As a Denver local, I love this city! One of the things that makes Denver so special is that it’s close to many travel-worthy destinations that make fun weekend getaways from Denver. You can spend weekends exploring nearby mountain towns, national parks, artsy communities, and much more.
If you’re looking for a romantic weekend getaway or fun family adventure, I’ve got you covered. In addition to my list of the best Colorado getaways, I’ve also specifically rounded up the best weekend trips near Denver to get you out and exploring… often without even having to take a day off work!
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38 Best Denver Weekend Getaways
Rocky Mountain National Park
🗺️ Distance from Denver: 90 minutes to two hours | 📍 Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels near RMNP on Booking
If I could only pick one weekend getaway from Denver, this would be it! Rocky Mountain National Park is a very doable hour-and-a-half to two-hour drive if there aren’t major traffic delays. You can learn about the history and nature of the area, take amazing hikes, and drive Trail Ridge Road, one of the best road trips in Colorado.
You can enter the park from either the west or east. If you want to stay to the west, look for hotels in Grand Lake or Granby. On the eastern side, plan to stay in Estes Park.
Fort Collins
🗺️ Distance from Denver: 68 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Fort Collins on Booking
Fort Collins is an easy drive and an equally easy-going place for a weekend away from Denver! Stroll the street that inspired Disneyland’s Main Street USA and paddleboard on Horsetooth Reservoir. Also, drop by Odell Brewing Company for delicious craft beer.
👉 Pro Tip: I profiled some great places to stay in Fort Collins if you need recommendations!
Colorado Springs
🗺️ Distance from Denver: 78 minutes to two hours | 📍 Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Colorado Springs on Booking
Walk through the beautiful red rock formations at Garden of the Gods, commune with wolves, and discover more fun things to do in Colorado Springs! I love traveling to the Springs, because even though it juts up against the Rocky Mountains like Denver, the views are very different.
Looking for tips on where to stay? Check out my roundup of the best spots to stay in Colorado Springs!
Vail
🗺️ Distance from Denver: 94 minutes to two hours | 📍 Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Vail on Booking
Vail is one of my happy places! Whether you’re heading there to hike or ski at one of Colorado’s best ski resorts, you’ll find plenty of outdoor activities for every season. If you need suggestions for more things to do and where to stay in Vail, I have a bunch for you.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
🗺️ Distance from Denver: Four hours | 📍 Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels near the Great Sand Dunes on Booking
I just got back from camping at the Sand Dunes, and it’s truly one of the most unique landscapes I’ve ever seen! The juxtaposition of green mountains and the stark dunes is stunning. The best time to go to Great Sand Dunes is in June when Medano Creek is usually at its highest.
The park is a four hour drive from Denver and is one of the best national parks near Denver.
👉 Pro Tip: To beat the summer crowds and the heat, get an early start. We were hiking the dunes by 8 am and heading back to camp just as it was getting hot.
Cheyenne
🗺️ Distance from Denver: 90 minutes to two hours | 📍 Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Cheyenne on Booking
It doesn’t take long to leave the state of Colorado behind for a weekend! In less than two hours, you can be in Wyoming’s capital city. Watch Western skits in Gunslinger Square, hike, cross-country ski, and a lot more.
Guernsey State Park
🗺️ Distance from Denver: Three hours | 📍 Google Maps | Destination Website
Guernsey State Park is a hidden gem located roughly 3 hours north of Denver. Stop in Cheyenne for a Friday evening bite on the way, then enjoy your weekend at this Wyoming state park.
Guernsey Reservoir and its scenic bays are popular among motorboat enthusiasts. Multiple campgrounds dot the shores and accommodate both RVs and tents. The park also has multi-use trails, which are open to hikers, cyclists, and those on horseback.
As you drive to various trailheads, be sure to stop at the small but fascinating Guernsey Museum. It overviews the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), which constructed many of the park’s features.
Steamboat Springs
🗺️ Distance from Denver: Two hours and 50 minutes to three hours | 📍 Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Steamboat Springs on Booking
Regardless of the season, there are so many things to do in Steamboat Springs. There’s wonderful skiing in winter, and in summer, you can hike, bike, swim, and paddle in nearby Steamboat Lake. Strawberry Park Hot Springs is a wonderful place to soak away the aches and pains of an active day outdoors!
