There are few places in the American West that offers a fusion of activities like Colorado. With over 300 days of sunshine, Colorado features environmental extremes from immense sand dunes to expansive high-country mountain ranges. Colorado is a dichotomy of Old West attitudes and modern ideals. Escape and enjoy the best weekend getaways that Colorado has to offer such as ski resorts, national parks and outdoor adventures.
Skiing is the classic Colorado weekend getaway activity. Ski the weekend away at some of the best ski resorts in the world. Aspen and Vail, both considered world-class resorts, are popular destinations. Olympic athletes to film stars to royalty migrate to these meccas of snow. Other resorts sure to satisfy snow hounds include Breckenridge, Arapaho Basin, Steamboat Springs and Beaver Creek. Be sure to make advance reservations for accommodations during Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday weekends.
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular attractions in the state and unparalleled as a weekend getaway. Take in breathtaking views of glowing peaks and listen to the haunting bellows of elks. Enjoy scenic drives, hikes and horseback riding. The park is open all year, with occasional closures in the winter due to snow.
Only a small number of places in the world have been designated as a United Nations World Heritage site, and Mesa Verde National Park is one of them. Located in remote Southwestern Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park is an important archaeological site dedicated to the preservation of the Ancestral Puebloans, an ancient people who lived in cliff dwellings. Add a side trip to nearby Pagosa Hot Springs during your weekend getaway and soak in the soothing mineral waters.
Get lost in the otherworldly sands of Great Sand Dunes National Park, located in southern Colorado. Considered the tallest sand dunes in the United States and rising up to heights of 700 feet, they easily live up to their impressive name, and the park makes for a fun family getaway all year-round.
Go whitewater rafting on the Colorado River in Glenwood Springs near the Rocky Mountains. From scenic family floats to wild rapids, an adventurous weekend getaway awaits the daring. The best time to go whitewater rafting is from mid-April to the end of September.
The best places for a summer mountain bike weekend getaway are Tipperary Creek Trail and Crested Butte in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Tipperary Creek is known for its outstanding views and beautiful scenery. Crested Butte is home to the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame and features many strenuous local trails for the serious biker.
Ride snowmobiles in Grand Lake, considered the snowmobile capital of Colorado. Snowmobiles create a unique way to experience the stunning splendor of deep-powder backcountry. In addition to snowmobiling, add cold-weather activities to your weekend getaway, such as dog sled riding, tubing, snowshoeing or an old-fashioned sleigh ride.
