Summer Staycation
Whatever your jam, it’s likely that one of the world’s best destinations to do it is right here in Colorado
Although the snow is flying in the high country now, it’s not too soon to start thinking about a summer getaway — and you don’t have to leave Colorado to find something awesome to do.
Whether it’s a mountain getaway to reconnect with nature or a weekend downtown for dining and entertainment, Colorado has elevated the staycation. All you have to do is decide what kind of adventure you want to have and make a plan.
To help you with the planning, we created a roundup of where to enjoy a Colorado staycation based on your interests. Here’s what we came up with.
Prices listed are average prices for summer. Rates may be more or less depending on dates and availability. Readers are urged to call or visit hotel websites for most current pricing.
Adventure
Buena Vista is considered by some to be the U.S. capital of whitewater rafting, which makes it less suspicious that the Surf Chateau is there. If you’re into any river activities, whether it’s rafting or fishing, the Chateau — or its adjacent sister property, the Surf Hotel — may be the perfect staycation location.
Overlooking the Arkansas River and the Buena Vista Whitewater Park, the Surf Chateau features individual cottages around a private courtyard. The Surf Hotel is more traditional and has an on-site restaurant.
The properties are in the South Main neighborhood, an extension of Buena Vista connecting the bustling old town with the Arkansas River. In addition to rafting, opportunities abound for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, road and mountain biking, fly-fishing and hiking, all within steps of the properties.
Summer pricing ranges from $200 to $350 for weekdays, and $245 to $395 on weekends. The hotels are sold out Aug. 24-Sept. 3 for the Seven Peaks Festival.
More info: The Surf Chateau, 1028 Wave St., Buena Vista, 719-966-7048, surfchateau .com. The Surf Hotel,
1012 Front Loop, Buena Vista, 719-966-7048, surfhotel.com.
Luxury
The Broadmoor is an iconic European-themed luxury hotel nestled at the base of Cheyenne Mountain. It’s a destination for people from all over the world, but many Coloradans have never been there.
Go! At the Broadmoor, you can have virtually anything your heart desires or your mind can dream up (as long as you’re willing to pay for it). The expansive, 5,000-acre property includes championship golf courses, a world-class spa, tennis courts, an outdoor pool and water slide park open in the summer, 24 retail boutiques, 20 restaurants, cafes and lounges. There’s a museum, a movie theater, and a bowling alley and sports bar.
There’s really no reason to leave the property during your stay — unless it’s to go to another Broadmoor property. Now that the hotel’s recent acquisitions have been renovated, it offers three Wilderness Experiences in a style that only the Broadmoor can offer.
Cloud Camp at the summit of Cheyenne Mountain is open from late April through late August. The Ranch at Emerald Valley has 10 cabins in the Pike National Forest, about a 40-minute drive away, and is open from late April through late October. Fly Fishing Camp is 75 minutes west on the Tarryall River, open from late April through late July, with cabins and a lodge for food and drink.
Other adventures offered through the base camp outfitter include falconry, mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, zip lining and more.
Rates are from $540 in summer. Wilderness Experiences are all-inclusive and from $825 to $875 per person per day.
More info: The Broadmoor, 1 Lake Ave., Colorado Springs, 855-634-7711, broadmoor.com.
The city
Maybe your idea of a staycation is bright lights, big city — a getaway, but not more than a 30-minute drive. If this sounds like you, The Maven is your haven.
The Maven anchors one corner of the Dairy Block, a new downtown pedestrian alley with bars, restaurants and shops. Two blocks from Union Station and a block from Coors Field, The Maven’s location gives you plenty of possibilities to explore downtown. Take in a show, consume some art or cheer your favorite sports team — all within a short walk or quick ride.
The Maven’s lobby doesn’t feel like a hotel. A giant hand beckons from the ceiling and the inviting space is scattered with comfy seating and work spaces. Ahead is the Poka Lola Social Club for a craft cocktail, to the left Kachina Cantina serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and original artwork by local artists is everywhere. After your day of exploring, you’ll have numerous options for great places to eat, or back at the Maven there’s easy access to Denver Milk Market, a dizzying mix of 15 takeout and dine-in restaurants to satisfy nearly any gastronomic desire.
Summer rates average $259 a night.
More info: The Maven, 1850 Wazee St., Denver, 720-460-2727, themavenhotel.com.
