10 Best Towns In Colorado For A Two-Day Recharge
For an escape from daily life, Colorado’s mountain towns offer plenty of opportunities to relax and recharge. From natural beauty, local shops, and historical landmarks, there are many ways to immerse oneself in each location and get a well-needed reset. These towns in Colorado offer a perfect escape for anyone needing a quick getaway. Each of these towns has a few must-see locations, but don’t forget to find time to relax and revel in the local scene.
Ouray
Even from Main Street in Ouray, Colorado, visitors have a perfect view of the San Juan Mountains. Browse the boutiques and art galleries that line Main Street in the 19th-century buildings or enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants, many featuring outdoor seating that allows you to take in the mountain views while you dine. For a dose of history, the Ouray Alchemist Museum is located just off the historic Main Street. Here, visitors can learn about the science of alchemy and view artifacts from Colorado mining towns. Nearby, the Ouray Hot Springs Pool offers a relaxing soak in sulfur-free pools with a mountain view and varying temperatures. To recharge with some entertainment, consider visiting the Wright Opera House for music, theater, and movies.
For a dose of natural wonder, take a short hike to Box Cañon Falls Park, where a powerful 285-foot waterfall thunders through a canyon. For visitors wanting to recharge with some physical activity, hike the Ouray Perimeter Trail, a nearly 6-mile loop that circles the town and has views of the surrounding mountains and waterfalls.
Consider Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa & Lodgings for a rejuvenating stay. This accommodation has on-site natural hot springs, including a vapor cave and an outdoor pool with constantly flowing mineral water.
Manitou Springs
A two-day recharge in Manitou Springs offers a unique blend of natural wonders and artistic charm. Start your visit by taking a walk to sample the natural mineral springs from the various fountains in town, each with its own unique taste.
Step back in time by exploring the Manitou Cliff Dwellings. These cliff dwellings are over 800 years old and are a preserved piece of American Indian culture. To further understand the town's rich history, step into the Manitou Springs Heritage Center and Museum, where artifacts and stories paint a picture of the town's evolution. Manitou Springs has a designated Creative District along Manitou Avenue. Here, get the creative thoughts flowing by exploring galleries and art displays showcasing the talents of local artists.
Stay at the Cliff House at Pikes Peak, a restored Victorian-style hotel with elegant rooms and proximity to the town's main attractions.
Golden
Golden is all about embracing a relaxed blend of history and mountain air. A walk down Washington Avenue will take you past local cafes, art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. The Eddy Taproom & Hotel provides mountain views and a relaxing rooftop, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.
To get a different perspective of the town, either hike or drive up Lookout Mountain. Standing 7,300 feet above Golden, this peak is known for breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains. The Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave is also at the peak for visitors wanting to learn more about the famous Wild West showman. For a relaxing evening, enjoy a quiet stroll along Clear Creek while watching kayakers navigate the river, or find a peaceful spot to sit and relax to the sounds of the water.
Estes Park
Located near Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is a town rich in natural beauty that is sure to leave any visitor feeling recharged.
To find some peace in the outdoors, take a hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. With over 300 miles of hiking trails, there are trail options to test your endurance or to leisurely enjoy the wildlife viewing opportunities. For a full Rocky Mountain experience, take a scenic drive along the famous Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in North America. Hop on the Estes Park Aerial Tramway for a scenic ride to the top of Prospect Mountain, where you can take in views of the Continental Divide and Rocky Mountain National Park.
Back at a lower elevation, Lake Estes provides a peaceful day on the water, whether you're kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply walking or biking the Lake Estes Trail that loops the lake. When you're ready to recharge in town, Estes Park has plenty of shops, art galleries, and restaurants to visit. Spend the night at the Stanley Hotel, a landmark in Estes Park that has a rich history.
Silverton
For a two-day recharge in Silverton, take a step back in time and embrace a slower pace. A must-do is a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which offers a scenic journey through the beautiful San Juan Mountains before arriving in the heart of town. Once there, explore the area’s rich history by visiting the San Juan County Historical Society’s Mining Heritage Center, which is housed in the old jail and tells the story of the town’s mining past. Located on Silverton's main street is the Wyman Hotel, an urban boutique hotel with the perfect location for exploring the area.
