Living in Winter Park means being surrounded by beauty, but sometimes, the best way to appreciate your mountain town is to take a short break from it. Within a few hours’ drive, you’ll find everything from natural hot springs to riverside art towns and alpine lakes. If you’re looking for a quick getaway, these easy weekend trips offer a refreshing change of pace without the hassle of long travel days.
Steamboat Springs: Hot Springs, Hiking, and a Laid-Back Vibe
Drive just two hours northwest, and you’ll land in Steamboat Springs, a town that locals love for its combination of outdoor adventure and unpretentious charm. While it’s known as a ski destination, Steamboat offers much more than winter sports. In every season, the draw is the same: good food, relaxed energy, and nature at your fingertips.
The real highlight, however, is the hot springs. Strawberry Park Hot Springs is tucked into a pine-covered hillside and feels like a true escape. Natural rock pools, quiet forest surroundings, and stargazing at night make it a top choice for locals looking to recharge. The town also offers an extensive trail system for hiking and biking, along with tubing down the Yampa River in summer.
Add in a surprisingly strong culinary scene and a walkable downtown filled with independent shops and breweries, and Steamboat quickly earns its place as one of the most rewarding weekend trips from Winter Park.
The real highlight, however, is the hot springs. Strawberry Park Hot Springs is tucked into a pine-covered hillside and feels like a true escape. Natural rock pools, quiet forest surroundings, and stargazing at night make it a top choice for locals looking to recharge. The town also offers an extensive trail system for hiking and biking, along with tubing down the Yampa River in summer.
Add in a surprisingly strong culinary scene and a walkable downtown filled with independent shops and breweries, and Steamboat quickly earns its place as one of the most rewarding weekend trips from Winter Park.
Buena Vista: Hot Springs, High Peaks, and Small-Town Adventure
About two and a half hours south of Winter Park, Buena Vista delivers big adventure with a laid-back, small-town feel. Tucked between the Collegiate Peaks and the Arkansas River, this destination has become a favorite among mountain town residents looking for something a little different: less touristy, more local, and always scenic.
One of the biggest draws is Cottonwood Hot Springs, where you can soak in natural mineral waters surrounded by trees and mountain views. It’s peaceful, rustic, and never too crowded. For a more resort-style soak, Mount Princeton Hot Springs is just 15 minutes away and offers both riverfront pools and family-friendly amenities.
Beyond the hot springs, Buena Vista is known for whitewater rafting, fly fishing, and hiking trails that range from riverside strolls to high-alpine climbs. The downtown area, called South Main, has been thoughtfully developed with a mix of modern design and mountain charm. You’ll find a riverside brewery, gear shops, and coffee spots with patio seating and mountain views.
Buena Vista may not be as well-known as other Colorado destinations, but that’s part of its appeal. It’s one of those weekend trips that feels both adventurous and restorative, perfect for when you want to slow down, explore, and enjoy a quieter side of Colorado living.
One of the biggest draws is Cottonwood Hot Springs, where you can soak in natural mineral waters surrounded by trees and mountain views. It’s peaceful, rustic, and never too crowded. For a more resort-style soak, Mount Princeton Hot Springs is just 15 minutes away and offers both riverfront pools and family-friendly amenities.
Beyond the hot springs, Buena Vista is known for whitewater rafting, fly fishing, and hiking trails that range from riverside strolls to high-alpine climbs. The downtown area, called South Main, has been thoughtfully developed with a mix of modern design and mountain charm. You’ll find a riverside brewery, gear shops, and coffee spots with patio seating and mountain views.
Buena Vista may not be as well-known as other Colorado destinations, but that’s part of its appeal. It’s one of those weekend trips that feels both adventurous and restorative, perfect for when you want to slow down, explore, and enjoy a quieter side of Colorado living.
Glenwood Springs: Soak, Explore, Repeat
Less than three hours southwest of Winter Park, Glenwood Springs offers a different kind of mountain experience, one focused on wellness, natural beauty, and just a bit of thrill. Anchored by its famous hot springs, Glenwood is a favorite for those who want to relax and play in equal measure.
