From
the Rockies Playground to the Pioneering Plains, it’s no secret
Colorado boasts an array of outdoor activities. What may surprise
Colorado travelers is the diverse range of lodging options across the
Centennial State; from solar-powered huts and hip hostels to cabin
living and overnight accommodations in a jail, train station or castle.
The following unique properties ensure adventure doesn’t end at the door
but begins the moment you check in.
Huts, Yurts and Teepees:
Arapaho Valley Ranch, Granby – This 200-acre family-owned ranch offers guests a range of lodging options from “glamping tents” outfitted with southwestern flair to 20-foot teepees
equipped with queen-sized beds. The property sits at the base of the
Indian Peaks Wilderness and is a short distance from jagged windswept
peaks, alpine tundra and a small glacier.
Collective Vail, Wolcott –
Overlooking Vail Valley and surrounded by 1,000 acres of working
ranchland, Collective Vail gives you a taste of gorgeous Colorado
countryside within easy driving distance of a modern resort town. The
award-winning tent accommodations offer en-suite bathrooms and plush
king-sized beds. Guests can explore the surrounding trails by horseback
or sip the best varietals the area has to offer.
Platte River Fort, Greeley –
Located along the South Platte River with hiking and cycling trails on
the property, this fort can accommodate up to 37 guests in its variety
of luxury suites, courtyard bedrooms and rustic bunkrooms and makes for a
picturesque event setting. Adventurous visitors can also stay the night
in their comfortable yurts set along the river or in an upscale covered
wagon.
Tennessee Pass Sleep Yurts, Leadville – Sleep
under a blanket of Colorado stars in a cozy off-grid yurt. Located just
nine miles from the historic mining town of Leadville, guests hike or
ski to their accommodations. The yurts come furnished with handcrafted
log beds and a soapstone wood stove. Guests can also dine at the
Tennessee Pass Cookhouse or order in-yurt catering.
Thelma Hut, San Juan County – Powered
by solar energy, this brand new backcountry hut is nestled in the heart
of the San Juan Mountains. Perfect for those who seek an off-grid
experience but still want the luxuries of everyday life, Thelma Hut
offers a hut host who cooks breakfast, afternoon soup and dinner. The
hut comfortably sleeps eight and accommodates skiers and hikers alike,
being just steps from world-class trails and accessible to pristine
backcountry skiing.
Weston Pass Hut, Twin Lakes – Located
just a short drive from the Front Range, this backcountry hut faces an
open valley with stunning views of Mount Holy Cross and the surrounding
mountains. The 1,600-square-foot hut sleeps 20 people and was built from
locally sourced materials.
Cabin Living:
Gunnison River Farms, Austin – Situated
along two arching bends on the Gunnison River in the Mountain &
Mesas region of Colorado, this property offers an array of lodging
options; from historic, yet renovated, cabins to a pseudo-tent that’s
cantilevered over the river. The farm is known for local adventures like
whitewater rafting and trophy trout fishing and is a romantic location
perfect for a weekend getaway.
Monument Lake Resort, Weston – Comprised
of a 22-room hotel, 13 cabins and multiple RV and tent campsites, this
lakeside resort offers a lodging style for every traveler. The
adobe-style cabins are cozy and quiet while the hotel offers visitors a
warm fireplace and a patio to decompress after a day exploring the
368-acre property.
Royal Gorge Cabins, Cañon City – Close
enough to the action but not too far from the beaten path, the Royal
Gorge Cabins offer first-class amenities along with sweeping mountain
views. The modern cabins provide a perfect balance of modern-day
luxuries and off-grid tranquility.
Willow Lodge Cabin, Walden – This
family-owned log cabin brings modern simplicity to everyday mountain
life. Located near the base of Bull Mountain, the property has direct
access to a snowmobile trail, as well as a private two-track ski trail,
and sits at the entrance to the State Forest State Park. Sitting on 30
acres, there is no shortage of space to explore. The cabin can
accommodate up to 20 guests and features a wood-burning fireplace.
Windsock Acres, Creede –
Windsock Acres offers three distinctive cabins for guests to book, each
with unique architecture and interior themes. With immediate access to
historic downtown Creede, guests are encouraged to experience the
renowned Creede Repertory Theater and explore the various galleries and
restaurants at the base of sheer cliffs surrounding town.
Yellow Pine Ranch, Cuchara – Yellow
Pine Ranch has served guests since 1927. At 8,500 feet, the ranch
offers rustic, western hospitality nestled in the picturesque Cuchara
Valley. The ranch offers a variety of activities including horseback
riding, fishing, barbeques, marshmallow roasts, hiking and more and is
within walking distance of the Village of Cuchara.
