4 Charming, Off-the-Beaten-Path Getaways
Romantic Colorado stays
From secluded and posh to romantic and by the river, these Colorado stays are something to write home about.
Photo courtesy of The Home Ranch
1. THE HOME RANCH, CLARK
Secluded, posh, and personally decorated by its original owners, The Home Ranch is a Relais & Châteaux property 18 miles north of Steamboat in Clark, a remote northwestern town. Choose from lavish cabins or lodge rooms, enjoy award-winning food developed and changed daily, and have the Elk River Valley to yourself.
Photo courtesy of The Home Ranch
Photo courtesy of The Home Ranch
Try your hand at horseback riding, fly-fishing, biking, and of course, Alpine and Nordic skiing (try out 30 kilometers of groomed trails on site, or if you prefer, take the complimentary shuttle to Steamboat’s base). Squeeze in a last-minute visit during the earlier part of May for Work Week, when prices are at the lowest and you become a ranch hand, completing tasks from mending fences to getting the horses ready for summer after their winter hiatus. This is one of the best ranches for a Colorado-style horseman experience and luscious cuisine. homeranch.com
Photo by David Lauer/Courtesy of Outlook Lodge
2. THE OUTLOOK LODGE & THE LITTLE BEAVER INN, COLORADO SPRINGS
Nestled in petite Green Mountain Falls, 20 minutes west of Colorado Springs, this duo of boutique inns is design-oriented, with contemporary mountain furnishings in the main Outlook building and mod-Euro inspiration at Little Beaver Inn. Between the two offerings, located just across a driveway from each other, there are 11 rooms, a fire pit, a kitchen for use, a hot tub, and chaise lounges for taking in the views of Mount Dewey.
Photo by David Lauer/Courtesy of Outlook Lodge
Photo by David Lauer/Courtesy of Outlook Lodge
Summer and fall are prime times to stay, as you can meander through the one-block town to art galleries, the lake, and good eats, or walk straight out the door for an abundance of hikes into the wilderness. Enhance the stay with the Romance Complement package, including chilled in-room bubbles, a s’mores roasting kit, and a cozy Pendleton blanket for snuggling up by the fire circle. outlookgmf.com, littlebeaverinn.com
Photo Courtesy of Romantic Riversong
3. ROMANTIC RIVERSONG, ESTES PARK
Romantic RiverSong is tucked away from the bustle of Estes Park’s Main Street. Opt for the B&B’s suites and separate lodging over the inn rooms—they are more private, unique, and aptly named after Colorado wildflowers. The most unusual is the Indian Paint Brush, where chains suspended from the ceiling hold the queen-size bed to sway you into slumber. The Wood Nymph is also a good choice; the soaking tub overlooking the property and Big Thompson River is soothing. Watch the resident elk herd, coyotes, bobcats, turkeys, bunnies, and more mosey by your suite. Awake to a gourmet breakfast and power up for the inn’s personal trail up Giant Track Mountain, which has plenty of switchbacks and seven stone benches built by the original owners in the 1900s. Legend has it that you must stop and steal a kiss from your loved one before you approach the next bench, and repeat on the return trip. No children under 18 are allowed, adding to the exceptional tranquility and selectiveness of this inn. romanticriversong.com
Photo courtesy of Wild Horse Inn
4. WILD HORSE INN, FRASER
Wild Horse Inn is cozy and calculated for relaxation. Choose from seven rooms in the main lodge or three private cabins; all include a scrumptious breakfast and respite from the busy slopes of Winter Park.
Photo courtesy of Wild Horse Inn
Photo courtesy of Wild Horse Inn
Perfect for winter stays to enjoy snowshoeing from the inn into the Arapahoe National Forest or a quick drive to typical resort activities. The remote tranquility is just as pleasant in spring and fall for hikes and access to wildlife and foliage. Mandatory on the de-stress list is a curl-up in the main lodge’s large living room with a roaring fire and views for miles. wildhorseinn.com
