10 Serene Colorado Towns For A Weekend Retreat
Whenever life shifts from busy to overwhelming, it can be beneficial to take a mental reset and get out of town for a weekend. Colorado is a great place to plan a little getaway, as it is full of wilderness to romp around in and natural beauty to rest your eyes upon as you sit back and relax.
Colorado is a mountain state, with about half its area resting in the Rocky Mountains. The state is in the western part of the United States, bordered by Wyoming in the north, Nebraska in the east, Utah in the west, and New Mexico in the south. Its landscape is diverse, with grass-covered plains, deep canyons, deserts, and, of course, mountains. The state’s varied topography plays a large role in the many attractions you can discover.
Hop on a plane, ride a train, or get in the car to discover these 10 small towns in Colorado. They offer loads of opportunities for fun and relaxation for a weekend vacation.
Ouray
In a steep valley of the San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado is the charming little town of Ouray. Initially established as a mining camp in 1876, Ouray presents a storied history to its visitors, offering opportunities to learn about its unique history and partake in its natural wonders.
Amongst Ouray’s most popular attractions is the Ouray Hot Springs Pool, a sulfur-free natural spring perfect for unwinding after a long day of exploring. Due to the springs’ mineral content and local geology, the water lacks the common sulfur scent of natural springs. Another one of the town’s water features with a big draw is the thundering waterfalls at Box Cañon Falls Park. The Box Cañon Falls result from Canyon Creek narrowing and pouring thousands of gallons of water a minute over the falls. Also, the park offers access to a high bridge and a nature center.
Check out the San Juan Skyway while visiting Ouray. The scenic byway takes travelers across 236 miles, going through small towns like scenic Telluride and dense forests like the Mesa Verde National Park. Engage with local history at the Alchemist Museum, a recreation of a frontier pharmacy. Over 700 hand-blown pharmacy bottles are displayed, the outcome of more than 50 years of collecting to create the museum. Whether traveling to Ouray for a family adventure or a romantic weekend getaway, consider an overnight stay at the Ouray Riverside Resort. The establishment offers guests riverfront cabins, hotel rooms, and more to accommodate an adventure in Ouray.
Pagosa Springs
Established in 1874, Pagosa Springs is located near a large mineral spring in south-central Colorado. Originally, the town served as a supply center and railhead for nearby mining camps, but now it is a tourist attraction with natural springs, waterfalls, and terrain that entice visitors.
Choose a place to stay in Pagosa Springs where you can enjoy the natural spring waters. Healing Waters Resort and Spa has welcomed guests since 1950 to relax in its waters and rustic cabins. The hot spring pools are filled with 100% natural mineral water, providing natural therapeutic properties to guests. Bask in the beauty of an easy-to-reach waterfall, Treasure Falls. Located 15 miles northeast of Pagosa Springs, the waterfall is visible from the parking lot, requiring only a short hike to see the 105-foot waterfall up close. Take a thrilling expedition down the San Juan River with a whitewater rafting tour with Pagosa Outside. The team’s expertise ensures a safe and fun adventure. View a Pagosa Springs archaeological gem, the Chimney Rock National Monument, located at the southern end of the San Juan Mountains. The archaeological site is from the Ancestral Puebloans of the Chaco Canyon, covering seven miles, and showcasing 200 ancient ceremonial buildings and homes.
Estes Park
Estes Park is home to the inspiration behind Stephen King’s The Shining, and its picturesque views are undoubtedly worth adding to your travel itinerary. Surrounded by a mixed coniferous-deciduous forest, Estes Park’s scenery is unforgettable. Estes Park is nestled in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains on the Big Thompson River.
Horror movie fans visiting Estes Park will most likely find the Stanley Hotel familiar, with its historic red roof and expansive white exterior standing out against a mountainous backdrop. Stephen King spent a night in the hotel in 1974, inspiring him to write his famous novel, The Shining. Visitors can choose from different accommodations, including the very room Stephen King himself stayed in and rooms thought to be haunted by ghosts.
The mountains in Estes Park are a big draw for visiting the town. Take a ride on the Estes Park Aerial Tramway to ascend to the top of Prospect Mountain for a new perspective. At the top, relax and enjoy the view while dining on cuisine from the Hungry Chipmunk Cafe. The little eatery offers paninis, nourishing smoothies, and specialty coffees. Stunning views do not end at Prospect Mountain; go stargazing at the Estes Park Memorial Observatory. The community resource features a telescope, mount, and dome, providing a unique look into the night sky.
