My husband Jorge and I had a long-distance relationship for almost 14 months before we moved to Colorado Springs at the end of December 2022. We met in Arizona at the end of 2020 on Hinge. Jorge moved to Golden, Colorado in November 2021 and I stayed in Phoenix.
Walking along the river during fall foliage is a romantic thing to do in Golden, CO that we recommend. This was our “first date in Colorado” after Jorge’s move just before my one-way flight back to Arizona. It was cold for us but the colors were so beautiful compared to the desert!
When I was visiting Colorado, we did most of our exploring & day trips around the Denver area first before we both moved to Colorado Springs.
Here is a list of our favorite date ideas for couples that we have done in Colorado so far. We hope this list can give you some ideas to incorporate into your vacation or day trip to explore Colorado.
1. Million Dollar Highway Road Trip / San Juan Skyway Colorado Scenic Byway
The San Juan Skyway is US Highway 550 which goes from New Mexico to Colorado and is known as one of the most spectacular drives in the USA. The entire San Juan Skyway can be driven in a full day or seven hours with minimal stopping. The Million Dollar Highway portion of the drive is from Silverton to Ouray.
This road through the San Juans is one of the most beautiful drives I have ever taken and is one of the things that drew me to Colorado. I have driven this road solo in the fall when all the aspen trees are at their prime and late fall when there wasn’t as much color. The best months to drive it are late September to early October to be able to see fall colors.
In 2021, my husband and I were dating, and he decided to relocate to Colorado. We moved him in his jeep from Phoenix, Arizona to Golden. We took the Million Dollar Highway and stopped in Ouray as part of our trip. It gave us something to look forward to making them move fun since we didn’t know how long we would be doing a long-distance relationship at that time.
Now after living in Colorado and knowing what to expect we will be returning in the fall to make some new memories in this area together. Some bucket list items for the San Juan area I want to experience with him are:
* Stopping at a brewery in Ouray.
My husband used to brew his own beer and we love to support local & small town breweries. This photo is a memory at Ouray Brewery on my previous trip with my friend Steph. Undoubtedly some of the best views for a patio in the town. I have to credit Steph with introducing me to this amazing area because before I had mostly been around Denver.
Ouray is known as “the Switzerland of America.” When we did the move it was about 10 am when we passed through Ouray so we only made a short coffee stop.
I’ve done the Ouray Perimeter Hike which had several waterfall features. There is also Ouray Hot Springs. Ouray is one of my favorite small towns in Colorado.
* Silverton Train (from Durango)
A train ride in this area would allow you to see so much more in areas you won’t be able to get to by a regular road. And again another situation where neither person has to be the driver and both can enjoy the amazing views. There is no cell service for the ride which allows you to connect with your partner and nature without distractions.
This is a round-trip train ride from Durango with a 2-hour layover in Silverton. This is a full-day trip (over 9 hours) so staying the night in the Durango area is recommended. There is also a shorter 5-hour trip with no stops, the Cascade Canyon Express. Check them out here: Ride With Us – Official Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train (durangotrain.com)
There are many other opportunities and things you could stop for in this area but I’ll leave it at this. A popular ski destination near Durango is Purgatory Resort.
2. Picnic at Estes Park
Estes Park is a popular destination in the Rocky Mountains. We packed a picnic for the day and decided to enjoy being out in nature instead of exploring the downtown area restaurants and coffee shops. It was worth it!
Estes Park, the downtown area where all the restaurants and shops are has limited parking and a high volume of visitors. Consider riding the shuttle to see all you want within the park. You can avoid the business and find peace in nature by Estes Lake.
While there, we had the gift of seeing a herd of elk in the lake and hearing the beautiful sound of the elk bugle. It was fall which means it’s prime mating season!
The elk bugle sound is a crescendo starting with deep tones that rapidly climb to a high-pitched squeal, followed by some low grunts. These majestic creatures communicate with high-frequency sounds calling back and forth like a chorus.
While researching elks to describe the sound, I found this cool elk sound library from Yellowstone. If you have never seen and heard an elk here is what they sound like: https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/photosmultimedia/sounds-elk.htm
Colorado has the most elk of any other place in the world and you can see them in Rocky Mountain National Park any time of year. Elk can be seen in the clearings in the mornings and evenings. Our experience happened to be mid-day.
