With social distancing and remote escapes becoming the new way to travel, an adventure in Colorado’s great outdoors is looking more appealing than ever. Set among 58 mountains, four national parks, 41 State Parks, 30 hot springs and 6,000 miles of rivers – this outdoor playground offers plenty of space to avoid the crowds.
As for where you should stay, here’s a selection of the top hideaways to complete the ultimate off-grid Colorado adventure.
Red Mountain Alpine Lodge, Red Mountain Pass
Elevated at 11,000 feet above sea level and surrounded by tall spruce trees, Red Mountain Alpine Lodge serves as the ultimate backcountry accommodation for those wanting to be on the doorstep of Colorado’s outdoor playground. Cabins are available year-round and certainly don’t fall short on amenities with gourmet eats, a bar and tavern, and a wood-burning sauna. Curl up by the fire and enjoy the peace and quiet – even your phone will be out of range. While you’re there enjoy backcountry and mountain guided trips, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter or hiking, biking and exploring the local Western-style towns of Ouray and Silverton in the summer. The entire cabin can fit up to 19 people so you have the option to book with a large group or just a private room (with up to four people).
Dunton River Camp, Dunton
You know that Dunton River Camp is worth a stay when Kim, Kanye and their four children reportedly escaped to this luxury ghost town glamping spot for a private getaway this year. They rented out the entire former 1800s cattle ranch for $43,000 USD but when you can’t afford to live as lavishly as a celebrity, one of the eight safari-style tents will do the trick. With meals provided and all the amenities, you would expect from a luxury hotel this truly is a perfectly secluded hideaway. On your doorstep, you’ll find the trout-rich West Fork at the Dolores River – perfect for fly fishing – and Telluride one hour away. Each tent also comes with two private mountain bikes so you can easily explore the local trails.
Keep reading: What to do in the Great American West in winter
Thelma Hut, San Juan County
Located deep in the San Juan Mountains Thelma Hut puts a luxury twist on off-grid living – for one thing, you’ll have your own caretaker who cooks breakfast, lunch and dinner. Keep warm in winter with solar-powered underfloor heating and a cosy wood-burning stove while you switch off and enjoy the nature surrounding you – there is no WiFi or television here. The hut comfortably sleeps eight and accommodates skiers and hikers alike, being just steps from world-class trails and pristine backcountry skiing.
Badger Creek Ranch, Canon City
Badger Creek Ranch offers the perfect setting for a socially distanced escape that is both sustainable and off-grid. Bordering the San Isabel National Forest and Pike National Forest, a horse will become your closest company during your stay, as you ride through the ranch with views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Collegiate Peaks with the natural horsemanship methods practised by the owners. The ranch caters to a maximum of eight guests at a time with options of staying in a private room in the bunkhouse or in a safari-style tent, kept warm with a traditional-style heated stove. Hot ranch-style breakfasts are served to energise you for a day of adventure, as well as lunch, dinner and refreshments provided for while you’re in the saddle.
Summit Huts, Summit County
Summit Huts are a perfect option for travellers keen on hiking the mountains in the summer or backcountry skiing from hut to hut in winter. Opened in 2019, Sisters Cabin is a new winter-only hut and the fifth backcountry hut in the Summit Huts system, accessible to intermediate and advanced backcountry skiers. Sitting at 11,445 feet elevation, the hut features a wood-burning stove, solar-powered lights and indoor composting toilets, with a wood-burning sauna to relax in after a day’s adventure on the mountain. And to align with social distancing, the five huts in the Summit Hut collection are currently only taking single-party bookings, allowing guests to enjoy their own space.
Find out more: colorado.com
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