6 Picturesque Small Towns in The Rockies for a Weekend Retreat

Indulge in a refreshing escape with a weekend getaway to a small town in the Rockies like Red Lodge, Jasper, Radium Hot Springs, Jackson, Telluride, and Santa Fe. Embrace nature, hike through majestic national parks, unwind in soothing mineral springs, or indulge in local cuisine; these retreats from the real world offer a warm invitation to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit through outdoor exploration, cultural immersion, and moments of pure relaxation. Whether you're hitting the slopes in Montana, delving into ancient history in New Mexico, or savoring local flavors in quaint town plazas, these destinations promise a welcoming haven to unwind and recharge.

Red Lodge, Montana

Red Lodge, Montana, is a historic mountain town near the northeast entrance to Yellowstone National Park with a rich mining history and access to outdoor adventures year-round. Visitors can enjoy skiing at Red Lodge Mountain Resort in winter, hiking in the Beartooth Mountains in summer, and exploring the charming downtown area any time of year. There are plenty of places to stay in Red Lodge, including the Rock Creek Resort, Beartooth Hideaway Inn & Cabins, and Alpine Lodge, where you can book either a comfortable hotel room or a quiet cabin for a weekend getaway or hideaway in the foothills of Beartooth Mountains. 

A trip to Red Lodge wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the world’s most extensive collection of geysers in Yellowstone. Established in 1872, the park now encompasses 2.2 million acres and attracts over three million visitors yearly. There are over 300 geysers and hot springs in the park, including the iconic Old Faithful, which erupts every 35 to 120 minutes for 1 ½  to 5 minutes, and a large concentration of free-roaming wildlife like grizzly bears, moose, elk, and wolves. 

For outdoor adventure, head to Red Lodge Mountain, where, depending on the season, visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, mountain biking, or scenic chairlift rides. It becomes a haven for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts during the winter months. With 1635 acres of skiable terrain and a peak elevation of 9416 feet, the mountain is Montana skiing at its very best. With over 70 marked runs spread across two summits, there are trails to suit both beginners and seasoned skiers alike. Dining is available in the Main Lodge or the Midway Chalet, or hit the Bierstube for hearty pub-style food and beer on tap, après-ski.  

Jasper, Alberta

Jasper is another beautiful town nestled in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Weekend visitors to Jasper can escape the crowds of more popular tourist destinations like Banff, Alberta, and immerse themselves in the rugged beauty of Jasper National Park, where they can enjoy hiking, wildlife spotting, and scenic drives along the Icefields Parkway, stopping at iconic landmarks like Athabasca Falls and the Columbia Icefield.

Jasper has a wide range of accommodations to suit various preferences and budgets. With its spectacular mountain views, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is the most luxurious hotel in town, where guests can enjoy activities like golfing, hiking, and canoeing or pamper themselves in an award-winning spa. For rustic charm, the Whistlers Inn is a historic hotel in the heart of downtown Jasper, centrally located close to a fantastic selection of restaurants like Terra, which serves locally sourced farm ingredients and regionally-foraged fare. Ten minutes from downtown Jasper is the Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen, where you can fuel up on a hearty lunch before hiking down the canyon to explore natural rock formations, waterfalls, and the churning Maligne and Athabasca rivers,  

The best time to go hiking in Jasper National Park is during the summer when the trails are dry and there isn’t much snow. A popular trail is the Valley of the Five Lakes—an easy 3-mile hike that allows hikers to see five picturesque lakes along the trail without exerting too much energy. Another great way to get a bird’s eye view of Jasper’s famed national park is by taking a flight on the Jasper SkyTram, Canada's longest and highest aerial tramway, and enjoying a snack at The Summit Cafe. 

Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia

Radium Hot Springs in the Columbia Valley is renowned for its natural hot springs and stunning mountain scenery. Visitors can soak in the soothing mineral waters, explore nearby hiking trails, or tee off at one of the area's golf courses. Spend a weekend in Radium Hot Springs by checking into the Bighorn Meadows Resort—a perfect hub for your Radium Springs getaway. 

Kick off your weekend retreat with a soak in the nearby odorless mineral pools surrounded by the rock cliffs of Sinclair Canyon. The Radium Hot Springs are British Columbia’s largest hot springs, created when the earth’s crust cracked along a fault more than 1 mile deep. The water, heated by hot rocks near the earth’s core, is perfect for relaxing tired muscles and destressing. 

After a morning of R&R in a spectacular setting, head to the village of Radium for a cafe lunch. Wander into True Key Adventures on Main Street to book an adrenaline-pumping ATV tour with Toby Creek Aventures or a “mild to wild” white water rafting tour on the Kootenay River with Kootenay River Runners who have been guiding visitors through nearby rapids since 1976. To get your adrenaline pumping, zipline through Dry Gulch Valley with Valley Zipline Adventures—a five-minute drive from Bighorn Meadows Resort. 