👉 Pro Tip: Check out my lengthy list of Colorado hot springs which are scattered throughout the state!
Leadville
🗺️ Distance from Denver: One hour 44 minutes to two hours | 📍 Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Leadville on Booking
Leadville is less than two hours from Denver, but feels like it’s a world away! This little mountain town has a mining history, and the old buildings along the main street now house quaint shops and restaurants. Leadville is close to Ski Cooper and Copper Mountain, and in summer, there’s lots of hiking, mountain biking, and other things to do in Leadville.
🛏️ Where to Stay: If you’re looking for suggestions on Where to Stay in Leadville, check out my extensive list!
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
🗺️ Distance from Denver: Two hours and 21 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels near Royal Gorge on Booking
The Royal Gorge Bridge isn’t for those with a fear of heights, but it’s a breathtaking experience! Walk across the bridge and see down almost a thousand feet into the canyon below. You can also ride the Skycoaster or zipline or take an aerial gondola over the canyon.
Glenwood Springs
🗺️ Distance from Denver: Two hours 37 minutes to three hours | 📍 Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Glenwood Springs on Booking
Glenwood Springs is home to the largest mineral hot springs pool in the world! There are actually several hot springs options in Glenwood. You’ll also find great hikes, rafting tours, and the Sunlight Mountain Ski Resort for winter sports.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
🗺️ Distance from Denver: Five hours and 44 minutes to six hours | 📍 Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels near Mount Rushmore on Booking
It’s a bit of a drive, but Mount Rushmore has just enough things to do for a weekend getaway. Visit the monument during the day, and be sure to go back at night when it’s lit up. You can also visit the largest sculpture in the world, the Crazy Horse Memorial, and spend some time in historic Keystone and at Custer State Park.
Custer State Park
🗺️ Distance from Denver: Six hours | 📍 Google Maps | Destination Website
Custer State Park is just 40 minutes south of Mount Rushmore, accessible via the scenic Iron Mountain Road. In my opinion, this state park is nearly on the scale of a national park. My husband and I split our visit into two days, because of its size and amenities.
We started our trip at Sylvan Lake, set on the northwest side of the park. Kayak, fish, or if you’re up for a challenge, hike the 7-mile trail up Black Elk Peak, the highest point in South Dakota.
Next, we drove the Needles Highway, and the following morning, we toured the Wildlife Loop Road. The animals were very active at dawn, and we managed to spot bison, pronghorn, a coyote, and more! Overall, Custer State Park is well worth a stop while exploring the Black Hills.
– Abigail
Breckenridge
🗺️ Distance from Denver: 90 minutes to two hours | 📍 Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Breckenridge on Booking
Regardless of the time of year you visit Breckenridge, there are many things to do! In winter, you’ll find world-class skiing, ice skating, or cross-country skiing. In summer, you can hike, mountain bike, or relax with an outdoor yoga class.
🛏️ Recommended Reading: Check out my list of where to stay in Breckenridge to help you plan your trip!
Idaho Springs
🗺️ Distance from Denver: 37 minutes to one hour | 📍 Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Idaho Springs on Booking
Idaho Springs is one of the closest destinations to Denver, but there are enough mountain activities for a great staycation! Visitors can go rafting in Clear Creek, stroll the main street, or relax at a local brewery. You can also soak in the Indian Hot Springs after an active day! For more ideas, check out Abigail’s guide on the best things to do in Idaho Springs.
Estes Park
🗺️ Distance from Denver: One hour twenty minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Estes Park on Booking
Estes Park lies just outside of Rocky Mountain National Park, but you’ll find plenty to doin town as well! You can visit and stay at the Stanley Hotel, which is said to have inspired Stephen King’s novel “The Shining.”
Browse and eat at the restaurants, shops, and cafes along the main street in town. Walk around or paddle on Lake Estes, or just enjoy the dramatic scenery you find at every turn.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison
🗺️ Distance from Denver: Four hours forty minutes to five hours | 📍 Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels near Black Canyon on Booking
Black Canyon of the Gunnison is the least-visited of Colorado’s national parks, which makes it one of those perfect weekend trips from Denver when you want to escape the crowds. There are easy hikes, strenuous treks into the inner canyon, scenic drives, and groomed cross-country ski trails to use in winter.
