Colorado has been a popular vacation destination for many decades. Most visitors come to admire and explore the majestic Rocky Mountains, which offer unrivalled recreation. If you really want to get closer to nature, the best way to experience Colorado is on a camping vacation, but not everyone relishes the prospect of doing without their home comforts. This is where glamping can be a solution. You can sleep in a comfortable bed at night but still enjoy BBQ around the campfire. Glamping resorts are mostly located in terrific locations which offer easy access to walking, hiking and skiing areas as well as offering summer activities like white-water rafting, fishing and much more.
1. Lawson Adventure Park and Resort
The Lawson Adventure Park is ideally situated for visitors who would like to enjoy a wide range of winter activities including skiing, snowboarding, snow-shoeing and romantic sleigh rides. The park offers 5 family yurts, each of which can be configured to suit your family. Beds take the form of bunk-beds and futons (bedding provided), and each yurt has electricity, propane heaters and BBQ. Although you do not have a private bathroom, the nearby restroom has baths and showers. The entire resort has Wi-Fi, which means you can stay in contact. The yurts are carefully spaced to offer everyone some privacy. Spring and summer activities include white-water rafting, zip-line and ATV tours.
Lawson Adventure Park and Resort, 3440 Alvarado Rd, Dumont, CO 80436, Phone: 720-779-2595
More ideas: Things to Do in Colorado
2. Vail Collective Retreats
Perfectly nestled on the 1000-acre 4 Eagle Ranch, Vail Collective is the perfect antidote to your stressful 9 to 5. Although the resort is located just 25 miles from Vail Village, it seems like it is in the middle of nowhere. The Summit Tents feature a huge king-side bed, designer lighting, full electricity and private in-suite bathroom with rain shower. The Journey Tents are just slightly less extravagant, featuring a queen-size bed (or twin beds), luxury linens, electricity and shared bathrooms with private toilets. Delicious freshly-prepared meals are served at the Three Peaks Lodge or can be delivered to your tent if you prefer. You will have access to a wide variety of activities right on your doorstep.
Vail Collective Retreats, 4 Eagle Ranch, 4098 CO 131, Wolcott, CO 81655, Phone: 970-445-2033
More ideas: Places to Visit in Colorado
3. Colorado Glamping Spots: Dunton River Camp
Dunton River Camp is idyllically located on the west fork of the Dolores River, where it offers the perfect 5-star vacation getaway for nature lovers. The camp is home to 8 luxury tented suites, each of which boasts a king-side bed, in-suite bathroom with a huge soaker bath, gas stove, telephone and internet access. All your gourmet meals and drinks (yes, including alcoholic beverages) are included in the rate and each suite has 2 mountain bikes for exploring the ranch. Most visitors will not want to move off their deck, but if you are up for some exercise you can enjoy walking and hiking, biking, fly-fishing and horse-back riding. In addition, mountaineering, rock-climbing and white-water rafting are available.
Dunton River Camp, 50014 Road 38, Dolores, CO 81323, Phone: 877-288-9922
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4. Colorado Glamping: Royal Gorge Cabins
If you love the idea of a family camping holiday but cannot face setting up camp, Glamping at Royal Gorge could be ideal for you. The property offers a selection of comfortable tented accommodation with either one or two queen beds with private deck and seating area. You can enjoy preparing camp meals over your outdoor fire pit (with fire ring and campfire kit) or forget the cooking and dine at the 8 Mile Bar and Grill. Outdoor activities are plentiful and include white-water rafting (or calm family floats) down the Royal Gorge, walking, hiking, biking, zip-line, golf and fly-fishing.
Royal Gorge Cabins and Glamping, 45054 W. US-50, Canon City, CO 81212, Phone: 800-748-2953, (website link)
More ideas: Things to Do in Canon City
5. Tennessee Pass Sleep Yurts
Tennessee Pass is one of Colorado’s most popular skiing and adventure locations. Their comfortable Sleep Yurts are the ideal way to introduce newbies to the concept of camping without all the hassles. Each of the yurts is furnished with hand-made bunk beds and all the necessary linens are provided, including cozy down comforters. Each yurt can sleep up to 6 guests and has a mini-kitchen where you can prepare basic meals, a dining table and a comforting wood-burning stove. After a busy day on the slopes you can dine at the Cookhouse or order a delicious meal to be delivered to your yurt (ideal for families).
