Five Getaways from Denver in Under Four Hours

"Born from a mid-century motor inn given a Scandi-meets-Southwest makeover, this nearly 60-year-old spot feels thoroughly modern while still preserving parts of its vintage shell. Guests can choose between motel rooms or vintage Airstreams, all outfitted with Tuft & Needle beds, Malin + Goetz bath products, leafy plants, and plenty of reading material. The 17-room property centers around a fire pit and cedar hot tub, with a communal patio and sunroom that invite coffee-sipping, journaling, or simply decompressing. There’s no restaurant on-site, but the innkeepers step in with curated café recommendations and vouchers to fuel your day. The atmosphere is unmistakably Salida—laid-back, artsy, and geared toward adventurers in a town perched on the Arkansas River and surrounded by 14ers, whitewater, and crisp alpine air." - Katie Shapiro