Remember, elk are to be admired from a distance allowing them to behave naturally. They are wild animals.
Cabin Stays near Estes Park: https://bestcoloradomountaingetaways.com/find-cabins-in-estes-park-co-on-airbnb-or-vrbo/
3. Beer Spa with Anti Gravity Massage in Denver
We received a package at the Beer Spa as a wedding gift from our friend Matt with Hop Passport. This is a relaxing and unique way for couples to spend a Saturday.
The Beer Spa is a unique concept created by an entrepreneurial-minded couple who combined their passion for wellness, craft beer, and community. The couple traveled the world exploring and researching business concepts to take back to the U.S.
The Beer Spa describes itself as an “urban oasis.” It is located in a 1900s building in Devner’s historic and culturally diverse Five Points neighborhood, the northeast side of downtown.
The Beer Spa has a cozy lounge area with ten rotating self-serve craft beverages on tap from a local Colorado brewery. Along with beer, there is wine, cider, and kombucha.
The Beer Spa’s insulated tumblers will keep your beverage cold throughout your spa time. You can hang out in the lounge before and after your spa experience.
After a welcome tour and beverage sampling, the Beer Spa experience starts with an infrared sauna, followed by a cold shower, and is completed by soaking in a tub of beer hops. It could be compared to soaking in tea as you get the benefits of the medicinal herbs on your skin and hair. Just to confirm, you are not soaking directly in beer!
The Beer Spa provides comfy robes and slippers. Spa rooms are private so you can enjoy your experience in swimwear or your birthday suit as desired. You can try the beer-infused shower products and there is a separate area with a blow dryer and mirror to refreshen after your experience.
After our spa time, we had full body massages in the Zero Gravity Massage Chairs. O.M.G. I have experienced some quality massage chairs before but these were the absolute best. We both felt completely zen after this experience. It was incredibly relaxing. You must do this!
Book a spa experience or find out more here: https://thebeerspa.com/spa-packages/
After our spa time, we went out to eat for BBQ. Denver has many restaurants to choose from depending on your cravings.
4. Cog Rail up Pikes Peak in Manitou Springs
Although you can drive up Pikes Peak, taking the Cog Rail allows you to enjoy the experience together without the responsibility (or stress) of one person driving. The drive takes about an hour and a half one way with an average speed of 15 miles per hour. And it’s SUPER steep at the top. No, thank you.
The Cog Railway experience takes about three and a half hours round trip. You get to spend about 40 minutes at the Summit House at the top for photos and refreshments. You can enjoy the views and get lots of amazing photos.
The train conductor gives you info and facts about Pikes Peak and the area on the way up the mountain. On the way down, the conductor meanders down both cars and personally answers questions for all the passengers in each row.
We learned that seeing wildlife, even bears frequently on the Cog Rail is quite common. Bears are seen the most mid-morning as they come out for water. There are a few pretty waterfalls on the mountain as a water source.
Before or after your ride, Manitou Springs is a charming artsy town to explore. There is a lot of character in the variety of shops and options for food, craft beer, and coffee. Fountain Creek runs along the main street and the sound of the water gives it a peaceful vibe. You might catch a local festival of some sort in the summer depending on the timing of your visit.
For more details on getting tickets and where to park we include those as #3 in our article: 45 things to do in Colorado Springs.
Best places to stay near Manitou Springs: https://bestcoloradomountaingetaways.com/top-8-airbnbs-in-manitou-springs/
Cabins near Pikes Peak: https://bestcoloradomountaingetaways.com/airbnb-cabins-near-pikes-peak/
5. Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs
The Garden of the Gods is a stunning natural wonder where majestic red rock formations rise from the green landscape. It is a romantic place for couples to spend quality time admiring the beauty of nature. This is one of Colorado’s famous MUST-SEEs.
Since we live in Colorado Springs currently, we have the luxury of being able to go to the Garden of the Gods whenever we choose. We love taking our friends and family to visit but also it’s a good place for a date.
Before we moved here, we came down for a wedding and Jorge drove me through the park for the first time and we had a mini picnic enjoying the view. You can also hike, bike, rock climb, or take an equestrian ride, or segway tour to explore the park.
Visiting the park is free and you can learn more about the red rock formations and ecosystem within the park at the Visitor’s Center. Each of the rocks is named and there is a 3-D display with lights in the visitor center representing them. One of the most well-known formations in the park is Kissing Camels. (Right side of the rock formation below).