Tennessee Pass Sleep Yurts, Nordic Center, E. Tennessee Road, Leadville, CO 80461, Phone: 719-486-8114
More ideas: Things to Do in Leadville
6. Colorado Glamping Spots: Arapaho Valley Ranch
Located at the base of the Indian Peaks Wilderness, the Arapaho Valley Ranch is an ideal Colorado getaway destination for families, open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Each of their well-equipped glamping tents is built on an elevated wooded deck with great views out over Little Indian Lake. For your comfort, each tent has a queen-size bed (with bedding), colorful floor rugs and a camp kitchen. The tents can sleep 4 guests and cots are available. The camp kitchen has all you need for basic vacation-style cooking and a cooler is provided for your food. All the glamping tents have easy access to the lodge, bar and bathrooms. Things to Do in Granby
Arapaho Valley Ranch, 8992 County Rd 6, Granby, CO 80446, Phone: 720-550-0684
7. Joyful Journey Hot Springs
Located at the northern gateway to the San Luis Valley, the Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa offers visitors tranquillity and rejuvenating hot springs for the ultimate relaxing vacation. The complex has a selection of natural hot mineral pools where you can relax and unwind before or after enjoying a massage or spa treatment. Other activities include yoga sessions and art workshops. At Joyful Journey your glamping experience takes place in a comfortable yurt, fitted with queen, king or twin beds. All linens are provided, as well as robes and towels. Guests have access to the shared bathhouse and a kitchenette, although breakfast and a light dinner are included in the cost of the yurt.
Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa, 28640 CR-58EE, Moffat, CO 81143, Phone: 719-256-4329, (website link)
More ideas: Things to Do in Mesa Verde
8. Bison Peak Lodge at Puma Hills
Surrounded by acres and acres of pristine wilderness, Puma Hills offers nature lovers an outstanding glamping experience. You can spend your nights in a delightful covered wagon in one of the Conestoga Cabins, complete with comfortable bed and a traditional camp kitchen, or opt for the wonderfully romantic Bubble Tent which offers all the comforts of home with a 360 degree view of the star-filled skies. The Bubble Tents have a separate covered changing area and an outdoor propane grill. Glamping guests are welcome to dine at the Bison Peak Lodge. Activities include walking, hiking, fly-fishing, gold-panning, white water rafting and much, much more.
Puma Hills Wilderness Retreat, 20859 County Rd. 77, Lake George, CO 80827, Phone: 727-455-8791
More ideas: Things to Do in Snowmass
9. Echo Canyon Campground
At Echo Canyon Campground guests can get back to nature without giving up their home comforts. The campground offers fabulous fully equipped glamping tents where you can drift off to sleep in a comfortable queen size bed dressed with quality linens, blankets and pillows. Some of the glamping tents have 2 queen beds, ideal for families. All the tents have outdoor picnic tables and fire rings for an authentic camping experience, while inside you will enjoy lights, electricity and even WiFi. There are separate toilets and wash rooms. For a change from the outdoor BBQ you can head across the road to the 8 Mile Bar and Grill.
Echo Canyon Campground, 45044 W. US-Highway 50, Canon City, CO 81212, Phone: 866-341-7875
More ideas: Things to Do in Vail
10. Colorado Glamping: Section House at Summit Huts
Section House is one of 5 back-country ski huts which belong to the Summit Huts Association. This particular historic hut is located at the top of Boreas Pass, 10 miles east of Breckenridge. The hut can sleep 10 guests and, since you will be skiing in and out, all the basics are provided. There are comfortable mattresses, solar lights, a wood-burning stove and all the necessary kitchen equipment to make and serve a simple meal. You will need to bring in your sleeping bags, toiletries and all your food and other necessities. There is a separate hut with a composting toilet. Not quite the epitome of glamping, but close enough.
