Living in Denver means access to a bustling city life surrounded by stunning natural wonders. Mountain getaways near Denver are plentiful, and during the late fall and winter season, it’s the perfect time to go explore! With so many weekend getaway destinations for couples, families, and even friends, it can be hard to choose which mountain town will be the best.
Fortunately, we’ve rounded up some of the best towns in Colorado to visit during the holiday season. Colorado mountain towns near Denver offer a variety of adventures and scenic views, so whether you’re traveling with family or spending time as a couple, here are the best mountain getaways to explore.
Best Mountain Getaways for Non-Snow Adventures
Georgetown
- Location: Western region
- Distance from Denver: 1 hour
- Recommended Stay: Rose Street Bed and Breakfast for historic charm
- Can’t-Miss Restaurant: Coopers on the Creek for a meal with atmosphere
Close to Denver but far from city life, the drive to Georgetown is a quaint mountain getaway in itself! This Victorian-era silver mining town is fun to explore any time of year, but for mountain fun before the snow hits, take the Georgetown Loop Railroad and enjoy the fall colors that are vibrant through November. Look out for the Bighorn Sheep Festival if you go in early November, too! Traveling a bit later? The Georgetown Christmas Market is quintessential winter mountain fun. Spend your time walking along town trails, exploring the many museums, or popping into local shops.
Estes Park
- Location: Northwest region
- Distance from Denver: 1.5 hours
- Recommended Stay: The Stanley Hotel for an iconic ghost tour
- Can’t-Miss Restaurant: Big Horn Restaurant for Rockies-style comfort classics
Estes Park is one of the busiest tourist destinations in Colorado during the summer months. The solution? Plan your mountain getaway for late fall or winter instead! Because Estes Park is known as the “gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park,” there are plenty of activities to enjoy no matter the season. See the diverse terrain while hiking through the park, or explore the dozens of discovery trails throughout town. Before the snow hits is the best time to see local elk and moose wandering through town, so keep your eyes peeled.
Best Mountain Vacations for Romantic Getaways
Gold Hill
- Location: Northwest region
- Distance from Denver: 1.25 hours
- Recommended Stay: Gold Nugget Treehouse for romantic glamping
- Can’t-Miss Restaurant: The Gold Hill Inn for a six-course fine dining experience
Mountain vacations in Colorado make it easy to get away from the lights and sounds of the city, and traveling to the tiny mountain town of Gold Hill proves it. Even though it’s less than half an hour from Boulder, you’ll feel worlds away during this weekend getaway in Colorado for couples. Stroll along the old main street, visit the museum, or bring winter gear to enjoy hiking on the paths around town. You can also plan your romantic mountain getaway to coincide with one of the Murder Mystery Nights at the Gold Hill Inn for a dose of unmatched theatrical revelry. This romantic mountain getaway is perfect for couples who want to slow down and enjoy each other’s company.
Idaho Springs
- Location: Western region
- Distance from Denver: 45 minutes
- Recommended Stay: This secluded mountain cabin with a hot tub and sauna
- Can’t-Miss Restaurant: MTN Prime for a romantic atmosphere and perfect steak
As far as honeymoon cabins in Colorado go, the offerings near Idaho Springs can’t be beat. And if an official celebration isn’t in the cards? Enjoy a weekend getaway for couples in this beautiful town. You can spend time together on horseback through Echo Mountain Park or snowshoe in nearby Loveland. End the day with a visit to the iconic Indian Hot Springs and a stroll to the Heritage Museum Gallery and Gifts to browse one-of-a-kind jewelry.
Nederland
- Location: Northwestern region
- Distance from Denver: 1 hour
- Recommended Stay: Boulder Creek Lodge for stunning views
- Can’t-Miss Restaurant: New Moon Bakery to start your day off right
One of the best weekend getaways in Colorado for couples, a visit to Nederland is full of quirky and memorable experiences. Stroll downtown to explore the shops and local craft breweries while you enjoy historic buildings. Make sure to ride the Carousel of Happiness; enjoying this antique, refurbished attraction isn’t just for kids! Check the Caribou Room’s event calendar for your trip dates to see what live music you can enjoy in this mountain venue. And if you’d like some faster-paced action, the nearby town of Black Hawk has world-class casinos. You can also ski at nearby Eldora Mountain, visit the ghost town of Russell Gulch, or explore the hundreds of miles of wilderness trails in the area.
