COME TO LIFE / 17 Cool Colorado Places to Stay 17 COOL COLORADO PLACES TO STAY 1 HIGHLANDER RV CAMPGROUND, LAKE CITY Amid the rugged San Juans, five 14,000-foot peaks and a peaceful waterfall, RV campers find easy trail access, Jeep rentals (and tips for exploring from the owners), excellent trout fishing and the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River. 2 DROWSY WATER RANCH, GRANBY Nestled in a forested valley, you’ll embark on an adventure with horseback riding, amazing “chuck,” kids programs, white-water rafting, hiking, fishing and mountain biking set against a backdrop of unending vistas. 3 VICEROY, SNOWMASS Ski-in/ski-out at this resort at the base of Snowmass Mountain for access to a Ute Indian-inspired spa, year-round saline-pool and terrace, crazy-big soaking tubs, hot chocolate and apple cider and a ski valet to save you from toting your gear to and fro. 4 FORT COLLINS LAKESIDE KOA CAMPGROUND Where the mountains give way to the plains, this spot is perfect for a busy family, with conveniences like an lake for fishing, paddle boats, mini-golf, a pool and jump-ing pillow, all just minutes from Fort Collins’ restaurants, breweries and whitewater rafting. 5 HIGH COUNTRY LODGE, PAGOSA SPRINGS Beautifully accommodating year-round, this place really sings in the winter. Rare wood-burning stoves welcome you back from skiing at Wolf Creek or soaking in the hot springs, and warm, hearty breakfasts get you ready for tomorrow’s big day. From campsites to luxury resorts, Colorado has plenty of options for every type of getaway. 6 WILLOWTAIL SPRINGS B&B, MANCOS A resident tai-chi practitioner, 40 acres of woods, a nature preserve, birding and boating opportunities ensure relaxation is at the top of the list of side effects from a stay here. An only 10-minute drive from Mesa Verde National Park is another. 7 COLORADO CHAUTAUQUA, BOULDER Delightful cottages await visitors at this National Historic Landmark inches from hiking trails, Flatirons views and the famed Dining Hall. Delicious perk: Have your groceries delivered so you never have to leave your front porch. 8 THE ART, DENVER Your remedy for bland hotel decor, the lobby serves as a high-end gallery, with works by the likes of Andy Warhol and Claes Oldenberg. It’s a refreshing ap-proach, apropos of a hotel in the Golden Triangle district, with the Denver Art Museum and Clyfford Still Museum as neighbors. 9 THE DISTILLERY INN, CARBONDALE Sample Marble Distilling Co.’s crisp vodka and the divine Gingercello liqueur until you feel like retiring to the distillery’s own five-bedroom inn. Cruiser bikes, a rooftop deck and in-room martini bar are a few fringe benefits. 10 GATEWAY CANYONS RESORT & SPA, GATEWAY This escape marries indulgence with adventure: ATVing up red-rock peaks, a desert-racing experience, horseback riding, kayaking, fly-fishing and more with on-site guides. Afterward, unwind in your private hot tub q and then enjoy a five-star meal under a tapestry of stars. 11 NORTH STERLING STATE PARK, STERLING On the peaceful northeastern plains, the Elks Campground has several sites along the lake. Boaters and anglers are drawn to its 3,000 acres of pristine water, and hikers, geocachers and birders find plenty of spots around the water to keep them busy. 12 BEAUMONT HOTEL, OURAY This hotel was built in 1886 to lure wealthy mining investors to the city with its opulence, which included gold-painted balconies and cathedral glass skylights. Proof its finery holds up today: Oprah has been a guest. 13 CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK, COLORADO SPRINGS Lure camp-hesitant family mem-bers to this sweet spot just outside the city, where easy access to trails and mountain beauty may not be as treasured as this bonus: on-site hot showers. 14 WILD HORSE INN, FRASER If you even need convincing after you hear “bottomless cookie jar,” these cozy-cabin rewards should help: fireplaces, a library and des-ignated reading chairs and fresh flowers in your room or cabin. 15 DELAWARE HOTEL, LEADVILLE Victorian-era styling has earned the Delaware the nickname “a museum with pillows.” Sitting at 10,152 feet in elevation, it’s also the highest historic hotel in North America, so there’s no doubt you’ll find a true mountain experience. 8 u 16 WINE COUNTRY INN, PALISADE Snuggled amid the tidy rows of a high-country vineyard, this charmer provides dramatic sunsets from rocking chairs on the front porch, an afternoon wine reception and dozens of wineries within cycling distance. 17 THE BROADMOOR, COLORADO SPRINGS Since 1918, The Broadmoor has been dazzling guests with over-the-top amenities, including three championship golf courses, three pools, 20 places to eat (including the five-star Penrose Room), a movie theater, tennis courts, 26 shops, a children’s concierge, culinary programs and more. WANT MORE? CHECK OUT COLORADO.COM/LODGING & BOOK LODGING AT RECREATION.GOV & CPW.STATE.CO.US. 78 / COLORADO.COM FROM TOP: GATEWAY CANYONS RESORT & SPA; THE ART; WINE COUNTRY INN.
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2017: Page 78