Section House at Summit Huts, Boreas Pass, Breckenridge, CO 80424, Phone: 970-453-8583
More ideas: Things to Do in Aspen
11. Mountain Goat Lodge
The Mountain Goat Lodge is nestled in the heart of 20 acres of pastureland, where friendly mountain goats are on hand to welcome visitors. Besides lodge rooms, this resort also offers a variety of interesting glamping alternatives for visitors who would like to get closer to nature. You can spend your nights in one of their authentic Tipis, which come with basic camp cots and a rug. For a little more “glam” you can rent one of their Retro Campers, which comes with a proper bed, fridge, microwave and private toilet/shower combo. All guests are welcome to use the hot tub and dining facilities at the lodge.
Mountain Goat Lodge, 9582 US Hwy 285, Salida, CO 81201, Phone: 719-539-7173
More ideas: Things to Do in Fort Collins
12. La Junta KOA
Located on the famous Santa Fe Trail, the La Junta KOA offers weary hikers an ideal place to relax, surrounded by nature. The campground offers regular campsites where you can pitch your own tent. However, if you prefer a little more comfort you can opt for one of their Sprout Tiny Homes. These little glamping contenders have an air-conditioned living/dining area with kitchenette, a bedroom and a small shower/toilet. Some also have a loft area with a queen mattress, making them ideal for a small family. The campground offers a swimming pool, playground, kamping kitchen, mini-golf and a snack bar. Things to Do in La Junta
La Junta KOA, 26680 Highway 50, La Junta, CO 81050, Phone: 710-384-9580
13. Cutty’s Hayden Creek Resort
Nestled in the beautiful San Isabel National Forest in the Colorado Rockies, Cutty’s Hayden Creek Resort offers visitors access to a sprawling 157-acre recreational area. You can book RV sites and tent sites but those who prefer a little more comfort can try “glamping” in one of the resort’s rustic cabins. These cabins feature real beds and a basic kitchen, but you can still enjoy camping activities like outdoor BBQ around the fire-pit. On site activities include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, hiking and biking, volley-ball, mini-golf and much more. The recreation hall holds bingo and karaoke on Saturdays and serves meals there on the weekend.
Cutty’s Hayden Creek Resort, 3428 Hayden Creek Rd, Coaldale, CO 81222, Phone: 719-942-4222, (website link)
More ideas: Things to Do in Telluride
14. Ranchlands Tent Camps
If you have ever wondered what it would be like to live on a real cattle or bison ranch, a Ranchlands Tent Camp experience could be ideal for you. Guests who embark in this seasonal adventure get to spend a week “glamping” in a comfortable tent set up in the heart of a cattle ranch. Your glamping tent comes with a comfy bed and there are hot wood-fired showers available at the end of a busy day of ranching. Camp meals are served alfresco and are filling and delicious, featuring pot roast or BBQ bison, fresh salads and pot-baked bread. You will round off your busy day around the camp fire, beneath the wide open Colorado skies.
Ranchlands Tent Camps Headquarters, 22500 Peyton Highway S, Colorado Springs, CO 80928, Phone: 719-257-3043
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15. Black Tree Resort
A glamping vacation at the Black Tree Resort brings together the very best of nature and the comfort of resort in a family-friendly setting. When you make a booking at the Black Tree Resort you can forget about the tedious packing and unpacking of all your camping equipment – just throw some clothes in a bag and you’re ready to roll. Your glamping tent is the last word in indoor/outdoor luxury, featuring two queen-size beds, luxury linens and a private bathroom with modern facilities. You don’t even have to do any cooking – the on-site kitchen delivers fresh local cuisine to your deck morning, noon and night. On-site activities include fishing, rafting, hiking, horse-back excursions and much more.
Black Tree Resort, 8463 County Road 92, Lake George, CO 80827, Phone: 719-748-0172
More ideas: Romantic Weekend Getaways from Denver
The 15 Best Colorado Glamping Spots near me today according to local experts are:
- 1. Lawson Adventure Park and Resort
- 2. Vail Collective Retreats
- 3. Colorado Glamping Spots: Dunton River Camp
- 4. Colorado Glamping: Royal Gorge Cabins
- 5. Tennessee Pass Sleep Yurts
- 6. Colorado Glamping Spots: Arapaho Valley Ranch
- 7. Joyful Journey Hot Springs
- 8. Bison Peak Lodge at Puma Hills
- 9. Echo Canyon Campground
- 10. Colorado Glamping: Section House at Summit Huts
- 11. Mountain Goat Lodge
- 12. La Junta KOA
- 13. Cutty’s Hayden Creek Resort
- 14. Ranchlands Tent Camps
- 15. Black Tree Resort
Museums of Western Colorado
The Museums of Western Colorado, all located in Grand Junction, offer a full and comprehensive range of educational, entertaining, and interactive exhibits focusing on a variety of topics. With a dinosaur museum, one focusing on Native American history, and a full working historic orchard, the campus offers family fun for all.
