The Centennial State is known for its offbeat offerings, and at 104,185 square miles, there’s lots of ground to cover. Luckily, we’ve done the legwork. From a yurt at a down-home hot springs to a bed-and-breakfast with goats (where you can take cheesemaking classes!) to a working ranch that’s also a nature conservancy, these are some of the most unique spots in the state for an overnight stay.
1. Zapata Ranch, Mosca
Whether your travel philosophy is “go big or go home” or “put your money where your mouth is,” Mosca’s Zapata Ranch is truly a gem. Open from March through October, this 103,000-acre property is a working ranch, owned by the Nature Conservancy and run by Ranchlands. Home to two bison herds and a small herd of cattle, the ranch offers guests the opportunity to participate in the day-to-day operations.
Choose to move livestock or learn about holistic management, or visit during one of the themed weeks that feature helping to brand calves, horsemanship clinics, and a western literature retreat. Activities for each stay are customized to best suit guests’ personal preferences, so you can choose between riding through Great Sand Dunes National Park or planning a day hike to a nearby swimming hole.
Family-style meals with local produce and the ranch’s own bison are included in the cost, as is the glass of wine served alongside each evening’s appetizers. Aside from that, you’ll need to BYOB. The lodge is located on the site of an original late-19th-century homestead and spans three buildings, with 15 rooms, 23 beds, and private baths throughout.
Best for: experienced riders looking for an authentic ranch stay.
Cost: from $1530/adult and $1224/child for three nights.
2. Surf Hotel, Buena Vista
Sometimes you want to gather around the campfire after a day of hiking, rafting, and outdoor exploring, and sometimes you want to fall into a cushy bed and let the sound of rushing water lull you to sleep. For the latter, Buena Vista’s Surf Hotel is the ideal answer. Built in 2018 on the bank of the Arkansas River, the 62-room property features minimalist decor with organic touches—think: iron bedframes and crisp white linens, plus macrame wall hangings and heated bathroom floors.
Between the whimsically illustrated menu (try the well-composed cheese and charcuterie board), the classic cocktails with a local twist, and weekly live music, the onsite restaurant is a hipster-leaning haven that wouldn’t be out of place in a much bigger market. For maximum relaxation, book a riverfront room, commandeer a rocking chair on the shared balcony, and meditate on the soothing sounds of the Buena Vista River Park surf wave.
Best for: recovering from outdoor exertions in style.
Cost: from $200/night.
3. Mountain Goat Lodge, Salida
B&Bs are a dime a dozen, but how many host a herd of dairy goats onsite and offer cheesemaking classes in the kitchen? Located just outside of Salida, a cool small town with easy access to nearby Tenderfoot Mountain and its hiking, mountain biking, and skiing, Mountain Goat Lodge provides country-style quarters and a hearty breakfast featuring goat’s milk, cheese, yogurt, and farm-fresh eggs (the owners also keep chickens) along with plenty of hands-on time with a friendly herd.
Cheesemaking classes are held on Tuesdays and Saturdays, covering one or two varieties per session, from chevre and fresh mozzarella to feta and paneer, with ample opportunities for sampling. Come early, and you can even have the chance to milk a goat. You don’t have to be a guest to attend a class, but if you can’t get enough of the four-legged critters, a sleepover is an added bonus.
Best for: cheese-curious animal lovers.
Cost: from $166/night.
4. Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa, Moffat
About an hour north of Great Sand Dunes National Park in the San Luis Valley, Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa rests in the shadow of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, featuring three mineral-rich, non-sulfuric pools untouched by chlorine or other chemicals. A tranquil setup with local appeal, it stands in stark contrast to the state’s more polished commercial springs. The resort offers $10 all-day soaks on Tuesdays and clothing-optional Wednesday evenings, as well as various accommodation options.
There’s a lodge, RV sites, tipis, and tent and car camping spots, but the yurts allow you to rough it while maintaining a bit of comfort. Fully furnished with either a queen bed or multiple twins, each yurt contains a seating area and comes stocked with bedding, towels, a fan, and a heater (both of which are needed, as the space can get stuffy during the day and cold once the sun sets). Guests must head outside to use the communal bathroom—a chilly proposition in the middle of the night—but worth it for the unbelievable, light-pollution-free galactic display you will witness on the way.
Best for: roughing it, but just a bit.
Cost: from $135/night.
5. Amigo Motor Lodge, Salida
Some people dream of a cottage in the woods or a house on the beach; for others, an Airstream represents the ultimate fantasy. For a taste of the nomadic lifestyle without hitting the road, consider a trailer at Amigo Motor Lodge in Salida. The property features a recently renovated 1950s motel alongside four Airstreams. The motel embodies a modern minimalist’s dream with white walls, birch bed frames, subway-tiled bathrooms, and chic amenities (think: Malin+Goetz toiletries and exceptionally comfortable Tuft & Needle mattresses).
The four Airstreams parked on the premises mirror the motel’s new aesthetic and provide perks like record players and private decks. Two trailers are pet-friendly, with a $25 charge per stay. They are fully heated and air-conditioned, equipped with flatscreen TVs and DVD players, though there’s no cable or indoor plumbing. The owners aim to add more Airstreams in the near future, but they book quickly, so consider reserving six to ten weeks in advance if you have your heart set on one.
Best for: nostalgic cool kids after the ‘gram.
Cost: Airstreams from $90/night.
6. Hostel Fish, Denver
As a rule, urban locales tend to be more expensive overall, so a budget-friendly place to stay can free up funds for various activities. A 15-minute walk from the train station and two blocks from Coors Field, Denver’s Hostel Fish is a colorful, art-filled alternative to a traditional hotel. It’s also situated above Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox, a self-described “gastro-brothel” with live music Thursday through Saturday and during weekend brunch; be aware that it can get loud on the premises.
The rooms are equipped with earplugs and white-noise machines, so if you’re looking for a vibrant social scene, you’ve come to the right place. You’ll receive a drink ticket for the bar downstairs when you check in, and the hostel organizes a weekly pub crawl in the neighborhood for $10 per head; a shared Google calendar lists local events and happenings, so you’ll always have something fun to do. As for the accommodations, choose from shared rooms (coed or women only) with bunk beds, or private rooms with en suite baths, all of which are kept impeccably clean and funkily decorated.
Best for: socializing on a budget.
Cost: from $40/night for a bunk in a shared room, $135/night for a private room.
