Enjoy a wonderful time when you and your family visit Denver with various unusual things to do. Holidaying in the city can give you and your crew an unforgettable cultural experience, with the marvelous sceneries on offer along with the diverse neighborhoods and communities. Staying in unique hotels or vacation rentals make a great experience, too, with their modern amenities and comforts. Of course, your vacation can get even better when you take a quick weekend trip to interesting places around the city. With this article, we would like to invite you to check out the top weekend getaways from Denver, Colorado—all of which ensure to bring more color to your holiday.
1. Evergreen (from USD 282.0)
Once a cherished hunting spot for the Ute and Arapaho, Evergreen now shines as a blend of natural charm and rich history. From its early roots serving Denver’s settlers to its legacy as a celebrity retreat, the town enchants all. Modern Evergreen thrives with arts, theatre, and the tranquil Evergreen Lake. Nearby, Mount Blue Sky and Maxwell Falls await explorers. Downtown, one finds a blend of galleries, eateries, and historical marvels. Evergreen is more than a destination; it’s an experience, bridging past allure and present vibrancy.
Evergreen Half-Day Rappelling Clinic
Duration 4 hours
2. Mount Evans
Situated 45.9 miles (73.87 kilometers) from Denver, Mount Evans invites travellers to ascend via Mount Blue Sky, North America’s highest urban road. From Denver’s plains, this route sweeps through five unique climate zones to the 14,264-foot (4347.67 meter) summit. Along the way, marvel at ancient Bristlecone pines, gaze upon the serene waters of Echo Lake and tread vibrant alpine meadows. At its peak, Mount Evans rewards with sweeping panoramas that span the vast Colorado landscape. Seasonal access applies, so plan ahead for this majestic getaway.
Mount Evans & Red Rocks Park Small Group Tour From Denver
Duration 8 hours
3. Crested Butte
Although small in size—with only 1,487 people making up its population according to the United States Census—Crested Butte is flocked by tourists looking for outdoor activities. During winter, people love to ski or snowboard in the area, and there’s also a Nordic center in town with an ice-skating rink. In summer, Crested Butte turns into a favorite destination for whitewater rafting and kayaking, four-wheeling, rock climbing, and so much more. Just getting here from Denver is already a fun journey to embark on. By driving approximately 4.5 hours or covering a distance of 367 km (226 miles), you can savor the scenic beauty of this quick getaway from Denver that awaits you along the route.
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4. Estes Park (from USD 102.0)
Summertime in Denver can feel like just a warm-up before you travel to the neighboring town of Estes Park, one of the most romantic places to stay near Denver which is located around 112 km (70 miles) away. With the beautiful peaks of the Rocky Mountains surrounding the city, it’s hard not to go out there and explore nature. From doing various challenging outdoor activities, you can tone down the excitement by visiting art galleries to stimulate your artistic side, or you can unwind at one of the top cafes in town while people-watching and enjoying the atmosphere.
Rocky Mountain National Park Tour: Winter in the Park
Duration 3 hours
5. Palisade
Enjoy a beautiful sunny day while sipping a glass of wine and snacking on a fruit platter with fresh peaches—these are just some of the things that Palisade can offer when you visit during the warm season. Known as the Peach Capital of Colorado, Palisade owns the perfect climate for its 182-day growing season for peaches and winegrapes. Of course, you can also do other outdoor activities while in the city. Palisade is a favorite place of many to bike and explore, hike, and even fish. Follow the I-70 W route from Denver, and drive for 373 km (232 miles) or around four hours to the west, and you’re ready to be charmed by Palisade.
6. Idaho Springs (from USD 84.0)
Before you reach Palisade for the weekend getaway you have planned, consider making a quick detour to Idaho Springs for a last-minute weekend getaway from Denver. It’s on the same route, and you can reach it within only 45 minutes of driving from Denver—or 53 km (33 miles) away. Famous for the gold rush back in the mid-1800s, Idaho Springs has now evolved into a holiday destination for both the adventurous and city explorers. While you’re here, discover all the stories behind the city through museums, historical buildings, and also mines. Then don’t forget to try the interesting cafes and restaurants that are spread out in Idaho Springs—all of which will add stories of their own to your travels.
