1. Aspen
The natural beauty surrounding Aspen earns worldwide acclaim. What’s more, the area’s four ski mountains – Snowmass, Buttermilk, Aspen Highlands and Aspen Mountain – all help cement the town’s reputation as a world-class ski destination. While skiing and snowboarding are Aspen’s main activities, the town also offers various food and shopping options and an assortment of warm-weather activities for spring, summer and fall visitors. Plus, those who want to learn a bit about Aspen’s unique history can sign up for Aspen’s off the beaten path tour or Aspen’s dark side ghost tour.
2. Lost Valley Ranch: Sedalia
You’d be forgiven for thinking that a stay at Lost Valley Ranch would be akin to roughing it in the wilderness given the dude ranch’s location amid roughly 26,000 acres of Pike National Forest. In reality, this all-inclusive property situated about 70 miles southwest of Denver leans closer to a luxury ranch retreat than a primitive campground. Couples can book a private cabin, which comes equipped with a porch for taking in the stunning views and a fireplace for cozy evening cuddling. (Firewood is delivered daily.) Much of the appeal of a stay at Lost Valley Ranch comes in the quiet moments, which are facilitated by the lack of internet access, TVs or telephones in the cabins.