8 Best Towns In The Rockies For A Two-Day Recharge
When the glow of your computer screen or your uncomfortable office chair just seems to be draining the life out of you, it’s time for a weekend escape. When your soul yearns for fresh mountain air and maybe a spa or a hot spring, these small towns in the Rocky Mountains are sure to recharge your batteries. From scenic gondola rides in Telluride to thermal hot springs in Midway, these isolated communities show you how to slow down for a weekend. So, pack your hiking boots or your skis, and get ready to discover these Rocky Mountain hidden gems.
Estes Park, Colorado
As the home base of Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is the ideal place to stay if you want to spend your weekend hiking the Rockies. The park offers high-altitude trails, with plenty of challenging climbs that yield some of the most amazing views of Bear Lake and Alberta Falls. From its picturesque lake views and elk that wander through the park, it’s the perfect escape in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
The downtown area of Estes Park is like a postcard. In the fall, you may see wild elk wandering through town, especially in the fall. One of the best sites in the area is the Riverwalk, a paved path that traces the Big Thompson River in central Estes Park. You can hop off the trail and grab a cup of coffee at Kind Coffee, or check out the Matthews-Reeser Bird Sanctuary. But the thing that makes Estes Park truly unique is The Stanley Hotel. The hotel served as the inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining, and offers cozy accommodation (sans all the ghosts) in central Estes Park.
Midway, Utah
Want to slip away into a Swiss village for a weekend without leaving the continental United States? Midway, Utah, is a Swiss-inspired village tucked away in the Heber Valley, ripe for scenic hikes and long soaks in mineral springs. While it’s a beautiful, picturesque village, many travelers flock to Midway to visit the Homestead Crater, a geothermal hot spring inside a 55-foot limestone dome. A trip to the soothing mineral springs has to be earned, however, after a long hike at Wasatch Mountain State Park! It is one of the most beautiful parks in Utah, with lovely hiking and biking trails that cut through the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.
If you book a stay at the Zermatt Utah Resort and Spa, it’s unlikely you'll get to see the attractions in Miday, because the accommodations are just that luxurious. The Resort is like an isolated Alpine chalet, with stunning forested views that stretch out as far as the eye can see. It has a full-service wellness center and spa, indoor and outdoor pool, and plenty of on-site fine dining. The Bakery at Zermatt is always a favorite, with freshly made pastries and coffee to start your morning (or end your day!).
Crested Butte, Colorado
The community of Crested Butte has a way of making you slow down and appreciate the little things. This sleepy community of about 1,600 residents still remains uncommercialized and retains that old-world charm of its early mining camp days. While there are many top-tier ski resorts in the area, the Old Town Inn is the perfect place to blend in with the locals. With stunning views of the mountains from every room, and close proximity to all the shops downtown, it’s the ideal spot to spend a weekend.
From the hotel, you can walk to a local coffee shop or diner to charge up for the day at places like Paradise Cafe before hitting the trails at Woods Walk Trailhead. The trail is just under 3 miles, and takes hikers through blooming wildflowers in the summer and colorful aspen groves in the fall season in the lovely Elk Mountains. If you enjoy winter activities, the Crested Butte Mountain Resort gives visitors access to some of the best skiing in the state without the heavy crowds.
Whitefish, Montana
On the southern shores of Lake Whitefish in Montana is the friendly retreat of Whitefish. In the summer, Whitefish Lake State Park feels more like a beachy retreat with snowcapped mountains in the distance. It’s a great place to swim or take a hike along its scenic shores. Whitefish is also close to the western entrance of Glacier National Park, where you can hike through active glaciers reflected off its calm waters in the Rocky Mountains.
If a relaxing weekend involves waking up and having a cup of coffee on a balcony with a view of the water, the Lodge at Whitefish is the best place to stay in the area. This sprawling resort has everything you need for a relaxing weekend at your fingertips. There are s’mores on the lakefront in the evenings, meditative yoga classes, and amazing on-site dining. The Boat Club Restaurant is such a treat, where you can enjoy fine dining in an ornate dining room with breathtaking views of Whitefish Lake.
