The American West is steeped in sublime landscapes, lore, and an independent spirit that makes traveling feel like setting off on a great adventure. From the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Northwest, follow our lead for some of the best weekend getaways in the West.
As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.
Grand Junction, Colorado
In Colorado’s Western Slope region, near the Utah border, Grand Junction is a playground for anyone who loves snow sports or summertime mountain fun with hiking, mountain biking, and more.
Endless active pursuits aside, GJ, as locals call it, offers scenic drives (the 23-mile Rim Rock is a favorite for seeing Colorado National Monument, also known as the Little Grand Canyon), dinosaur discoveries at the Museum of Western Colorado’s Dinosaur Journey, and even wine tasting. Check out Maison La Belle Vie Winery, where the winemaker traces his roots to France’s Loire Valley.
Lake Chelan, Washington
Washington State’s popular destinations may not be known for days in the sun, but Lake Chelan, about five hours inland from Seattle, is an exception. There’s an average of more than 300 days of sunshine a year, and 50 miles of glacier-fed lakefront to enjoy.
Hikes to Rainbow Falls; paddleboarding, boating, or Jet skiing along the lake through Shoreline Watercraft and Boat Rentals, and downward dogs paired with wine tasting with Yoga Uncorked are among the best activities for this weekend getaway in the West.
For a perfect date night, catch a first-run or classic film at Ruby Theatre, the oldest continually running cinema in the state.
La Quinta, California
Located about 25 miles east of Palm Springs, the desert resort town of La Quinta is a place for world-class golf, pool-hopping, and some serious desert adventures.
Head to remote areas within the San Andreas Fault Zone on open-air rides with Red Jeep Tours. Explore slot canyons and a natural palm oasis only accessible by four-wheel drive.
Golf destinations for varying skill sets include PGA West (with nine championship courses) and Palm Royale, sprouting with gorgeous palms on nearly every hole.
Hike among the cacti-covered landscapes of the Santa Rosa Mountains at the Cove Oasis Trailhead to get a feel for this fascinating ecosystem. To refuel after days spent hiking desert trails, grab some amazing fajitas at Casa Mendoza.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Best known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding, Breckenridge, Colorado is a four-season mountain town with tons to do year-round, whether you’re here on a multigenerational family trip or a couples weekend.
Dive into the region’s gold-mining history at Country Boy Mine, where you’ll don a hard hat to venture 1,000 feet underground into a former working gold rush mine (and then pan for gold outside in the sun after the tour).
Make time for a romantic dinner on Main Street, Breck’s main pedestrian and retail/restaurant drag, where you can find seasonal menus that pull from the region’s bounty. Aurum is a top table in this foodie town for excellent, locally-inspired American bites.
For a nightcap on Main Street, Prospector Gastropub keeps the night going in a cozy space with excellent cocktails, beer, and wines by the glass.
During the warmer months, go paddleboarding on Maggie Pond in the high country, or hit one of Breckenridge’s many hiking trails. The Hoosier Pass Loop is particularly scenic and only moderately challenging, so it’s apt for the whole family.
Portland, Oregon
There’s something for every weekender in Portland, Oregon. (Photo: Getty Images)
The City of Roses is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway in the West. Whether you’re looking to eat well, hop from cafés to vintage treasure troves, or take in quintessential Pacific Northwest nature, Portland, Oregon is the place.
Bibliophiles beeline it to Powell’s City of Books, which spans a whole city block and is the world’s largest independent bookstore.
Bask in the scent of blooming roses with a walk through the International Rose Test Garden, where some 600 varieties bloom in bursts of color from late May through October.
The city’s culinary scene is excellent, with Egyptian eats at El Masry food cart, fine French fare in cozy digs at Le Pigeon, and sushi with skyline views at Murata. And the city’s coffee scene alone is worth a visit.
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