Looking for the perfect romantic getaway in Colorado? While Colorado is full of adventure in the summer, it still calls people to explore during the chilly months. From snowshoeing and hot air ballooning to finding the best hot springs, Colorado makes the perfect getaway for couples seeking some closeness and connection.
Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is located a little over an hour south of Denver. It is the largest city (by area) in Colorado. While it has a large, urban area downtown, it is surrounded by nature and fun things to do.
Check-in to the Broadmoor, a gorgeous and large luxury resort south of downtown. Enjoy the spa on site, filled with luxurious treatments. You can relax between appointments in the steam room, sauna, or even the oxygen room.
Another activity to have a perfect time in Colorado Springs during the winter is to take a nice and easy stroll through the Garden of the Gods. These tall, red rock structures are inspiring and some of the most beautiful geological features you’ll find. If you catch them after a snowfall, they are even more beautiful with their contrasting colors. For a romantic bonus, make sure to find the Kissing Camel’s formation.
Then, head over to Manitou Springs to catch the Cog up Pikes Peak. The ride is just over an hour and provides scenic views for 9 miles up the mountain to just over 14,000 feet. Enjoy eye- level views of other snowy peaks in the area.
At the end of a fun-filled day, spend your evening skating outside at Acacia Park. Tickets include skate rental, and a fun time gliding under string lights hand-in-hand.
You can find the most romantic meal at Mona Lisa Fondue. It’s located just down the road in Manitou Springs and serves up four-course meals that include salad, cheese fondue, an entrée, and a chocolate fondue assortment for dessert.
Steamboat Springs
Steamboat is located about three hours northwest of Denver. But the drive is worth it for couples to find that romantic getaway in Colorado. Winter brings unique fun that summer doesn’t provide.
Check in to the Steamboat Grand Hotel, which offers plenty of room options to fit your needs. You’ll also get a year-round outdoor heated pool with two large hot tubs, plus a steam room and sauna near the fitness area.
Skiing couples will enjoy the fresh powder at Steamboat Resort and the great ski area plaza at the base. Winter also brings an ice rink to the base area, perfect for couples wanting to get that Hallmark-style ice skating moment in.
Spend one of the mornings with a bird’s eye view of the Yampa Valley as you ascend in a hot air balloon. As if a hot air balloon wasn’t romantic enough, Wild West Ballooning also throws in a champagne ceremony after your early morning flight.
Perhaps the best way to spend your romantic getaway in Colorado is to drive 20 minutes from town up to Strawberry Hot Springs. This location is arguably the most beautiful, natural hot spring in Colorado. After dark hours bring people out in their most natural state.
In the evening, head over to Schmiggity’s on the main street (Lincoln) for food and live music. They even offer dancing on the schedule. Or enjoy a romantic dinner at Mambo, an intimate Italian restaurant where everything is made
from scratch.
Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Springs is a pretty direct drive down I-70, about 3 hours west of Denver. While Steamboat may hold the most beautiful hot springs, Glenwood has bragging rights to the largest hot spring pool.
Guests staying at the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort will have unlimited access to the hot springs. But even if you choose somewhere else to stay, you can still purchase a day pass. Besides soaking up the benefits and warmth of the hot springs, adventurous couples can also find romance on the prettiest hike in Colorado.
Hanging Lake can be accessed just a few miles down I-70. You’ll need a permit/reservation and some spikes on your shoes, but the extra effort will be worth it.
Hanging Lake is known as one of the most beautiful spots in the state. Winter time is no exception as you’ll get a view of the lake frozen over and the falls behind it an icy, frozen backdrop.
Warm up in a natural, geothermal steam bath at the Yampah Vapor Caves. This experience is intimately located inside a cave that stays between 110-112 degrees (F). You’ll get to soak in the warmth for a bit, then move to a cooling room to rest.
The caves are heated by the hot spring water that flows just behind the caves. It brings in natural, therapeutic waters with over 30 beneficial trace minerals you can soak up. Enjoy a delicious meal at Riviera Scratch Kitchen, which was voted by locals as the Best Restaurant, Best Place to Take a Date, Best Chef, and more!
Telluride
Telluride is located in the southwest quadrant of Colorado, just a little over 6 hours from Denver.
Since it is so far from the city, it is a great place for couples to ski and have a more intimate overall experience.
First, check-in to The Peaks resort located in the Mountain Village area of Telluride. It’s home to the largest spa/fitness center in Colorado. You’ll also get in indoor pool and lap pool, plus a restaurant on site giving you sweeping views of Telluride.
Couples who ski will love skiing at Telluride. Even USA Today ranked Telluride as the #1 ski resort. It’s known for great snow, fewer crowds, and great runs (one stretches over 4.5 miles!) Whether you ski or not, one romantic experience in Telluride is riding the free gondola. The Mountain Village Gondola picks you up in Telluride and takes you up the mountain, past Allred’s Restaurant (the best romantic spot to eat, by the way), and up to Mountain Village. Mountain Village is its town. It’s unique in that you can get around by free gondola to different parts of town. But it also has plenty of things to do and great shopping and dining.
