Up in the Colorado high country, folks have a special way of showing their affection for each other. Forget the traditional city-slicking clichés of restaurant dinners, rose bouquets, and chocolate boxes: romance here is all about outdoor fun in the Rocky Mountain fresh air.
Watch out for Cupid’s arrow with your sweetie this Feb. 14 at any of these only-in-Colorado Valentine’s Day weekend activities and events.
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Dude Ranch Getaway
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It’s not too late to book a stay at Colorado’s premier dude ranch, C Lazy U. Take advantage of special President’s Day pricing, which runs from Feb. 13–20. Add a romantic twist by leaving the kids at home and spending time in the Lazy You Spa for indulgences such as a couple’s massage or a soak in the twin copper bathtubs with a view.
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Royal Gorge Train
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Take part in a Centennial State tradition that has been running strong for decades. If you’ve never been on the Royal Gorge historic train route near Cañon City, there’s no better way to experience it than on the grand Valentine’s Day train, complete with gourmet dining (lunch or dinner) and jaw-dropping views of the canyon. This is no ordinary train ride on any old day—for the occasion, each lady on board will be gifted a long-stem rose. The train ride is available Valentine’s Day weekend, on Saturday, Feb. 11, and Sunday, Feb. 12.
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Loveland Fire and Ice Festival
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Loveland, Colorado, takes its nickname as the “Sweetheart City” very seriously. Every year, the city goes all out for Valentine’s Day with a multi-day festival packed with love-themed performances and events. Layer up and break out the hand warmers for fireworks, ice sculpting, craft brews, food trucks, and great live music. Bring the whole family or just your significant other: there’s something here for everyone. The festivities kick off on Friday, Feb. 10.
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Mass Wedding at Red Rocks
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Elope the Colorado way with an official wedding at Red Rocks Amphitheatre — along with hundreds of other couples! For the 12th year running, local radio station 103.5 The Fox will sponsor this legendary V-Day event, in which lovebirds of all feathers flock to Colorado’s famed outdoor amphitheater to say their “I dos” for the first time or to renew their vows.
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Denver Valentine’s Day 5K at Washington Park
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For those sticking around the Mile High City, shed the box-of-chocolate calories in the city’s favorite place to stay fit outside—Washington Park. On Feb. 12, join hundreds of others for a 5K dash, complete with fanfare, a photo op with Cupid, and a fun run for the kids. Dress up as your favorite famous couple and compete to win the costume contest! You can even go solo: check out the kissing booth and “spin the bottle” at the finish line.
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Colorado Hot Springs Getaway
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When it comes to hot springs, Colorado is well stocked. Favorites among the locals are Strawberry Hill in Steamboat Springs, Sulphur Springs near Granby, Mount Princeton Hot Spring and Cottonwood Hot Springs near Buena Vista, Orvis Hot Springs in Ouray, and Glenwood Springs. The pools and baths in each of these resorts is a piece of Colorado history, and also the setting of plenty of steamy memories for Colorado couples.
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Ice Skating on Evergreen Lake
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Find out why CNN and Sunset Magazine list Colorado’s Evergreen as one of the 10 most beautiful outdoor ice skating rinks in the world. It’s the largest Zamboni-groomed outdoor rink on earth, featuring plenty of space for both a main rink and 11 hockey rinks. After gliding (or wobbling!) hand-in-hand around on the ice, warm up with some hot cocoa in the cozy Lake House while you enjoy the view of the pine-covered foothills on the horizon. Turn up the romance with night skating under the lights.