Do you and your boo need some time away? There’s no better way to bond than sharing a new adventure! Slip away to the mountains for a long weekend of adventures with your sweetheart. Here’s the itinerary for the adventurous couple out there!
Where to Stay: We recommend a studio or 1 bedroom at Fraser Crossing Founders Point. This lodging option offers two hot tubs and a shared deck great for grilling. FCFP also offers convenient walking access to the restaurants and shops within the Village at Winter Park Resort and shuttle stops to get you into downtown Winter Park.
Day 1
Morning: Coffee & Crepes
Put a little pep in your step with a cup of coffee and crepes at Goodys Mountain Cafe & Creperie for breakfast. Goodys is located in the Village, so it’s just a short, leisurely stroll from Fraser Crossing Founders Pointe. For something savory, try the Goody’s Breakfast Crepe filled with all the classic breakfast fixings. If you have a sweet tooth to satisfy, go for the Belgian waffles, heaped with fresh fruit (or chocolate) and whipped cream.
Once you’ve had your fill, hop in the car and head toward the Broome Hut hike along Second Creek.
Follow Highway 40 toward Denver; about 10 minutes into your ascent up Berthoud Pass, you will see a parking area on the right at the trailhead to the Second Creek/Broome Hut trail. It is about one mile to the hut, which has an indoor day use area and bathroom. The uphill can be challenging, but the work is worth the 360 degree views you’ll get from the top, sitting right around treeline. Hang out at the mountaintop picnic table with a snack before heading back down, or continue along the trail, which continues to climb and intersects with the Nystrom Trail.
Midday: Mountain E-Bike Tour
Head back to home base around 1pm so that you have time to regroup before the Mountain E-Bike Tour at 1:30pm. Take in miles of mountainous views and explore secluded forests with ease, propelled by your pedal assist e-bike.
The three hour tour starts at the base of the resort and then ascends to remote forested trails for a brief escape into nature. The enhanced riding ability of pedal assist allows for more miles of trail, more scenic overlooks, more chances to spot wildlife, and more play time!
This tour is suitable for all skill levels; take it easy or opt to explore more challenging trails with help from your knowledgeable guide. Go further and enjoy more with the latest in biking technology.
Evening: Hit the Town
Head into the town of Winter Park to grab a craft cocktail and a few small plates to share at Idlewild Spirits Distillery. Maybe even team up to tackle their jumbo mule! You can hitch a ride on the free Lift Town Shuttle or cruise the Fraser River Trail on bikes from Winter Park Resort right into town.
Day 2
Morning: Adams Falls
Get ready to spend the day soaking in sights and hot springs! Pack up your swimsuit and head to Rocky Mountain Roastery in Fraser for some burritos to-go and continue on to Adams Falls in Grand Lake.
This mellow hike is just over one mile round trip, and leads to a gushing waterfall. Start from the East Inlet Trailhead. Once you reach the waterfall, you have the opportunity to continue on the trail to a marshy meadow about one quarter mile further where you might just spot a moose! The trail continues for miles, so venture as far as you’d like. This trail gets quite a bit of traffic, so be sure to have a fellow hiker snap a photo of the two of you in front the waterfall!
Midday: Explore Grand Lake
After your hike, head down to the shores of Grand Lake for a stroll along Colorado’s largest natural lake and grab some ice cream from Miyauchi’s Snack Bar. If you’re looking to hit the water, you can rent kayaks (grab a double so that you can paddle together!), SUPs, fishing boats, and pontoon boats right there.
Evening: Couple’s Soak in the Hot Springs
After a day of play, take the scenic drive back around the lakes toward Hot Sulphur Springs Resort.
The resort features 21 pools of mineral-rich water ranging from 95 to 112 degrees Fahrenheit. After a lengthy, soothing soak, hit the showers to rinse off that sulfur smell so that you can grab some dinner on your way back to Winter Park!
The Tabernash Tavern is the perfect stop for a cozy, delicious dinner right along your route. Sit back for some wine and a tasty selection from the Tavern’s frequently changing menu.
Day 3
Morning: Sightsee from a Hot Air Balloon
One last day in mountain paradise… start with an unforgettable sunrise adventure in a hot air balloon! Grand Adventure Hot Air Balloon Rides offers flights every day of the year, which are guaranteed to give you breathtaking views of the Continental Divide, Rocky Mountain National Park, and beyond.
Midday: Off Road in a Side by Side
What better way to explore the mountains than side by side? Buckle up for an off road adventure on the Continental Divide Tour. Grand Adventures will lead you up Corona Pass to almost 12,000 feet for views of the continental divide and Fraser Valley. Take a look at the historic railroad trestle over Rollins Pass and take advantage of lots of incredible photo ops. You can book this adventure online or stop by Grand Adventures in the Village at Winter Park!
Evening: Explore Winter Park Resort
Peruse the shops for treats and souvenirs as you make your way through the Village down toward the Winter Park base. There you’ll find tons of activities. Stop by the ticket window to get scenic Gondola tickets for some high alpine hiking. On-mountain hikes offer you all the views without the climb, so all can enjoy! We recommend trekking Roof of the Rockies to Fantasy Meadow, though a shorter out and back on any of the hiking trails is a great option if you’d like to take it easy.
Interested in longer hikes? Check out our guided hikes, new this summer.
Cap off your day with pizza and beer from Pizza Pedal’r… you earned it! The specialty pizzas are equally creative and delicious, so don’t be afraid to try something new. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Yardsale, which features sweet potato fries, among other appetizing toppings. Wanna play it safe? Try the Shred, topped with four cheeses and pesto.
On your way out of town, be sure to turn into the parking area at the top of Berthoud Pass so that you can appreciate some final panoramic views before you head down the hill!