Day Trips
Lakes, parks, hot springs, and mountain towns — all within 90 minutes
Chateau Relaxo puts you in the center of Grand County, which means you're within easy striking distance of some of Colorado's best day trip destinations. Grand Lake is 25 minutes. Rocky Mountain National Park is 30 minutes. Hot springs are 45 minutes.
Even if your main focus is skiing or golf, consider dedicating one day to exploring the area. These are the trips we recommend to our guests.
Grand Lake
Colorado's largest natural lake and a charming mountain town. Our #1 day trip recommendation.
Distance
25 minutes from Chateau Relaxo
Easy half-day or full-day trip
Summer
Boat rentals, paddleboarding, beaches, boardwalk shops
Full day of lake activities
Winter
Quieter but scenic, snowshoeing, ice fishing
Peaceful winter escape
Don't Miss
Rent a pontoon, hit Sagebrush BBQ for lunch
The quintessential Grand Lake day
Tip: Reserve boat rentals in advance during summer weekends.
Rocky Mountain National Park
One of America's most visited national parks — and you have west side access, which is far less crowded.
Distance
30 minutes to Kawuneeche Visitor Center
West entrance through Grand Lake
Trail Ridge Road
Highest continuous paved road in the US
Open late May - mid October, 2-3 hours to drive
Easy Hikes
Colorado River Trail, Coyote Valley
Family-friendly, wildlife viewing
Reservations
Required in summer (late May - mid October)
Book at recreation.gov up to 30 days out
Tip: Get there early. Parking fills by 9am in summer. West side is easier than east.
Hot Sulphur Springs
Natural hot springs with multiple pools at different temperatures. Perfect rest day activity.
Distance
45 minutes from Chateau Relaxo
Head west through Granby
The Vibe
Rustic, no-frills, authentic Colorado
Not a luxury spa — that's the charm
Pools
Multiple pools from 98°F to 112°F
Plus private pools available
Winter
Especially magical with snow falling
Steam rising, mountains all around
Tip: Go on a weekday if possible. Weekend afternoons get crowded.
Georgetown & Guanella Pass
Historic mining town and scenic mountain pass on the way back to Denver.
Distance
50 minutes (on the way to/from Denver)
Easy stop going or coming
Georgetown Loop Railroad
Historic narrow-gauge train ride
Great with kids, runs seasonally
Guanella Pass
Scenic drive to 11,669 feet, great fall colors
Connects to Grant, makes a loop
Downtown
Victorian buildings, shops, restaurants
Worth a quick walk
Other Options
A few more worth knowing about.
Granby
15 minutes, small town with essentials
Hardware store, coffee, quick errands
Breckenridge
75 minutes via I-70
Bigger town, more shopping and dining
Idaho Springs
45 minutes
Mining history, hot springs, good stop on drive
Steamboat Springs
90 minutes
Full day trip to another ski town
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best day trip for families?
Grand Lake in summer (boat rentals, beaches) or Georgetown Loop Railroad year-round.
What if we have a rest day from skiing?
Hot Sulphur Springs is perfect. Soak your tired muscles, low-key day, back for dinner.
Is RMNP worth the reservation hassle?
Absolutely, especially for Trail Ridge Road. Book your timed entry as soon as you know your dates.
Can we do RMNP and Grand Lake in one day?
Yes — drive through RMNP via Trail Ridge Road and exit at Grand Lake. Lunch there, explore the town, head back.
Central to Everything
Grand Lake, RMNP, hot springs — all within easy reach.
- 25 min to Grand Lake
- 30 min to RMNP
- 45 min to hot springs
- Multiple day trip options
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