8 Stress-Free Colorado Towns For A Weekend Retreat
Is there a better way to relieve stress and leave your troubles behind than doing a weekend trip in Colorado? If your answer is no, then you’re in luck, as the Centennial State offers endless opportunities to de-stress and recharge. Whether you prefer an enchanting desert oasis with North America’s tallest sand dunes, a high-minded ski town over 9,000 feet above sea level, or a quirky alpine village lovingly known as the “Little Switzerland of America,” there’s so much to experience across this state. And if that’s not enough, Colorado even has its own colorful wine country region.
When you really need a calm atmosphere and to let go of life's many worries, try one of these eight stress-free Colorado towns for the perfect weekend retreat.
Crestone
Located about 189 miles north of Santa Fe (New Mexico), Crestone is a soulful town with ethereal vibes and an unmatched diversity of landscapes. To the east of town sits the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, a stretch of the southern Rocky Mountains that includes two “14ers” (or 14,000-foot-plus summits) at Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle. A little way south, you will reach Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, a unique park that protects North America’s tallest sand dunes and critical habitat for animals like sandhill cranes and Rio Grande cutthroat trout.
Perhaps because of Crestone’s dramatically beautiful environment, this town has become quite the storied spiritual hub. For a deeper exploration of this, visit the Crestone Mountain Zen Center for meditation weekends, zen workshops, and authorized access to nearby wilderness preserves. You can also head into town and stop at the Crestone Artisans Gallery for a remarkable array of inspiring works by local artists, including raku pottery, hand-crafted jewelry, glass mosaics, and more. And for some heavenly rest and relaxation, it’s hard to beat the charming Coll House bed-and-breakfast perched at the edge of the mountains.
Salida
Situated in the heart of the Sawatch Range, around 103 miles southwest of Colorado Springs, Salida is perfect for a de-stress getaway if you like to let loose on the wide open spaces of the American West. Thanks to its location on the Arkansas River, Salida is a prime destination for whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fishing along its stretch of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. But if you’d rather explore on dry land, Salida has an abundance of exhilarating mountain biking trails, including those at Methodist Mountain and Monarch Crest.
After a long day exploring the mighty mountains and the roaring river, you might feel the need to rest and recover. Fortunately, Salida is a hot spot for natural hot springs, and Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center offers a vast array of hot spring-fed pools to relax and refresh. Or, for even more quality time in the hot springs, consider a stay at the nearby Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort for a cozy year-round resort with its own private hot spring pools and a full-service spa on site.
Breckenridge
Sitting over 9,700 feet above sea level, about 80 miles west of Denver, Breckenridge is one of Colorado’s most legendary Rocky Mountain ski towns. Of course, there’s Breckenridge Ski Resort, offering some 3,398 feet of vertical drop across 2,908 acres of skiable terrain that reach as high as 12,998 feet above sea level. In addition, Breckenridge is close to Keystone Resort, and its 3,148 acres of skiable terrain are very snowboard-friendly. And for a different kind of experience on the open snow, try the Gold Run Nordic Center for over 15 kilometers of snowshoe trails, great terrain for cross-country skiing and fat biking, and even horse-drawn carriage rides.
Even if you’re not all that into skiing, there’s a whole lot more to experience beyond the slopes. If you seek a uniquely hands-on way to de-stress, head to Breck Create for a variety of accessible workshops and art classes to make your own masterpiece. Once you’re ready to call it a day, check into the Crystal Peak Lodge for a convenient location by Peak 7 at Breckenridge Ski Resort and ample room to roam in their well-appointed condo-style suites.
Nederland
Nederland may only sit around 16 miles west of Boulder, yet it looks and feels like another world of wild and beautiful Rocky Mountain wilderness. Speaking of wilderness, Nederland is a short drive south of the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, a 73,391-acre preserve with 28 hiking trails covering 133 miles, over 50 lakes, several mountain peaks surpassing 13,000 feet above sea level, and even 16 miles of the Continental Divide. It’s also close to Caribou Ranch, an expansive county park that spans across thick forests, vibrant wetlands, and the remains of the Blue Bird Mine that flourished with the silver boom of the late 19th century.
For an incredibly easygoing day outside, head over to Barker Meadow Reservoir to hit the pet-friendly hiking trails and go fishing at the lake. During the winter season, Eldora Mountain Resort opens some 40 kilometers of trails for Nordic skiing, skate skiing, and snowshoeing, along with 61 trails for Alpine skiing at all levels. Whenever you’re in Nederland, it’s a good idea to stay at The Boulder Creek Lodge for cozy creekside accommodations right in the heart of town.