Stanley, Idaho
At the foot of the Sawtooth Mountains in central Idaho is the isolated town of Stanley. The best way to enjoy the amazing views of the area is at the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Think wide-open skies, snow-capped mountains, and clear waters that seem to glow in the sun. It covers over 700,000 acres of untouched wilderness, with excellent hiking trails that are never crowded. What makes the park extra special is its hot springs! After a long hike through the Boulder Creek Trail, the path opens up to the Stanley Hot Springs, where you can soothe your tired bones in natural hot springs that are always between 100°F and 110°F.
If you want to lean into a rugged mountain escape, staying at the Mountain Village Resort is one of your best options. With views of the Salmon River and rugged mountain terrain, it’s a great place to relax at the end of a long day. It has a rustic cabin feel with all the amenities of home, and it’s not too far from the Mountain Village Hot Spring!
Red Lodge, Montana
The small community of Red Lodge oozes old western charm. From its quiet city streets shaded by the towering Beartooth Mountains in the distance to charming eateries like Babcock & Miles Wine Bar, it seamlessly blends rustic charm with modern amenities. The best example of this is the Beartooth Hideaway Inn & Cabins. These cozy cabins are incredibly affordable and are modernized with everything you’ll ever need. Plus, they are located in central Red Lodge, so great dining and shopping are a short walk away.
It’s easy to spend a weekend exploring the shopping and sites in central Red Lodge, but just outside its city limits is a wild wilderness to explore. If you’ve come to Red Lodge to hit the slopes, the Red Lodge Mountain Resort has amazing skiing opportunities, and it’s never crowded. In north Red Lodge, you’ll find the unique Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary. It has a variety of native Montana wildlife, as well as cozy walking paths that take you through the exhibits.
Jackson, Wyoming
If you want to see some of the most iconic attractions in the Rocky Mountains, Jackson is where you’ll want to stay. The cozy downtown district, shaded by the Teton Range, welcomes you under Jackson Hole’s Elk Antler Arch in Jackson Town Square. If you want to stay in the heart of Jackson, the Hotel Jackson offers modern amenities with fantastic views from every room, and it is within walking distance of Jackson Town Square.
As the gateway to all the best national parks in the Rockies, the best adventures are only a short drive away. Grand Teton National Park is the closest to Jackson, famous for the majestic snow-capped Teton Range and reflective, crystal clear lakes. The south entrance to Yellowstone National Park is about an hour's drive from Jackson, but it’s well worth the journey. It’s famous for its rock formations, Old Faithful Geyser, and beautiful waterfalls. Jackson is one of the best places to stay to see the most famous attractions in the Rockies for a relaxing weekend!
Telluride, Colorado
Visiting Telluride, Colorado, feels like stepping back in time. From its winding city streets accented by the towering San Juan Mountains in the distance, to unique attractions like the Telluride Historical Museum, it’s a city full of surprises. The Bear Creek Falls Trail has some of the most beautiful views of the area, with stunning waterfalls in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. For the best views of Telluride, riding the free gondola at the Telluride Station is a rite of passage. The ride provides panoramic views of the city and the mountains, and unloads at various stops, like Allred’s Restaurant.
For lush accommodations, the Hotel Telluride offers posh accommodations with a cozy mountain cabin feel. Located in central Telluride, you are never too far from a quaint diner, and all the rooms have fantastic views of the mountains. They provide complimentary shuttle services to the gondola, on-site dining, and an outdoor hot tub. It’s one of those hotels where you may spend the entire weekend sipping coffee on your balcony with a view or dining at the on-site restaurant, the West End Bistro.
Discover The Rockies’ Best-Kept Secrets
After a weekend at one of these retreats, the person checking out on Sunday will be a far cry from the frazzled person checking in on Friday night! Maybe it’s the fresh mountain air, or the slower pace of these small towns, but they have a way of healing you from the inside. Whether you plan on never leaving your hotel room with a view or rack up the miles under your feet, the Rocky Mountains are a great place to relax and recharge. So, pack a bag, turn off the computer, and get ready for an adventure in the Rockies.
