Living in Westminster means you're perfectly positioned to explore some of Colorado’s best destinations without spending half your trip on the road. Whether you're craving mountains, hot springs, or small-town charm, there’s no shortage of quick escapes that start right outside your front door. From outdoor adventure to relaxed retreats, here are the best weekend trips from Westminster, CO to add to your travel list.
Estes Park & Rocky Mountain National Park
Drive Time: ~1.5 hours
Estes Park is one of the most iconic weekend trips from Westminster, offering a scenic and activity-packed getaway just an hour and a half to the northwest. This mountain town serves as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, where hiking, wildlife watching, and alpine views make it a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts.
Spend the day exploring Trail Ridge Road (seasonal), or hike to Dream Lake and Alberta Falls for accessible but rewarding trails. Back in town, enjoy local dining, riverside breweries, and shops along Elkhorn Avenue. Whether you're visiting in summer for hiking or in fall for golden aspens and elk bugling, Estes Park makes for a well-rounded and convenient escape.
Breckenridge
Drive Time: ~2 hours
For mountain charm with year-round appeal, Breckenridge is a top pick. This historic mining town turned ski destination offers far more than winter sports, though its powder days are legendary. In warmer months, Breckenridge is ideal for mountain biking, hiking, or simply strolling through its walkable downtown filled with local boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.
Families will appreciate attractions like the Breckenridge Alpine Slide and scenic chairlift rides, while couples often book cozy cabins or enjoy après-ski spots with mountain views. As one of the most versatile weekend trips from Westminster, CO, Breckenridge hits the mark for both adventure and relaxation.
Glenwood Springs
Drive Time: ~3 hours
If you're in need of a wellness reset, Glenwood Springs offers a weekend of hot springs soaking and mountain scenery. The town’s most famous attraction, Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, is the largest mineral hot springs pool in the world. Newer additions like Iron Mountain Hot Springs offer more private, modern soaking experiences.
Beyond the pools, Glenwood Springs is home to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, Hanging Lake Trail (permit required), and the Colorado River for rafting or fishing. It’s a longer drive, but well worth it for a mix of outdoor fun and restorative downtime.
Steamboat Springs
Drive Time: ~3.5 hours
Steamboat Springs offers a true Colorado mountain town experience, with a mix of natural beauty, rich Western heritage, and year-round activities. Known for its famous Champagne Powder® in the winter and buzzing outdoor scene in the summer, Steamboat is a favorite for skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and après-ski fun.
In the warmer months, enjoy hiking to Fish Creek Falls, tubing the Yampa River, or soaking in the natural hot springs at Strawberry Park. Meanwhile, the historic downtown area features art galleries, local shops, and farm-to-table restaurants. Whether you're hitting the slopes or unwinding in a mineral soak, Steamboat makes for one of the most memorable weekend trips from Westminster, CO.
Grand Lake
Drive Time: ~2.5 hours
Tucked on the western edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake is often quieter than Estes Park and just as scenic. The lake itself is the largest natural body of water in Colorado, ideal for kayaking, boating, or lakeside lounging during the summer. In winter, it becomes a hub for snowmobiling and Nordic skiing.
Downtown Grand Lake offers a quaint boardwalk, small-town dining, and access to hiking trails that connect directly to RMNP. It’s a perfect escape if you're looking for mountain charm with fewer crowds.
Crested Butte
Drive Time: ~4.5 hours
If you're looking for a weekend trip that feels like a true getaway, Crested Butte is well worth the drive. Known as one of Colorado’s most picturesque mountain towns, Crested Butte offers stunning scenery, a walkable downtown, and year-round outdoor adventure. In summer, visitors flock here for hiking, mountain biking, and wildflower festivals, while winter transforms the area into a top-tier ski destination with fewer crowds than the bigger resorts.
The town itself is full of charm, with colorful Victorian buildings, cozy cafés, and unique boutiques. It’s a perfect destination for couples, families, or anyone craving a mix of high-alpine beauty and authentic mountain-town atmosphere. For a more immersive mountain experience, Crested Butte is a must-visit.
Aspen
Drive Time: ~4 hours
For a weekend trip that blends luxury with rugged mountain beauty, Aspen is a top-tier destination. Known for its world-class skiing and upscale charm, Aspen also shines in the summer and fall with vibrant cultural events, high-elevation hiking, and some of the most scenic drives in the state, including the breathtaking Independence Pass.
Stroll through the pedestrian-friendly downtown, where you’ll find art galleries, designer shopping, and award-winning restaurants. Nearby trails like the Maroon Bells offer unforgettable photo ops and serene alpine lakes, making Aspen one of the most iconic weekend trips for those looking to unwind in style and take in Colorado’s natural splendor.
Leadville
Drive Time: ~2.5 hours
As the highest incorporated city in the U.S., Leadville offers both history and high-altitude adventure. Once a booming mining town, Leadville is now a favorite for hiking, mountain biking, and learning about Colorado’s frontier past. The Mineral Belt Trail provides scenic walking and biking paths, while nearby Turquoise Lake is perfect for paddleboarding or fishing in summer.
The historic downtown features museums, coffee shops, and a growing food scene. For a weekend with a little altitude and a lot of character, Leadville delivers.
Discover Your Home Base with Jennifer Stuckey
One of the best parts about living in Westminster is how close it puts you to so many of Colorado’s best destinations. From mountains to hot springs, breweries to historic towns, the weekend trips from Westminster, CO are both abundant and accessible. If you’re thinking about relocating or exploring homes in the area, Jennifer Stuckey offers local knowledge, personalized guidance, and a real estate experience that puts your goals first. Reach out today to learn more about living in Westminster—and why it's the perfect launch point for your Colorado lifestyle.