Golden
🗺️ Distance from Denver: 23 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Golden on Booking
Sure, you could go home to Denver after visiting Golden for a few hours. But if you’re looking for a nearby staycation, Golden is a great little spot for weekend getaways. Washington Ave. has shops and restaurants where you can enjoy brunch or a cocktail. There’s lots of nearby hiking, and Clear Creek is a great spot for tubing or just splashing in the shallows.
Aspen
🗺️ Distance from Denver: Three hours seventeen minutes to four hours | 📍 Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Aspen on Booking
Aspen is a blend of rugged and luxury, which means there’s something for everyone on weekend getaways in this town! If you want to hike a mellow trail or climb one of Colorado’s 14ers, the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is right there. If you want to do some upscale shopping, world-class skiing, or enjoy a romantic dinner at an award-winning restaurant, this charming mountain town has plenty of those options as well!
Pagosa Springs
🗺️ Distance from Denver: Five hours | 📍 Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Pagosa Springs on Booking
Pagosa Springs is one of the longer drives on this list of weekend trips from Denver, but that drive itself is part of the fun! The scenery all along the way is gorgeous, and you can spend the weekend soaking in the hot springs and enjoying one of Colorado’s best small towns.
Get planning your visit with our list of the best attractions in Pagosa Springs and our guide to staying in Pagosa Springs.
Badlands National Park
🗺️ Distance from Denver: Six hours | 📍 Google Maps | Destination Website
Like many US national parks, Badlands must be seen to be believed. Images simply can’t capture its otherworldly expanse. Mushroom-shaped rocks, mounds of banded color, and jagged peaks jut from the landscape. These features were even more impressive during my recent visit when a violent hailstorm resulted in vibrant rainbows.
The weather in this remote South Dakota park can change quickly, and service is limited. Come prepared and know where you’re headed. Sites and trailheads along Badlands Loop Road are more popular, and you’ll likely encounter bison and bighorn sheep.
However, I especially recommend a detour over to Sheep Mountain Road, where leashed dogs are allowed, and the crowds are almost nonexistant. Plus, the views are absolutely breathtaking.
-Abigail
Keystone
🗺️ Distance from Denver: 90 minutes to two hours | 📍 Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Keystone on Booking
Keystone is most popular in winter when there is excellent skiing and the family-friendly resort is bustling! However, there is lots to do on the mountain in summer as well. Enjoy the bike park, go boating nearby, or just enjoy the views that make this one of the best weekend trips you can take from Denver!
Durango
🗺️ Distance from Denver: Six hours 14 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Durango on Booking
Durango is another of those weekend trips from Denver that’s quite a drive, but the stunning scenery along the way is part of the vacation! Once you arrive, you can take an epic train ride or enjoy hiking trails, horseback riding, and skiing.
Palisade
🗺️ Distance from Denver: Three hours 36 minutes to four hours | 📍 Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Palisade on Booking
Palisade is smack in the middle of Colorado’s wine country, making it a great spot for weekend getaways from Denver! Visit some wineries, try Colorado’s renowned Palisade peaches, and enjoy a quiet weekend on the Western Slope.
Frisco
🗺️ Distance from Denver: Two hours | 📍 Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Frisco on Booking
Frisco is perfect for weekend trips from Denver because there’s plenty to do right there, but it’s also close to other Colorado mountain towns. In winter, you’ll be near several ski areas, and in summer, you can boat on the lake or try one of the many hiking trails in the area.
Santa Fe
🗺️ Distance from Denver: Five hours 49 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Santa Fe on Booking
Santa Fe is a beautiful, walkable city that celebrates art, culture, and nature and is one of the best weekend getaways from Denver! Enjoy live music in the Plaza downtown in summer. Visit the Georgia O’Keefe Museum and a variety of art galleries and historic sites. There are also plenty of hiking trails and ways to enjoy the outdoors year-round.
Buena Vista
🗺️ Distance from Denver: Two hours 23 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Buena Vista on Booking
Buena Vista isn’t as popular or as easy to get to as many of the mountain towns off I-70. That also means it isn’t as crowded! In summer, paddle at the whitewater park, go hiking, or raft through Browns Canyon. In winter, you can soak in several nearby hot springs, go ice fishing, or warm up at a local coffee shop!
