Great Weekend Getaways Near Denver

Mesa Verde, Colorado

The cliff dwellings, scenery and history make this a trip for those who don’t mind stretching their legs after a fairly long road trip (it’s up to 9 hours to get there). There are a variety of vacation packages that can make Mesa Verde very enjoyable. Weather you’re a sleeping under the stars type or sleeping in a 4 star hotel type, there are several choices near Mesa Verde. I recommend staying in Durango as it is a great, old west town that has nice accommodations. Cortez is closer to the cliff dwellings; it’s okay, but a bit on the unpleasant side for discount motels.

I highly recommend going to the Mesa Verde National Park Museum first – especially if you are new to the area.

There are many ways to get down to Mesa Verde. I usually take the longer route as it’s along I-25 South which can be a fast highway. Once you get to Walsenburg, head west on HWY 160 which will take you into Durango. From there you can either continue one HWY 160 to Cortez or head southwest to Mesa Verde (following the signs - it’s easy).

There are several ways to go and I suggest using Mapquest to find a route to your taste.

Be VERY careful in town; there are a lot of cops in Durango and Cortez.  

Estes Park, Colorado

It never ceases to amaze me how many people in Denver I know that have never been to Estes Park. Now, many of those folk are transplants and have never been privy to the overwhelming beauty of Estes Park.
This is a very family friendly area with a variety of diversion (especially in non winter months). Check out some of the great events happening in the heart of Estes.

Oh, and for you Italian food lovers – you’ve GOT to try the Dunraven Inn, it’s so good!

The Stanley Hotel is a major tourist’s stop (and a mighty nice hotel) and I recommend swinging by. This is the same hotel that the original “Shining” movie was filmed AND Steven King once stayed there (which is where he got the idea for the story after some unusual occurrences).

Trail Ridge Road  “”">America’s highest continuous highway.” First opened in 1938, the 48 mile road twists from Estes Park</st1:placetype> to Grand Lake (there is a short loop that takes you from Este, back to Estes). There are several scenic spots to stop and a few bathrooms. Trail Ridge Road’s peak is 12,183 feet; make sure you have plenty of gas and drink that water!

This is one of the easiest getaways to access among my few suggestions and should only take an hour and a ½ from Pepsi Center as it’s about 65 miles. Take northbound I 25 to US 36 West. This will take you into the heart of Estes Park.

Moab, Utah

Anybody worth their salt in the rough n’ tough 4X4 world knows Moab as one of the best off road locations on the planet. Trails go from easy dirt roads that explore the amazing Arches National Park to the most insane obstacles on the face of the earth.

There is so much more to Moab.

EVERY recreation can be explored and even road bicyclists can enjoy excellent roads (during non winter months). There’s camping, climbing, fishing, off road EVERYTHING, hiking, golfing (I’m told “The Hideout Golf Course” is amazing) and rafting in one of the most scenic desert locations in the states. The family can enjoy Arches National Park, which truly is a wonder of nature. You can drive the whole thing in your car, bike or hike major portions.

Moab itself has great taverns, shops, restaurants and motels.

From the Pepsi Center, the trip is about 5 hours and change (340 – 360 miles give or take, depending on your route). I’ve made it in 4 hours and change – mostly around the speed limit. Basically, take the I70 West passing Grand Junction. Exit #182 and head south (you’ll see signs for Arches National Park  and Moab). You will pass the Arches National Park entrance as you continue south. A few miles later – you’ll be in Moab!

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Yes, Santa Fe is a bit of a drive – but, it’s worth it. My wife and I have driven this route a few times (essentially south on I25 for 6 hours – 389 miles) and had a wonderful time summer and winter.

The beauty of Santa Fe is awe inspiring. There is something that has yet to be over cultivated like a majority of our country’s destinations.Santa Fe has inspired artists, poets, writers, photographers and still maintains a hold on many visitors (some of my European ancestors liked it so much, they moved directly there only weeks after getting off the boat).

Check out the 100th anniversary of Santa Fe at: http://museumofnewmexico.org/calendar100.php</font  and enjoy the nearly year-round selection of festivals. It may only be 6 hours away, but it feels like another country.

The choices of motels and Hotels are vast. I highly recommend one of a dozen adobe-style hotels and motels as many will help you get into the whole New Mexico rhythm.  From the Pepsi Center take the I25 South for 5 hours and change for 389 miles. Uh, that’s about it as you will see exit 282B which will direct you right into down town. PLEASE try the local fare as it is AMAZING!