Start your trip with a long soak at Iron Mountain Hot Springs, which overlooks the Colorado River and features multiple pools at different temperatures. Or head to the massive Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, where you can swim laps or just float and take in the views. If you’re craving movement, explore the Glenwood Canyon Recreation Trail, which winds along the river and into the cliffs.
For something more adventurous, check out Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, a mountaintop amusement park with cave tours, alpine coasters, and rides that make full use of the elevation. Whether you’re traveling solo or with a family, Glenwood offers something that sticks with you, and it’s no wonder it’s become one of the go-to weekend trips for long-time Winter Park residents.
Start your trip with a long soak at Iron Mountain Hot Springs, which overlooks the Colorado River and features multiple pools at different temperatures. Or head to the massive Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, where you can swim laps or just float and take in the views. If you’re craving movement, explore the Glenwood Canyon Recreation Trail, which winds along the river and into the cliffs.
For something more adventurous, check out Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, a mountaintop amusement park with cave tours, alpine coasters, and rides that make full use of the elevation. Whether you’re traveling solo or with a family, Glenwood offers something that sticks with you, and it’s no wonder it’s become one of the go-to weekend trips for long-time Winter Park residents.
Salida: Art, River Views, and Laid-Back Living
If you’re up for a bit more drive time (around three hours south), you’ll find yourself in Salida, a high-country town where artists, river guides, and entrepreneurs share the same block. It’s quirky, creative, and unapologetically local, with a historic downtown that’s walkable and full of surprises.
What makes Salida stand out is its Arkansas River access, which flows right through town. In summer, it’s alive with paddleboarders, tubers, and kayakers. In winter, nearby Monarch Mountain offers a quieter ski experience with short lift lines and friendly vibes. On dry days, you can hike right from town into the surrounding hills or visit Mount Princeton Hot Springs, located just a short drive away.
The food here is simple but thoughtful, and the coffee shops are the kind where the barista will probably ask where you’re visiting from, and then recommend a trail. For those looking to unplug and feel grounded, Salida is a memorable and meaningful escape from resort-town energy.
What makes Salida stand out is its Arkansas River access, which flows right through town. In summer, it’s alive with paddleboarders, tubers, and kayakers. In winter, nearby Monarch Mountain offers a quieter ski experience with short lift lines and friendly vibes. On dry days, you can hike right from town into the surrounding hills or visit Mount Princeton Hot Springs, located just a short drive away.
The food here is simple but thoughtful, and the coffee shops are the kind where the barista will probably ask where you’re visiting from, and then recommend a trail. For those looking to unplug and feel grounded, Salida is a memorable and meaningful escape from resort-town energy.
The Joy of Weekend Trips
One of the perks of living in Winter Park is just how close it puts you to the rest of Colorado. You’re not stuck choosing between mountain living and convenience, you get both. Whether you're craving natural hot springs, a different trail system, or just a quiet main street with a good cup of coffee, there’s a direction to drive in that will get you exactly what you need.
These weekend trips from Winter Park aren’t about leaving; it’s about expanding the lifestyle. Each destination offers something that complements what you already love about home, whether that’s fresh air, local flavor, or time to unwind. And when Sunday night rolls around, you’re always just a scenic drive from the comfort of your own home.
These weekend trips from Winter Park aren’t about leaving; it’s about expanding the lifestyle. Each destination offers something that complements what you already love about home, whether that’s fresh air, local flavor, or time to unwind. And when Sunday night rolls around, you’re always just a scenic drive from the comfort of your own home.
Find Your Home Base with John Sanderson
If the idea of hopping in the car and discovering something new every weekend sounds like the lifestyle you want, Winter Park might be your perfect basecamp. With its unbeatable access to Colorado’s best towns and outdoor experiences, it’s more than a place to vacation; it’s a place to live well.
To explore real estate opportunities in Winter Park and the surrounding areas, reach out to John Sanderson. With deep local knowledge and a passion for helping clients find the right fit, John can guide you toward a home that puts the Colorado lifestyle right at your fingertips.
To explore real estate opportunities in Winter Park and the surrounding areas, reach out to John Sanderson. With deep local knowledge and a passion for helping clients find the right fit, John can guide you toward a home that puts the Colorado lifestyle right at your fingertips.
