10 Greatest Weekend Journeys From Denver – Bearfoot Concept

One of the wonderful issues about dwelling in Denver is the infinite out of doors actions and adventures that you would be able to go on from snowboarding to mountain climbing and all the pieces in between. Whether or not you’re a weekend warrior or in search of a fast getaway, there are many lovely weekend journeys from the Denver metro space to a few of the most lovely locations inside Colorado.

Inside a brief distance, there are numerous adventures for out of doors lovers together with Nationwide Parks, wildlife-viewing alternatives, scenic byways, and a lot extra.

Beneath you’ll discover 10 of the very best lengthy weekend journeys from Denver throughout the state of Colorado.

Necessary Reminder: Because it goes in the entire locations we share, please follow good path etiquette and keep in mind to Depart No Hint. This implies packing out your whole rubbish (together with bathroom paper), being respectful to others on busy trails, and following the established guidelines.

Characteristic picture: Backyard of the Gods in Colorado Springs | Photograph credit score: Abby Worth

1. Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park

The most effective weekend journeys from Denver is to Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park. Not solely is that this some of the lovely Nationwide Parks within the nation however it additionally accommodates some magnificent mountain climbing trails, infinite wildlife, and some of the well-known scenic byways in america: the Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park Scenic Loop.

Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park is positioned solely about 2 to three hours from the Denver metro space making it an excellent simple drive and the views are unbelievable all the method.

One of many high points of interest throughout the park is the Path Ridge Highway which is the very best steady paved highway in america. It’s roughly 50 miles in size and takes you from Estes Park to Grand Lake.

2. Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a good weekend journey from Denver in case you are seeking to discover a smaller metropolis inside an hour or two of Denver. The city of Colorado Springs has a lot to supply from quaint espresso outlets, breweries, infinite eating places, and fairly a little bit of procuring. If you’re in search of a few of the greatest chocolate in Colorado, be sure you try Cacao Chemistry for a tasty deal with!

For a extra outdoorsy and adventurous lengthy weekend journey, there are infinite mountain climbing choices within the space together with Backyard of the Gods and Pikes Peak.

One of many essential points of interest in Colorado Springs is with the ability to drive to the highest of Pikes Peak, which is barely 15 ft in need of being the very best paved highway in america at 14,115 ft in elevation. It’s such a steep drive down the mountain that they cease all vehicles on the midway level to test your brake temperatures. Whether or not you select to drive or hike to the summit, the views from the highest are unimaginable and it’s an exquisite method to test off your first 14er!

3. Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs is thought for its lovely ski resort city and proximity to the slopes. If you’re in search of a enjoyable weekend getaway however wish to give attention to snowboarding powder, look no additional. Ski Steamboat’s ‘champagne powder’, charming downtown space, and numerous procuring and eating choices. Moreover, being a bit additional away from Denver than many of the different resorts, you’ll keep away from a few of the crowds too!

As you might have guessed from the identify, there are some great scorching springs within the space as nicely. We love heading to the Strawberry Park Sizzling Springs after a protracted, chilly day on the slopes to heat up and get some much-needed leisure.

4. Breckenridge

Breckenridge is among the most well-known ski cities in america and has a lot to supply for each guests and locals alike together with infinite outlets, eating choices, unimaginable ski slopes, and their notorious brewery!

In the event you haven’t already observed, Colorado has most of the highest elevation data in america and Breckenridge isn’t any exception. For the skiers and snowboarders in search of a bit further thrill be sure you head up the Imperial Categorical, which is the very best chair carry in North America taking you all the best way as much as 12,840 ft!

If you’re visiting Colorado in the summertime, deliver your mountain bike and take a look at the infinite trails that Breck has to supply. Another choice in the summertime is to take a look at one of many wonderful hikes within the space equivalent to Quandary Peak for the extra intense hikers or a stroll across the Dillion Reservoir for the extra informal hikers, which is located between the cities on Breckenridge, Frisco, and Dillion.

5. Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Springs is a small city about three hours from Denver that’s identified for its Glenwood Sizzling Springs. For these that aren’t acquainted, a scorching spring is a pure “scorching tub” the place you may calm down in “tubs” of heat water which can be naturally produced from the recent springs under.

Glennwood Springs can also be an excellent central metropolis within the mountains. You may shortly drive to Aspen to ski or try the legendary fall foliage across the Maroon Bells or head over to the wineries in Palisade, that are talked about subsequent!

6. Palisade

Palisade is positioned in Colorado’s wine nation and is an ideal vacation spot for an lovable and romantic lengthy weekend journey from Denver. The small city of Palisade is stuffed with wineries each massive and small and can also be identified for its scrumptious peaches!

In the event you’re in search of extra of an adventure-filled weekend, the Palisade Plunge mountain bike trail drops riders over 30 miles and seven,500 ft from Mesa Prime to city. It’s a giant, backcountry trip, so make certain you’re ready if that is in your journey checklist.

For a tamer weekend, Palisade is located close to the doorway of Colorado Nationwide Monument, which is thought for its sheer wall canyons, distinctive rock formations, and scenic 23-mile Rim Rock Drive.

7. Ouray

If you’re in search of a weekend journey that could be a bit off the crushed path, Ouray is your spot. Ouray is usually referred to as the “Switzerland of America” due to its old-school allure, quaint institutions, and proximity to a few of the sheerest, drastic mountains in america!

Moreover, Ouray is barely an hour’s drive from Telluride, making it a really perfect location to take a look at if you wish to get a neighborhood really feel close to such a well-liked vacationer vacation spot!

8. Fort Collins

Fort Collins is about an hour exterior of Denver which makes it such a straightforward drive for a weekend journey or only a quick day journey.

Fort Collins is thought for infinite brewery choices and is house to a few of the greatest beer within the state. Be certain that to swing by Odell Brewing Firm for a beer by one in every of their fireplace pits as their beer is legendary in Colorado and rising quickly throughout the nation!

9. Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park

Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park is one in every of Colorado’s most unusual Nationwide Parks. It options huge sand dunes which have shaped on the base of 13,000-foot peaks. Seeing dunes backed up in opposition to snowcapped mountains is really magical.

In the event you’re planning to go to within the spring, bring a beach chair. Sure, you learn that accurately, a seaside chair! The snowmelt from the mountains creates a large, slow-moving river on the base of the sand dunes and other people come from throughout to expertise a Colorado “seaside”.

If the Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park is your closing vacation spot, however you aren’t feeling as much as tenting, then try the close by city of Alamosa which has a cute essential avenue crammed with eating places and breweries.

10. Bonus: Moab, Utah

Moab is exterior of Colorado, however only a 6-hour drive from downtown Denver, making it an excellent lengthy weekend journey. Moab has a lot to supply from the infinite pink rock formations to Arches Nationwide Park, and a lot extra. In the event you’re in search of a number of days of exploration and a change of surroundings, with a few of the greatest mountain climbing trails in Utah, you will need to try Moab!

Moreover, Idaho Springs, Frisco, Glenwood Springs, and Palisade are on the best way to Moab so in case you are seeking to cease at a number of places throughout your lengthy weekend journey this can be a nice possibility.

We hope this checklist helps you discover the very best weekend journeys from Denver! What are your high locations to go to round Colorado? Which locations are in your checklist to go to? Depart a remark under!

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