Garden of the Gods Visitor Center: 1805 N 30th St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Garden of the Gods is an ecosystem for many wildlife. From the graceful mule deer to the agile bighorn sheep, from the cunning fox to the elusive bear, from the colorful birds to the mysterious bats, you can witness the amazing creatures that inhabit this park.
One time we were walking on the pathway from the visitor center into the park, and suddenly a deer swiftly cut across the sidewalk. Shortly after what looked at first like a coyote but maybe a small wolf came following.
Garden of the Gods makes a great place for engagement pictures or a nice backdrop for a Christmas card photo to show off your travels.
Garden of the Gods is near one of our favorite local breweries Red Leg Brewing Company. Here they have shipping container-style food stands in addition to craft beverages with views.
If you are looking to stay in the area, we have picked out some of the best options for couples that are near the Garden of the Gods here: https://bestcoloradomountaingetaways.com/airbnb-near-garden-of-the-gods-for-couples-and-solo-travelers/
6. Glen Eyrie Castle in Colorado Springs
This is a unique place to stay for couples. The Castle’s history dates back to 1871 and was home to General William Jackson Palmer and his wife Mary “Queen” Mellen who fell in love with the Pikes Peak area after the civil war. General Palmer was a founder of Colorado Springs and also president of the railroad.
After a few changes of ownership, since 1953, Glen Eyrie property is managed by the Navigators as their headquarters. The Navigators is a faith-based ministry that seeks to support discipleship and to help individuals connect with God. Regardless of your personal spiritual beliefs, you can connect with nature and your partner through a retreat at Glen Eyrie.
The Castle is open for guests as well as six other buildings on the property with a total of 95 rooms. The rooms are suited for couples or solo guests. On the property are six hiking trails of various levels, outdoor games, board games, and a hammock area. An overnight stay includes breakfast in the Castle Dining Room. There is wifi but no televisions in the rooms.
If you aren’t looking to spend the night, you can do a castle tour or visit the Castle for Tea Time in the Music Room. You need a reservation in advance to enter the property.
We visited the Castle for Tea Time on a Sunday afternoon. There is no dress code and Colorado is generally a casual state. This would be a perfect reason to dress up, but we wore jeans.
After tea, we visited the bookstore and coffee shop a short walk away from the nearby Carriage House. If you want to enjoy more tea at home, you can purchase all the flavors in the gift shop.
We also went for a walk around the castle grounds to explore. Guests are welcome to explore the property.
The property is tucked away from the main road and has a serene atmosphere. From the moment we drove up until we left, it felt like a haven of rest. The Navigators are succeeding with their mission here “to create meaningful experiences through God-honoring hospitality with every visit.”
Glen Eyrie Castle is near Garden of the Gods or if you want to avoid crowds there is Red Rock Open Space that also gives you views of the red rocks.
Unique Stays in Colorado Springs: (includes Glen Eyrie) https://bestcoloradomountaingetaways.com/unique-romantic-getaways-in-colorado-springs/
7. Hot Springs at Mt. Princeton
For starters, the drive out to Mt. Princeton will reinvigorate you. Mountain views and the remote location are the best part of Mt. Princeton Hot Springs.
The Upper Pools are built into the side of the mountain. One has a water slide and the other is an infinity pool with amazing views. There is an adjoining Biergarten with snacks and drinks.
The lower original location, the Historic Bath House is across the road and has two public pools and a creekside soaking area. A fourth private pool in the lower location is for overnight guests or an upcharge.
It felt healing for the mind and body to soak in the water while taking in the surroundings. I loved the mountain ambiance and fresh, clean air. It’s so rejuvenating to get out of the city hustle!
You can stay at Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort or visit just the hot springs like we did with a day pass. No reservations in advance are required. Bring your own towel or rent a towel for a fee.
Hot Springs – Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort (mtprinceton.com)
Address: 15870 County Road 162 Nathrop, Colorado 81236-9703
We stopped in Buena Vista before and after our day trip to Mt. Prinston Hot Springs. There are many other options for hot springs in Colorado depending on the area you are staying. Buena Vista has become one of our favorite small mountain towns in Colorado, so we recommend these hot springs!
