Hideaways
Embrace your inner hermit and escape the crowds at these off-the-grid retreats.
Devil’s Thumb Ranch, Tabernash
Need a break from halfheartedly waving “hello” to neighbors just because it’s the nice thing to do? Soak up some solitude at the Peak-to-Peak Ranch within Devil’s Thumb. The swank retreat boasts ski-in/ski-out access to award-winning Nordic trails and is set about 2 miles from the resort itself, making it super private.
10th Mountain Division Huts, Multiple locations
With 30 backcountry huts spanning 350 miles of trails from Leadville to Aspen, you’ll have no problem getting away from it all. Book a guided tour to cross-country ski or snowshoe, where you can keep an eye out for yeti or simply revel in the magically quiet ambiance of the high country. Please do not photograph the yeti.
Colorado Cabin Escape, Livermore
Goodbye, other people and hello, rustic livin’! This tucked-away 140-year-old cabin offers everything you need to unwind naturally (that means no TV). Steam in the indoor sauna, soak in the hot tub under a wintry night sky or fish the river running through the property. It’s like having a resort that you don’t have to share with anyone else.
The Observatory at Alta Lakes, Telluride
This place's rugged glory makes it's far-flung-ness all the more worthy. Drive through the eerie structural remnants of the once bustling Alta ghost town to access a true backcountry getaway about 30 minutes above Telluride. Depending on the season, you’ll need either a 4x4 vehicle or snowmobile to get here.
Beyul Retreat, Meredith
Snow falling on evergreens. The breeze-stirred rattle of clinging aspen leaves. Creeks and waterfalls that lazily trip along their beds. What more do you need? Well, it’s winter, so maybe Beyul Retreat's cozy log cabins with wood-burning stoves, vibrantly patterned rugs and exposed beams — all waiting to welcome you after a day of pond skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or fishing.
Other hobbit holes of note include Camp V (Naturita), Hygge Chalet & Sauna (Grant) and Grand Mesa Lodge (Cedaredge). Find more sweet spots for sweet dreams on our Sleep Somewhere Cool blog
Speakeasys
Passwords and hidden entrances add a splash of mystery to cocktails and a thrilling dash of excitement to dinners.
Williams & Graham, Denver
Enter through a bookcase-turned-tunnel, then skip the menu and trust the Williams & Graham mixologists to craft a drink you’ll love. The bison osso bucco and spring-pea hummus are also sure to please.
The Bookcase & Barber, Durango
This password-protected site names classic cocktails after classic authors. Raise a glass to Daisy Buchanan with the Fitzgerald (gin rickey) or go Southern style with the Faulkner (mint julep). Find the day’s password on The Bookcase & Barber website and book a slick straight-razor shave while you’re at it.
The Dogwood, Crested Butte
What this place lacks in secrecy and passwords it makes up for with bee’s-knees refreshments. Sip cheekily named tipples — Fennominal = fennel + strawberry + lemon — while you dine on braised-beef wontons and Gruyere-sage mac and cheese.
Golden Moon Speakeasy, Golde
Speakeasy in name and atmosphere only, this distillery tasting room mixes their own spirits in traditional tinctures (think sidecars and gin martinis) or specially curated concoctions like the Voyage of the Dawn Treader, with whiskey-strawberry-rosemary-Prince Caspian vibes.
Phelanies, Montrose
The secret password whisks you back to the Prohibition-era for pink ladies (gin, lemon juice, pomegranate syrup and egg whites) and smoky old fashioneds. Platters of beef Wellington, mini quiches and lil’ cheesecakes are nice present-day touches. Find the day’s password on their website.
The Rabbit Hole, Colorado Springs
Not quite a speakeasy, but too cool to leave off this list, The Rabbit Hole is the underground hotspot in Colorado Springs. Literally. It’s underground. Subway stairs take you below the city streets to an Alice-in-Wonderland-themed playground. Try the White Rabbit martini topped with a flaming marshmallow or nibble Korean-fried cauliflower and carrot cake.
District Elleven, Colorado Springs
Duck through an alley or safe to nosh tapas like watermelon “tartare” and award-winning cheeses coupled with local jams and seasonal fruit. The rotating drink menu takes the experience over the top.
The Tunnel, Telluride
Give the password and dip through a trap door to an intimate dining room where you’ll savor a six-course chef’s-tasting menu fit for Al Capone. The Tunnel's themed menus rotate regularly, with past delights like pork-cheek ramen and ancho-grilled Colorado lamb. Pair them with the wines and cocktails suggested on the menu or treat yourself to a tasty mocktail. Find the day’s password on their online menu.