A little over a month ago my husband and I went on a bit of a road trip. We didn't really plan to be taking a road trip, but set out for along weekend getaway not realizing how far away it was from our home when we booked it. But it was SO worth it! And since moving to Colorado early last year we've not really made time to explore this gorgeous state. So we thought we'd better start... and what better way than off to Dunton Hot Springs. So we packed up our stuff and we were off! The drive out from Denver to Dolores, Colorado was breathtaking.
We saw a ton of elk on the drive. Look at those cute little asses! Ha!
On our drive out we stopped for lunch in Telluride. I had never been and despite being overcast and a bit rainy and the beginning of shoulder season (the first week they closed in between ski and summer seasons) it was a gorgeous ghost town.
Then just a short 8 hours after leaving Denver, plus a 20 minute drive on a dirt road we were there!
And... the natural HOT SPRINGS!!!! Ahhhhh! They have 3 pools, all are so unique, different temperatures and characters. The main one below is indoors, has plenty of seating, upstairs and down, a hammock, a place to play your own music, a fireplace and has a great swing you can sit on in it with a cold plunge as well. This was our favorite place all weekend.
There were two outdoor pools. This one also has a cute little sauna in that hut in the back there.
One of the owners loves reading, so her husband, as an anniversary gift, built her her own library! I spent a few hours in there relaxing one afternoon. You can even check out a book to read while you are there! Just don't forget to return it before you depart.
Throughout our 3 days there we kept learning little bits of history about this amazing place. I wont bother you with all the secrets, you'll have to visit yourself. But one tidbit is back in 1885 when it was simply a saloon and post office, it was visited by Butch Cassidy after he robbed a Telluride bank. He inscribed his name in the bar, which is the bar they still have today.
More here.And of course no travel adventure of mine wouldn't be complete without a little sweat! They provide bikes for the guests to tool around on, so we each rode fat tire bike on the snowy roads. So fun! And boy! What a workout!
Definitely highly recommended trip. Though a little bit challenging to get to, no matter where you are, it's worth the trek. And probably also why it's just so special and charming.