Silverton
Pack your bags for a vacation in Silverton, where historical streets, buildings, treats, and train rides await. Situated in southwest Colorado and part of San Juan County, Silverton sits at an elevation of 9,318 feet. The town's roots began in the early 1870s, and many of its original structures still stand today.
Rent a room in the historical Grand Imperial Hotel for a true immersion in Silverton's history. The building was completed in 1883 and features vintage furnishings. With so much of Silverton well-preserved, walking down its streets can feel like transporting back in time. Stroll down Blair Street, a road initially lined with saloons and gambling halls, and admire the old-fashioned storefronts. Stop for a treat at the Rocky Mountain Funnel Cake Factory. The funnel cake establishment serves classic fried dough treats and unique specials, like Mexican Funnel Cake, to tantalize your taste buds.
Embark on a journey through the San Juan Mountains on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. The train station offers round-trip rides to gaze upon mountain vistas. While train rides can get you views from above, the Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour can get you views from below. The guided mine tour takes individuals into the heart of the Galena Mountain, revealing actual functioning mining equipment and the vein running through.
Steamboat Springs
Settled in 1875, Steamboat Springs is a stunning town surrounded by nature and an assortment of activities perfect for getting outdoors. It is located in the high Rocky Mountains in the north-central part of the state.
Book a stay at the Steamboat Grand and choose from an assortment of hotel rooms, penthouses, and condos. The cozy amenities include access to a pool and hot tubs, the health club, and, during winter, a close proximity to an invigorating ski area.
Fish Creek Falls is one of the city’s greatest features, with cascading waters rushing over 280-foot falls. The legendary falls are mere minutes from the downtown area. Get out on the water at the Yampa River for kayaking, paddling, and tubing through the spring and summer months. The river spans 300 miles, joining the Green River at Echo Park. Geek out over local wildlife at the Stagecoach State Park. Visitors can witness over 200 species of birds, elk, beavers, red foxes, badgers, and so much more.
Finally, cross off attending a rodeo from your bucket list by attending the Steamboat Springs Rodeo. While the date of the town’s very first rodeo is uncertain, local experts can place events back to the 1800s. The action-packed event is bursting with fun, showcasing bull riding, steer wrestling, cowgirl barrel racing, and other classic rodeo traditions.
Manitou Springs
Manitou Springs is a charming town with unique attractions, such as vintage penny arcades, mineral springs, caves, and cliff dwellings, that lure thousands of visitors annually. The city is located in El Paso County and was incorporated in 1876.
For a lot of people, arcades can evoke feelings of nostalgia. The Penny Arcade in Manitou Springs is a time capsule of arcade games, skeeball, outdoor rides, and more. Many of the pinball machines are decades old, dating back to the 1930s, and some still cost a penny to play. Another one of Manitou Springs' special attractions is its Mineral Spring Walking Tour. In the town, eight naturally carbonated mineral springs are supplied by a deep underground system of cavernous aquifers. See for yourself and discover how each spring has its distinctive flavor.
A lot of people have never been on the inside of a mountain. Cave tours at the Cave of the Winds Mountain Park offer two different types of guided tours deep inside a mountain, educating guests about the history and geology of the caves. You cannot leave Manitou Springs without checking out the Manitou Cliff Dwellings. Comprised of stones from a collection of 25 mesa top dwellings, the structures are authentic ancestral Puebloan, found originally buried and scattered amongst farming fields in the early 1900s.
Manitou Springs offers many options for cozy lodging, but consider making the historic Cliff House at Pikes Peak your first choice. Sitting at the foot of Pikes Peak, known as "America's Mountain," is the Cliff House, a stunning hotel reminiscent of a Victorian hotel. The rooms are decorated in style evocative of the 1800s and come with special features, like gas fireplaces and steam showers, to make your stay unforgettable.
Telluride
Several of Colorado’s towns are former mining towns, and Telluride is on the list. Located in southwest Colorado in the San Juan Mountains, Telluride is home to beautiful waters and bird's-eye perspectives.
You cannot visit Telluride without adding Bridal Veil Falls to your itinerary. At 365 feet in height, the falls are the tallest free-falling waterfall in the state. Individuals can bike, hike, or four-wheel drive throughout the area with the gorgeous Bridal Veil Falls as the backdrop. The San Miguel River runs through the waterfall, where people can paddleboard, go rafting, and go sightseeing. The river flows for 82 miles before intersecting with the Dolores River.
