As the weather warms up, weekend getaways to Colorado’s mountain towns are a summer staple. We’ve curated a list of activities, ideal for a luxurious weekend or an adventurous outing with the whole family.

Aspen 

Set in the rugged Elk Mountain Range, Aspen’s gorgeous alpine scenery makes it a perfect destination for a weekend jaunt. Hiking and biking trails wind through Buttermilk, Snowmass, and Aspen Mountain resorts offering plenty of options from easy routes to more challenging climbs, with stunning views along the way.

Another spectacular way to explore the Aspen area is North Star Nature Preserve, a 245-acre gem on the Roaring Fork River, where visitors can paddle board, canoe, or kayak. Guests can also walk the James H. Smith nature trail or relax on the natural beach. Moose are frequently seen in the preserve, so all guests are reminded to leave dogs at home as they’re not allowed at North Star. If you encounter a moose, stay at least 100 yards away. The Preserve is a quiet zone, so no music is permitted to maintain the tranquil atmosphere.

For a truly unique dinner, enjoy the gorgeous views ascending Snowmass Mountain in one of Blazing Adventures’ four-wheel drive vehicles. The destination is Burlingame Cabin, an historic sheep herder’s cabin tucked in the aspens. Play horseshoes, take some photos from the scenic overlook, or enjoy a drink by the campfire before your guides ring the dinner bell. A sunset dinner followed by s’mores around the campfire – what could be better?

Breckenridge

With its surrounding peaks topping 13,000 feet, Breckenridge has cool mountain air and an abundance of summer activities. Maggie’s Pond is the perfect place to try stand-up paddleboarding (SUPing,) on its calm waters before venturing into area rivers. Located at the base of Peak 9 near Main Street Station, this easily accessible spot has sweeping views of the Tenmile Range and is just blocks from Breckenridge’s charming Main Street with shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Local SUP rentals are available through Alpine Sports or Charter Sports.

After a fun-filled day on the water, Hearthstone serves up naturally raised beef and game, sustainably sourced seafood, and fresh Colorado produce in the historic Kaiser House on South Ridge Street. Amid Victorian décor, enjoy a meal at this local spot, a favorite since 1989, which has a beautiful patio with views of wildflowers under the aspen trees. Elk with blackberry demi-glace, bison short ribs, and Colorado lamb are some of the most popular dishes. 

Crested Butte

 Known as the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is an excellent choice for a summer visit. Hiking and biking trails crisscross the mountains and meadows for prime viewing of colorful blooms. Before you hit the trails, fuel up at Camp 4 Coffee, the iconic coffee shop with its original location on Elk Avenue and a second shop in CB South. Enjoy a delicious pastry and make sure to buy a bag of their Sledgehammer Roast to take home. The Judd Falls Trail, a 2.2 mile out-and-back route is a top choice for wildflowers and bird-watching during summer months.

The Slogar has been serving up their famous fried chicken since 1983. The menu has other favorites including rack of ribs and filet mignon, and everything is served family style with mashed potatoes and buttermilk biscuits in this home that was built in 1882.

The Center for the Arts hosts weekly events such as Watercolor + Wine and the Alpenglow Series, featuring performances by Rapidgrass, The Jacob Larsen Band, The Goonies, and more. Events with David Sedaris, Reckless Kelly, and Totally Mozart round out the robust summer calendar.

Estes Park

Estes Park offers unrivaled access to Rocky Mountain National Park’s 265,807 acres. Whether you are rock climbing, horseback riding, or hiking, there’s no shortage of scenic locales in the park with Estes Park as an ideal base camp. https://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm

Even if you’re not exploring Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is a great destination in its own right. At the confluence of the Big Thompson River and Fall River, the Riverwalk offers a beautiful place for a leisurely stroll, lined with local shops and restaurants. Lake Estes Marina offers rentals for pontoon boats, kayaks, and canoes to enjoy a day on the water.

The iconic Stanley Hotel, best known as the location for the movie The Shining, is in Estes Park and offers four types of accommodations ranging from the original historic rooms to boutique rooms as well as Aspire’s modern rooms and the condominiums with 1-3 bedrooms. Book a treatment at the spa or get spooked during one of the nighttime spirited tours with tales of the resident ghosts.

Telluride

 Tucked into a scenic box canyon, Telluride offers a wealth of summer adventures in town and in the surrounding San Juan mountains. Bridal Veil Falls is the iconic waterfall that’s accessible from a two-mile hiking trail that leads to the base of the falls. The 800+ feet of elevation are worth the moderately difficult climb for the beautiful views. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots for this rocky route.

After an invigorating hike, stop by Communion Wine Bar. This spot in the heart of Mountain Village offers an inspired wine list, shareable plates and charcuterie and features works by local photographers.

While you’re in town, take in a performance at the Sheridan Opera House, a historic landmark with just 238 seats. Known as the “Crown Jewel of telluride,” this intimate venue hosts year-round events showcasing musicians, comedians, films, and more. Performers this summer include Big Head Todd and the Monsters, KT Tunstall, New York Philharmonic Brass Quintet, and Andy Frasco and the UN.

Vail

When visiting Vail in the summer months, make sure to stop by the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. Located at 8,200 feet, it’s the highest elevation botanical garden in North America and attracts over 120,000 visitors each year to its Mountain Perennial Garden, Mountain Meditation Garden, Alpine Rock Garden, and Children’s Garden.

The Vail Valley has countless hiking trails, and a stunning option just a few miles east of town is Shrine Ridge Trail on Vail Pass. The elevation of 11,000 feet offers cooler temperatures, 360-degree views, and abundant wildflowers after the snow melts. As you hike through meadows and past ponds, the panoramic vistas open up, including the Mount of the Holy Cross, the Gore Range, Copper Mountains, and the Back Bowls of Vail. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as this route clocks in at 4.3 miles. Weather can change quickly at high elevations, so dress in layers and bring a rain shell.

After working up an appetite on the trails, tuck into a locals’ favorite, Mountain Standard, which has been open since 2012 and was started by the creator of the iconic Sweet Basil restaurant. Featuring wood-fired cuisine, menu standouts include the wood-roasted bone marrow, smoked short rib char siu, and the Nashville hot trout.