Country roads, take us here now: How to honeymoon in Colorado

The straight-from-a-Western-film scenery, the ruggedly romantic hideaways, the thrilling experiences and the fantastic culture – there’s oh-so much to love about the U.S. state of Colorado. Want to avoid the usual honeymoon hotspots and discover somewhere truly sensational for your post-wedding escape? Mosey over to these wonderful spots for a honeymoon you’ll treasure forever.

Escape to Dunton Hot Springs

If your dream honeymoon involves staying in a cosy log cabin sheltered by towering forested mountains, escape to this seriously romantic honeymoon. Decked out in gorgeous Old West-inspired style, Dunton Hot Springs sits in the valley of the San Juan Mountains, offering the perfect setting for an adventure-filled getaway. From horseback riding through the enchanting landscapes and mountaineering to mountain biking and rock climbing, there’s plenty to do here. Of course, we wouldn’t blame you if you spent most of your stay chilling out by the fire in your delightful log cabin or admiring the dazzling night sky from a hot spring pool.

Love the idea of glamping? Reconnect with nature (and each other) and stay in one of the luxe styled-to-the-max tents at nearby Dunton River Camp. Situated on the banks of the tranquil Dolores River, it looks straight out of a Wild West daydream.

Channel your inner cowboy and cowgirl at Zapata Ranch

We’ll take any excuse to throw on some denim and cowgirl boots, and this amazing spot seems made for the occasion. Located next to the dramatic Sand Dunes National Park (above), Zapata Ranch is where you can experience life on a working cattle ranch and spot a herd of sweet-face bison – seriously, these babies are just too cute, if you ask us!

Completing the Old West idyll, activities like horse riding through the magnificent National Park and the San Luis Valley are on offer, while unexpected experiences like yoga classes and fly-fishing make for an unforgettable stay. After a day spent exploring the captivating ranch and its surrounds, retreat to sumptuous lodge accommodation and enjoy delicious gourmet cuisine. Why, thankya ma’am!

Road-trip along the Colorado Historic Hot Spring Loop

There’s possibly nothing more American than a road-trip and Colorado is an unbelievably spectacular place to hit the road. For a honeymoon with a difference, follow the 1,158-kilometre Historic Hot Springs Loop. Taking in breathtaking mountain views, this incredible route weaves its way through quaint little towns and to 19 fabulous hot springs – that’s our kind of spa getaway!

Including Glenwood Springs in the heart of the Rocky Mountains (the world’s largest mineral pool), the Yampah Vapor Caves and the forest-surrounded Pagosa Springs, the journey will have you marvelling at Mother Nature at every stop.

Go all-out with a stay at The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs

Prefer something a little more glamorous for your honeymoon? Treat yourselves and book a room at the historic Broadmoor. Right on the doorstep of some of Colorado’s most iconic scenery (including Pikes Peak which inspired the lyrics of ‘America The Beautiful’), the Forbes five-star, AAA five-diamond resort will make you feel like celebrities on a whirlwind escape.

Our advice? Hole up in luxury and lap up a few spa treatments here or book one of The Broadmoor’s Wilderness Experiences. You’ll leave behind the rest of the world and find seclusion at the resort’s mountain lodge or lakeside cabins, and try your hand at things like mule riding and cattle driving – yee haw!

Discover Loveland

No, this isn’t the set of another The Bachelor spin-off… not yet, at least. Known as ‘America’s Sweetheart Town’, Loveland has been home to a Valentine’s Day re-mailing programme since 1947, where millions of ‘Cupids’ messages’ have been stamped and re-mailed to destinations across the country. Sweet, no?

If you’re honeymooning in early 2019, add this unique locale to your must-visit list. Set to feature everything from wine and chocolate tastings to live music and an endearing art project (couples are invited to add special locks to a sculpture), the first Loveland Sweetheart Festival will take place in Downtown Loveland on the 8th and 9th of February. Visiting another time? The charming town is beautiful year-round, with experiences like biking, hiking, kayaking and paddle boarding enticing romantics from around the world.

Thinking of honeymooning in Colorado? Find more information at the Colorado Tourism website.

Planning a post-wedding getaway? Discover plenty of inspiration with our helpful directory…

Image credits: Dunton Hot Springs, Steve Weaver and Loren Bedeli