Steamboat Springs
Head about 156 miles northwest from Denver to reach the daring ski town of Steamboat Springs, a town that seamlessly combines an authentic Old Western spirit with contemporary creativity and sophistication. Stop at the Tread of Pioneers Museum to learn more about Steamboat’s origin story and its evolution into an Olympic-caliber skiing destination. From there, pop over to the Steamboat Creates Historic Depot Art Center for a cool gallery featuring works by local artists, as well as workshops where you can try your own hand at pottery and printmaking.
For more outdoor adventures, you will find plenty of year-round fun at Steamboat Ski Resort: It’s open during summer for mountain biking, hiking, and additional family-friendly activities, and in winter it shimmers with its signature “Champagne Powder” spanning across six mountain peaks offering up to 3,666 feet of vertical drop. When you can use a more soothing space to rest and recover, head over to Strawberry Park Hot Springs for thermal pools and spa treatments. And for the grandest Steamboat experience, check into the Steamboat Grand, a full-service resort with comfy rooms and suites, a well-stocked ski shop, an on-site spa and wellness center, and multiple dining options.
Vail
Vail may be one of the most famous towns in North America’s ski scene, and one visit to this Colorado town will do a lot to explain why. In winter, Vail Mountain Resort becomes the star attraction with 277 trails across 5,317 acres of skiable terrain that really do offer something for everyone. (Even in the warmer months, Vail Mountain works great for hiking excursions, mountain biking expeditions, and plenty more.) And a short drive west, Beaver Creek is another top-tier ski resort with 173 trails across 2,082 acres offering up to 3,340 feet of vertical drop.
Beyond the slopes, there’s plenty more to explore around Vail. In winter, Vail Nordic Center has about 13 kilometers of groomed trails for fat biking, and ample space for snowshoeing. Or, if you’re here during the warmer seasons, hit the Gore Creek Trail for one of Colorado’s most beautiful hiking paths spanning seven miles from spruce and fir forest to high alpine tundra. And for the picture-perfect place to stay in town, make your way to the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail and enjoy some spectacularly luxurious rooms and suites, their newly renovated spa, and several enticing restaurants and bars for the ultimate après-ski experience.
Palisade
When you’re in the mood for a fresh and flavorful wine country escape, you only need to go about 13 miles east of Grand Junction to reach the town of Palisade. While here, you can visit the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range to hike this beautiful nature preserve that animals like mule deer, elks, mountain lions, black bears, wild turkeys, horned owls, and (yes!) wild horses call home. It’s also worth the trek to Riverbend Park for a wonderful stretch of the Colorado River that’s ideal for tubing, paddling, and fishing, along with biking and hiking on land.
Of course, when in Palisade, it’s always a good idea to make time for great wines. Hit up The Blue Beryl Winery for new Colorado twists on classic varietals like Chenin Blanc, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc, and try Talon Wines for a dazzling and delectable variety of traditional grape wines, botanical wines, and meads (or honey wines). For even more great wines and lovely views, stay at the Wine Country Inn for fine rooms and suites right by their vineyards, along with in-house wine tastings, a menu full of spa treatments, and Caroline’s Restaurant.
Ouray
How can any town call itself the “Little Switzerland of America”? Though Ouray may not exactly be the same as any of Switzerland’s most famous mountain villages, this Colorado village has its own special charm. There’s never really a bad time to drive the Million Dollar Highway (or U.S. Route 550) through the San Juan Mountains; it might just be one of the United States’ best scenic routes for autumn leaf peeping. When you feel like stepping out and stretching out, hike the Bear Creek Trail and follow the creek gorge all the way up to Engineer Pass (at over 12,500 feet above sea level).
Even in town, you can stroll over to Box Cañon Falls Park & Nature Center to discover an astounding set of waterfalls and a prime spot to see native birds like black swifts. Whenever you’re ready to relax after a busy day exploring the wilderness, hit up Ouray Hot Springs Pool for a refreshing, sulfur-free spring-fed pool with amazing views of the nearby mountains. And for even more rejuvenating hot springs experiences, check into The Wiesbaden, a beloved boutique hotel with European-style guest rooms, an expansive thermal pool complex that’s only filled with pure natural hot spring water, and a spa offering therapeutic massage treatments.
De-stress and Re-charge in These Colorful Colorado Towns
Throughout Colorado, you have some fantastic options for a de-stressing weekend retreat. In Crestone, you can rebalance your chakras and ascend to higher consciousness in this otherworldly scenic town. In Nederland, make a great escape into the wild and wonderful Indian Peaks Wilderness that straddles the Continental Divide. Go west to Vail to experience some of the American West’s finest ski slopes and luxury resorts. And for something really different, head out to Palisade to sip and savor some exceptional Colorado wines. With so many options to do as much (or as little!) as your heart pleases, these Colorado towns can help you live more stress-free, even if just for a weekend.
