The 5 Best Weekend Trips From Denver, Colorado
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Denver is a growing city with so much to do, but you absolutely can’t miss all of the natural beauty that surrounds it. Being so close to the mountains, there are so many seriously great and beautiful places to visit for the best weekend trips from Denver.
We’ll cover 5 amazing weekend getaway destinations within a 3-hour drive of Denver that feature a variety of activities such as skiing, hiking in the mountains, driving through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the United States, and soaking in hot springs. You’re sure to find something you’ll love for your next weekend adventure somewhere on this list!
1. Rocky Mountain National Park
Why Visit?
Rocky Mountain National Park was the first national park I visited and it still stands as one of my absolute favorites. I will never be able to get over the gorgeous mountain views and alpine lakes. I think just about everyone who visits has at least some love for the park.
It’s a great place to go if you want to spend some time in nature and do some wildlife watching, hiking, photography, or just driving through the scenic landscape. We love looking for elk, moose, and bighorn sheep in the park. It is only an hour and a half to two hours from Denver.
Best Things to Do
While visiting, you can’t miss driving the iconic Trail Ridge Road up to the Alpine Visitor Center. This road has some of the best mountain views and is worth the trip. Do note that there are some parts with pretty crazy drop-offs and twists and turns so if you’re nervous about driving it, I would book a tour that will take you along the road.
Hiking is another fantastic choice of activity while visiting. Some of my all-time favorite hikes are in this park but if you’re looking to do the most famous, be sure to hike to Emerald Lake, stopping to see Bear Lake, Dream Lake, and Nymph Lake along the way. For more hiking ideas, see my post on the best easy and moderate hikes at Rocky Mountain National Park here. Make sure to pack your hiking boots!
Rocky Mountain National Park is right next to the town of Estes Park, Colorado. Estes Park is super cute and a fun place to walk around and explore the little shops. While in town, check out the Estes Park Aerial Tram if you’re visiting in the summer, or book a fly fishing trip. See my full Estes Park long weekend itinerary here.
Where to Stay
To stay close to the park while still being able to stay in a hotel, cabin, or lodge, stay somewhere in Estes Park. While it is a little bit outside of town, we love the YMCA of the Rockies for a budget option and it is right next to the park. There are also options for camping in the park.
2. Colorado Springs
Why Visit?
The Colorado Springs area is home to one of the most iconic Colorado attractions – Pikes Peak, an incredibly famous 14er. However, there is more to do in this area than just visiting Pikes Peak. Colorado Springs has several nearby activities, featuring a mix of outdoor adventures and historic attractions, making it a great base for a short trip.
Things to Do
The most obvious thing to do is to drive to the top of Pikes Peak or take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the top. Both offer stunning views of the surrounding area and allow for some time to soak in the view at the top. Note that the drive will take a couple of hours and can be a little bit scary at times.
While you’re in the area, you should also pay a visit to the Garden of the Gods and spend some time exploring this scenic park or book a guided tour. You could also do the Seven Bridges hike in North Cheyenne Cañon Park for stunning views.
Visit Manitou Springs, do some shopping, and get a meal or snack at one of the many restaurants. Then visit the nearby Manitou Cliff Dwellings for an interesting bit of history. You could also take a short 1-hour drive down to the Cañon City area to see the Royal Gorge and ride the train or cross the suspended bridge over the gorge. You can also go whitewater rafting on the river that flows through the gorge.
Where to Stay
Stay in Colorado Springs for the most variety of options for hotels. You could also stay in a B&B in Manitou Springs for a more unique experience.
3. Breckenridge
Why Visit?
Breckenridge is one of the most popular destinations for skiing in Colorado. At only 1.5-2 hours away from Denver, it makes for a great place to go for a weekend ski trip. In the summer, the resort still has a ton of great activities including an alpine slide, the scenic chairlift, hiking, and biking. There is something to do here in all seasons!
Things to Do
In the winter, try skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing. In the summer, hike McCullough Gulch if you’re up for a challenging hike. There are also plenty of places nearby to book fly fishing trips, white water rafting, and other outdoor activities. Take the BreckConnect Gondola up to the mountains and then back into town and end your day with some shopping and dinner.
Where to Stay
The ski resorts are the best option if you’re visiting in winter and want to do some skiing or snowboarding. They do also have some activities in the summer months. There are also some nearby cabins and boutique hotels that would be a great option in any season.
4. Glenwood Springs
Why Visit?
Glenwood Springs is perfect if you’re looking for relaxation or adventure. It’s about 2.5 – 3 hours away from Denver and is known for its hot springs but also has some beautiful nearby hiking trails and nearby roller coasters. Spend your day exploring or thrill-seeking and then head to one of the hot springs resorts for some much-needed rest.
Things to Do
Soak in the largest hot spring pool in the world at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort or choose one of the many other hot spring pools in town. For those seeking something more adventurous, head to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park to ride roller coasters in the mountains. For those who are looking for a more scenic adventure, hit the trails and hike to Hanging Lake.
Where to Stay
Stay near the hot springs if you plan to visit them or if relaxation is the primary purpose of your trip. The Glenwood Hot Springs Resort would be a great choice for this. You could also stay at a lodge or cabin in town.
5. Grand Lake
Why Visit?
Grand Lake is the western gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and has a beautiful lake and stunning mountain views. It’s the perfect getaway for those looking for an escape into the natural beauty of Colorado or a little bit of outdoor adventure. It will take about 2 – 2.5 hours to get here from Denver.
Things to Do
Take advantage of the proximity to the gorgeous lake and book a boat ride or boat tour. You can also rent kayaks to take out on the water or spend a day relaxing with beautiful views of the lake. There are also several nearby trails for hiking. Grand Lake is also a stop on the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail if you are looking to access this trail.
Grand Lake connects to Estes Park via Trail Ridge Road so you can also drive along Trail Ridge Road from Grand Lake up to the Alpine Visitor Center. You could continue to spend some time in Estes Park if you wanted to, just note that it will take quite a bit of time to drive there and back.
Where to Stay
Book a lakeside cabin or resort for a relaxing weekend at the lake. There are a variety of scenic vacation rentals in the area.
Denver is a great launching point for a weekend getaway. Its proximity to the mountains makes outdoor escapes super easy and provides access to a wide variety of outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for mountains, hot springs, lakes, skiing, or roller coasters, there’s something near Denver for everyone.
As always, remember to think about what you are looking to get out of a trip and pick the weekend getaway that fits your interests best. If you love scenic drives and are looking for something other than Trail Ridge Road, check out my guide to the best scenic drives in Colorado.
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Which of these weekend getaways from Denver would you choose? Let me know in the comments!