History
The history of the museum campuses traces all the way back to 1949, when the idea got its start. They first opened their doors in 1966 and were accredited officially in 1971. When re-evaluated for that status in both 1982 and 1996, they continued to not only meet but exceed all standards required. Due to receiving their 4th accreditation, the museum is now rated in the top 1% of museums in the United States.
Permanent Attractions and Exhibits
Museum of the West- The Museum of the West has numerous permanent exhibits meant to entertain and educate. Below is just a small selection of the many exhibits.
Native American Gallery- This gallery is made up of two different exhibits featuring Native American history, with the featured exhibit focusing on prehistoric pottery from a collection by Philip Holstein. This collection includes pottery from multiple cultures, like the Hohokum, Mimbres, and Anazasi. The second gallery features rock art panels from the Ute as well as the Fremont cultures, Kachinas (spirit dolls), Navajo rugs, and a collection of one-thousand-year-old artifacts from the Fremont culture.
Uranium Mine- This exhibit walks guests through a full-sized uranium mine to see what life is like for the miners who work there, as well as learning about the “Uranium Boom” with a mixture of interactive stations and sounds.
Dinosaur Journey- This museum, located in the heart of what is often referred to as “dinosaur country,” takes visitors through the history of Western Colorado life using both real and cast skeletons, as well as robotic dinosaur reconstructions. There is also a hands-on section with a sandbox that allows visitors to create their own dinosaur footprint tracks, and a site made to look like a quarry where guests can uncover their very own dinosaur fossils and bones.
- Fruitadens- View a model of this tiny dinosaur, which weighed only a pound even at adulthood. It is tied for being the smallest dinosaur that has been found in the entire world. For reference, some dinosaurs got up to 75,000 pounds!
- Paleontology research- The museum is also at the forefront of local paleontological research. Visitors can visit the working laboratory where researchers prepare the bones for display and see the collections room where scientists and researchers study.
Cross Orchard- This living museum allows visitors to stroll back in time to the late 1800s, complete with historic buildings. The grounds encompass more than 12 acres and are also available for rent out for many different special events. Check out the barn, packing shed, and gazebo.
- Uintah Caboose- Recently finished, visitors can see the restored caboose which a work in progress since 1996!
- F.A.R.M.- This market allows local farmers and ranchers to display their goods. It occurs on Wednesdays and Saturdays starting at 7:30am and goes until noon.
Educational Opportunities
The museums that make up the campus regularly welcome school programs and field trips to their premises. Reservations are required, and group pricing applies.
The Museum of the West teaches students about both the prehistory and the history of Western Slope. Older students can participate in a scavenger hunt at the museum, while guided tours which also include the Basement Exploratorium behind the scenes tour are available for all students with reservations.
Dinosaur Journey helps educate students about paleontology and geology with multiple video presentations, a mile-long hiking trail and additional access to the nearby state park (for a fee).
At Cross Orchards, children can experience a historic orchard with a guided tour focusing on the way people used to live in the late 1800s.
Education kits come with teacher resources, materials and curriculum and are able to be checked out. There are two different themed kits available - one that focuses on Native American prehistory and one that looks at paleontology. Contact the educational staff for additional information and to request a kit.
Shopping
While at any of the three museum campuses, make sure to check out the gift shop and help support their mission and daily operations. They offer a variety of gifts from each of the areas - cookbooks from the orchard, t-shirts, dinosaur toys, etc. Guests can also shop through Amazon via their “smile” page (accessible from the website), which also helps to support the museum campus.
Museums of Western Colorado, 462 Ute Ave, Grand Junction, CO, 81501, Phone: 970-242-0971