Clear Creek Gold Rush Whitewater Rafting from Idaho Springs
Duration 3 hours
7. Moab, Utah (from USD 97.0)
Planning for an impulsive overnight trip from Denver? Then grab your bag and book a ticket to a place that takes only a little over five hours of driving from Denver—or 569.7 km (354 mi) away. In Moab, you will get your adrenaline pumped, with its stretched canyons that are waiting to be explored. Or if you’re more of a movie geek, you can go for a movie-location hunt, since the city has been used to shoot many popular Hollywood films, including Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Transformers: Age of Extinction, and The Lone Ranger.
Moab Half-Day Morning Rafting Experience
Duration 4 hours 30 minutes
8. Aspen (from USD 132.0)
Feel like a celebrity when you retreat to the city of Aspen. Although it’s located in the remote area of the Rocky Mountains’ Sawatch Range and the Elk Mountains, the city—which is 319 km (198 miles) from Denver—is popular for hosting many well-known celebrities out on a holiday. With this trend, it’s not unusual to see a number of world-class hotels and even upscale stores in the area. Whether you visit during summer or winter, Aspen is always ready to welcome you with activities that you will never forget.
Aspen Premium Ski Rental Including Delivery
Duration 5 days
9. Steamboat Springs (from USD 45.0)
If you’re visiting Denver on any of the 65 days when it doesn’t have the sun shining, then you’re in for a fun day in the snow in Steamboat Springs. It takes around 3 to 3.5 hours of driving to cover about 260 km (160 miles) from Denver. Steamboat Springs is the perfect place for a winter vacation with your family. Its attractions are not the sole reason why many tourists, both local and international, love to spend some time in this city. People who live in the area are also very welcoming and inclusive to their guests. You can visit any of the dining places or pubs in Steamboat Springs and have the owner accompany you with a lovely chat. With all the activities, friendliness, and food and beverages that you can enjoy, Steamboat Springs will soon be your favorite place to spend a winter holiday.
Colorado Horseback Riding Tour, All-Levels
Duration 1 to 5 hours
10. Cañon City (from USD 195.0)
When you take your family to this city, you can have an exciting time doing various outdoor activities together. You can join a rafting trip, go on a jeep tour around natural landmarks, and even try fishing. Each fun activity is more exciting than the next. But if you’re more of a town explorer kind of tourist, you shouldn’t worry. Cañon City, which had its name changed from Canon City in 1994, offers Holy Cross Abbey, where you can do a little bit of wine tasting. There are also some unique art galleries and Museum of Colorado Prisons, where you can learn about Cañon City’s criminal history. Located around 200 km (125 miles) from Denver, Cañon City would indeed make an excellent weekend getaway destination for you.
Gold Belt Scenic Byway Jeep Tour from Cañon City
Duration 6 hours
11. Fort Collins (from USD 250.0)
Widely known for its natural beauty, Fort Collins is the perfect place for you and your family to have a weekend getaway and indulge in some outdoor activities. Located around 90 km (56 miles) from Denver, Fort Collins is a favorite getaway destination of many. The city offers wide bike lanes for those who love to explore new places with a bicycle. Old Town is a popular spot for cycling around or perhaps visiting the breweries. Approximately 70 percent of all craft beers in Colorado are produced in Fort Collins, with more than 20 craft breweries existing in the city, each one having its own unique tastes and styles.
Craft Brewery Tours
Duration 180 to 800 minutes
12. Colorado Springs (from USD 99.0)
Located around 97 km (60 miles) south from Denver, Colorado Springs holds exciting places that can bring you closer to nature, even when you’re in the city. Located at Pikes Peak America’s Mountain, which is also one of the nation’s most famous landmarks, Colorado Springs owns one of the United States’ most famous parks, Garden of the Gods. Here, visitors can cycle around the area, hike, and even try horseback riding. More exciting places are Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, Money Museum, and The Broadmoor Seven Falls.
Scenic Bike Tour Of Colorado Springs
Duration 3 to 4 hours
Challenge yourself in every season
With its numerous mountain parks and romantic places, Denver is a city that you will grow to love if you’re looking for various adventures such as rafting. But it’s not the only place that you can explore after you arrive. You should spare some time to take a short trip to the neighbouring cities too—and experience the various attractions and activities they have on offer.