Active/Adventure: Places: Colorado: Dunton Hot Springs

Colorado: Dunton Hot Springs

The idea of paying $300 or more per night to stay in a log cabin that’s part of a former ghost town in an isolated corner of Colorado wilderness may strike some people as odd. But then they see photos of Dunton Hot Springs, and the usual reaction is, “What log cabins! What wilderness!” Next they read about the hot springs that bubble up around the property, and start fantasizing about how soon they can fly to Telluride and drive the thirty or so miles to Dunton.

Dunton is, in fact, a collection of genuine, hand-hewn log cabins and other buildings that date from Colorado’s gold mining days. But each has been taken apart and renovated with skill, taste, and a lot of money. Expect heated floors, high thread-count sheets, and perhaps a bedspread made of hand-stitched calfskin.

The twelve cabins, along with a library, spa, and a saloon that houses the dining room (meals are taken communally at a long table—or anywhere else you fancy), are arranged around a meadow. Views range from 14,000-foot peaks of the San Juan Mountains to a 35-foot waterfall tucked in the woods at one corner. The only sounds you’re likely to hear is the wind in the pines and occasional coyote wailing in the distance.

Soaking in the mineral-rich (but non-sulphuric) waters is a prime attraction. The Bath House has a rock-lined pool, and there’s an outdoor pond just beyond. The spring itself emerges from the ground a few steps away, where you can lower yourself into the water on a wood ladder.

Other activities abound—this is Colorado, after all. Hiking and horseback riding are popular in summer, plus snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter (heliskiing is another option—the chopper lands right in the meadow). Fly fishing is literally outside your door. Cabin fever is not an option here. Cabins from $300 per night, per person, including all meals.

For additional pictures and to view the photo above larger, click on the image.

Who Should (and Should Not) Go: Those who love luxury and wilderness in equal parts will find bliss here. Those who love flashing some bling on vacation should look elsewhere.

Ideal Length of Stay: It takes at least two days to decompress after the trip to Dunton, so four days seems like a minimum to really get the most out of it. Serious hikers, riders, or fishers should consider a full week.

Rooms to Get: New House lacks the charm of the others, while Vertical is perfect for families. Beyond that, take your pick: Well House has a hot spring tub right in the room, Dunton Store has a two-person spring-fed pool off the deck, Bjoerkmans a view of the waterfall, Honeymoon a cozy riverside setting, etc.

Indagare Tip: Spring (April and May, a.k.a. mud season) can be iffy for outdoors activities, but there’s a chance you’ll have the place to yourself. And the hot springs are a constant pleasure.

Getting There: Don’t count on flying into Telluride in winter, since flights are often cancelled. Durango, Cortez, or Montrose are better options. Also note that there’s a beautiful shortcut from Telluride that’s open in summer, but don’t attempt this without checking with Dunton about road conditions. Dunton will also pick up guests at any of the above airports.