Are you ready to slow down and enjoy mountain scenery?

I know the feeling. Having lived three years between Breckenridge and Minturn, I long for crisp summer air in the mountains.

A dog-friendly vacation rental search took us to Bailey, Colorado, about a one-hour drive Southwest of Denver along Highway 285.

Our scenic drive to a mountain getaway was just what we needed to unplug from daily demands.

Bailey’s slower pace and plenty to do gave us exactly what we wanted from a Colorado vacation.

Bailey, Colorado: Best Things to Do, See & Experience

UNWIND AT LUXURIOUS ACCOMMODATIONS

Secluded Cabin Sauna Hot Tub King Bed Creek

I can’t think of a better place to reserve for your overnight lodging than this secluded vacation rental just beyond town. The one-bedroom, one-bath cabin is a Guest Favorite on Airbnb for a reason.

We wanted a woodland getaway that would accommodate our golden retriever and offer us on-site amenities that we craved, like a hot tub, fire pit, and dry sauna.

What we discovered upon arrival exceeded our expectations.

The living area was ideal for us. We sprawled out, relaxing on the sectional couch with our pup resting at our feet when we weren’t dining outdoors on the patio.

Wine and conversation near the fire pit in the evening gave way to a relaxing hot tub session, followed by restful sleep in the king-size Sleep Number® mattress.

At sunrise, we prepared coffee using the Breville Espresso Machine and savored a home-cooked breakfast. A spa-like session in the dry sauna provided the early-morning reset we needed.

Our little corner of the woods, a tucked-away spot in the mountains, will always be a special memory for us.

EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS

McGraw Memorial Park

As you enter town, McGraw Memorial Park is a must-stop to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery dotted with historic buildings.

The park, which consists of 20 acres divided between the North Fork of the South Platte River, includes the Morrow Mountain Trail.

It’s a narrow, single-track dirt 1.3-mile loop that has some medium-sized boulders in places. We wanted to walk our leashed dog along it, but it was a bit much for her given the rocky and steep terrain in places.

The well-developed park has a shaded picnic area and public restrooms. Historic buildings on the grounds give a glimpse of how early Colorado settlers lived.

Kayakers can launch near the pedestrian bridge, which also doubles as a prime fishing area during warmer weather months.

Mount Evans Wilderness

The Mount Evans Wilderness region, consisting of more than 74, 000 acres of federally protected land, sits over the ridge north of Bailey, Colorado. It includes numerous trails, which range in hiking difficulty.

Because I was so enamored with our vacation rental, I chose to explore an easy, wide trail near it that offered elevated views and glimpses of summer wildflowers.

PRO TIP: Download the AllTrails app to access details about nearly a dozen nature trails in the area.

SIP & SAVOR AROUND TOWN

For a town the size of Bailey, there are quite a few restaurants in town and the surrounding area.

Note: Most Bailey sit-down or take-out restaurants are closed Sunday through Wednesday during off-peak season (summer), so check the hours of each of the following locations.

Off the Rails

Off the Rails is known for serving coffee brewed in a specialty system that batch-brews coffee in a pour-over style, which is to say that it’s damn good.

Order a coffee and walk to the bonus room, where you can sip caffeine while playing a fast-paced video game. A television aired Bob Ross painting “happy little trees” while I was there.

Cutthroat Cafe

We wanted to eat lunch at Cutthroat Cafe because we traveled with our Golden Retriever, and the casual eatery is known for its dog-friendly patio.

The roadside diner serves homestyle breakfast, burgers, and dinner entrees like Chopped Sirloin Steak and Fish and Chips.

Although the hamburger patty needed more seasoning, the chicken tender sandwich served on a toasted bun with chips checked all the boxes.

PRO TIP: Ask about the menu especially created for dogs.

Southpark Coney Island

Southpark Coney Island is a historical landmark.

The hot dog-shaped building was built in 1966, moved from its original location in Denver, operated in Aspen Park, and now resides in Bailey.

The restaurant appeared in Season 25, Episode 3 of the animated show South Park, making it ever more popular.

They use Nathans® hot dogs, and when topped with classic ketchup and yellow mustard, they taste like the ballpark dog we all grew up eating.

Expect to eat your hot dog outdoors. The best picnic table location is near the river beyond the parking lot.

Craft Mountain Brewing

Within five minutes of arriving at Craft Mountain Brewing, we had a craft beer in our hands and were making fast friends with a couple traveling from New York.

Whether you choose to sip an ale inside the taproom or relax with friends on the covered patio, the brewery’s laid-back setting invites you to kick back and relax and listen to live music.

The kitchen serves barbecue sandwiches and burgers Thursday through Sunday from lunchtime until at least 7 p.m.

Knotty Pine

The Knotty Pine is much more than a place to order soft-serve ice cream, although it’s very tasty.

Part lunch counter, part retail store, the Knotty Pine is worth stopping at if you want to eat a sandwich for lunch and then shop for a Bailey coffee mug or Colorado souvenir.

If you don’t have time to sit at the lunch counter, order your meal or ice cream from the pick-up window.

BONUS PLACES TO EAT: Aspen Peak Cellars (tapas, flatbreads), The Shaggy Sheep (burgers, pizza, wine), and 2 Dads Eatery & Taproom (pizza, wings, sandwiches).

SHOP LIKE A LOCAL FOR TREASURES

The Chill Squirrel Trading Company

Candles, incense, candy, wind chimes, and children’s toys. The Chill Squirrel Trading Company is an eclectic gift shop that caters to shoppers seeking a whimsical gift of travel mementos.

PRO TIP: If you need to shop for groceries, walk next door to Rosalie’s Market for fresh produce and pantry staples.

Blossoming Boutique

I purchased the most beautiful greeting cards with nature scenes at the Blossoming Boutique. Shelves are stocked with hand-crafted makers’ products.

The owner is such a sweet lady, and her friendly dog is the best dog greeter.

MUSEUM MUST-HAVE STOP

Locals claim to have experienced Sasquatch sightings in Bailey, so it makes sense that a museum honoring the towering hairy creature is located in the center of town: The Sasquatch Outpost.

Visitors can pay to take a self-guided tour of the museum detailing Bigfoot lore, and if you’re short on time, the retail store offers plenty to appreciate.

PRO TIP: Walk through the replica cave to find the baby Sasquatch.

IF YOU HAVE EXTRA TIME

If this is what the scenery looks like in Bailey during the summer, can you imagine it during fall or winter?

I can’t stop thinking about Bailey and our overwhelmingly positive experience there.

If you’re seeking solitude punctuated by a bit of outdoor adventure at your pace, drive to this charming Colorado mountain town.