Sinclair Canyon Trails is an exclusive trail system with trailheads easily accessible from downtown Radium. The Sinclair Creek Trail is a peaceful meandering and scenic hike that meanders through lush forests alongside a creek and is suitable for all skill levels. The Redstreak Restoration Trail is a more moderate trail with views of the Columbia Valley and Sinclair Canyon. If panoramic views and a bit of a challenging hike are more your speed, take the Hoodoo Trail and discover the rock formations known as “hoodoos” along the way. 

Jackson, Wyoming

Known as the gateway to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, Jackson combines Western charm with breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures. Dedicated as a park in 1934, the historic Town Square hosts arches made from elk antlers in each corner. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at downtown cafes or bakeries like Picnic or Persephone Bakery, and consider booking a dinner reservation at one of Jackson’s excellent restaurants like the Snake River Grill, which has been a mainstay on the Town Square for over 30 years and features over 300 wines and signature cocktails in a rustic-elegant setting. 

Within 2.5 miles of the Town Square, a stop at The National Museum of Wildlife Art is well worth the trip. Sitting high on a butte overlooking the National Elk Refuse, the museum showcases an impressive collection of wildlife-themed artwork with galleries featuring more than 550 artists and over 5,000 items of animal art.  

Consider staying at one of the town’s cozy lodges or boutique hotels like the Spring Creek Ranch or the Lodge at Jackson Hole, with its well-appointed suites and in-room fireplaces. The lodge has a heated indoor/outdoor pool, hot tubs, a 24-hour fitness center, and a pampering spa to ensure you feel 100% for a day of adventure in the great outdoors. Join a guided 4-hour BrushBuck Wildlife Tour from the comfort and safety of an open-air safari vehicle in Grand Teton National Park to explore the park's otherworldly landscapes and spot wildlife such as elk, bighorn sheep, grizzly bears, and wolves.

Telluride, Colorado

Surrounded by towering peaks of the San Juan Mountains, start the weekend off on the right foot in Telluride with a stroll through town, stopping for breakfast at a local cafe, like the Coffee Cowboy, whose friendly baristas serve up everything from creamy cappuccinos to specialty drinks like the Lone Ranger and the Annie Oakley. A few blocks away, The Butcher & The Baker specializes in handcrafted fresh local cuisine and embraces the farm-to-table concept. 

Renowned for world-class skiing and snowboarding with over 2,000 acres of skiable terrain, Telluride is ranked as the top ski destination in North America. But if spending the weekend on the slopes isn’t your cup of java, Telluride is still a top destination for an incredible weekend away. With so many festivals and events planned every year, visitors would be wise to plan their getaway to coincide with one of Telluride’s exciting festival-filled weekends. 

The Telluride Film Festival, held annually over Labor Day weekend, is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world. In 2024, the film festival, which reminds visitors that it is not a competition but rather a celebration of film, runs from August 29 - September 2. 

Telluride also hosts several impressive music festivals throughout the year, including the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, a 4-day festival held every June; the Telluride Jazz Festival, a three-day and night live music event held every August since 1977; and the mid-September Telluride Blues and Brews Festival, a multi-stage celebration of music and craft beer.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

The Sangre de Cristo Mountains, or the “southern” Rocky Mountains, surround Santa Fe. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains extend across northern New Mexico and into southern Colorado. Truchas Peak, with an elevation of over 13,000 feet, is the highest point in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, provides a majestic backdrop to Santa Fe, and offers numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, skiing, and scenic drives. 

Start your retreat by checking in to your weekend home-away-from-home. Book a room in a historic Adobe-style inn or a boutique hotel in downtown Santa Fe for an authentic experience. La Fonda on the Plaza is a landmark hotel on the famous Santa Fe Plaza and is a prime location for exploring downtown; the boutique Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi offers elegant accommodations and exceptional dining options. Explore the historic Plaza district’s art galleries, shops, and restaurants, the Palace of the Governors, a beloved icon and home of the New Mexico History Museum, and the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, named for the renowned artist inspired by the New Mexico landscape.

A hike or scenic drive in the nearby Santa Fe National Forest or the Sangre de Cristo Mountains is a great way to explore the beautiful outdoors. Visit the nearby Bandelier National Monument to explore ancient cliff dwellings and hike the trails through canyon landscapes. End the weekend by unwinding with dinner and at a cozy restaurant, savoring the flavors of New Mexican cuisine and the memories of Santa Fe.

A Refreshing Escape: Rejuvenate in the Rockies

Take a weekend escape to the Rockies and reap the many benefits of immersing yourself in nature. Whether in Red Lodge, Jasper, Radium Hot Springs, Jackson, Telluride, or Santa Fe, these small mountain towns offer a sanctuary for relaxation and revitalization. From invigorating outdoor adventures to quiet moments of contemplation, a retreat in the Rockies promises to renew your spirit and recharge your energy. Indulge in local cuisine, get outdoors, and explore the rich cultural heritage of the Rocky Mountains.]