8 Serene Towns in Colorado for a Weekend Retreat
Colorado is a western U.S. state with serene small towns that would make any weekend trip here worthwhile. For any traveler needing a tranquil getaway for a couple of days or retirement planning, this state may be able to fulfill tourism goals with its vibrant locales and natural or historical landmarks. With a dry climate and plenty of newfound splendors to explore, these towns may be the best options to consider for both short-term visits and long-term stays!
Ouray
Known as the "Switzerland of America," Ouray is an awe-inspiring mountain town with 949 inhabitants. It has amazing landmarks like the snow-capped Box Canyon Waterfall & Park, where cascading waterfalls and rocky canyon walls make for a pleasant trip. One can also find vibrance over at Ouray Hot Springs, where famous mountain peak sights and thrilling water slides would make weekenders or retirees want to stay a while! Yankee Boy Basin has some tranquil hiking trails that result in serene photography of alpine basins and blooming wildflowers.
Ouray Alchemist Museum is a wonderful stop for anyone who loves downtown 16th and 18th-century Frontier pharmaceutical artifacts with a special penthouse upstairs that makes for a splendid view of town! The Bachelor Syracuse Mine Tour is a fascinating alternative with scenic mining vibes and grand tours of Gold Hill. For tourists and retirees seeking fun locales in town on a short trip or something more long-term, Mouse's Chocolates & Coffee is an option for Belgian chocolate desserts.
For lodging options, one can check out Ouray Riverside Resort, a scenic riverside option with cozy cabins and pet-friendly convenience, while Beaumont Hotel & Spa provides Victorian-style rooms with proximity to mountain restaurants and shops.
Silverton
A remote town nestled in the western San Juan Mountains, Silverton is home to 797 residents. It is commonly frequented for its mountain skiing locales like Kendall Mountain Recreation Area, a 1960s cultural stop for family-oriented weekenders who love snowboarding or being chairlifted across Silverton Mountain! Those looking for a serene weekend retreat may also enjoy the Million Dollar Highway for tranquil backsides of town into Ouray or vice-versa.
At Mayflower Gold Mill, guided tours show travelers the scenic side of town with historic ore mills and mining roots dating back to the 1920s. At Handlebars Food & Saloon, casual weekend visitors and retirees alike can enjoy Western-themed burger meals and vibrant cultural amusement. Rocky Mountain Funnel Cake Factory has delicious ice cream and funnel cake varieties for anyone needing to satisfy their sweet tooth!
Those who plan to stay for the weekend or retire here may want to consider the Villa Dallavalle Historic Inn for ski resort proximity and breakfast relaxation. The Wyman Hotel is also available with its rugged mountain charm and hospitable service. At Teller House Hotel, modern comfort amenities and 1890s Victorian themes may entice fans of the European lifestyle and those needing to stay permanently.
Breckenridge
A charming small town with 4,781 residents, Breckenridge is a mainstay for Gold Rush cultural history and Victorian-era living. The Country Boy mine is an 1870s gold and silver production site with World War I and World War II underground tours perfect for travelers and retirees who like to roleplay as Colorado miners! The Breckenridge Nordic Center has snowshoeing and cross-country skiing routes designed for any weekend or retirement plan involving winter activities around scenic Breckenridge Ski Resort.
The Barney Ford Museum has 1880s local history tours of a tranquil estate once belonging to escaped slave and civil rights leader Barney Ford. For a truly bizarre yet serene itinerary, one can check out the Isak Heartstone, a wooden troll sculpture made out of ordinary trash that illustrates the importance of Danish folklore!
Anyone lodging here for a simple weekend may like One Hill Ski Place, a family-friendly resort with plenty of skiing amenities and romantic getaway suites. Boutique shoppers may prefer the Village at Breckenridge Resort for award-winning restaurants and ski slopes within easy range. Retirees may end up sticking with permanent vacation resorts like Grand Lodge on Peak 7 for gorgeous nighttime skies and evening swims among vibrant crowds.
Pagosa Springs
A southwestern Colorado town with 1,822 locals, Pagosa Springs is a hot springs paradise for hikers. The Wolf Creek Ski Area has friendly snowboarders and mountainous sightseeing for casual and hardcore weekend trekkers. Retirees looking for a long-term locale or landmark to stay near can check out Wilderness Journeys Pagosa, where guided tours of Native American sites and rafting campsites provide historical significance and natural scenery. The 7.6-mile Cimarrona Trail has tranquil aspen groves and pretty wildflowers around Williams Creek Reservoir!
Chimney Rock has excellent viewing pleasures for weekend retreats, with the Ancestral Puebloans of the Chaco Canyon and preserved excavation sites that have been around for a millennium! The Pagosa Springs History Museum has 1890s schoolrooms and ancient blacksmithing tools. One noteworthy hidden gem is the Neon Mallard, a "speakeasy" downtown bar filled with the fanciest drinks around.
Pagosa Springs has lodging options such as Healing Waters Resort and Spa for routine hot springs relaxation and town proximity. The Pagosa River Domes offers a unique eco-friendly retreat for tourists who crave luxury and outdoor charm together. As for other tourists, The Springs Resort presents mineral water spas and mountainous serenity on the banks of the San Juan River.
