Colorado Springs is like living in a vacation, but there are many options easily within driving distance for a little getaway. Below we’ve compiled the must visit vacation spots in the beautiful state of Colorado.
Breckenridge: A scenic and quick 2 hour drive from Colorado Springs, Breckenridge is known for it’s skiing in the winter, festivals in the fall, and perfect weather in the summer. You can easily get to Breckenridge by traveling north on I-25 and West out I-70. But, the best way to get there is out route 24 through Woodland Park. The drive is as beautiful as Breckenridge itself.
Hiking in Breck
Vail: Vail is located just past Breckenridge and another amazing getaway. In September and October, Vail has very reasonable rental rates, fun October fests, and PERFECT weather. This drive is only two and a half hours from downtown Colorado Springs.
Backcountry skiing in Vail
Aspen: If you’re up for a longer drive, Aspen will not do you wrong! Located just over 4 hours from Colorado Springs, Aspen/Snowmass is some of the best skiing in the west. But, what few know is that Aspen has as many outdoor activities in the summer as it does in the winter.
Golden leaves in Aspen/Snomass
Denver: Almost exactly an hour from Colorado Springs downtown is downtown Denver! The appeal of a larger city offers amazing restaurants, a huge aquarium, and all the best shopping. It can make for an easy 1-night getaway!
Ft. Collins: Barely over 2 hours north is the adorable town of Ft. Collins. This has an element of quintessential college town with beautiful views and an Old Town Historic district. Also, right outside of Ft. Collins is Arapahoe National Forest.
Boulder: One of the closest, beautiful options is Boulder. About 1 hour and a half from downtown Colorado Springs, Boulder is scenic and stunning. When people come to visit Colorado, Boulder is always on the list. You will also get great shots if you love photography!
Pearl Street, street permormer
Rocky Mountain National Park: Less than 3 hours from Colorado Springs is one of our country’s most BEAUTIFUL national parks. With over 300 miles of hiking and scenery, this is a MUST visit.
Golden: Golden is 1 hour and 20 minutes from downtown Colorado Springs. Golden is home to the giant Coors Brewery which offers comprehensive tours and tons to see and do.
Great Sand Dunes National Park: 2 and a half hours south of Colorado Springs is yet ANOTHER National Park. But this one offers very different and unique views. You imagine mountains in Colorado, and we have plenty of those! But, these enormous and every changing sand dunes will not disappoint.
Estes Park: Ever wanted to snow mobile through Elk and Moose territory?! Estes Park offers some of the most unique experiences in Colorado. Barely 2 hours and just outside of Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park has camping and cabins on the vast acreage and fun for families, couples, and children.
Crested Butte: Another location under 4 hours from Colorado Springs is Crested Butte. There is no place in the world with fall foliage and colors like Crested Butte, just a simple drive in the month of September will give you all the fall you could ever need. It has wonderful skiing in the winter and calls itself “The Last Great Colorado Ski Town”.
Manitou Springs: Just around the corner from Colorado Springs, Manitou has some of the best restaurants in the state! They are all independently owned, creative, and delicious options. You will also want to try out the Sun Water Spa to indulge in Manitou’s healing mineral water.
Dillon/Lake Dillon: Who doesn’t love a beautiful lake? The town of Dillon, just 2 hours from Colorado Springs has a beautiful and large lake where you can boat, sail or jet ski you day away. They offer tons of rental options and all the beautiful views you can imagine.
Tell us what some of your favorite spots in Colorado are, or let us know which you want to visit once you get here! We would love to answer any questions about our beautiful state of Colorado!
There are many places in Colorado to take a mini getaway:
Gley Eyrie – General Palmer’s home, the founder of Colorado Springs