8. Alpine Slide + Scenic Gondola Ride in Winter Park
Winter Park is a picturesque small town for any season. It is obviously a perfect ski resort and winter destination but it can be enjoyed year-round in the summer too.
We attended a beer festival and arts and craft show in Winter Park this summer. There was live music at the gazebo by the lake. In the wintertime, this lake becomes an ice skating rink.
You can experience amazing views of the mountains by riding the scenic gondola. The photo below is from the free ride that connects parking areas. We took it while we were waiting for the festival to start. The scenic gondola offers even more amazing views.
Bring out your inner child by riding down the mountain Alpine Slide. This is Colorado’s longest Alpine slide. It will be upgraded after September 3, 2023, and will reopen in the Summer of 2024. You can also play a round of mini-golf and experience happy hour with an amazing view.
You can purchase an Unlimited Activity Day Pass at https://www.winterparkresort.com/plan-your-trip/tickets-and-passes/unlimited-activity-day-pass to enjoy all of these activities. You save $10 each by booking 24 hours in advance. This includes the scenic gondola, alpine slide, mini golf, and rock climbing walls unlimited all day.
Another popular summer activity at Winter Park Resort is mountain biking. Trestle Bike Park has season passes and lift tickets to pre-book and save.
There are restaurants, breweries, gift shops, and outdoor gear stores such as North Face within easy walking distance. There are hiking trails in the area with beautiful wildflowers and wildlife. This adorable town is sure to capture your memory book.
To explore all your options at Winter Park Resort visit: https://www.winterparkresort.com/
9. Royal Gorge + Wine Tasting at Holy Cross Abbey in Canyon City
For my birthday in July, we recently made it out to the Royal Gorge which is an absolute MUST-SEE on your Colorado bucket list! I’ve also wanted to do a wine tasting at Holy Cross Abbey. So we kept our trip simple with these two main experiences and stayed the night in Canyon City.
The Royal Gorge alone is worth it for a day trip. Canyon City has enough to do that you may want to stay the night.
Royal Gorge vacation rentals: https://bestcoloradomountaingetaways.com/7-best-royal-gorge-vacation-rentals/
We drove to Canyon City from Colorado Springs for a late lunch on the first day. We ate at Fremont Provisions located in the historic Annex Building on Main Street which was built in 1903. We recommend this as one of the best places to eat here. I had a French dip and Jorge got seared ahi tuna sliders. https://fremontprovisions.com/
Downtown Canyon City’s main street has a historic, vintage look with brick architecture in many of the stores. It has a laid-back, friendly small-town vibe to it. We did a little window shopping and headed to the winery.
The wines at Holy Cross Abbey have competed in prestigious international wine competitions and won over a hundred awards and medals. This is not surprising once you taste their wine for yourself!
Walk-in tastings are welcome, or you can reserve a private VIP tasting a day in advance to try all the wines, including some of the reserves with a charcuterie board. Standard wine tasting includes 2-ounce pours of four wines.
Outside the tasting room area and gift shop, there is a quaint outdoor patio area next to the vineyard. The Tasting Room is a good stone’s throw away from Abbey and is separated by the vineyard and grass area.
After our tasting, we bought a bottle of wine to take to our Airbnb. The Abbey was closed for the day, so we wandered around the property for a bit taking pictures until the mosquitos were unbearable. You can visit Holy Cross Abbey during the day and tour the monastery if there are no special events.
Sidenote: There is no wine served or taken into the Abbey. (Yes, I asked).
Address: 3011 East Highway 50 Cañon City, CO 81212
More Info: https://abbeywinery.com/tasting-room/
Day Two we headed out to the Royal Gorge mid-morning, hoping to avoid the afternoon mid-July heat. The drive from the highway turnout to the Gorge is about 4 miles and is winding and narrow. While there is not a drastic elevation change on the road, it is hilly and narrow.
General Admission includes the bridge, the aerial gondola, the theater, and the playland for the entire day. Great news: you can ride the gondola as many times as you want! The visitor’s center has a comfortable patio and cafe to enjoy the view. There are options for drinks and snacks around the park.
Some add-on adventures you can take in the park are the Via Ferrata, Zip Line, and Skycoaster. Captured in the photo below on the left, a brave soul is catching this amazing view from the Skycoaster.