Music (and bikes)
The Origin Hotel, Red Rocks, is a new boutique hotel that says it caters to music lovers, but based on its location, it’s likely a lot of cyclists, hikers, speedway enthusiasts and anyone headed to or from the mountains are going to love it, too.
The Origin is the official hotel partner to Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and is the first of four planned concept hotels that focus on bringing guests into the spirit and local experience of the surrounding community. This 124-room, pet-friendly hotel provides transportation to and from Red Rocks during concerts, complimentary mountain bikes and in-room yoga mats and exercise bikes. The Nomad Taqueria and Beer Garden is on-site, and common spaces feature comfortable seating and work spaces adorned with music-inspired art.
Summer rates vary from $171 to $452, with other rates listed by day on the website.
More info: Origin Hotel, 18485 W. Colfax Ave., Golden, 303-2150100, originhotel.com/redrocks.
Horses
If you’re into equine adventures, you might consider a dude ranch staycation. The C Lazy U Ranch near Granby is an allinclusive luxury guest ranch that’s turning 100, and will offer special packages and activities all year.
Horseback riding is the cornerstone of vacations at C Lazy U. Trail rides are scheduled daily and guests can schedule riding instruction sessions or time in one of two arenas for specialized riding. C Lazy U’s wranglers make sure guests are paired with the right horse companion. Guests are interviewed and then matched with their ideal mount for the entire stay, allowing guest and horse to bond. The ranch is home to 225 horses and two Sicilian donkeys, and is about a two-hour drive from Denver.
Over the years, the 8,500-acre property has expanded its activities to include a renowned children’s program, nightly entertainment, fly-fishing, swimming, tennis, mountain biking, hunting, yoga and more.
If this staycation is calling you, you better get on your horse. The ranch has 40 cabin accommodations and June 2-6 is already full. Rates during spring, summer and fall start at $515 per person, per night. Although most stays are a full week, some special weekends offer shorter stays and are themed around wellness, women, adults only and more.
More info: C Lazy U Ranch, 3640 Colorado Highway 125, Granby, 970-887-3344, clazyu.com.
Airstreams
The Amigo Motor Lodge is a renovated 1950s motel that was recently brought back to life. The 16-room Amigo opened in 2016. Since then, four renovated Airstream trailers have been added.
Situated in central Colorado, the Amigo is perfect for day adventurers looking to go rafting, kayaking, mountain biking or hiking, and it’s close to more than a dozen fourteeners. Nearby Salida offers galleries and specialty shops, coffee shops, bars and restaurants to explore. Nearby hot springs offer more opportunities for relaxation. Check out the website for an extensive list of “locals” recommendations.
A moderate 2½-hour drive from Denver, this boutique motel merges its refurbished architecture and minimalist vibe to form a unique ambience. The Amigo offers a limited breakfast. Be sure to read “What to expect at the Amigo” on the website to get the rundown on the digs (some floors might squeak), the staff (it’s not a full-service property) and cleaning (don’t expect maid service every day).
Rooms are between $125 and $190 a night depending on the day and the size of the room. The Airstreams range from $100 to $160 nightly and guests share an indoor bathroom area. Some accommodations are pet friendly.
More info: Amigo Motor Lodge, 7350 W. US 50, Salida, 719-539-6733, stayamigo.com.
Fitness
Looking around Aspen for affordable staycation accommodations may seem counter-intuitive, but the new Limelight Hotel in Snowmass offers rates as low as $122.50 a night for a multiplenight stay.
In addition to its 99 rooms, Limelight Snowmass features a new restaurant with daily specials and live music, a children’s game area, pet-friendly rooms and a continental breakfast. The Limelight is a member of Preferred Pride, a group of resorts and properties that cater to the needs of LGBTQ travelers.
A highlight is Colorado’s largest indoor rock-realistic climbing wall, ascending up the hotel’s front. The five-story wall mirrors popular climbs near Snowmass and features an auto-belay system. The wall is free for Limelight guests.
After you’ve conquered the climb, check out nearby Snowmass Bike Park with more than 50 miles of paths and a free lift, hike to Maroon Bells or on any of the many trails in the area, or visit the Lost Forest, an adventure park tucked in among the rocks and trees on Snowmass Mountain.
Good deals can be found early and late in the season, with better pricing for longer stays.
More info: Limelight, 65 Wood Road, Snowmass Village, 855369-2460, limelighthotels.com/ snowmass.