With such an abundance of wilderness right at Denver’s doorstep, Colorado is spoiled by unlimited adventures and leisurely pleasures. But if you want a remote adventure without completely roughing it, glamping is the way to go. In the wilderness of the West, there’s no shortage of rustic cabins, chateaus, and modern yurts to book for a boutique getaway. Fresh Chalk Community Advocate Heather Long has seized the opportunity to explore her home state of Colorado and neighboring Utah throughout the year and is sharing her most desirable destinations where you can set out to find your soul at peace.
... moreUnder Canvas – Moab, Utah
Under Canvas Moab is a top rated tent resort in a beautiful natural setting near Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. From every direction the view is breathtaking. A golf cart whisks you away to a safari-style tent site complete with luxury bed, linens, and a wood-burning stove for heat. Tents have either optional attached bathroom facilities or a centralized bathroom trailer nearby. A community tent provides concierge-type advice and a nightly campfire for guests to gather around. Outdoor grills and picnic tables are provided for optional self-service bbq’s. Solar lighting leads the pathway by night, creating a magical and festive atmosphere. Nearby, world renowned hiking, biking, and climbing opportunities await!
Log Cabin on the River – Nederland, Colorado
A peaceful get away with a 4-person hot tub, amazing custom outdoor gas fire pit, indoor wood-burning stove, in-floor radiant heating, two attached furnished decks where hummingbirds buzz, and a large yard area with picnic table, hammock, and games. The 2-bedroom accommodations with luxury linens and the fresh mountain air pouring through the open windows were unforgettable at this location! There is a private hiking trail nearby and the babbling of the river lulled us into blissful sleep at night.
Medicine Bow Yurt – Rocky Mountains, Gould, Colorado
Located in the Medicine Bow Mountain Range, this primitive yurt has an incredible unparalleled view of several high peaks. Accessible with 4WD vehicles, it’s a remote location where the only thing you can hear is the wind in the trees, the birds chattering, your own breath, and an occasional airplane overhead. It is truly a peaceful place. You won’t find running water or electricity here, but a dedicated outhouse, propane light, propane cooktop, all kitchenware, pots and pans, an outdoor charcoal grill, a wood-burning stove for heat, and primitive furnishings are provided. The yurt sleeps 9 so bring your friends!
Sylvan Lake State Park Cabin – Eagle, Colorado
Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains and White River National Forest, Sylvan Lake is at 8,500 feet in elevation within aspen, pine, and fir forests. During the fall season the aspens turn ablaze! There is no cell service or electricity, so you can really disconnect from your hectic life, get away from it all, and reconnect with nature. Furnished cabins sleep 6 persons with an outdoor vault toilet nearby and a hydrant for drinking water. Flush toilets and coin showers are available seasonably, and pets are permitted in some cabins. Miles of park trails, canoeing, kayaking, boating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing are all at your fingertips. This is a particularly good spot for trout fishing and is well stocked. We cooked ours over an open fire! Being central to Vail, Aspen, and Glenwood Springs makes this spot an easy base camp for day trips.
Reverend’s Ridge - Golden Gate Canyon State Park – Foothills, Golden, Colorado
Amidst aspen groves and pine forest you’ll find these simple furnished cabins that sleep 6. There are cute natural gas fireplaces for heat and electric lights and outlets, but no cell or internet service. Flush toilets, water, and seasonal showers are nearby. Charcoal grills and a campfire ring on site make great options for outdoor cooking. Pets are permitted in select cabins. I like glamping here during shoulder season or even during winter, and you’ll have the spot virtually to yourselves. There are great hiking trails in the park and a panoramic viewing area! Open fire-toasted tortillas with scrambled eggs, cheese, ham, and some Colorado Green Chili is an easy, crowd pleasing breakfast!
Under Canvas – Lake Powell & Grande Escalante (Grand Staircase), Utah
Perched on the steep edge of Elephant Slot Canyon and surrounded by natural beauty, this Western glamping resort is like no other. The high-end safari tents are furnished with trendy West Elm wing-back chairs, king size beds, cow-hide rugs, and luxury linens. Each tent contains a wood-burning stove for heat with easy fire starters and a generous supply of wood. Our tent was equipped with a flush toilet, running water, and a hot water pull-chain shower. Nearby are endless miles of open space and National Wilderness areas including Lake Powell, and the famous Horseshoe Bend. Nightly live music and fireside marshmallow roasting is included, while a central café tent offers full meals, beer, & wine. We rented a jeep and spent several days off-roading, which was a blast. You can drive for 100 miles and not see another person, but you’ll come upon the most beautiful take-your-breath-away vistas and have it all to yourself. Take care, some trails are double black diamond…for experts only!
Grass Creek Yurt – Rocky Mountains, Near Walden, Colorado
A rustic lodge known for resident moose in the area offers solitude and sweeping majestic mountain views. Never Summer Nordic is a network of family owned and operated remote backcountry yurts and huts inside the Colorado State Forest State Park. Yurt are fully equipped including a primitive but clean outhouse, propane lamp, gas cooktop, kitchenware, pots & pans, a standing outdoor grill (bring your own charcoal), an indoor wood stove for heat, and basic furnishings. Beware, this location is soggy in early spring!
Ultra-Modern Cabin with River Overlook – Nederland, Colorado
Looking for something a bit more extravagant and indulgent? Look no further! This brand new cabin has it all. My favorite feature was the steam shower in the master bedroom suite complete with a kitchenette. A hot tub overlooking the valley, an awesome outdoor propane fire pit, in-floor heating, indoor remote controlled gas fireplace, and a fully equipped kitchen with high-end cookware were definitely runners up. It’s close to the adorable mountain town of Nederland and its large lake for picnics and fishing prospects. I visited mid-winter and the view of the towering pines blowing in the wind coupled with enormous snowflakes floating down was spectacular through the large surround panels of glass. A unique experience!
Nohku Hut – Never Summer Mountain Range, Rocky Mountains, Colorado
This rustic hut has an astonishing view of the Nokhu Crags, Mt. Richthofen and Seven Utes Mountain. Hiking, tele skiing, and backcountry snowboarding is popular in the area. Beware, glamping at 10,000 feet can be cumbersome to sea-level habitants. Luckily there is a water source on site to quench your high-altitude thirst. Sit beside, dip your toes, or get right into the shallow creek for a refreshing cool down. Wildlife is sure to visit your site at this secluded location. 4x4 Recommended for the access road. An equipped kitchenette with camp stove, primitive furnishings, propane lantern, tiny wood stove, and plenty of wood are provided.
