Rocky Mountain Ghost Town

Dunton Hot Springs is a small and exclusive resort nestled deep in the San Juan Mountains of the Colorado Rockies.

This perfectly restored ghost town thrives on contradictions; hand-hewn log cabins exquisitely furnished, a life-worn saloon serving food of startling quality, lung torturing trails followed by pampering massages, sensuous hot springs beneath shimmering snow banks. Free of cell phones, the romantic old mining town still provides high speed wireless internet access and video conferencing to the comforting sound of a tumbling waterfall.

Contradictions indeed; gentle tranquility or a host of breathtaking adventures. Dunton can steer you to adventures you’ve only dreamed of.  Sturdy horses to penetrate the endless wilderness, helicopter skiing in a silent world of billowing powder, mountain biking, snow shoeing, hiking, from gentle to demanding, camping, fly fishing, river rafting, kayaking, the list is endless. Or perhaps more contemplative days exploring North America’s most evocative archaeological sites, all within a short drive of the resort.

And the desert beckons, from the haunting beauty of Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelly, deep in the Navajo Reservation, through the sculpted wilderness of “Valley of the Gods” to their own vineyard in McElmo Canyon.

Or simply soaking for hours in the natural hot springs under an edgeless sky.

Dunton’s chef painstakingly sources local organic foods; lamb from meadows that spawn fields of boletus and chanterelles, tree-ripe fruit and plump vegetables from their own farm and vineyard. And the wines to match, replete with first growth Bordeaux, California classics, super Tuscans and lusty Aussie favorites.

Dunton Hot Springs lies across the mountain from Telluride and is open all year. The entire town can be reserved for private use for up to 42 people. All meals, the hot springs, screening room, etc. are included. Transportation to a plethora of magical places as well as to the local airports can be arranged.