Best Weekend Trips
from Denver, CO

Boulder, long lauded for its quality of life, has a new accolade: "America's Foodiest Town." Bon Appétit made the designation in 2010, formally recognizing the scenic city at the base of the Rocky Mountains as one of the most progressive culinary hotspots in the country.

Fort Collins, home of Colorado State University, is much more than a college town. The medium-sized city near the Wyoming border recently emerged as the craft beer capital of Colorado. In addition to Fort Collins' dozens of breweries and taprooms—many located within walking distance of one another—the city is also the second home of St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch.

Rocky Mountain National Park is the largest and grandest of Colorado's four national parks, encompassing 415 majestic square miles. With kid-friendly restaurants, kitschy souvenir shops, and reasonably priced accommodations, Estes is an ideal base camp for families.

When it comes to American ski resorts, it's hard to top Vail. The Rocky Mountain resort is the biggest in the US, encompassing 5,289 acres of skiable terrain spread across three mountain faces that absolutely rake in the snow. But Vail is more than a ski mountain. Browse the shops and galleries that line the cobblestone streets, enjoy a gastronomic extravaganza at one of the best restaurants in the West, and soak up unforgettable mountain views during a private gondola ride.