Adventurous couples can also put on their spikes and take the hike up to Bridal Veil Falls, the tallest waterfall in Colorado. Even in the winter, this is accessible, as you can hike up the OHV road to the falls.
Looking for more warmth and comfort? A short 1-hour drive over to Ouray will land you at some great hot springs. While the hot springs are great, the scenery is really what will blow you away. Ouray is known as the Switzerland of America, meaning you’ll be nestled between steep mountains as you soak.
Other great things to do in Telluride in winter include stopping at Town Park for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or ice skating at the Hanley Ice Rink.
But for the most romantic activity, book a magical sleigh ride. You’ll get picked up in town at the courthouse, and then enjoy a cozy ride snuggled under warm blankets around a local ranch. You’ll even be provided with hot drinks and s’mores.
Vail
As long as you don’t drive during ski traffic hours, Vail is just under 2 hours west of Denver. When you arrive in Vail, check-in to the Four Seasons for an upscale, romantic experience.
Pro Tip: occasionally, Groupon will have Four Seasons deals
This posh town is popular for a reason. Skiers love the great terrain, and as the 3rd largest ski resort in the US, there is lots of it. Spend a day on the slopes together, making sure to stop at The 10th on the mountain for a delicious, upscale, romantic meal.
Non-skiers can head to the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens with their snowshoes in tow and spend the day tromping through any fresh powder. Or head to the Nature Discovery Center if you’d like a free guided snowshoe hike.
You can take a romantic gondola ride up the mountain at Vail, but unlike Telluride, it’ll cost you. Scenic rides include rides on Eagle Bahn gondola or the Gondola One.
Vail is awesome for its outdoor ice rinks. For that great movie feel, try out the Arabelle Ice Rink in Lionshead Village. You’ll appreciate the twinkling light ambience and warm fires when you need a break.
Being a posh town, Vail is home to a few luxurious spas. After a day skiing or snowshoeing, treat yourselves to a romantic day at the spa.
Four Seasons is luxury at its finest. They offer an incredible on-site, full-service spa with couple’s treatment options such as massage, marine mud detox, or a body scrub. Book a few treatments and relax in the sauna, steam room, or whirlpool in between. Or just hang out and relax in the lounge.
Sit down to a perfect dinner at Left Bank. You’ll enjoy French Cuisine with a modern flair by the executive chef. They pride themselves in being a repeat restaurant for those celebrating special anniversaries and occasions.
Pagosa Springs
Pagosa Springs is located about 5 hours southwest of Colorado, not far from the New Mexico border. Couples will love this smaller, beautiful town nestled in the San Juan Mountains.
Pagosa Springs is well known for its hot springs. Check-in to the beautiful Springs Resort to enjoy unlimited access to the incredible hot springs on site.
The Springs Resort can be your main attraction for your romantic winter getaway in Colorado. Spend plenty of time in the beautiful pools, but also make sure to check out the full service spa for couples treatments.
Couples will also love the wellness activities on site. Invigorate yourselves in a yoga session, or find your inner peace with a singing bowl session as you enjoy the hum from Tibetan singing bowls.
The resort also offers guided strolls along the river with stretching intermixed, guided meditations, gratitude ceremonies, and many more offerings. Romance and relaxation can start and end at the Springs Resort. However, the resort is often booked or can be out of the price range. If that’s the case, there is plenty of romance waiting outside.
Begin with a stroll along the San Juan River. As you walk, take note of the free, natural hot springs in the river you can soak in together. Nathan’s Hippy Dip is just opposite the visitor’s center in the San Juan River. It’s quite an experience just hopping into a little pot in the river and soaking as the current flows below you.
If you drive north out of town about 20 minutes, you and yours can enjoy a winter hike to an incredible waterfall at Treasure Falls. Put spikes on your shoes first. Though the hike is short, it ascends quickly, making it easy to slip and fall.
Treasure Falls will be frozen over in the winter, which is a unique and cool vision. If you don’t feel like hiking up, you can get a glimpse of it just off the road in the parking area. Spend the evening with a show at the Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts. Here you’ll find seasonal performances and shows that come through, including Warren Miller’s popular ski films.
For a special meal, sit down at Alley House Grill. They specialize in seafood and steak, but also other meats not often seen on menus, like lamb, duck, and bison.
Best Romantic Winter Getaways in Colorado
Can you create a little romance in the wintertime? Absolutely! Colorado is full of romantic getaways all over the state. From taking in views on the top of the mountain in Colorado Springs to soaking and refreshing in some hot springs, Colorado is a great place to create romantic, intimate memories.
Connect with your partner through fun and relaxing activities as you spend time together this winter. Hit the slopes, or don’t. There are plenty of options for a romantic winter getaway in Colorado. And don’t worry if you have to bring your kids with you and can’t go as just a couple. Telluride and Steamboat Springs are some of the best ski resorts for families in Colorado. So you can still have a somewhat romantic weekend while the kids are occupied.
This article originally appeared on The World Overload. Featured Photo Credit: Unsplash