Looking for the perfect weekend getaway in Colorado? Check out these 5 spots within a quick drive from Denver!

Whether you’re a Denver local or just visiting the area, we’ve put together a list of unique and convenient stays, away from the hustle and bustle of the city! The best part? You won’t need a single plane ticket for these memorable getaways! From luxury shopping to rugged mountain adventures, Colorado has no shortage of incredible spots for a quick weekend trip.

Here’s our list of the best weekend getaways near Denver, Colorado:

Colorado Springs + Manitou Springs (1 Hour Drive)

Sitting at the base of Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs and its smaller neighboring town, Manitou Springs, provide a quaint and convenient escape from the bustling city life of Denver. Walk through the charming streets of Downtown Colorado Springs, Old Colorado City, and Manitou Springs and enjoy the endless local restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques.

If you’re looking for easy access to outdoor adventures, you’ve come to the right place! The city has over 350 miles of trails to explore, but some of our favorite spots to adventure include Garden of the Gods and North Cheyenne Cañon Park!

Colorado Springs’ Must Do Activity:

For foodies looking to explore the best spots the city has to offer, check out one of our food tours! You’ll have exclusive access to some of Colorado Springs’ most beloved restaurants — from speakeasies to restaurants owned by celebrity chefs. Have a memorable dining experience and a unique peek into the history of Colorado Springs, all led by one of our amazing guides!

Where to stay:

• The Broadmoor
• Kinship Landing
• The Mining Exchange

Click here for more ideas on what to do during your weekend in Colorado Springs!

Fort Collins (1 Hour Drive)

This one’s for all you beer lovers out there! Fort Collins, Colorado, located just an hour north of Denver, produces 70 percent of the state’s craft beer and is, for good reason, referred to as “Colorado’s Craft Beer Capital.”

Fort Collins’ Must Do Activities:

Enjoy brewery tours at local favorites like New Belgium Brewing Company and Odell Brewing and explore the charming streets of Fort Collins’ Old Town, which was Walt Disney’s inspiration for Disneyland Main Street USA!

Not sure where to eat? We recommend Union Bar & Soda Fountain, Rodizio Grill, and Lucille’s Creole Cafe.

Fort Collins is also a great place for a weekend of outdoor adventure, especially for water sport enthusiasts — enjoy a day of paddle boarding, kayaking, or boating at Horsetooth Reservoir or raft down the Cache la Poudre River for an exhilarating experience!

Where to stay:

• The Armstrong Hotel
• The Elizabeth Hotel
• Edwards House

Estes Park (1.5 Hour Drive)

When it comes to epic mountain views at an affordable price, you can’t beat Estes Park, Colorado! This little mountain town sits at the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park and is a quick hour and a half drive from Denver.

Estes Park’s Must Do Activities:

Enjoy scenic lakes, starry nights, and some of the country’s best hiking trails, all convenient to the charming town of Estes Park. Once you’re done adventuring, stroll through the town, grab some locally made salt water taffy and enjoy a farm-to-table meal at Bird & Jim.

History buffs and literary lovers would enjoy one of the tours of the historic Stanley Hotel, which served as the inspiration for Stephen King’s novel “The Shining,” and a nightcap cocktail at The Whiskey Bar.

Where to stay:

• The Estes Park Resort
• The Stanley Hotel
• The Ridgeline Hotel

Glenwood Springs (3 Hour Drive)

The historic mountain town of Glenwood Springs is the perfect destination for anyone looking for adventure and relaxation! The three-hour drive from Denver is well worth a visit to the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool. Enjoy panoramic mountain views while you soak in natural spring water in the world’s largest hot springs pool.

Glenwood Springs’ Must Do Activities:

If you’re ready to adventure, there are plenty of options around Glenwood Springs! Take a stunning Gondola Ride to the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park or explore some of the best hiking in the state, including the popular destination, Hanging Lake.

End your adventure with a meal at one of Glenwood Springs’ unique local joints — we recommend The Pullman or Slope & Hatch.

Where to stay:

• Glenwood Hot Springs Resort
• Hotel Colorado
• Hotel Glenwood Springs

Aspen (3.5 Hour Drive)

Avid outdoorsmen and luxury shoppers alike will be right at home in this charming Colorado mountain town. Just under three and a half hours from Denver, Aspen feels like another world, made from the perfect collision of opulent taste and rugged nature. Winter visitors will enjoy world-class skiing and snowboarding, while warm-weather months call for hikes through the surrounding mountain trails.

Aspen’s Must Do Activities:

For those looking to enjoy the finer things, Aspen is the place to be — from high-end shopping (think Prada and Gucci) to viewing The Aspen Art Museum’s exclusive collection of international contemporary art.

End your days of exploration with drinks and a meal at one of Aspen’s many incredible restaurants, from creative Mexican plates at Mi Chola to elevated burgers and sandwiches at The White House Tavern.

Where to stay:

• The Limelight
• The Gant
• The Little Nell
  

What are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road for a Colorado weekend trip to remember!

Cheers! Your Rocky Mountain Food Tours Team

(So, what’s a food tour, anyway…?)

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