Dunton Hot Springs is tucked in the San Juan Mountains in Colorado’s southwest corner. Dunton Hot Springs is a restored, historic ghost town originally established in 1885. Today, this luxury resort embodies a romantic vision of the American West and is open to guests year-round.
GETTING THERE
Dunton Hot Springs is accessible via several area airports, including Durango, Telluride, Cortez, and Montrose. Whichever you choose, you can rent a car and enjoy the majestic drive to Dunton at your own pace. Or, book a luxury SUV or van.
Pro tip: Dunton Hot Springs is located about two hours from the world-renowned mountain town of Telluride, Colorado. As a result, this makes Dunton the perfect addition to your winter ski trip or visit to the star-studded Telluride Film Festival.
ACCOMMODATIONS
There are 13 luxury cabins open to guests of all ages. These cabins range in size from cozy one bedrooms, perfect for romantic escapes, to more spacious five bedrooms, ideal for families. The well-appointed accommodations are complete with their own charm.
And speaking of unique charm, the Well House Cabin even has a large soaking tub which can be filled with mineral water from the property’s namesake hot springs!
The seasonal Dunton River Camp appeals to those over the age of 18. The camp’s eight luxury glamping tents with en-suite bathrooms are available from June through October. Set near the banks of the West Fork and Dolores rivers, it’s the perfect place to feel even closer to nature and further away from everyday life.
THE FOOD
Just like the accommodations, the food at Dunton will amaze.
New menus are created daily, for instance, and are inspired by fresh, local and regional ingredients. The food is gourmet, but the dining experience at Dunton Hot Springs is not stuffy. Watch your meal being prepared in the old Saloon’s open kitchen. If you’d like, you can even jump in and help the chef.
All guests dine together at a long, antique table, because it facilitates a wonderful sense of community and a forum to discus your day’s adventures. In contrast, couples can opt for romantic private dining.
Dinner aside, you’ll enjoy delicious made-to-order breakfasts and Dunton’s memorable picnic lunches, of course.
ENDLESS ACTIVITIES
Dunton Hot Springs offer countless activities no matter the season. The private hot springs remain one of the biggest draws year-round.
Enjoy the healing mineral water at several locations around the property. This includes the storybook 19th-century bathhouse with its indoor and outdoor hot springs pools.
Indulge in a pre- or post-soak massage at the spa, or consider a private yoga class.
Summer
Try your hand at fly fishing on Dunton’s nine miles of private waters along the West Fork and Dolores rivers. You’ll find yourself hooking rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and brook trout after a little practice.
Horseback riding high in the Rockies is also a must-do. However, if you’d rather hoof it yourself, hiking, mountaineering and rock climbing are also on offer. Nearby, rafting, photography tours and four-wheel drive tours are just a few of the available activities.
Winter
Dunton shines during winter, because few things beat cozying up around a fire. However, those looking to get outside will find no shortage of things to do. One not to miss is hopping in Dunton’s very own Snow-cat to an elevation of 10,000 feet. Up here, you’ll have access to pristine high alpine meadows for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. More tame pursuits include ice skating or riding in a horse-drawn sleigh to Dunton River Camp (where you’ll sip hot chocolate around a bonfire or enjoy a private dinner in the River Camp’s old farmhouse).
Snowmobiling, ice climbing, and heli-skiing are all available for adrenaline junkies.
TIME TO ESCAPE
Dunton Hot Springs is a perfect place for a family getaway. Likewise, it’s a wild yet refined romantic escape. Either way, it offers everything you’ll need to turn your American West dreams into reality.
Grant Smith is a travel writer who provides readers and viewers with the information they need to get off the Internet and on the road saying, “I’m going to have an awesome time!” Wherever he goes, Grant travels with a budget-aware eye, but isn’t afraid to splurge on travel experiences that are truly worth it. When he’s not living out of a suitcase, Grant lives in Southern California.
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