Dunton Hot Springs

Dunton Hot Springs is a small and exclusive resort nestled deep in the San Juan Mountains of the Colorado Rockies. This perfectly restored ghost town thrives on contradictions; hand- hewn log cabins exquisitely furnished, a life-worn saloon serving food of startling quality, lung torturing trails followed by pampering massages, sensuous hot springs beneath shimmering snow banks.

This romantic old mining town still provides high speed wireless internet access in every cabin and video conferencing in our dance hall to the comforting sound of a tumbling waterfall.

Just across the mountain from Telluride, Dunton Hot Springs is a romantic 1800’s ghost town set in an extraordinary alpine valley. Our resort offers a variety of day and overnight packages, and the entire town can be rented exclusively for corporate retreats, family reunions and weddings.

THE HOT SPRINGS
We assume that, long before miners first eased their weary bones into Dunton Hot Springs, the Ute Indians, roaming their summer hunting grounds, lazed in the restoring waters. The original spring is still visible at the highest point in town.

To make more use of the water the miners dynamited the springs and directed its flow towards the bathhouse. Lots of old photographs bear witness to the affection with which the large outdoor pool was held.

Dunton’s hot springs are controlled by tectonic forces associated with the Triassic Dolores Formation. The springs are located on the trace of a north trending fault and encompass an area of approximately 0.3 square miles.

There are many other seeps and springs in the area. Colorado’s only Geyser (a tepid sulfuric spring) bubbles up every 45 minutes or so. There is a soda spring which has been recorded but, so far, never found by us and our neighbor’s fabulous lithium rich Paradise Hot Spring.

CABINS
Sturdy, hand-hewn and authentic, the cabins contain a world of whimsy and elegance. Built in a circle around the Saloon and Dance Hall, they lie just steps from the wonderful bath house. At the other end of town is an open air chapel and tumbling waterfall.

All of Dunton’s authentically restored log cabins are full of fascinating details. All the cabins are hand-built and, in some cases, by the original miners themselves. Lovingly restored, each possesses a distinct character. Tastefully decorated, they are full of unique artifacts and furnishings. Every window affords magnificent views of the mountains and the surrounding meadows.

DINING
Our Chefs draw on classical training to create a new menu every day using local and regional ingredients, some from our farm and vineyard. We all eat at a long, antique table in the center of the Saloon. A tradition from the big cattle outlaws that we choose to maintain. If guests prefer however, we do have the option for guests to dine separately.

The open kitchen is the heart of the old Saloon, people love to watch and even help the Chef, as he makes the days fare. We welcome the opportunity to prepare something special, just say the word.

The morning starts when you want. Meander over to the Saloon. You will be greeted by an array of fresh delectables, aromatic coffees and teas, and just-squeezed fruit juices. Our Chef is then ready to prepare whatever you choose.

Lunch is both casual and special. For the adventurous we will put together the most wonderful picnic for your fishing trip, hike, horse ride or the shady mountain meadow you have picked out.

is the pinnacle and culmination of a day of excitement, wonder and relaxation. Among friends, sharing the stories of the day. Amazing food, fine wines and delightful company come together to enrich the evening.

SPA & WELLNESS
At Dunton we pride ourselves that our spa treatments provide an experience you will not find anywhere else. So indulge yourself in the very best of holistic and therapeutic healing.

The Spa specializes in totally natural treatments, in surroundings that can only help to relax and rejuvenate. Choose powerful yet soothing massage and the finest essential oils to create a feeling of consuming well-being. We offer 75 minute long services such as: hot stone massages, alpen glow body scrubs, facials, and 60 minute long meditation & yoga sessions.

YOGA
Yoga at Dunton is dedicated to promoting the authentic spiritual tradition in an environment more normally associated with exotic places much further East. Guests can learn and practice different facets of Yoga – for physical strength, balance and flexibility, for physiological and therapeutic benefits and also the art of meditation.

Whatever your personal goals may be, a Yoga or Pilates session at Dunton promises to be an inspirational and elevating experience.

WEDDINGS
From the rustic charm of the beautifully appointed cabins to the natural splendor of the mineral hot springs, Dunton serves as the perfect setting for your memorable event. This romantic ghost town located across the mountain from Telluride offers thirteen unique, luxury accommodations surrounded by picturesque views of 14,000 foot mountain peaks, aspens, rivers, and meadows.

Renting the town for an exclusive use wedding, allows our chef to customize all menus as well as giving you exclusive use of all Dunton facilities, including the original Dancehall & Saloon, Bathhouse, and open air chapel.