Ride the gondolas to gain a new perspective. This public transport system is fun and free and takes people from Telluride to Mountain Village, providing sights from 10,500 feet in the air. For additional sky-high views, climb the Telluride Via Ferrata, a climbing route on the East end and South-facing wall of the city’s boxed canyon.
Relax with a stay at the Peaks Resort and Spa. As one of the premier hotels in Telluride, the resort offers top amenities and delicious dining, like at its restaurant Altezza, to help guests unwind and enjoy their time in the city.
Leadville
West of Denver and south of Vail is Leadville, a picturesque city with gorgeous views and historical delights. It rests in the upper Arkansas River valley, an area flush with dense national forests.
Bask in the scenery at new heights on the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway. Along the route, you can see Mount Elbert and Mount Massive. Journey through Leadville’s Pike-San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands for a raw, up-close view of Colorado’s landscape. The massive forest covers almost 3 million acres, beckoning visitors with opportunities to hike and take in the beauty. Go fishing out on Turquoise Lake and anticipate reeling in brook trout, rainbow trout, or mackinaw trout. The area includes eight campgrounds, accommodating 300 campsites in total.
If camping is too outdoorsy for your getaway, consider staying at the Historic Delaware Hotel. For over 130 years, the grand hotel has welcomed guests with Western hospitality. Travelers can explore additional history at the Healy House Museum & Dexter Cabin. The historic home belonged to miners many years ago and now features a look into the town’s past.
Durango
Durango, situated in southwestern Colorado on the Animas River at the base of the La Plata Mountains, is a beautiful town full of breathtaking landscapes and history. Founded in 1880 during a mining boom, the city rests at an elevation of 6,512 feet, south of Montrose.
Immerse yourself in hundreds of years of the rich cultural heritage of the Ancestral Pueblo people at the Mesa Verde National Park. The park protects almost 5,000 architectural sites, which provide visitors with a glimpse into the past, between A.D. 600 and 1300. Adventurers seeking physical activities should head to the Colorado Trail, a journey spanning 567 miles from Denver to Durango. Here, individuals can go horseback riding, hiking, or bicycling on the trail through six Wilderness areas and National Forests.
Out of Durango’s many lodging options, the Strater Hotel is one of the top places to rest your head after an adventurous day, or at least to tour when taking a break from getting out in nature. The hotel is a living history museum with 88 distinctive guest rooms featuring Victorian furnishings and a Wild West-themed Saloon. Continue relaxing outdoors at the Durango Botanic Gardens. Surrounding the Durango Public Library, the botanical garden is a great place to picnic and listen to the rippling river.
Crested Butte
A former coal mining town that later became a ski resort, Crested Butte is a destination worth exploring for your next getaway. Surrounded by mountains, it rests at almost 9,000 feet and about 28 miles north of Gunnison. With various activities for people of all ages, Crested Butte is a fun place to bring the whole family.
Take Kebler Pass, a high-mountain pass connecting Crested Butte with Paonia for stunning views. At 10,007 feet above sea level, the pass provides spectacular views of aspen groves through the Gunnison National Forest. Crested Butte has the reputation of being the Nordic ski capital of the state. Skiers should check out the Crested Butte Nordic Center during the winter for an action-packed time on the slopes, passing Aspen groves and pine forests. Take the family to the Adventure Park for a day of family bonding. Kids can climb rock walls, uncover gemstones, and soar into the air on the bungee trampoline.
Local Crested Butte history is also worth exploring. The Crested Butte Museum offers a good look at the town's past. The facility features a variety of exhibits, events, and programming highlighting the town's ski, mining, ranching, and mountain biking culture.
Having fun in nature does not have to end when you drive back to your hotel. Stay at the Elevation Hotel and Spa. Resting up against the Crested Butte Mountain, the hotel provides views of Colorado's mountains and guided experiences like fly fishing and rock climbing to keep the adventure going.
Where Adventure Meets Tranquility
An exhilarating escapade is out in the small towns of Colorado. The state’s natural springs are a significant attraction, bubbling and flowing throughout Ouray, Pagosa Springs, and Manitou Springs. Discover the ancient architecture of the Pueblo people at the Mesa Verde National Park in Durango. The hotels, cabins, and resorts are additional attractions, with options like the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, the Delaware Hotel in Leadville, and the Grand Imperial Hotel in Silverton. Nature knows no bounds at Fish Creek Falls in Steamboat Springs, Bridal Veil Falls in Telluride, and Kebler Pass in Crested Butte. Colorado is the perfect place for a quick weekend getaway to play and relax.
