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While Denver’s city life offers plenty to keep you busy, the surrounding region is packed with destinations perfect for quick getaways. From the Rocky Mountain towns to the prairie landscapes of neighboring states, there are countless spots where you can trade the urban buzz for a change of scenery – all within easy reach of the Mile High City.
Whether you’re craving mountain adventures or looking for quiet small-town charm, here are 18 weekend destinations near Denver that make ideal escapes, each one just a few hours’ drive from your front door.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Just 90 minutes from Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park draws visitors year-round with its 415 square miles of protected wilderness and over 300 miles of hiking trails. The park’s high-altitude terrain features snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, and meadows where elk and bighorn sheep roam freely. Trail Ridge Road, which crosses the Continental Divide, offers easy access to both sides of the park and plenty of pull-offs for spotting wildlife. While summer brings opportunities for hiking and camping, winter transforms the park into a playground for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, making it an ideal escape from the city no matter the season.
Aspen, Colorado
Travel back in time to the Old West in Aspen, a former silver mining town that’s now a world-class mountain destination. Just 4 hours from Denver, this Rocky Mountain retreat offers outdoor adventure in every season – from skiing across four mountains in winter to hiking and mountain biking when the snow melts. Head to the Wheeler Opera House, built in 1889, to catch a show in a beautifully preserved historic venue. For a memorable meal, book a table at Element 47 in The Little Nell hotel, where the wine cellar holds over 20,000 bottles. Don’t miss riding the Silver Queen Gondola up Aspen Mountain for sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
I first visited Steamboat Springs on a winter getaway from Denver back in 2018. Nestled in Colorado’s Yampa Valley about 3 hours from the capital, this historic ski town has been drawing visitors since the 1960s. Local ranching traditions blend seamlessly with world-class skiing across six peaks at Steamboat Resort, while the town’s famous hot springs bubble up naturally throughout the area. Strawberry Park Hot Springs sits tucked away in the forest just outside town, where stone-lined pools cascade down the hillside and offer the perfect place to soak after a day on the slopes. The charming downtown area along Lincoln Avenue keeps the authentic western vibe alive with its mix of local shops, breweries, and restaurants housed in century-old buildings.
Breckenridge, Colorado
I always recommend Breckenridge to friends looking for a perfect mountain escape from Denver. Just two hours west of the city, this charming former mining town offers world-class skiing in winter and miles of hiking trails in summer. The well-preserved Main Street looks like it’s straight out of the 1800s, lined with colorful Victorian buildings that now house local shops, restaurants, and breweries.
Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Many visitors head to Glenwood Springs for its famous hot springs pool, but this historic Colorado town offers much more than just thermal waters. Nestled in the Roaring Fork Valley, the area features natural wonders like Hanging Lake and Glenwood Canyon, which provide perfect spots for hiking and outdoor recreation. The town’s location along the Colorado River makes it a hub for activities like whitewater rafting and fishing during warmer months, while the Sunlight Mountain Resort offers skiing and snowboarding in winter. Whether you’re soaking in the mineral pools, exploring underground caverns at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, or cycling along the Rio Grande Trail, you’ll find plenty of ways to fill a weekend in this mountain paradise.
Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
Of all the national parks I’ve explored in Colorado, none surprise visitors quite like Great Sand Dunes National Park. These massive dunes rise up against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, creating North America’s tallest sand dunes in a place you’d least expect them. The park feels like someone dropped a piece of the Sahara Desert right in the middle of Colorado. It’s not just about climbing the dunes – though that’s a must-do activity – visitors can also go sand boarding, splash in Medano Creek during spring runoff, or explore the grasslands and alpine lakes that surround the sandy expanse. Just prepare for extreme temperatures – the sand can reach 150°F in summer and freeze in winter – making this otherworldly landscape an adventure in any season.
Vail, Colorado
Take on the slopes at Vail, one of Colorado’s most popular ski destinations just two hours from Denver. The mountain offers over 5,000 acres of skiable terrain, from gentle beginner runs to challenging back bowls that will test even expert skiers. When you’re ready for a break, head to Vail Village, where European-style architecture houses cozy restaurants, upscale shops, and relaxing spas. In summer, the mountain transforms into a playground for hikers and mountain bikers, with miles of trails offering views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. For a special evening, book a table at Game Creek Restaurant, accessible only by gondola, where you can enjoy mountain-inspired cuisine while overlooking the valley below.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
I always tell first-time visitors to Santa Fe to explore the historic Plaza. Located in the heart of New Mexico’s capital city, this 400-year-old town square blends Native American, Spanish, and Mexican cultures through its adobe architecture, art galleries, and local markets. The Plaza serves as a hub for experiencing the city’s rich heritage, from shopping for turquoise jewelry at the Palace of the Governors to sampling green chile dishes at nearby restaurants. At 7,200 feet above sea level, Santa Fe’s high-desert climate means sunny days and cool nights – perfect for year-round outdoor adventures in the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Taos, New Mexico
Experience the magic of New Mexico’s high desert in Taos, where adobe buildings and mountain views create a unique Southwestern escape. The historic Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s been continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years, offers a glimpse into Native American culture and traditions. Art lovers can explore more than 80 galleries in the walkable downtown, while outdoor enthusiasts head to nearby Wheeler Peak for hiking and skiing. For a memorable meal, stop by one of the local restaurants serving authentic New Mexican cuisine, where the question “red or green chile?” is part of the daily conversation.
Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
Gaze up at one of America’s most famous landmarks when you visit Mount Rushmore in South Dakota’s Black Hills. The massive carved faces of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln draw over 3 million visitors each year to this iconic memorial. Take a walk along the Presidential Trail to get different views of the sculpture, or visit the Lincoln Borglum Museum to learn about how this massive project came to life. For the best photo opportunities, arrive at sunrise when the morning light hits the granite faces, or stay for the evening lighting ceremony during summer months.
Cheyenne, Wyoming
Located just two hours north of Denver, Cheyenne serves as both Wyoming’s state capital and a living museum of Wild West heritage. While many visitors time their trips around the famous Cheyenne Frontier Days in July – the world’s largest outdoor rodeo – the city offers plenty of year-round attractions that make it worth the drive. From exploring the historic downtown’s warren of Western shops and saloons to riding the vintage steam engines at the Cheyenne Depot Museum, you can easily fill a weekend stepping back in time. The surrounding prairies and mountains provide opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting, while the city’s growing collection of craft breweries and local restaurants proves there’s more to Cheyenne than just cowboys and trains.
Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs
Just over an hour south of Denver lies Garden of the Gods, a natural wonderland where massive red sandstone formations pierce the blue Colorado sky. Like many parks in Colorado, it offers hiking trails and rock climbing opportunities, but what sets it apart is the unique landscape that looks like it belongs on another planet. Carved by time and geological forces, these towering rocks have attracted visitors for centuries, from the native Ute tribes to modern-day adventurers. Because of its location near Colorado Springs, you’ll find plenty of amenities nearby, and the park’s paved paths make it accessible for everyone from serious hikers to families with strollers. The best part? It’s completely free to visit, making it a perfect addition to any weekend escape from the city.
Winter Park, Colorado
Winter Park has been my go-to mountain escape from Denver since moving to Colorado in 2015. Just 67 miles from the city, this laid-back resort town sits nestled in the Rocky Mountains, offering some of the best skiing in the state. The town’s character comes from its mix of local shops and restaurants along Main Street, where you’ll often spot skiers walking by with gear in hand. The Winter Park Resort, spanning seven territories across 3,000 acres, draws visitors year-round – though I particularly love seeing it blanketed in fresh powder during January and February. The resort’s Mary Jane Territory has earned its reputation among locals for its challenging mogul runs, while the surrounding forests offer miles of hiking and biking trails that come alive with wildflowers in summer.
Estes Park, Colorado
Have you ever seen a herd of elk strolling down Main Street? It’s a regular occurrence in Estes Park, the charming mountain town that serves as the eastern gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. Just 90 minutes from Denver, this laid-back community sits at 7,522 feet above sea level, where the plains meet the peaks. From May through October, visitors can spot bighorn sheep scaling rocky cliffs, explore over 350 miles of hiking trails, or take a scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved highway in North America. The Stanley Hotel, which inspired Stephen King’s “The Shining,” stands as a historic centerpiece, offering ghost tours and afternoon tea with mountain views.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
Just four hours southwest of Denver lies Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, a deep gorge carved by millions of years of river erosion. Unlike the more crowded national parks in Colorado, this place feels raw and untamed, with sheer cliffs dropping 2,000 feet straight down to the churning Gunnison River below. The park’s name comes from the fact that parts of the canyon see only 33 minutes of sunlight each day, making the walls appear pitch black. You’ll find plenty of hiking trails along the rim, while experienced rock climbers tackle the challenging cliff faces. What really sets this park apart is its designation as a Dark Sky Park – come nightfall, the star-filled sky puts on a show that makes you feel tiny in the best possible way.
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
I always tell people curious about ancient Native American history to visit Mesa Verde National Park. Located in southwestern Colorado, this remarkable site features over 600 preserved cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Pueblo people, including the famous Cliff Palace – the largest cliff dwelling in North America. These ancient homes and structures, tucked into natural sandstone alcoves, tell the story of a civilization that thrived here over 700 years ago.
Telluride, Colorado
Escape to Telluride, a charming mountain town tucked away in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. The free gondola carries you between the historic downtown and Mountain Village, giving you easy access to both areas year-round. In winter, hit the slopes at Telluride Ski Resort, known for its uncrowded runs and powder-filled bowls. During summer, explore over 90 hiking trails through wildflower meadows and past waterfalls, or try your hand at mountain biking. The downtown’s Victorian-era buildings now house local restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries, making it a perfect spot to spend an afternoon wandering the streets like a local.
Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Located about 280 miles southwest of Denver, Pagosa Springs feels like a hidden pocket of relaxation in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. Like other mountain towns in the state, it has plenty of hiking trails and ski slopes nearby. But what sets it apart is the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring, feeding into a network of steaming pools scattered throughout town. Thanks to the area’s volcanic history, these mineral-rich waters have drawn visitors for centuries – first the Ute Indians, who called the springs “healing waters,” and now modern-day soakers looking to unwind. You’ll find locals and tourists alike moving at an unhurried pace between the hot springs, coffee shops, and art galleries that line the historic downtown, all while the San Juan River flows peacefully through the heart of the community.
