Description
Dunton Hot Springs is one of those rare places that inspire feelings of utter bliss. Located in the San Juan Mountains an hour from Telluride, the lodge occupies a twelve hand-hewn log cabins that originally made up this nineteenth-century silver miners town, exquisitely furnished inside and creating the most wonderful atmosphere.
It is the perfect place for adventure. By day, you can follow spectacular hiking and mountain biking trails in the High Rockies, climb 14,000-feet peaks, jump into the saddle of sturdy horse to penetrate the endless wilderness, go helicopter skiing in a silent world of billowing powder, enjoy world-class fly fishing on an exclusive nine-mile stretch of river, go kayaking and river rafting, explore the desert and its incredible Navajo archaeological sites, and even travel through the Valley of the Gods to the lodge’s own exclusive vineyard, the list goes on, all with expert guides.
Or take an inner journey, learning photography, perhaps a painting class, enjoying a spa experience you simply will not find anywhere else, or soaking for hours in the natural hot springs. The library is a beautiful space in which to catch up on your reading, or leaf through the resort's excellent collection.
Meals follow the tradition of the big cattle outlaws, all sitting together at a long antique table in the Saloon, the heart and soul of Dunton Hot Springs. The original fixtures are fantastic – there is an antique cash register, a cosy wood-burning fire and, you can even make out, carved into the bar, the names of Butch Cassidy and Sundance. Enjoy the freshest of organic local produce - succulent mountain lamb and river trout, ceps and chanterelles from the woods, and fruit and vegetables from the farm and vineyard, all served with great wines to match. You can even watch and help the chef prepare. It’s a great place to swap stories.
At night, head back to your cabin and sit out in a rocking chair on your private porch and admire the stars and the darkly silhouetted Rockies before retiring. The romance inside the cabin is pure western romance. Classic wood furniture, rustic rugs and paintings of Native Americans in traditional dress are complemented by contemporary photography. Smaller cabins are ideally suited to honeymooners, while the larger cabins have three bedrooms, perfect for families. There is even a tepee accommodation if you’d like a night under canvas.
Accommodation
All of the 13 cabins are hand-built and, in some cases, by the original miners themselves. They have all been restored and each has it's own unique character and ambiance. Every cabin offers breathtaking views of the mountains and the surrounding meadows.
| Well House | Built around an on-demand hot spring, it also includes a cold plunge and wood burning stove. |
| Vertical Log Cabin | Next to the waterfall, this is a unique cabin which is constructed out of big vertical cottonwood timbers. It also house a number of antiques. |
| Christy's Tent | This is a fascinating all-season tent constructed from cotton canvas and reclaimed materials from the 1830's. It includes a gas stove and large en-suite bathroom with amazing views of the mountains. |
| Major Ross Cabin | One of the original Dunton cabins, the Major Ross was built in the mid 1800s and is extremely close to the source of the hot springs while also being just steps away from the Saloon. |
| Bjoerkmans Cabin | This is one of the oldest cabins at Dunton and names after the miner that originally built it. |
| Dolores | Another original from the 1800s, Dolores is designed as a romantic retreat including a Queen Rajasthan wedding bed and a large deck that looks over the stunning river. |
| Tipping Cabin | Perfect for a family, it has three bedrooms and has been moved to Dunton from Parachute, another mining town. |
| Tipping Cabin | Perfect for a family, it has three bedrooms and has been moved to Dunton from Parachute, another mining town. |
| Dunton Store Cabin | As the name suggests this was originally the General Store and includes its own private soaking pool. This cabin is a tribute to the American west and is filled with unique and fascinating film memorabilia. |
| New House Cabin | Situated right in the heart of the town, New House Cabin offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. |
| New House Cabin | Situated right in the heart of the town, New House Cabin offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. |
| Forge Cabin | As the name suggests this is part of the old forge and is situated right by the Saloon. |
| Forge Cabin | As the name suggests this is part of the old forge and is situated right by the Saloon. |
| Geysir Cabin | This intimate cabin is filled with African artefacts, given as a gift, along with the cabin itself, by the original owners. |
| Geysir Cabin | This intimate cabin is filled with African artefacts, given as a gift, along with the cabin itself, by the original owners. |
| Echo Cabin | This cosy cabin includes an indoor shower as well as a discrete outdoors shower for those wishing to get closer to nature. |
| Potter House | This is most certainly a house rather than cabin. Formerly a previous residence of the owner this comfortable house sleeps up to 10 and has 2 trout ponds just by it. |
| Cresto Tent | |
Childcare
No special arrangements for children.
Facilities
All dining takes place in the Saloon at one large antique table, synonymous with the old West. The chef produces fresh, hearty food while the dining style itself is incredibly friendly and casual. Picnics are provided for those wishing to explore the area while any special requests are welcomed.
Activities
Being in the vast area that is Colorado opens up a multitude of possibilities, whether you enjoy embracing the great outdoors with hikes, horseback rides, fly-fishing, mountaineering and rafting or simply capturing it with art and photography instruction or Archaeological tours in the desert.
Activities
Being in the vast area that is Colorado opens up a multitude of possibilities, whether you enjoy embracing the great outdoors with hikes, horseback rides, fly-fishing, mountaineering and rafting or simply capturing it with art and photography instruction or Archaeological tours in the desert.
Services
The spa specialises in all natural treatments which, combined with its stunning setting, is the ideal way to relax after a hard day of exploring.
When to travel
Jackson Hole has an extreme continental climate with very cold winters and warm summers. Activities are very seasonal. Spring, from late April to June, is marked by mild days and cold nights, with some rain and occasional snow. It is in spring that newborn elk, moose, bison and bears start appearing. Summers offer warm days and cool nights and a profusion of brightly coloured wildflowers. In autumn, the aspen and cottonwood run gold and red. The days are sunny, with cold nights. Rain eventually gives way to snow. Winter brings with it enough deep snow to keep a skier happy well into April. It also brings the elk to the valley.
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Best time to visit
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Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
The Rockies, United States of America
On West Fork Road in Dolores, Colorado Dunton Hot Springs is nestled deep in the San Juan Mountains of the Colorado Rockies.
How to get there
9.5-hour flight from London to Denver followed by a 1-hour flight to Telluride and a 1-hour 15-minute transfer
