Dunton Hot Springs: A Luxurious Retreat in Colorado

Dunton Hot Springs even has a frozen-over waterfall you can climb in the winter.

1. A Historical Retreat

It was June 24, 1889, and Butch Cassidy, a notorious bank robber, needed somewhere to hide. He’d just robbed a bank in Telluride, Colorado, and had $21,000 in his pocket. Dunton, a remote mining town 30 miles south, was the perfect place to lay low — it was a long ride from civilization and had an on-site saloon and hot springs.

Though it may be almost a century and a half later, the reason for making the journey to Dunton remains unchanged: seeking a hideout.

At first glance, not much has changed since Cassidy rode into town. The hand-hewn log cabins remain, and the 1800s saloon and dancehall stand in their original location. The natural spring water still flows, fueling two outdoor pools and the historic bathhouse.

2. Luxurious Accommodations

The town of Dunton has evolved into Dunton Hot Springs, an exclusive luxury resort, yet the essence of the place seems unchanged. Upon stepping inside one of the carefully preserved cabins, you are welcomed by luxurious yet lived-in interiors and all the modern amenities you’d expect from a five-star property.

“You feel like you go back in time a little bit while you’re here. We like to say there’s this contrast — you’ve got this rugged outdoor, very natural, very raw feel, but you’ve also got the finer luxuries of life,” said Edoardo Rossi, the executive vice president of Dunton, during my tour of the property.

Each of the 14 guest cabins has a unique charm. One features its own private hot spring, while another showcases a deep copper soaking tub once used to bathe miners visiting the town’s brothel. Several cabins are equipped with wood-burning fireplaces. The newest cabin, Chuck’s, includes a massive deck overlooking the river and three floors of stylishly renovated space—including two kid-friendly bunk rooms.

3. Unique Experiences

At the heart of the property is the saloon, once a gathering place for thirsty miners, now serving as the reception area, activity center, and dining venue. The original wooden bar remains, embellished with the carved names of past visitors and a carving made by Cassidy during his post-robbery visit.

Travelers frequently make the trek to Dunton in pursuit of something many places aspire to offer: a genuine, off-the-beaten-path escape. With the nearest grocery store over an hour’s drive away, no cell phone service, and staff clad in relaxed attire, the ambiance is remarkably casual yet exclusive.

“We don’t want to be a traditional hotel. We offer all the amenities, but it’s more like you’re a guest at someone’s house,” Rossi explained. “It’s not about the flashy—it’s about nature, the outdoors, and service.”

At Dunton, guests enjoy three meals a day with unlimited drinks and 24-hour hot spring access. The days drift by casually. Coffee, brewed to your preference, is delivered to your cabin each morning, followed by a breakfast served in the saloon; the day unfolds organically with options for a morning soak, a yoga class, a massage, or a leisurely read by the fireplace.

For those eager for adventure, numerous activities await, including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sleigh rides, dog sledding, snowmobiling, and even heli-ski experiences. There’s also on-site ice climbing on Dunton’s frozen waterfall. Regardless of the level of activity, the highlight of every day remains a long and soothing soak in the natural spring water. The water, rich in iron, manganese, and a hint of lithium, maintains temperatures between 85 and 106 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the pool. Guests can enjoy soaking under the stars at the two outdoor pools or lounging on the underwater swing in the historic bathhouse, now outfitted with a double steam shower, heated floors, and a cold plunge.

4. Exceptional Dining

Soaking may be Dunton’s main attraction, but meals provide structure to the day. A made-to-order hot breakfast begins your morning, followed by a full lunch (with packed options available) and a multi-course dinner paired with wines. The culinary offerings exceed expectations for a historic mining camp, fostering community through family-style seating.

My dinner companions are enjoying their fourth visit of 2022. They have traveled extensively but insist they have never discovered a place like Dunton. This luxurious escape successfully offers high-end accommodations, exquisite food, and drink suitable for discerning palates without a hint of formality. It balances exclusivity with a relaxed atmosphere, and remoteness with warmth.

“You have to experience it to truly grasp the peacefulness here. Just seeing photos doesn’t convey the sheer quiet,” Rossi noted. “Dunton is definitely a destination resort; it’s not something you stumble upon. You need to visit to truly appreciate it.”

Dunton Hot Springs is open year-round, with rates inclusive of all meals, drinks, and unlimited soaking privileges.