Up to forty four guests can enjoy a range of activities from horseback riding, fly-fishing, mountain biking, hiking, and rock climbing in the summer to snowshoeing, cross and back country skiing, dog-sledding, ice climbing, and snowmobiling in the winter.

Dunton’s majestic alpine setting provides an unforgettable backdrop for your special occasion.

EXPERIENCES & ACTIVITIES
Our springs are of the calcium bicarbonate type with a strong concentration of dissolved iron and manganese and a little dash of lithium. Bathing in bicarbonate water assists opening peripheral blood vessels and helps to improve circulation to the body’s extremities and magnesium converts blood sugar to energy and promotes healthy skin.

We offer five ways to take to the waters, which range in temperature from 85°F to 106°F: inside the restored 19th century Bathhouse, under the stars at the source, in the pool outside the Bathhouse, in the pool behind the Dunton Store cabin and inside Well House cabin.

WINTER OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Winter is a magical time to visit Dunton, and this winter is made even more special with our new Winter Activities Program.

Strap on a pair of snowshoes and explore the serene San Juan Mountains; climb into Dunton’s very own Snow-cat and scale to 10,000 feet for a day of snowshoeing or cross-country skiing on trail laid out by former Olympic Nordic skier Wendy Wegner; or enjoy a winter wonderland experience at Dunton River Camp where the adventurous can delight in a number of winter activities and all can spend a cozy, comfortable afternoon nestled by the fire in the River Camp’s Farm House enjoying hot chocolate, board games, and a warm lunch celebrating life’s simple pleasures.

You have the opportunity to do as much or as little as you choose, without feeling guilty. These half-day guided group activities are offered complimentary to our guests while visiting Dunton in winter.

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
Cross-country skiing offers a great chance to venture out on groomed wilderness trails. Imagine gliding along through the spectacular San Juan Mountains with no other person around except you and your professional guide.

You will have the opportunity to see animal tracks, wildlife, and untouched alpine meadows. With two areas to choose from and over 10 km of trails you can enjoy a variety of options, be it on freshly groomed trails at Dunton Hot Springs, or in the meadows.

SLEIGH RIDE & DINE
With this ride you will enjoy your very own exceptionally picturesque evening sleigh ride under the setting sun pulled by our beautiful Percheron horses. Following the sleigh ride is an intimate gourmet dinner for two in our original farmhouse built in the late 1800’s. The warmth of the fireplace cozies up the room and adds that perfect touch to your private evening. End the night with a bonfire and cocktails under the stars.

SNOWMOBILING
Explore the alpine beauty of Dunton by snowmobile. A great option for all experience levels to have an exciting and fun-filled adventure. Knowledgeable guides will entertain and educate about the area’s historic and natural wonders while showing off some of Colorado’s most breathtaking scenery.

ICECLIMBING
Certainly one of the most fantastic winter adventures in the San Juan Mountains, there is nothing quite like climbing a frozen waterfall. Using ice axes, crampons, helmets and harnesses, you will have the opportunity to scale Dunton’s own waterfall.

All our ice climbing outings include professional guiding/instruction never to exceed a 4:1 ratio. We also supply all needed technical ice climbing equipment, and complementary digital photo service on most trips.

HELI TRANSFER
Are you interested in experiencing Telluride powder but not so interested in the travel time it takes to get there? Enjoy sweeping views and scenic vistas as you fly over some of Colorado’s most majestic terrain in your own private helicopter transfer from Dunton to Telluride Ski Resort. Flight leaves at 8:30am and returns at 3:30pm.

HELI SKIING
Taking up to six runs each day, you will ski at 14,000 to 10,000 feet, and fly among some of the highest elevations in North America. Full professional ski guide service including State of-the-art powder skis/snowboard, poles, avalanche transceiver and safety orientation is provided.

BACK COUNTRY SKIING
Our Backcountry Ski Excursions give skiers and snowboarders of all abilities a chance to experience the ultimate wilderness delight: untracked powder. Whether you are a beginner or experienced backcountry fanatic, our guides will thrill you with unspoiled San Juan Powder.

Let us introduce you to the sport of backcountry skiing or snowboarding, by providing you with the opportunity to learn the basics of backcountry travel, including equipment use and analysis, route finding, travel protocols and avalanche awareness. We supply all the needed avalanche equipment, and a complimentary digital photo service is provided on most trips.

SNOW SHOEING
There is no better way to experience the serene winter beauty of the San Juan Mountains than with a pair of snowshoes strapped to your feet. Frolic in fresh Colorado powder while learning about Dunton’s unique natural history from expert guides for a spectacular work-out with great views.

