A resort playground and ritzy camping experience
Dunton Hot Springs is one of the most unique settings I have ever been in. Dunton is a former mining town turned ghost town transformed incredible resort. Below is information on staying at the camp and what it’s like during a wedding. Click here for a long weekend road trip itinerary that includes Dunton.**coming soon!
Dunton Hot Springs is a small and exclusive resort burrowed deep in the San Juan Mountains of the Colorado Rockies. Staying there is like a wonderful version of “roughing it” during an adult sleepaway camp. Forty-four guests can stay in the central Dunton Hot Springs town and up to 16 people at the River Camp just down the road. Transportation is provided between the two!
The “rustic log cabins” are actually beautifully furnished with high-end fixtures, modern bathrooms, A/C, heat and wifi. The wood burning stoves, western movie posters and blankets, and window view will be a quick reminder that you’re in the wilderness. All the cabins are hand-built in most cases by the original miners themselves.
In addition to the 13 unique cozy cabins, there are several buildings for communal gatherings. The Saloon is the center of all things and the main hangout spot. There’s a lounge with fireplace, and multiple tables to hang out with your crew or new ghost town friends, and as far as I could tell, the bar is open 24/7. The Library is two-story haven with a large collection of books and a bottle of Dickel Rye Whisky for tasting during your literary pursuits.
Then there is the restored 19th century Bathhouse, an indoor hot springs complete with a sitting loft and hammocks for lounging. There are additional springs located just behind the bathhouse, one behind the Dunton Store cabin, another in the Well House Cabin and finally the original source near the Echo Cabin. (Dunton’s hot springs are controlled by tectonic forces associated with the Triassic Dolores Formation. All the springs are located within 0.3 square mile and though there are 5 specific to bathing that range from 85°F to 106°F., there are additional seeps and springs in the area.)
Guests can enjoy summer activities that include hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding and fly-fishing. During the winter, Dunton transforms to a winter wonderland. The Dunton snowcat can takes guests to the very best trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. In other words, you can stay as low-key as you want, or turn it up a notch, and take advantage of the service. Think heli-skiing packages that depart from the grounds of the resort, and guided ice climbs at an on-site frozen waterfall.
For those who are keen on relaxing, Dunton has its very own spa! Guests can indulge in natural treatments and hot stone massages, body scrubs and facials. The studio next-door offers meditation, yoga or pilates sessions. Lawn games and board games
The food is high quality with an emphasis on classic dishes made with local ingredients. The Saloon offers breakfast any time you want, an a la carte lunch or picnic takeaway option and a special dinner where everyone gathers at the long antique tables. When you book a room, both food and beverages are included!
Wedding Weekend
I was fortunate enough to experience Dunton during the wedding of one of my closest friends. For weddings or events, the entire town can be rented out for exclusive use of the facilities. The weekend agenda as well as the food menus can then be customized to the bride and groom’s preferences.
The wedding was in October and we were surrounded by iconic fall colors and just a hint of snow on the mountaintops. My friends and I arrived around 2pm on Friday. We were greeted by a member of the Dunton team who gave us a short tour of the property and led us to our cabin: The Dunton Store.
Then we wandered over to the Saloon to say hello to the rest of the weekend squad (about 60 total because some were staying at the River Camp). With glasses of wine in hand, we set about exploring the camp and caught up in the Library. We continued to sip on our exploratory hike to the Dunton waterfall. If that’s not a state of mind I don’t know what is! Later on we hot springs hopped, wearing comfy robes provided by Dunton. Dinner on Friday was set at round tables in the dancehall. The wedding guests enjoyed drinks at the bar before we retired for the night.
In the mornings, we’re welcome to the Saloon for breakfast at any time we please. There was a continental buffet available, and waiters took our order for any hot plate requests. We were also given options beforehand for a range of activities – most opted for a hike or fly-fishing on the morning of the big day. I chose a hike and we were led to a picturesque 2-hour mountain trail just north of the camp. It was aspen tree heaven! We came back to a wonderful al fresco lunch on the Saloon porch.
In the evening, the intimate ceremony took place in the open-air chapel set in the back of Dunton. No need for elaborate arrangements as the natural beauty did all the work. Each foldable wooden chair had blankets draped over for the cool night. After the memorable “I do’s” we gathered on the porch for cocktail hour, just as the sun began to set through the mountains. The Saloon lounge welcomed guests once it got too chilly.
Then we made our way to the dancehall where long tables gave way to a beautifully laid out dinner. After, guests were encouraged to enjoy dessert, coffee and drinks back in the main Saloon room while the dancehall was transformed into…just that! The DJ finished around midnight, but the bar continued to be a scene well into the night, with the occasional detour for s’mores around the firepit under the bright stars.
The next morning, we were again greeted with more homemade juices, fruit, pastries, hangover eggs and aspirin and given recommendations for those continuing to travel in the area. It was the perfect way to celebrate the couple and spend time with others in the most luxurious of ghost towns.
It probably goes without saying, but the wedding photos featuring Dunton’s adorable cabins and impressive alpine backdrop were top notch. Whether it’s a relaxing getaway or a romantic wedding, I give this destination a 10/10. For a long weekend itinerary that includes Dunton Hot Springs, click here!