Motels and Hostels:
Amigo Motor Lodge, Salida – This
renovated motel from the 1950s came into being after an unlikely first
date conversation, where a couple mutually expressed interest in owning
and remodeling a roadside motel. Years later, the pair accomplished what
they set out to do from the beginning. This boutique motel perfectly
merges its existing architecture with southwestern textiles and
minimalist design to form a unique ambiance that is indeed
Instagram-worthy. Visitors also find plenty of scenic trails and
challenging hikes right in Amigo’s backyard.
The Bivvi, Breckenridge – Ever
heard of a hostel that boasts a hot tub ensuite? Now you have.
Revolutionizing the Breckenridge lodging scene, this hostel overlooks
the Ten Mile Mountain Range and is a budget-friendly option for
travelers looking to enjoy the ski season. Guests can expect free
parking, complimentary breakfast and free-flowing conversation.
The Bunkhouse, Minturn –
The Bunkhouse boutique hostel is a unique lodging experience for
mountain enthusiasts who value affordability and community. The
Bunkhouse offers a warm, comfortable, clean, and hip atmosphere for
travelers and is an affordable lodging option for backpackers, skiers
and other travelers exploring Colorado.
ColoRADo Adventure Hostel, Colorado Springs – Opened
in fall 2018, this 55-bed hostel is the first, and most “rad” hostel in
Colorado Springs. Serving the explorers and adventurers coming to the
Pikes Peak Region, this hostel offers a mix of shared accommodation and
private rooms, social common areas, a 420-friendly area, daily events
and ski trips.
Hostel Fish, Denver –
One of Colorado’s best-kept secrets, this hostel is conveniently
located in downtown Denver and boasts views of both Coors Field and the
Rocky Mountains. With a luxe, modern interior and a craft cocktail
lounge, this unique space evokes the feeling of a hotel rather than a
hostel.
Solarium Hostel, Fort Collins – Located
in the heart of Fort Collins, this Spanish-inspired villa offers a
tropical retreat from the road, whether one is riding solo or traveling
with a crew. More than just a place to stay, the hostel features a
botanical courtyard, an in-house yoga studio and 40-foot teepees. It
also rents out bicycles to those interested in cruising around one of
the country’s most bike-friendly cities.
Unique Hotels and Inns:
Best Western Movie Manor, Monte Vista – This
hotel is attached to the drive-in theatre of the same name, Movie
Manor, and gives guests the luxury of watching the evening’s film from
the comfort of their own room. Drive-in movies at Movie Manor are
scheduled regularly from mid-May to mid-September. Surrounded by
mountains, historic Monte Vista is great base location for the Great
Sand Dunes National Park or any other adventure to be found in the
Mystic San Luis Valley region.
The Crawford Hotel, Denver – Located
in Denver’s historic Union Station, The Crawford provides guests with a
bustling yet luxurious downtown experience. With a panoramic view of
the cityscape with the Rockies as a backdrop, this unique hotel is a top
choice for train-travelers and city staycationers alike.
Highland Haven Creekside Inn, Evergreen – Just
steps from Bear Creek, this inn offers a variety of accommodations to
suit guests needs including suites, cottages, lofts and its most recent
addition, the TreeHouse. This three level, two-story one-of-a-kind
hideaway offers ultra-luxe bedding, a gorgeous chandelier, stained glass
décor and a Jacuzzi with spectacular views into the surrounding Blue
Spruce trees. Plus, Tesla owners can even charge up onsite.
Public House, Crested Butte – A
favorite on Elk Avenue, this pub and music venue now offers
music-themed lodging in its three loft suites. Each spacious suite
features a complimentary ensuite minibar—the perfect nightcap after
enjoying a show.
Redstone Castle, Redstone – Constructed
in 1902 for coal baron John Cleveland Osgood, Redstone Castle was
placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971 and now
operates as a unique event location and lodging property. The recently
renovated facility offers guests to stay in its seven specialty suites
with access to private fishing along the Crystal River and private
trails on 150-acre grounds.
The Springs Resort and Spa, Pagosa Springs – This
resort features 24-hour access to 23 hot springs onsite—including five
exclusive, adults-only pools for ultimate relaxation. A short drive from
Wolf Creek Ski Area, guests can relax in the pools after a day on the
slopes or indulge in a soothing treatment at the day spa.
Station on the Riverwalk, Pueblo –
This family owned and operated hotel is repurposed and reinvented from
the same building that once served as the town’s jail and police
station—and the hotel owns its historic past. Its rooms are known as
“cells” and the speakeasy-inspired Clink Lounge is a hip spot for casual
drinks or events. Situated next to Brues Alehouse, guests can enjoy a
show at the brewery’s concert venue before turning in to their cells for
the night.
