When planning a trip to Denver, Colorado, many travelers focus on finding the perfect accommodations within the city limits. However, there are many amazing places to stay just outside of Denver that offer a unique and refreshing alternative to the hustle and bustle of city life. From charming mountain towns to quaint suburbs, these surrounding areas provide easy access to Denver’s attractions while offering a more relaxed and peaceful atmosphere.
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Denver’s surrounding areas offer a diverse range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to cozy bed and breakfasts, and from modern hotels to rustic cabins. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, or simply a relaxing getaway, there’s a perfect place to stay outside of Denver that fits your needs. In this guide, we’ll explore the best places to stay outside of Denver, highlighting their unique characteristics, attractions, and amenities.
Discover the Hidden Gems
From the scenic beauty of the Rocky Mountains to the charm of historic towns, the areas surrounding Denver are filled with hidden gems waiting to be discovered. By staying outside of Denver, you’ll not only experience a more laid-back atmosphere but also have the opportunity to explore unique attractions, enjoy outdoor activities, and indulge in local cuisine. So, if you’re ready to venture beyond the city limits and uncover the best places to stay outside of Denver, let’s get started!
Best Places to Stay Outside of Denver
Denver, the vibrant capital of Colorado, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and a thriving cultural scene. However, if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, there are plenty of amazing places to stay outside of Denver that offer a unique and unforgettable experience. In this article, we’ll explore the best places to stay outside of Denver, from charming mountain towns to scenic rural retreats.
Mountain Towns
Colorado is famous for its majestic mountains, and staying in a mountain town is an excellent way to experience the state’s natural beauty. Here are some of the best mountain towns to stay outside of Denver:
- Estes Park: Located at the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is a charming mountain town that offers stunning views, outdoor recreation, and a range of accommodations from cozy cabins to luxury resorts.
- Boulder: Just 30 minutes northwest of Denver, Boulder is a popular mountain town that boasts a vibrant downtown area, outdoor recreation opportunities, and a range of accommodations from budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts.
- Georgetown: This historic mining town is nestled in the Rocky Mountains, about an hour west of Denver. Georgetown offers a range of accommodations, including cozy bed and breakfasts, cabins, and hotels, and is a great base for exploring the surrounding mountains.
- Winter Park: Located about an hour and a half west of Denver, Winter Park is a popular ski resort town that offers a range of accommodations, including ski-in/ski-out condos, cabins, and hotels.
- Breckenridge: This world-famous ski resort town is about two hours west of Denver and offers a range of accommodations, including ski-in/ski-out condos, cabins, and hotels, as well as a lively downtown area with shops, restaurants, and bars.
Rural Retreats
If you’re looking for a more peaceful and secluded experience, consider staying in a rural retreat outside of Denver. Here are some of the best rural retreats to stay outside of Denver: (See Also: Best Places To Stay In El Salvador)
- Lyons: This charming rural town is about 30 minutes northwest of Denver and offers a range of accommodations, including cozy bed and breakfasts, cabins, and vacation rentals. Lyons is surrounded by scenic countryside and offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities.
- Nederland: Located about 45 minutes west of Denver, Nederland is a quirky rural town that offers a range of accommodations, including cabins, vacation rentals, and camping sites. The town is surrounded by scenic countryside and offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities.
- Ward: This tiny rural town is about an hour west of Denver and offers a range of accommodations, including cozy cabins, vacation rentals, and camping sites. Ward is surrounded by scenic countryside and offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities.
- Jamestown: Located about an hour northwest of Denver, Jamestown is a charming rural town that offers a range of accommodations, including cozy bed and breakfasts, cabins, and vacation rentals. The town is surrounded by scenic countryside and offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities.