The iconic red aerial gondola is a highlight from across the park and makes some eye-popping photos. Upon entry, the gondola ride takes up in elevation for your first view into the Gorge and towards the bridge. Once you get to the other side you are mostly walking downhill, whereas if you cross the bridge first and then do the gondola you will be walking up some steep inclines.
The bridge is a one-of-a-kind experience. After construction, the Royal Gorge Bridge was the highest suspension bridge in the world and held this recognition for 70 years. The bridge is lined with flags from every state.
The Royal Gorge and Bridge Park encountered a wildfire in 2013 that destroyed the park. Amazingly, the bridge remained after the fire. You can learn more details about the bridge and the park’s inspiring story of rebuilding the park in a half-hour show at the theater that plays throughout the day.
A few other details:
You’ll do a lot of walking here and there is not a lot of shade. Wear closed tennis shoes or comfortable closed-toe walking shoes and bring a hat and sunblock. We also suggest bringing your own water bottle to rehydrate. Bug spray is also a good idea. There was a little bit of a breeze but overall, there were tons of bugs in this area from the moment we parked.
Check the weather before you go as Colorado weather changes frequently and storms can be unpredictable. After you buy tickets, they remind you of the disclaimer that you will not receive a refund if they close for any weather-related reasons.
Royal Gorge Bridge Park: http://royalgorgebridge.com
Next time we visit, I want to do white water rafting. These adventures start in Canyon City and are an action-packed way to experience the views.
White Water Rafting: https://royalgorgerafting.net/trips/royal-gorge-rafting-trip/
A train ride is another unique experience that gives you views from down inside the canyon. Dining train rides start in Canyon City and take you down into the Royal Gorge along the Arkansas River. The train is a restaurant on wheels that lasts about an hour and a half and departs four times a day so you can take a breakfast, lunch, mid-afternoon, or dinner ride.
Royal Gorge Dining Train: https://royalgorgeroute.com/
10. 3-Day Weekend Getaway at a Cabin in Florissant
(or any of your favorite mountain cabin getaway destinations)
We are a fan of going off-grid to rejuvenate occasionally and a mountain cabin getaway is the perfect destination. We celebrated our delayed mini honeymoon with an extended weekend cabin stay up in the mountains in Florrisant at Sunflower Cabin.
One of the coolest surprises was encountering wildlife up to our door in the morning on days without snow. We saw about six deer the first morning and a few wild turkeys. The other two days there was snow so we enjoyed the magical snowy sunrises!
The view is the highlight of the cabin and it never grew old just looking out the window. The view and the feeling of serenity from being up in the mountains made this a memorable stay. We also loved features like the wood-burning stove and the hot tub.
To read more about our experience and see if Sunflower Cabin is a good fit for you check out our post on Sunflower Cabin. https://bestcoloradomountaingetaways.com/sunflower-cabin/
While the wifi service was excellent, we purposefully chose to disconnect to spend quality time together. Colorado has so many options that create a unique setting to do this. It’s part of why we created this website. Cabins give you the mountain feel with views that you want to experience for true relaxation.
We’ve identified some of the best Airbnb and vacation cabin rental stays for you to pick from in some of the best Colorado destinations:
20 Romantic Cabin Getaways with Mountain Views & Hot Tub: https://bestcoloradomountaingetaways.com/top-20-romantic-cabin-getaways-in-colorado-mountains/
Best Colorado Cabins on Airbnb and Vrbo: (Aspen, Colorado Springs, Grand Lake, Frisco, Estes Park, & Pike Peak) https://bestcoloradomountaingetaways.com/colorado-cabins-airbnb/
In Conclusion:
We hope that this list of 10 things for couples to do in Colorado has helped generate some ideas for future time spent as a couple exploring Colorado.
Cheers to your next adventure!
Leah & Jorge
Here is a recap of our top 10:
- Million Dollar Highway Road Trip / San Juan Skyway Colorado Scenic Byway
- Picnic in Estes Park
- Beer Spa & Anti Gravity Massage in Denver
- Cog Rail up Pikes Peak in Manitou Springs
- Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs
- Glen Eyrie Castle in Colorado Springs
- Hot Springs at Mt. Princeton
- Alpine Slide + Scenic Gondola Ride in Winter Park
- Royal Gorge + Wine Tasting at Holy Cross Abbey in Canyon City
- 3-Day Weekend Getaway at a Cabin in Florissant
