A Colorado Getaway

Nestled in the mountains near Telluride is a romantic 1800s ghost town

April 20, 2020

Kasey Harvey,

Photos courtesy of Dunton Hot Springs

Nestled in the mountains near Telluride, Dunton Hot Springs is a romantic 1800s ghost town set in a Colorado alpine valley.

Travel back in time at the exclusive mountain resort (without missing modern amenities like Wi-Fi) and experience hand-hewn log cabins and a life-worn saloon serving excellent food. Enjoy pampering massages, calming hot springs beneath the snowbanks, snowshoeing, fishing and more.

Here we’ve rounded up four things that make Dunton Hot Springs the ultimate destination for luxurious tranquility in a rustic setting.

Fine Dining at Dunton Saloon

Experience authentic saloon life at Dunton Saloon. The original watering hole was built in 1885 and still welcomes guests for dinner or drinks at the original bar (featuring a carving from Butch Cassidy himself). Sit outside in the summer and enjoy al fresco dining in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

A Dip in Dunton Hot Springs

You can enjoy the famed hot waters at Dunton is six different ways including inside the restored 19th century Bathhouse, under the stars at the source of the springs, inside the Well House Cabin and out on the river at Christoph’s Spring.

With water temperatures ranging from 85° F to 106° F, this is your chance to take in all of the health benefits associated with the natural hot springs, like improved circulation and healthy skin.

Stay in Luxury in Dunton Cabins

Major Ross cabin

Major Ross cabin interior

Luxury and rustic charm collide in these hand-built (some by the miners themselves), authentically restored mountain cabins. Built in a circle around the Saloon and Dance Hall, the cabins are steps from the bath house.

Each dwelling is unique and features mountain-inspired decor. What’s more, every window affords magnificent views of the mountains and the surrounding meadows.

Activities at Dunton Hot Springs

The destination also offers a range of outdoor activities. Hop on a horse for high mountain rides or grab your gear and enjoy world class fly fishing on an exclusive nine-mile stretch of the West Fork of the Dolores. Perfect hiking and mountain bike trails, from easy to heart pounding, are at your disposal. Expert guides will help you summit 14,000ft peaks or take you rock climbing in the surrounding San Juan peaks.