Dunton Hot Springs

This year, the owners of Dunton Hot Springs plan to open Cresto Ranch, a tent resort four miles from the main property. For now, you can stay at Dunton in Christy’s Tent, which features Western memorabilia and a shower with views of the Wilson Mountain Range. Assist the chef in preparing dinner, then soak in natural hot springs that have seduced visitors since the Gold Rush.

Staying at Dunton Hot Springs feels like being transported back in time. The old mining town is just across the mountain from Telluride, and its original cabins have been restored as guest rooms. I stayed in the town’s original General Store, which is now decorated with posters of old Western films like Rio Bravo and cowboy-and-Indian print curtains. The General Store cabin also has its own hot spring out back for soaking. More adventurous guests can opt to sleep in tepees scattered throughout the property. I spent my days hiking the trails around the property and fly-fishing in the resort’s private river. At night, guests gather in the old saloon. Look closely at the wooden bar and you’ll see where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid carved their initials.

Only 40 minutes from Telluride, Dunton Hot Springs is an abandoned mining town that was resurrected by Christoph Henkel. An in-house chef cooks three meals daily, using organic and sustainable products. The cabins are all unique with amazing bedding. The activities are limitless depending on the time of year. Dogsledding was my highlight!

While staying at Dunton Hot Springs, I had the opportunity to go on a great hike to Colorado‘s only active geyser. Though it is not an Old Faithful-like show-stopper, it is still very cool to be one of the very few people who see it every year.

The aspens set the Rockies on fire, making this a great place to visit in the fall.