Move Over Aspen! This Rustic Mountain Town Is Colorado’s Best Kept Secret Winter Getaway

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Unless you’re ready to scrounge up coins under your cushions, Aspen may be out of the question for a wondrous winter getaway.

Aspen is among many of Colorado’s gorgeous mountain villages that come with a hefty price tag to enjoy a magical wonderland setting of snow-covered slopes and Hallmark townscapes decked to the gills for the holidays.

To make matters even more challenging, you likely have to fly into typically more costly small airports to get here, unless you want to deal with the hassle of tire chains to navigate the winding, icy roads of the Rockies.

There’s one unsung mountain town just 32 miles from Denver, allowing your Colorado dream to come true with more wallet-friendly rates, easier access, fewer crowds, and a homier welcome than the usual hotspots.

Turn Back The Clock In Downtown Idaho Springs

Don’t get it twisted — Idaho Springs is very well a Colorado town, not a secret Boise suburb.

An approximate 40-minute drive with minimal white-knuckle roadways will have you cozied up by the fire at a rustic lodge in no time.

Idaho Springs evokes a sense of nostalgia from the moment you first set eyes on it, taking visitors back to the Gold Rush era, when this town buzzed with prospectors hoping to strike it rich.

Exuding authentic Old West vibes, rather than purposely curated tourist traps, Idaho Springs is the real deal when it comes to the state’s mountain heritage.

In fact, the town’s ‘#1 attraction’ is the Argo Mill, an 1800s gold mine offering insightful tours of gold-rush glory days.

Instead of eyesore chains, expect to find more Mom ‘n Pop eateries, locally-owned boutiques, and an array of classic inns to rest your head at night and wake up in prime real estate to wander the centuries-old storied strip or venture out into stunning nature.

A local guide highlights Beau Jo’s Pizza as an absolute must-stop for their thick “mountain pies” drizzled with honey, but we at Travel Off Path are one-upping them by recommending Big B’s Soup & Grilled Cheese — nothing fuels your soul in the throes of winter like a piping hot bowl of soup and ooey-gooey grilled cheese.

Warm Up In Idaho Springs’ Geothermal Waters

Sunshine or snowfall, Idaho Springs’ springs are ready to keep you warm or warm you up — whatever the doctor orders.

Sitting on a natural network of geothermal springs that bubble up deep beneath the Rockies, it’s the ultimate way to relax here in town.

Drawing visitors since the 1800s, the waters stay naturally hot year-round, hovering in the 100 – 110 degree range without having to pay the bill for your water heater. Isn’t that nice?

These “healing waters,” as Native Americans referred to them, are said to alleviate everything from ski-sore legs, river rafting bumps and bruises, to a case of too many craft beers the night before.

One of the most unique aspects of these particular springs is the geothermal caves, which are hotter and adults-only.

Otherwise, expect a mix of indoor pools, private tubs, and open-air jacuzzis.

Reservations are recommended during the holiday season. If you brave the winter chills, the Indian Springs complex is a short walk from downtown and a great place to stay with rooms as low as $139.

Is Nature Worth Braving During Winter?

The hot springs are an easy sell, but what about the gorgeous natural curtain surrounding Idaho Springs’ old-time charm?

Those up for a road trip may have scoped out Mount Evans Scenic Byway for unmatched mountain views, as it’s said that on clear days, you can see for over 100 miles.

But once the first heavy snowfall hits, this roadway becomes too sketchy to navigate, so it’s best to circle back in late spring.

There’s one surprising natural attraction that remains a year-round stunner — St. Mary’s Glacier. This alpine wonder defies the seasons, holding onto its snowpack all year and impressing visitors with glistening waters below the staggering peaks.

Unfortunately, weather conditions won’t permit whitewater rafting in winter, one of Idaho Springs’ top draws in sunnier seasons.

In the meantime, soak up the hot springs, immerse in timeless charm, and kick back by the fireplace in a historic bed and breakfast.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.