There’s something timeless about escaping into the mountains with your best friends. The crisp air, rugged terrain, and sense of exploration create the perfect backdrop for camaraderie, relaxation, and adventure. A guys weekend in the mountains can be anything you want it to be—laid-back and slow-paced, or high-energy and adrenaline-filled. Whether you’re looking to reconnect, blow off steam, or just take a break from the grind, the mountains offer an ideal retreat.
Use our guide to planning and making the most of a mountain getaway with the guys, with plenty of ideas and tips to create an unforgettable weekend.
Choosing the Perfect Mountain Destination
Before diving into activities, the first decision is where to go. Mountains vary widely, and your group’s vibe will help determine the best fit. The southwest region of Colorado with the Cimarron and San Juan Mountains is accessible via regional airport in Montrose or Grand Junction, and about a 4-hour drive from Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Denver, Utah and New Mexico.
- Rustic Cabins or Lodges – Cozy spots where you can hunker down with a roaring fire and plenty of food and drinks.
- National Parks & Landmarks – For groups who want adventure and scenic trails. Think about destinations that have easy access to national sites or memorable trails and hikes, such as Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Unaweep Tabeguache Scenic Byway, and the Million Dollar Highway between Ouray and Silverton.
- Ski Resorts – Perfect for winter weekends with skiing, snowboarding, and après-ski fun. Telluride is located just 40 minutes from Ridgway and easily accessible during ski season from Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa.
- Remote Backcountry – If you’re up for wilderness camping, pack the gear and go off-grid.
- Luxe Retreats – High-end mountain resorts provide comfort alongside views, for groups that prefer hot tubs and steak dinners over tents and sleeping bags. Smaller resorts, like Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa, can offer the luxe amenities of a large resort in a more accessible location. With a newly renovated spa on property, and its White Buffalo Restaurant + Bar serving locally-sourced, seasonal menus, you never have to leave your lodge.
Match your destination with your group’s energy level and comfort preferences. Consider the newly renovated boutique resort Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa in the cool, small town of Ridgway, Colorado. The 33-room lodge has all the amenities of a luxury resort but located in the more affordable town of Ridgway, with easy access to Telluride, Ouray and the surrounding area for hiking, biking, skiing, and climbing.
Classic Mountain Activities
Once you’ve arrived, the mountains offer endless opportunities for recreation. Look for Fall colors to hit end of September and last through October, depending on weather and the previous year’s rainfall and moisture. Color can last as late as November, depending on climate factors.
The towns of Ridgway, Ouray, and Telluride have plenty of activities to keep your group happy. Seek out smaller resorts in places like Ouray that have extra amenities to make your weekend special. Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa has an outdoor heated pool, a rooftop bar with incredible sunset views, communal outdoor hot tubs, a firepit and generous deck perfect for a small group gathering, and a restaurant/bar on property.
Hiking and Trekking
Nothing beats hitting the trails together. Choose from casual day hikes to challenging summit attempts. Pack some trail snacks, snap group photos, and take in breathtaking views.
Mountain Biking
For the adventurous crew, mountain biking trails offer thrill and challenge. You’ll return covered in dirt, tired, and full of adrenaline.
Climbing or Bouldering
Take your group higher—literally—with a climbing trip. Whether it’s guided rock climbing or indoor bouldering at a nearby gym, it’s both physical and team-oriented.
Camping
Pitch tents, build a fire, and sleep under the stars. It doesn’t get more classic than a rugged mountain campout. Look for a certified dark sky community like Ridgway, Colorado near Telluride, for incomparable night skies.
Fishing
If your group enjoys slower-paced bonding, head to a nearby lake, river, or stream for a fishing trip. Bonus: you can cook what you catch later.
Hunting (Season-Permitting)
For outdoorsmen, hunting trips can be an intense bonding experience. Just make sure you have the right licenses and follow regulations.
Skiing and Snowboarding
If you’re heading to the mountains in winter, shredding powder is a must. Spend the day on the slopes and the night swapping stories by the fire.
Bonding Activities
Not every part of the weekend has to be action-packed. Some of the best memories are made back at the lodge hanging out in town.
Firepit Hangouts
Gather around the fire with beers or whiskey, tell stories, and just hang out. Stay at a smaller resort like Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa and enjoy the year-round heated pool, the communal firepit and hot tubs.
Board Games and Cards
Poker, Catan, or even classic card games add friendly competition and lots of laughs.
Sports Viewing
If your retreat coincides with a big game, bring a projector or TV setup. Watching football or UFC together in the mountains feels like the ultimate man cave experience. Check for technology and internet connection at your lodge or resort. Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa has gathering spaces for larger and smaller groups, and suite-style rooms with comfortable seating and large screens for watching your favorite sports teams.