SAND CANYON HIKE AND WINE TOUR
A trip to the Sculpted Monoliths of McElmo Canyon where you will be able to hike on the Sand Canyon Trail in the Canyons of the Ancients. It’s approximately a 1.5 hour drive to the Canyon.

This followed by lunch and a tasting at Sutcliffe Vineyards which is conveniently located just minutes away from Sand Canyon trail head, returning back to
Dunton by 4:00 pm.

PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR/INSTRUCTION
Photograph The San Juans The San Juan Mountains provide endless photo opportunities. Our guide will customize your tour depending on your experience level, and what type of photos you are wanting to capture along with teaching you how to use your own camera.

DOG SLEDDING
Departs from just outside of Dunton. An approximately 1.5 hour experience, close to seven mile ride round trip (normally turnaround at Navajo Lake Trailhead). Two people and a maximum of 375 lbs per sled.

SUMMER OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
We have gentle, rugged horses for high mountain rides, 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. We can also provide expert guides to help you summit the 14,000ft peaks or take you rock climbing in the surrounding San Juan peaks.

FLY FISHING
Enjoy classic western fly fishing on the West Fork of the Dolores River. Both Dunton Hot Springs and Dunton River Camp offer anglers a combination of meadow oxbows and pocket water canyons.

The West Fork is a midsized, freestone river, populated with Rainbow, Brown, Cutthroat and Brook trout. While situated in a remote and beautiful valley, the fishing itself is extremely accessible for anglers of all experience and ability levels. Wade fishermen should expect to implement a variety of rigging techniques, including nymphing, dry fly fishing, dry-dropper and streamer fishing.

HORSEBACK RIDING

• The Dunton Local Loops Ride A family-friendly 45 minutes to one hour ride around Dunton’s east property trails. Perfect for children and adults who are new to riding. Easy terrain and beautiful views. Some steep climbing with a lovely peak view at the top followed by a flat traverse through old growth forests before heading back downhill along an old mining road. Loop choice assessed with wrangler depending on rider experience.
• Sampson Trail This 2.5-3 hour ride for accomplished/expert riders heads upriver and crosses a steep 1500 vertical foot climb to a stunning view of the Dolores Peak. The homeward, downhill ride along working cattle trails meanders through Aspen forests.
• The Mountain Trail Close to a 3 hour ride the trail guides you through the mountainous Lizard Head pass up to breathtaking views of Lake Navajo trail and Kilpacker trail heads. The trail is just under an hour drive from Dunton. Minimum age 16 or able to fit in an adult saddle. Transportation and driver provided.
• The Desert Sand Canyon Trail This 3 hour ride takes you through the serene and gorgeous sights of our neighboring desert finishing with a prepared lunch by our Chefs and a wine tasting at Sutcliffe Vineyards. This trip is a 1.5 hour drive to the canyon, returning to Dunton by 4:00 pm.

GUIDED HIKING
Guided Hikes Hiking into the beautiful San Juan Mountains is the quintessential wilderness experience. Trails lead you through exquisite high alpine basins blanketed in wildflowers amidst high summits and crystal clear streams. Personalized from gentle walks to power hikes. Our full-day adventures are the best way to explore Dunton’s backcountry.

You will get the chance to travel deep into the wilderness of the San Juan Mountains and explore hidden trails, mountain passes and deep valleys, all while picnicking by a trickling stream in a field full of wildflowers.

SANDCANYON HIKE + SUTCLIFFE VINEYARDS
Hike and Tasting A trip to the Sculpted Monoliths of McElmo Canyon where you will be able to hike on the Sand Canyon Trail in the Canyons of the Ancients. It’s approximately a 1.5 hour drive to the Canyon.

This is followed by lunch and a tasting at Sutcliffe Vineyards which is conveniently located just minutes away from Sand Canyon trail head, returning back to Dunton by 4:00 pm.

MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK
Mesa Verde National Park A short 1.5 hr drive from Dunton is the home of the Ancestral Puebloans. This archaeological preserve offers you the chance to visit the mesa and cliff dwellings as a way of experiencing a very unique style of life from 750-1300 AD.

The Mesa Top Loop Road is a 6-mile (10 km) drive that is a tour through time. Along the road, you’ll find short, easily-accessible paved trails to view twelve archeological sites, including surface sites and overlooks of cliff dwellings—the ancient homes and villages of the Ancestral Pueblo people who lived here for more than 700 years.

Hike the Petroglyph Point Trail or Spruce Canyon Trail. It’s your day, so your driver is happy to speak with you about what you would like to experience during your visit to the park, to best utilize your time.

Rooms: 21

Price: from 1.438 EUR per night

Source: www.duntondestinations.com