Boulder
🗺️ Distance from Denver: 34 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Boulder on Booking
Boulder is a weekend getaway that’s close enough to Denver that you could easily go home. However, if you’re going to a concert or play or just want to stay somewhere new, it’s a great option! There are lots of hiking trails, performing arts venues, a small ski resort, and many more things to do.
Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest
🗺️ Distance from Denver: Two hours 10 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Laramie, WY on Booking
The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest stretches through northern Colorado and southern Wyoming, but Laramie makes a good base camp for exploring. You can go horseback riding, hiking, snowshoeing, and much more in the area.
Dunton Hot Springs
🗺️ Distance from Denver: Seven hours | 📍 Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Book Dunton Hot Springs
Dunton Hot Springs is a long drive, but when you get there, you can pretty much park your car and not move it during your stay! Dunton is an 1800s Colorado ghost town with several cabins you can book. Take advantage of the relaxing hot springs, go horseback riding, book a fly fishing expedition, or hire a guide to take you on a variety of outdoor adventures.
Georgetown
🗺️ Distance from Denver: 51 to 90 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Georgetown on Booking
Georgetown is tucked into a valley in the mountains along I-70. You can wander and shop along the main street, or take a scenic ride on the Georgetown Loop Railroad, one of the best train rides in Colorado. In the fall, don’t miss driving Guanella Pass, known for stunning views and autumn colors.
Dinosaur National Monument
🗺️ Distance from Denver: Four hours 30 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels near Dinosaur National Monument on Booking
Spend a weekend steeped in history! You’ll see evidence of the dinosaurs that used to roam the area and the petroglyphs left by people about a thousand years ago. You can also go hiking, or rafting, or enjoy the solitude of this out-of-the-way monument.
Taos
🗺️ Distance from Denver: Four hours 42 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Destination Website| Best Places to Stay in Taos | 👉 Search Hotels in Taos on Booking
Visiting Taos, New Mexico is one of the best things to do in the USA this summer! The charming destination is full of art, culture, and history. There are lots of galleries and museums, along with live music venues. You can also go hiking or rafting, or spend the day shopping at Taos’ quaint stores.
Get planning with McKenna’s guide to all the fun things to do in Taos.
Ouray
🗺️ Distance from Denver: Five hours 30 minutes to six hours | 📍 Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Ouray on Booking
Ouray is a cute little mountain town tucked into the San Juans. Enjoy the hot springs, go for a hike, shop along Main Street, or learn more about Colorado’s mining history here. Also, be sure to take a drive down the Million Dollar Highway.
Nederland
🗺️ Distance from Denver: One hour | 📍 Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Nederland on Booking
Nederland is just a short drive past Boulder, and you’ll find plenty to do there on a quick weekend trip. You can hike in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, snowshoe at Brainard Lake, and spend plenty of time enjoying the outdoors!
For more, check out Abigail’s guide to what to do in Nederland.
Silverton
🗺️ Distance from Denver: Six hours 16 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Silverton on Booking
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is worth the trip to Silverton all on its own! However, there are plenty of other activities like hiking, visiting a ghost town, and touring a gold mine.
🛏️ Where to Stay: If you need a hotel, see Abigail’s guide on where to stay in Silverton!
Telluride
🗺️ Distance from Denver: Six hours 11 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Telluride on Booking
Telluride is one of the most beautiful weekend getaways from Denver you could possibly take! Indulge in upscale shopping and dining, go skiing in winter or hiking in summer, or just stare out your window all weekend. Everywhere you look, the views are stunning!
Get planning with Abigail’s guides to the top things to do in Telluride and where to stay in Telluride.
Crested Butte
🗺️ Distance from Denver: Four hours and nine minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Crested Butte on Booking
Crested Butte has amazing skiing in winter, and swimming, fishing, hiking, and more in summer. This small town also has great mountain biking and paddleboarding. After a day of outdoor adventure, sit at an outdoor cafe and just enjoy the town.
See Abigail’s guide to what to do in Crested Butte to get planning.
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Whether you want to stay near the city or take a long, beautiful drive, hopefully, I’ve given you plenty of ideas for weekend getaways from Denver. For more places to explore in Colorado, be sure to check out our Ultimate Travel Guide to Colorado!
