Living in the Mile High City is fun and exhilarating, but sometimes, the daily grind of going to work and the kids going to school can make you crave some family time away from it all. It’s possible that you dream of a weekend spent skiing or seeing art galleries in another city. A Colorado vacation rental can make that dream not only possible but gives your family the space it needs for relaxing. In six hours or less of driving, your family finds a new town to explore exciting things to do. Here’s a look at the seven best weekend getaways from Denver to make your next vacation destination.
1. Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Driving five hours from Denver finds you in the quaint town of Glenwood Springs, where your family enjoys a weekend of low-key relaxation. Located on the top of a mountain, the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park offers an afternoon of fun with zip lines and a mountain coaster to see the beauty of the area from a new location. If you prefer something a little less thrilling, see a show at the 4D theater with seats that move in coordination with the picture. Learn more about the local history at the Frontier Historical Museum. The main attraction in town is the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool that first opened in the late 1800s, and provides an afternoon of relaxing in warm mineral water while the kids splash and play.
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2. Crested Butte, Colorado
After a four-hour drive, your family arrives in the community of Crested Butte with its small-town feel and natural beauty that surrounds it. Arrive in the autumn to soak in the riot of colors that come from the foliage changing tones, and hike the Kebler Pass for the most amazing views of the changes. In the winter months, stop by the Crested Butte Nordic center for access to pristine trails for cross-country skiing, equipment rentals, and lessons for people who are a little unsure on their feet. This town enjoys some unique cuisine options with Asian eats at the Ryce Asian Bistro and Latin American fare at the Teocalli Tamale.
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3. Salida, Colorado
A brief three hour trip in the car brings you to the postcard-perfect little town of Salida. Take in all the natural beauty of the area as you glide up to the top of the mountain in the Monarch Scenic Tram. Once at the top, take in the views and explore some of the hiking trails. The Salida Museum provides you with a little local history and past townspeople. Let the stress from your sore muscles drift away with a soak in the Salida Hot Springs. Your kids can play in the water or practice their swimming skills. Feel like you have the best of the world’s menus at your fingertips with a meal at The Fritz.
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4. Grand Junction, Colorado
In four hours, you arrive in the welcoming town of Grand Junction for a weekend of fun and quality time with the family. Soak in the views and take lots of photos with an afternoon spent hiking in the Colorado National Monument park. This park features stunning rock formations and deep-wall canyons featuring limestone rocks. Bring your mountain bikes and contact Desert Rat Tours for a day of mountain biking through the local area with a guide who knows all the best places to ride. Check out the Museum of the West to learn more about 19th century Colorado and see stunning examples of firearms and pottery from this period.
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5. Dinosaur, Colorado
Go prehistoric with a five-hour drive to Dinosaur from Denver. This little town provides your family with access to the Dinosaur National Monument Park. Once at the park, start your adventure with a tour of the museum, where your kids gush over the assembled dino skeletons and learn more about what it takes to dig up these bones. Adrift offers a day rafting tour on the Split Mountain Gorge that provides you stunning views of the area and thrills as you traverse the white water gushing by. Before leaving the park, make sure to stop at the Dinosaur Quarry. Here you get to see a wall of partially exposed dinosaur bones.
6. Casper, Wyoming
A weekend in Casper is your chance to breathe in the fresh air. Enjoy a weekend in a new state with a driving time of four hours. Learn more about the life of the early pioneers from the art of packing up the wagons to crossing raging rivers at the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center. The Nicolaysen Art Museum has a lovely collection of art by western artists from the local area and the region. It also hosts temporary exhibits, so check the schedule to make sure you don’t miss anything.
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7. Steamboat Springs, Colorado
A three-hour drive from Denver brings your family of skiers to Steamboat Springs, also known as Ski Town, USA. Call Ski and Sport before you leave home to arrange for rentals of poles, skis, and snowboards that they deliver to your vacation rental upon your arrival. The Mahogany Ridge Brewery and Grill offers upscale comfort food, and you can check out their large selection of craft beers. Another dinner option is the Ragnar’s Sleigh Ride Dinner, where you begin the evening with a sleigh ride and end with a sumptuous meal.
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