Wide-open Colorado skies, rushing rivers, waterfalls, and a legendary hot springs: this is what guests can experience at Dunton Hot Springs in the Southwest corner of the Centennial State. Far from “roughin’ it” in the great Colorado outdoors, this luxurious experience is a fantastic way to enjoy all that Colorado’s wilderness has to offer without sacrificing luxury accommodations or amenities.
With 12 cabins and one extravagant permanent tent on property, the luxury property is ideally situated on 1,600 acres in the San Juan Mountains. Ideal for hiking, biking, fishing, ice climbing and even heli-skiing, the esteemed destination resort is probably most famous for its sulfur-free hot springs. Leave the stinky-egg odor to the amateurs as you relax in the several soaking options on-property.
From the wildflower speckled meadows to nearby scenic waterfall, the picturesque collection of cabins and lodges is a dream vacation destination.
An all-inclusive resort, the Ghost-town turned World-Class vacation destination has a fascinating history. Hand-hewn logs from original structures meld seamlessly with modern luxuries and amenities, affording guests of Dunton an experience not soon forgotten.
Originally established as a mining town in 1885, the camp has evolved to a treasured retreat that was restored over seven years in 1994 by the current ownership, giving birth to the new Dunton luxury location.
Year-round activities include outdoor and in, with fine dining available with Chef James Weiler preparing locally sourced food and also utilizing regional ingredients.
From the hand-picked chanterelle mushrooms in the summer to the wine pairings from Sutcliff Vineyards—a 12 acre vineyard owned by Dunton Hot Springs an hour south of the property and home to varietals of Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Petit Verdot—the culinary creations are stunning at the tradition-inspired saloon dining table where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served.
From special orders to rare opportunities to help prepare the meals with the chef yourself, the open and welcoming kitchen is an experience in and of itself.
The natural hot springs may be hard to leave once you enter, but the activities at Dunton are extensive. Winter activities include everything from ice climbing, backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, heli-skiing, dog sledding, ice skating and downhill skiing.
In the summer months, there are opportunities for horseback riding, fly fishing, hiking, mountaineering, rock climbing, rafting and archeological day tours. Whether stargazing or enjoying lawn games, participating in yoga or fine art lessons, guests can choose any level or relaxation or activity to suit all tastes.
The 12 unique cabins on property cater to a wide variety of interests. Romantic getaways are to be had in the 1800s “Dolores” cabin with a Queen Rajasthan wedding bed and large deck overlooking the river; of the Well House that includes its own private on-demand hot spring and cold plunge.
The quaint rustic cabin exterior of the “Geysir” contrasts with an African artifact collection within, while “Potter House” has two trout ponds adjacent to the 10-bedroom cabin perfect for a fly fisherman’s vacation.
A pet-friendly property, a $50/night charge is enough to get Spot on property with the pre-approval of Dunton Management to stay in either the Bjoerkman or Dunton Store cabins. A whole-family getaway or couples’ retreat at the scenic mountain retreat makes for memorable experience for all ages.
If You Go
Several flights on major airlines fly to the region daily. Whether traveling to Telluride, Cortez, Montrose or Durango, transfer services can be arranged through Dunton Hot Springs or car rental is an option through the scenic Rocky Mountains.
Dunton Hot Springs
52068 Road 38
Dolores, CO 81323
877.228.4674
www.duntonhotsprings.com
Chad Chisholm (www.creationize.com) is a Denver-based travel writer and photographer, his work is featured in AAA EnCompass, JustLuxe, Denver Life Magazine, Colorado Expression, Denver Post and various other outlets.
Photos provided by Dunton Hot Springs.