Marble
A pleasant small town along the Crystal River with only 137 residents, Marble is a worthy destination for serenity and mountain exposure. The Marble Mill Site Park is a historic and natural landmark with former mining campsites and lots of thriving fauna with tranquil picnic spots. The West Elk Loop Scenic Byway is also close by, offering lots of unspoiled scenic views of the Elk Mountains. Camping weekend travelers may even want to simply enjoy Marble Campground for its lush aspen greenery!
Fishers fresh into their retirement or seeking long-term fishing spots may take part in rainbow and brown trout catching near Beaver Lake State Wildlife Area, which has wetlands and hillsides with plenty of redwing blackbirds and bald eagles nearby; there are also lots of bears, elks, moose herds, and beavers! For commercial stops, Slow Groovin BBQ has some of the best historic barbecue cuisines and dog-roaming spaces for weekenders and retirees who want to be around their pets.
For lodging, one can check out The Inn at Raspberry Ridge for cozy inn amenities and Crystal River mountain beauty. Beaver Lake Lodge offers canoeing and fishing exposure with restored schoolhouse history and architecture.
Telluride
Another Victorian mining town with 2,553 inhabitants, Telluride has plenty of scenic options for weekenders and retirement planners. Alta Lakes is one of the prettiest known landmarks with its jagged mountain terrain, ghost town upbringing, and stunning rainbow appreciation across three lake systems! Bear Creek Trail has beautiful waterfalls and easy cycling routes to allow weekenders to enjoy nature and leisurely retirement. The Bridal Veil Falls is also an option for anyone who prefers 365-foot-high frozen waterfall elevations and box canyon tranquility.
For history buffs, the Anasazi Heritage Center provides microscope exhibits and prehistoric education on the Four Corners region and Ancestral Pueblo culture. Dunton Hot Springs has 1800s romantic isolation vibes with alpine valley sightseeing. For more breathtaking sights, one can look to the serene and vibrant Mountain Village plaza, where family-friendly activities year-round are meant to entice retirees and long-term visitors to stick around!
Tourists with short weekend itineraries can check in at Bear Creek Lodge or Fairmont Heritage Place Franz Klammer Lodge for family lakeside escapes or luxurious Mountain Village scenery, respectively. For retirees wanting something more long-term, Curate Telluride and High Camp Hut offer fancy group amenities and boutique surroundings with ski slopes close to town.
Snowmass Village
A truly scenic town with 2,924 residents, Snowmass Village offers jaw-dropping beauty that weekenders would not want to miss out on. The Snowmass Ski Area is the second-largest ski resort in the state with superb snowy cliffs and steep slopes. The Government Trail provides hikers young and old with sun-kissed valley exposure and autumn seasonal woodlands that lead visitors right into Aspen! Thrill seekers may love Above It All Balloon Company, which offers sunrise hot air balloon trips across the Rocky Mountains in the Roaring Fork Valley and makes for a memorable weekend!
At Anderson Ranch Arts Center, weekenders can learn about the local ancestral history of the Ute tribes who have been around for over 800 years! Snowmass Club Golf Course offers a massive golfing field for travelers who favor the serenity of a private tranquil retreat right below Mount Daly. For dining options, New Belgium Ranger Station has live music performances, sprawling patios, and sparkling cocktails ideal for winter retiree conversations.
For short weekend getaways, Pokodoli Lodge and Viceroy Snowmass have luxury mixed with classic bedroom ambiance and Ute-inspired spa treatments. For long-term lodging, Crestwood Condominiums offers top-rated amenities for travelers needing privacy and stress-free vacation living.
Vail
A small town at the base of Vail Mountain with 4,453 inhabitants, Vail is a definitive tourist option for serenity and weekend enjoyment. Hikers may love Upper Piney River Waterfall, a popular Vail Valley route filled with the beauty of Piney Lake and the towering peaks of Gore Range. The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is a hidden gem near Vail Village with tranquil gardens, plant vegetation, and open tours of Alpine House, which contains over 200 species of greenery from South Africa, South America, and the European Alps!
Adventurists can visit Gondola One to take a scenic ride up Vail Mountain to reach Eagle's Nest, where appetizing Coloradoan dishes await mountain travelers. For retiree shopping, one can stroll through Davidor for interesting jewelry. Chasing Rabbits has 1960s Bavarian live music and ski haven ambiance as a charming locale. The Bridge Street Bar and Shakedown Bar both offer dance floor environments for weekenders and retirees who like to mingle.
Anyone who chooses to stay in Vail can lodge at the Arrabelle at Vail Square for European charm and timeless cultural amenities. Resorts like The Chalets provide more of a private hideaway option with Eagle Bahn exploration and village comfort amenities.
The Takeaway
These serene small towns in Colorado are all amazing and special for weekend getaways. Anyone planning to spend a couple of days or even something more long-term may enjoy all there is to offer within these towns. With so many scenic landmarks and locales to explore and appreciate while around for the weekend, there is no reason anyone will feel left out when finding something new to admire in this Four Corners state!
