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Colorado is built for adventure, but there is no shortage of lovey-dovey hideouts either. Here are some of the best romantic getaways Colorado has to offer.
Even before I moved here and ended my 18-year love affair with California, I always thought of Colorado as one of the best states in the country to venture to for a romantic getaway. Unless you’re a diehard beachgoer, the state is stacked with anything and everything you and your cutie might want to rekindle that oh-so-tingly spark.
Whether you’re hoping to unplug in Rocky Mountain National Park, desert cycle away from Utah’s red rock crowds in Grand Junction, snuggle up in a natural hot spring, or simply cuddle on the couch in front of a crackling fire, Colorado is home to the best cabins and historic hotels in the country.
Recently, I took a short road trip from my hometown of Boulder to a little vintage cabin just outside our most famous national park. With no cell service and miles of hikes in every direction, my partner and I were able to slow down and enjoy each other’s company in a way we aren’t often able to do in our smart phone-addled city lives. Rainy afternoons became excuses to fiddle with his guitar and sing songs together. Though I wish it didn’t happen, we nearly got hit by lightning on an ill-advised high elevation romp, discovering that we weather storms (both literal and figurative) really well together.
Whether you’re hoping to unplug in one of the state’s amazing state parks, desert cycle away from Utah’s red rock crowds in Grand Junction, snuggle up in a natural hot spring, or simply cuddle on the couch in front of a crackling fire, Colorado is home to the best romantic cabins and hotels in the country.
Best Locations for a Romantic Getaway in Colorado
- Best Romantic Getaway for National Park Adventures: Estes Park, Colorado
- Best Romantic Getaway for Red Rock Lovers: Grand Junction, Colorado
- Best Romantic Getaway for Star Gazers: Bailey, Colorado
- Best Romantic Getaway for Foodies: Almont and Crested Butte, Colorado
- Best Romantic Getaway for Mining History: Victor, Colorado
- Best Romantic Getaway for a Splurge: Dolores and Telluride, Colorado
- Best Romantic Getaway on a Budget: Granby and Grand Lake, Colorado
- Best Romantic Getaway for Creatives: Rino District, Denver Colorado
- Best Romantic Getaway for Skiers: Vail, Colorado
Best Romantic Getaway for National Park Adventures: Estes Park, Colorado
Estes Park is best known for being the charming gateway community that most travelers pass through on their way into Rocky Mountain National Park in the summertime, but the truth is that it’s a stellar place to hang your hat at any time of the year. If you and your boo love to hike or simply lounge on the porch with incredible mountain views, this is the spot for you. Rocky Mountain National Park has some of the best hiking in the state, and you’ll be perched right at the entrance.
Kick back with a glass of wine and watch the sunset over Lake Estes, indulge in a post-hike couples massage, or feast on Frontier Trout and other “modern mountain fare” at Bird & Jim. Unlike many of the state’s smaller mountain towns, Estes is full of adorable walking streets lined with used book shops, antique stores, and cafes. It’s the perfect place to unwind after quality time in the park or to grab morning caffeine at my favorite local coffee shop–Kind Coffee. And, seasonality doesn’t matter: Estes Park is downright charming in the winter.
Recommended Stay: Mountain Village at Lake Estes
If lounging in a bubbling hot tub with an old fashioned before getting steamy indoors with your hubby is your idea of a good time, then check out Mountain Village at Lake Estes, a cluster of reasonably-priced luxury cabins set on the banks of Lake Estes, a stone’s throw from the famous (and haunted) Stanley Hotel.
Each home comes well-appointed with a full chef’s kitchen, perfect for lazy mornings making eggs and sipping coffee. They each have a flat-screen TV for cuddly movie nights and loads of faux fur throws for couch canoodling.
Best Romantic Getaway for Desert Lovers: Grand Junction, Colorado
Personally, I love that Grand Junction is having a moment. This underrated gem on the agricultural and red rock-centric western slope of Colorado is getting built-up, meaning that loads of activities, wine tastings, and fantastic restaurants are springing up. (Once, I even found a vegan-friendly coffee shop on my travels through town.)
The town is in the heart of the state’s agricultural zone (come summertime, everyone will ask you to try the local Palisade peaches), so chic farm-to-table dining experiences abound. There are also a bevy of vineyards in the neighboring hills. And, like nearly every town in Colorado, outdoor activities that are sure to get you and your honey’s heart racing abound. Grand Junction boasts some of the best mountain biking and river rafting in the country. Plus, Grand Junction’s desert landscape means the weather never gets that cold—if you’re looking to skip out on snow, head to Junction.
Recommended Stay: Gateway Canyons
With its plush linens, southwest-inspired décor, and seriously show-stopping red rock vistas, Gateway Canyons is one of those resorts that’s hard to leave to explore in-town adventures. Plus, what’s more romantic than an elegant spa date and five-million-star restaurant? For couples who like to get their hearts pumping before unwinding back at the hotel, the on-site adventure concierge can help arrange anything from climbing to off-roading.
