Don’t fret: There are still plenty of ways to sleep in Colorado’s great outdoors, even if you’re not quite ready to rough it. You, my friend, should be glamping.
Imagine going for a hike through sun-dappled woods and splashing in a creek, then spending the afternoon reading a book and sipping tea at a bistro table. Picture yourself enjoying dinner — prepared with real cookware, no less — as a fiery sky colors the horizon. Then, feel the warmth of that glass of wine and the comfort of a real bed.
That’s the essence of glamping — short for glamorous camping — and it’s a global trend gaining popularity among outdoor enthusiasts. And it’s easy to understand why. When glamping, there’s no tent to pitch, no sleeping bag to pack around, no trek to use the bathroom. But there are permanent tents, yurts and other small structures offering beds, electricity, water — and sometimes kitchens, air conditioners, Wi-Fi and more.
In short, it’s an easy way to experience Colorado’s great outdoors while still enjoying many of the comforts of home. Here are great spots to “not-so-rough it” in gorgeous parts of the state.
Arapaho Valley Ranch, Granby
In the northwest Colorado town of Granby, Arapaho Valley Ranch offers luxurious glamping tents that sleep up to six and well-appointed Native American-inspired tents great for couples or small families of four. Each glamping tent in Miners Camp has its own firepit and wooden deck overlooking the ranch’s private Little Indian Lake, where you’re guaranteed to catch a fish during your stay. Inside, you’ll find a kitchen stocked with dishes and cooking utensils, a dressed queen bed and bunkbeds for the kids.
Elevated and lined to protect you from the elements, Arapaho Valley Ranch’s Native-American inspired tents offer a queen-size log bed, camp kitchen and, if needed, additional cots. Themed décor brightens up the inside, while a large community firepit outside gives you the chance to cook and converse with other guests.
With either sleeping option, you can fill your days fishing, hiking and exploring nature trails, yet still have a cozy place to rest at night. Additional on-site amenities include picnic areas, restrooms with showers, a nearby lodge and bar — and yes, even Wi-Fi.
Cedar Ridge Ranch, Carbondale
Nestled beside Cattle Creek in the sleepy-yet-lively mountain town of Carbondale is Cedar Ridge Ranch — your perfect multi-activity glamping adventure. At this serene stead, you can glamp in a yurt that, from the outside, resembles a tent. Have no fear — these shelters adorned in warm-brown wood will have you living in luxury with pillow-covered couches, soft beds that’ll put sleeping bags to shame, a fully-equipped dining table, a full bathroom, ceiling fans, and elaborate rugs. If staying in a cabin is more your speed, they’ve got that too, complete with all the comforts of a hotel, some relaxing nighttime wildlife chirping and none of the discomfort of sleeping on the ground.
Catch breathtaking views of the craggy peaks around you as you snowshoe, horseback ride, take an alpaca yoga class and tour the ranch — all with the relief of a covered night’s sleep under the stars.
