommended way to take in the natural landscape.

Not sure where to start? Let a professional take you on a tour, be it rock climbing, backcountry skiing, photography, fly fishing, or wildlife viewing. Check out the towns of Grand Lake and Estes Park for nearby lodging and restaurants.

The historic mining town, Georgetown, located in the Clear Creek Valley, is an ideal location for a weekend getaway in Colorado. You can take in the entire town in an unforgettable weekend. Great for history buffs, there are a number of museums that are worth visiting like the Hamill House Museum – that once belonged to a silver baron – or the Hotel de Paris Museum. The Capital Prize Gold Mine Tour is another window to history that is unmatched elsewhere in the state.

Make time for sightseeing on your weekend getaway via the Georgetown Loop Railway or Guanella Pass – a 22-mile scenic byway that connects Georgetown to the Mt. Bierstadt trailhead. Keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep, a common sighting in the area.

One of Colorado’s hidden gems, the Strawberry Park Hot Springs offers a relaxing resort experience in a stunning mountain locale. Located in the Northwest part of the state, the nearest town – Steamboat Springs – is nearly 20 miles away.

The mineral hot springs consist of several large pools naturally heated to around 104 degrees due to geothermal activity. You can enjoy the soak with a 2-hour pass or unlimited access if you are lodging on-site. Staying a night or 2 at Strawberry Hot Springs is a unique opportunity with options including rustic cabins, campsites, covered wagons, or train cabooses. One thing to note: evening soaks are adults only and clothing is optional.

Out-of-towners looking for a quintessential Colorado weekend will not be disappointed with a stay in Morrison. The town, located in the foothills west of Denver, is best known as the home of Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Set in among the red rock flatirons at a 6,450-foot elevation, the venue offers naturally perfect acoustics. It is lauded as the best concert venue in the world and therefore a must-visit for a weekend trip.

City centre Morrison is small but has diverse dining options, some with scenic rooftop patios. After a night of good food, good drinks, and good music, spending the day hiking on the local trails is definitely recommended. Lair o’ the Bear Park or even around the Amphitheatre itself are accessible trail systems.

Fort Collins, Colorado is more than just a college town housing the students of Colorado State University. It’s a fantastic place to lay your head on a weekend getaway, with many day trip options just a short drive away. Consider the Horsetooth Reservoir, the Lory State Park, or the Pawnee National Grasslands.

The quaint city centre area was the inspiration for Disneyland’s Main Street. See it all on a Magic Bus Tour, with options to focus on the town’s history, the local farms, or the 20-plus Colorado breweries that call Fort Collins home. FoCo, as the locals call it, is the craft beer capital of the state.