Best Romantic Getaway for Star Gazers: Bailey, Colorado
Located a mere 45-minute drive from the metropolis of Denver, Bailey is one of those teeny tiny mountain communities that city slickers head to when they want to get away from it all. Because of its remote location (and high elevation of 7,739 feet), it’s a phenomenal spot to rent a cabin, snuggle up with your significant other, and gaze up at the stars.
In town, travelers can indulge in quirky diner delights at the hot dog-shaped Coney Island Boardwalk, test their teamwork at the Treehouse Adventure Park, or grab a hearty stack of hotcakes at Cutthroat Café. If you’re feeling extra-active on your mini-moon, try one of the dozens of nearby hikes in the Mount Evans Wilderness. There’s no shortage of beauty but you’ll find plenty of solitude.
Recommended Stay: Front Range A-Frame with Cedar Hot Tub
This architectural A-frame is so much more than your average cabin. Designed by Whitney Bradberry, the site has been featured by HGTV and boasts oodles of fab amenities to keep you and your partner comfortable while you pamper each other. Try to spot meteors from the sizzling cedar hot tub (or the crackling outdoor fire pit), treat your bu to a tasty meal in the high-end kitchen, get bendy on the included yoga mats, or simply sleep in and snuggle in the uber-soft bamboo sheets. Local tip: it’s also away from that horrible I-70 winter traffic!
Best Romantic Getaway for Foodies: Almont and Crested Butte, Colorado
Though Almont is revered for its epic whitewater rafting, nearby Crested Butte is a surprisingly fantastic foodie town. I recently road tripped over from Boulder with my boyfriend and we spent the entire long weekend gorging ourselves on random finds around town and soaking in Cottonwood Hot Springs (Okay, there’s more than food in Crested Butte. Check out the absolutely stunning wildflower hikes come July; Snodgrass Mountain is a favorite.)
Our favorite ways to replenish those calories we hiked off? The boho-fabulous Secret Stash pizzeria, farm-to-table fare at The Sunflower, and homemade ice cream creations at Tin Cup.
Insider’s Tip: If you time it right in the fall, head to the famous Kebler Pass for the best fall color you’ve ever seen.
Recommended Stay: Taylor River Lodge Cabins
Though it’s a (beautiful) 30-minute drive from town, the cabins at Taylor River Lodge are truly remarkable and truly luxurious. With thoughtful design touches like Indian block-printed pillows, oversized wood soaking tubs, and antler-framed furnishings, each of the property’s cabins is gorgeous.
The grounds aren’t too shabby, either. With locally-sourced, chef-driven cuisine three meals a day at the resort, an indoor saltwater pool, on-site spa, yoga studio, and hang space, complete with foosball and pool, you and your lover will assuredly never be bored.
Best Romantic Getaway for Mining History: Victor, Colorado
It’s a quintessentially Colorado experience to motor off to a boom-and-bust mining town set high in the Rocky Mountains, as my partner and I did back in 2021. Set 5 minutes down the road from Cripple Creek, Victor is full of old-timey brick architecture, saloon digs, and historic sites. Fantasy geeks will also love the short hike up to Rita the Troll, a gigantic wooden troll hidden in the forest (but seriously).
Back in the day, Victor was known as the City of Mines because the largest (and richest!) gold mines in the area were located just above Victor. If you visit, the Cripple Creek and Victor Gold Mine are still active today.
Recommended Stay: 105 West Ranch
Because of its awesome 100-acres of space, views of Pikes Peak, and on-site trails, my partner and I hardly ever left 105 West Ranch once we arrived for our weekend stay. This swoon-worthy glamping escape is ideal for couples who value serenity and privacy above all else, set down a bumpy dirt road (two wheel drive is totally fine) in the bucolic Rocky Mountains. It’s pup-friendly and full of great views for early morning coffee hangs and post-hike beers alike. And, in my experience, there’s no cell service on the property, allowing you to connect fully with your love.
Equipped with a tiny house, geodesic dome, and a roomy canvas cowboy tent, there’s room to spread out and choose your own lodging adventure, depending on your preferred level of glamp. Pro tip: The tiny house has the most room and amenities if you’re looking to indulge on your nature retreat.
Best Romantic Getaway for a Splurge: Dolores and Telluride, Colorado
Dolores might not be the first spot on the tip of your tongue when asking about Colorado vacations, but this tiny town is home to the state’s premier archeological museum, Canyon of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum. Mesa Verde National Park is also a manageable 25-minute drive away.
Nearby Telluride is surely a more iconic destination, revered for its wildflower-studded hikes in the summertime (and cheesy pizza bites at Brown Dog afterwards) and sky-high ski slopes in the winter. Even if you’re not so into skiing, you can still ride the gondola and marvel at sweeping views with your hubby.
Of course, Telluride isn’t known for being affordable so bring your wallet for this vacation (especially if you zip over to Dunton Hot Springs). But it’s beautiful and iconic for a reason— it’s worth it.