Best Colorado Towns for Families During the Holidays
Steamboat Springs
- Location: Far Northwest region
- Distance from Denver: 3 hours
- Recommended Stay: The Rabbit Ears Motel for prime town center nostalgic fun
- Can’t-Miss Restaurant: Mazzola’s Italian Diner, where kids can play with their food
Steamboat Springs is the furthest destination from Denver on the list, but it’s worth the extra driving time during the holiday season for a mountain getaway with the family. Take a stroll down Main Street to view holiday decorations on authentic mountain cowboy buildings, then visit Old Town Hot Springs for a memorable outdoor experience that your family will want to repeat each year during the holiday season. If you go early in December, be sure to check out the Steamboat Symphony Orchestra‘s holiday concert.
Frisco
- Location: Western region
- Distance from Denver: 1.5 hours
- Recommended Stay: Hotel Frisco for a whimsical vibe with suites for plenty of space
- Can’t-Miss Restaurant: A dinner sleigh ride with Two Below Zero
The best Colorado towns to visit aren’t necessarily the most famous. This small-town mountain getaway in Colorado is a well-kept secret for families during the holiday season. Without the bustle of nearby Breckenridge, you can enjoy a calm weekend trip during a usually busy time of year. Have fun on a sleigh ride, cross-country ski at the Nordic Center, or take a “fat bike” ride between Frisco and Breckenridge! For fun in town, head to Copper Mountain’s Center Village for ice skating and hot cocoa.
Best Mountain Getaways in Colorado for Winter Fun
Keystone
- Location: Western region
- Distance from Denver: 1.5 hours
- Recommended Stay: Keystone Lodge and Spa for the outdoor heated pool
- Can’t-Miss Restaurant: The Argentos Empanadas for a cozy, affordable meal
Families and couples alike will love a getaway to Keystone for winter fun. The location boasts the world’s largest snow fort, ample hillsides for snow tubing, and a great “Kids Ski Free” program with at least a two-night stay at the resort. For new skiers of any age, Keystone has one of the best ski schools in the Rocky Mountains. If you’d like time away from the slopes, head into Lakeside Village for ice skating.
Breckenridge
- Location: Western region
- Distance from Denver: 1.5 hours
- Recommended Stay: River Mountain Lodge for access to slopes and shops
- Can’t-Miss Restaurant: Mountain Flying Fish for the freshest catch in the Rockies
For the best Colorado towns to visit this winter, you really can’t beat Breckenridge. Although very popular, there’s so much to do that you won’t notice the crowds. Skiers of all abilities can enjoy the slopes or cross-country trails. Need a break? Take a scenic snowcat tour in a heated snowcat on your way to an old mining cabin for hot cocoa. Dog sledding, snowshoeing, and ice fishing round out the winter activities. A stroll down Main Street to enjoy the cozy coffeehouses and shops, set against the backdrop of snow, will round out your day.
Evergreen
- Location: Western region
- Distance from Denver: 45 minutes
- Recommended Stay: The Cabins at Country Road for a secluded, peaceful stay
- Can’t-Miss Restaurant: Muddy Buck Café for historic charm with modern food
Evergreen is one of the most popular mountain towns near Denver for a quick getaway, but you should plan to stay for several days to enjoy all the winter fun! Snowshoeing in Elk Meadow Park is a great way to enjoy the winter weather for visitors of all ages and abilities since the trails are groomed and relatively flat. Ice fishing at Evergreen Lake is an activity you can’t miss. Looking for something epic? Stay at the lake when you’re done fishing to enjoy a game of hockey on North America’s largest Zamboni-maintained outdoor rink.