When you’re ready to see more of the surrounding area, there are plenty of options for exploration. From hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding to taking on OHV trails, the San Juan Mountains are full of beautiful scenery. For more outdoor experiences, consider fishing in Molas Lake Park or whitewater rafting the Animas River.
Paonia
Travelers looking to recharge with some local produce and artistry will find Paonia to be a delightful destination. This area's climate and community grow an abundance of crops, and it is known for its orchards and wineries. Enjoy quality wine produced with traditional techniques at the Orchard Valley Farm’s Black Bridge Winery.
Rest at the Rocky Mountain Inn just two blocks from Paonia’s charming downtown.
Paonia is part of the North Fork Valley Creative Coalition, which focuses on showcasing cultural and artistic organizations. Throughout the town are plenty of local galleries, shops, and artist studios to explore. Consider visiting Paonia during the Mountain Harvest Festival in the fall or Cherry Days in the summer. To recharge in the outdoors, visit Paonia State Park, which offers a variety of activities, including boating, fishing, and birdwatching.
Lyons
Begin your visit to Lyons with a visit to the Rocky Mountain Botanic Gardens, a free, public space just a short walk from downtown that is home to native plants from Colorado's diverse ecosystems. To learn about the local history, the Lyons Redstone Museum is the place to be. Housed in the town's original 1881 schoolhouse, this museum tells the story of the area's past. For a unique place to stay, visit WeeCasa Tiny House Resort. This resort has individual tiny homes with all the necessities for a relaxing night in Lyons.
The town is a hub for road bikers, offering scenic routes like the Peak-to-Peak and Estes Park Loops with canyon views. To truly cool off and relax, spend some time tubing, kayaking, or fishing on the St. Vrain Creek, which flows right through town.
Salida
For a creative and calming recharge, visit Salida, a vibrant mountain community. As Colorado’s first certified Creative District, downtown Salida is filled with local artisans of every genre. Spend time exploring the many art galleries and studios that line the streets, and you'll find everything from sculpture and photography to unique handmade crafts. For a home-cooked breakfast and a comfortable place to rest, check out the Mountain Goat Lodge’s 20 acres of pastures.
Seeking some active adventure? Go for a hike in the surrounding Sawatch Range mountains, which include more than 15 of Colorado's 14,000-foot peaks. When you're ready to relax, enjoy a soak in one of the area's natural hot springs. The Salida Hot Springs Pool is the largest indoor hot springs facility in the country. Don't miss the town’s downtown beach area on the Arkansas River, which is a great place to relax, read a book, or just watch rafters go by.
Nederland
In a valley carved by a glacier thousands of years ago, Nederland is surrounded by geography that is perfect for exploring during a weekend trip. The town is a perfect basecamp for some of Colorado's best wilderness areas, no matter the time of year. During the winter, Eldora Mountain Resort is just five miles from town, perfect for family skiing and snowboarding, and in the summer, head to the Indian Peaks and James Peak Wilderness Areas for stunning hikes and alpine serenity. The Boulder Creek Lodge is an ideal location for visiting Nederland.
When in town, visit the Carousel of Happiness, a whimsical restored 1910 carousel that will spin the joy right into you with 56 hand-carved animals. The Wild Bear Mountain Ecology Center has environmental education programs for all ages to teach visitors more about the area’s scenery.
Trinidad
Trinidad is home to a relaxing blend of history, art, and natural beauty. Unwind and learn about the area's past with a visit to the Trinidad History Museum to explore the historic homes and gardens. For a peaceful afternoon, take a drive through the stunning Scenic Highway of Legends, which offers breathtaking views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and volcanic formations.
As a designated Creative District, you can spend time exploring the local art galleries and studios, where the town’s creative spirit is on full display. The creativity doesn't stop downtown. Stay the night at the Well Hotel and Taproom, a funky, historic hotel.
To unwind and learn about the area's history, visit the Trinidad History Museum, which features exhibits on the region's diverse heritage.
These ten towns in Colorado offer escape and a chance to recharge. Each destination has its own blend of attractions, whether you seek breathtaking mountain scenery, therapeutic hot springs, or a touch of historical charm.
These communities are ideal for a two-day recharge and true reset from the demands of everyday life, leaving you feeling refreshed and ready to return to everyday demands.