Recommended Stay: Dunton Hot Springs
Stylish, lavish, and inclusive-enough to never need to leave, Dunton Hot Springs is a bucket-list destination for hot spring seekers from across the country (including me when I still lived in California). It’s routinely hailed as one of the top thermal spring lodges in the world, and once you see its plethora of one-of-a-kind luxe, historic cabins, you’ll see why.
Not only does this remote site offer fly fishing opportunities, fiery fall colors, an old timey saloon, horseback riding, and outdoor yoga classes, it’s also home to geothermally-fed indoor and outdoor soaking pools, as its name suggests. At night, guests can sip a glass of cabernet in the communal dining area and gab about their adventurous (or relaxing) days as they dine on chef-prepared meals.
Best Budget Romantic Getaway: Granby and Grand Lake, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park has become a thing of legend for public land enthusiasts like me. But the truth is that sometimes, I prefer visiting a park’s less-traveled side and escaping the tourist throngs in favor of uncrowded hikes and locally-run restaurants. Bonus: When you visit the quieter entrance, you can usually find lower prices, too.
This was 100% the vibe when my boyfriend and I rolled into Granby for an affordable long weekend getaway (he’s in grad school, and I just bought my first condo, so we’re in strict budgeting mode). Not only is the area stocked with tasty eateries (try the elk chili or Brickhouse Burger at Brickhouse40), but there are loads of uncrowded trails in Rocky Mountain’s less-trammeled western side, too. Our top pick? The high-alpine Ute Trail.
Oh, and if you’re craving a sweet pastry treat and a double-espresso, as my Seattle-native boyfriend often does, don’t miss Blue Water Bakery in Grand Lake.
Recommended Stay: YMCA of the Rockies – Snow Mountain Ranch
We get it; not every couple’s trip has to cost thousands of dollars. Thanks to the funky 1970s cabins at the YMCA of the Rockies, your national park vacay won’t break the bank. There’s plenty of ultra-fun activities that’ll allow you to spend wholesome time together in summer and in winter: Nordic skiing, dog sledding, horseback riding, private hiking trails, roller skating, and mini golf.
And, the vintage, wood-paneled cabins here are spacious enough to lounge around in and snuggle up with a good book (or cook in the full kitchens). My favorite part of this stay? It was dog-friendly, so I could bring my pup instead of splurging on a sitter.
Best Romantic Getaway for Creatives: Rino District, Denver, Colorado
Maybe an urban getaway isn’t at the top of your list, but hear me out: for the funky bohemian couple that lives near Denver (or is just passing through for the weekend), there’s no better place to escape the day-to-day monotony of your desk job than the city’s most notorious arts district: Rino.
The area is a veritable mecca for lovers of good food and spirits (check out the drool-worthy New American cuisine at Point Easy), plus it’s a stone’s throw from Meow Wolf, a massive immersive art installation helmed by a Santa Fe collective that just opened in 2021. Stroll while admiring the area’s colorful street art, grab lunch at the lively and diverse Denver Central Market–don’t miss the vibrant confections at Temper–and, at night, Grab a mixologist-crafted cocktail at Death & Co.
Insider Tip: Visit in the fall for the renowned street art festival, Denver Walls.
Recommended Stay: The Ramble Hotel
The Ramble Hotel is a newly-opened boutique stay in the heart of Rino. It prides itself on offering a bit of an elegant, gothic escape from everyday life. Its rooms boast pillowtop mattresses, portraits of ravens, rich velvet lounge chairs, and sparkling chandeliers. Too tired to leave the property after your evening canoodling? Grab dim sum-style Latin American eats at Super Mega Bien.
Best Romantic Getaway for Skiers: Vail, Colorado
Though it’s full of fantastic romance-worthy activities in the summer, too (like the idyllic Betty Ford Alpine Gardens), Vail truly shines during the winter months, when it famously turns into a slopeside wonderland for those who love to zoom downhill. It’s steeped in ski history. Not only did the 10th Mountain Division ski train in the back bowls of Vail during World War II, but Vail also housed the first-ever ski gondola in the United States.
Science shows that doing novel, adrenaline-filled activities together can rekindle your romantic fulfillment and spark, and when you aren’t racing each other at Vail Ski Resort, you can play footsie under the table at one of the mountain town’s many delicious restaurants, like The Left Bank, which serves elegant, authentic French cuisine.
Recommended Stay: Four Seasons Resort Vail
Always at the height of tasteful elegance when it comes to hotels, the Four Seasons Vail offers lavish linens and modern rooms that are well-appointed with fireplaces, flatscreens, enormous soaking tubs, and frosty mountain views. A world-class spa and mixologist-helmed Remedy Bar ensure that, even on your active couple’s escape, you won’t have to suffer.
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Seen in: Colorado, Rockies, Romantic Getaways, West, Where to Stay, Where to Stay in Colorado