Scenic Byways
Colorado is home to some of the most scenic byways in the country, and staying along one of these routes is a great way to experience the state’s natural beauty. Here are some of the best scenic byways to stay outside of Denver:
| Scenic Byway | Description | Accommodations |
|---|---|---|
| Peak to Peak Scenic Byway | This scenic byway runs from Estes Park to Black Hawk and offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. | Estes Park, Lyons, Nederland, Ward |
| Mount Evans Scenic Byway | This scenic byway runs from Idaho Springs to the top of Mount Evans and offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. | Idaho Springs, Georgetown, Evergreen |
| Lariat Loop Scenic Byway | This scenic byway runs from Golden to Evergreen and offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. | Golden, Evergreen, Morrison |
Outdoor Recreation
One of the main reasons to stay outside of Denver is to experience the state’s incredible outdoor recreation opportunities. Here are some of the best outdoor activities to enjoy outside of Denver:
- Hiking: Colorado has thousands of miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips.
- Skiing and Snowboarding: The Rocky Mountains offer some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the country, with resorts like Winter Park, Breckenridge, and Keystone.
- Fishing: Colorado has thousands of lakes, rivers, and streams, offering endless opportunities for fishing.
- Camping: With millions of acres of public land, Colorado offers plenty of opportunities for camping, from primitive sites to luxury RV resorts.
- Cycling: Colorado has a thriving cycling community, with thousands of miles of bike trails, from easy cruisers to challenging mountain bike routes.
Food and Drink
While staying outside of Denver, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to try some of Colorado’s famous food and drink. Here are some of the best local specialties:
- Craft Beer: Colorado is home to over 300 craft breweries, offering a wide range of styles and flavors.
- Farm-to-Table Cuisine: Many restaurants outside of Denver focus on using locally sourced ingredients, offering a taste of Colorado’s fresh produce and meats.
- Rocky Mountain Oysters: Also known as bull testicles, this local specialty is often served as an appetizer or main course.
- Green Chile: A staple of Colorado cuisine, green chile is a spicy sauce made from roasted green chilies, often served over tacos, burritos, or eggs.
Recap
In conclusion, staying outside of Denver offers a unique and unforgettable experience. From charming mountain towns to scenic rural retreats, there are plenty of amazing places to stay outside of Denver. Whether you’re looking for outdoor recreation, scenic drives, or local food and drink, there’s something for everyone in the Rocky Mountains. So why not venture out of the city and experience all that Colorado has to offer?
Remember to consider the following key points when planning your trip: (See Also: Best Places To Stay Door County Wisconsin)
- Mountain towns like Estes Park, Boulder, and Breckenridge offer a range of accommodations and outdoor recreation opportunities.
- Rural retreats like Lyons, Nederland, and Ward offer a peaceful and secluded experience.
- Scenic byways like the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway and Mount Evans Scenic Byway offer stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.
- Outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, fishing, and camping are plentiful in the Rocky Mountains.
- Local food and drink specialties like craft beer, farm-to-table cuisine, and green chile are a must-try.
By considering these key points, you’ll be well on your way to planning an unforgettable trip outside of Denver. Happy travels!
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Places to Stay Outside of Denver
What are some popular towns to stay in near Denver?
Boulder, Golden, and Lakewood are popular towns to stay in near Denver. They offer a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly options to luxury hotels, and are within a 30-45 minute drive to downtown Denver.
Are there any ski resorts near Denver that offer accommodations?
Yes, there are several ski resorts near Denver that offer accommodations. Some popular options include Winter Park, Breckenridge, and Keystone. These resorts offer a range of lodging options, from budget-friendly condos to luxury ski-in/ski-out hotels.
What are some affordable options for staying outside of Denver?
Consider staying in towns like Aurora, Wheat Ridge, or Arvada, which offer more affordable accommodations compared to downtown Denver. You can also look into vacation rentals, hostels, or camping options for a more budget-friendly stay. (See Also: Best Places To Stay Panama City Beach)
Can I stay in the mountains and still access Denver easily?
Yes, there are several mountain towns within an hour’s drive to Denver. Towns like Evergreen, Conifer, and Morrison offer a more rural experience while still being accessible to Denver. You can also consider staying in towns like Idaho Springs or Georgetown, which are along the I-70 corridor and offer easy access to Denver.
Are there any pet-friendly accommodations available outside of Denver?
Yes, many hotels, vacation rentals, and resorts outside of Denver are pet-friendly. Be sure to check the pet policy before booking, as some may have breed or size restrictions. You can also consider staying in pet-friendly towns like Boulder, which has many dog-friendly parks and trails.