Whiskey, Wine or Beer Tasting
Go into town and try the local craft breweries, or explore small local wineries. Create your own tasting experience at a small restaurant like White Buffalo Restaurant + Bar at Chipeta Lodge Resort. Or bring your own curated collection of local brews or whiskey bottles and host your own tasting session.
Explore Historic Colorado
Wander through the historic western towns of Ridgway and Ouray and the surrounding county. The architecture and local museums give you the flavor of life in Colorado in the late 1800s. Read up on Native American history and visit the Ute Indian Museum in Montrose and learn about Chief Ouray and his second wife, Chipeta.
Building the Perfect Weekend Itinerary
While flexibility is key, having a loose plan helps balance activity with downtime. Here’s an example of how a guys weekend in the mountains might unfold:
Day 1 – Arrival & Settle In
- Arrive in the afternoon, stock up on groceries and drinks.
- Get settled in the cabin or lodge.
- Fire up the grill for burgers and steaks.
- Spend the evening around the firepit with drinks, cards, and music.
Day 2 – Adventure Day
- Morning: Big group breakfast (pancakes, eggs, coffee).
- Late Morning: Hit the trails for hiking or biking.
- Afternoon: Fishing, rafting, or another group activity.
- Evening: Cook a hearty meal together. Maybe try a whiskey tasting.
- Night: Storytelling, poker, or watching a game by the fire.
Day 3 – Relax & Reflect
- Morning: Sleep in or enjoy a lazy brunch.
- Midday: Short hike or a swim in a lake.
- Afternoon: Pack up, share highlights, and head home.
This balance ensures adventure, bonding, and rest.
Food and Drinks for the Weekend
A big part of any guys’ weekend is the food and drinks. Mountain trips call for hearty meals that satisfy after long days outdoors.
Essentials to Pack:
- Meats: Steaks, burgers, brats, chicken wings.
- Snacks: Jerky, chips, trail mix.
- Breakfast staples: Eggs, bacon, pancakes, coffee.
- Fire-friendly food: Hot dogs, marshmallows, foil-wrapped veggies.
- Drinks: Local craft beer, whiskey, bourbon, or whatever your crew prefers.
Pro Tip:
Assign meal responsibilities. Each guy (or pair) can be in charge of cooking one meal. This keeps it fun and balanced without putting the work on one person.
Themes and Fun Extras
Want to take your mountain retreat guys weekend to the next level? Add a theme or extra layer of fun.
- Survival Weekend: Minimal supplies, outdoor cooking, and bushcraft.
- Sportsman’s Weekend: Focus on fishing, hunting, and outdoor skills.
- Beer Olympics: Friendly competitions with different drinking games.
- DIY Brew or BBQ Contest: Compete to make the best meal or drink.
- Photo Challenge: Capture the most epic shots of the weekend.
These themes give everyone a reason to get involved and create stories to tell later.
The Importance of Downtime
While it’s tempting to pack the weekend full of action, don’t underestimate the value of downtime. Some of the best bonding happens when nothing is scheduled. Sitting on the porch with beers, taking an afternoon nap in a hammock, or simply soaking in the scenery can be just as meaningful as big adventures.
Packing List Must-Haves
A successful mountain retreat depends on being prepared. Here’s a checklist to cover the basics:
Gear:
- Hiking boots and outdoor clothing
- Sleeping bags (if camping)
- Flashlights or headlamps
- Pocket knives or multi-tools
- First aid kit
- Firewood or portable stove
Comfort:
- Cozy blankets
- Portable speakers
- Camp chairs
- Extra socks and layers (mountain weather changes fast)
Entertainment:
- Deck of cards or board games
- Football, frisbee, or cornhole set
- Camera or GoPro for documenting adventures
Why a Guys Weekend in the Mountains Matter
Beyond the food, beer, and adventure, a mountain retreat gives men something increasingly rare: time to connect. Life pulls in different directions, and friendships often take a back seat to careers, families, and obligations.
In the mountains, away from daily stress, you rediscover the simple joy of being with your buddies. You share laughs, swap stories, and create memories that last a lifetime. Whether it’s pushing each other on a hike, cheering after someone nails a difficult cast while fishing, or just clinking glasses under the stars, these moments strengthen bonds in ways that everyday life rarely allows.
Final Thoughts
A guys weekend in the mountains can be rugged, laid-back, adventurous, or all of the above. The key is tailoring it to your group’s style and making space for connection. With the right mix of activities, food, and downtime, you’ll return from the trip feeling recharged, closer to your friends, and full of stories to retell.
So gather your crew, pick your mountain destination, and start planning. The mountains are calling, and the guys’ weekend you’ll never forget is waiting.
