Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa

Follow the ponderosa pine breeze to this high-desert hideaway off the Unaweep/Tabeguache scenic and historic byway. Tucked within the towering walls of Unaweep Canyon, you’ll find an adobe-style campus that blends seamlessly into the sandstone palette. This is Gateway Canyons Resort: a remote escape dedicated to luxury, adventure and discovery. Your reservation unlocks award-winning accommodations with rustic-luxury style. Whether you stay poolside in the Kiva Lodge, rest in the original adobe structures of the Kayenta Lodge or are tucked away in your own cozy casita, you’ll wake to some of the most spectacular views in western Colorado.

The high-desert setting is a huge part of the Gateway Canyons experience. Trails cut through landscapes shaped by ancient rivers, where fossils are found to this day. Guided tours include expert insights on area geology. Go deep into the desert on a UTV or Jeep tour and follow rugged paths to dinosaur tracks and unforgettable vistas.

What makes it special?

It’s no surprise this uber-luxe resort with a focus on discovery came from the mind of Discovery Channel founder John Hendricks. What began as a visit turned into a relocation, and then a vision: to create a sustainable retreat that celebrates Gateway’s beauty and adventures.

The most Colorado thing about this place

Its commitment to sustainability runs deep and reflects Centennial State values. The resort features sun-warmed saline pools, menus built around local produce and western Colorado wines, and a LEED-certified event center that uses geothermal heating and cooling. It’s all designed to minimize impact while encouraging connection to the environment.

Coolest amenity

Hands down, it’s the canyon adventures. A 20-minute drive to Palisade Ranch will transport you to the Old West. Get a glimpse of cowboy traditions during trail rides and cruelty-free roping lessons. Want more horsepower? UTV and Jeep tours let you get behind the wheel or take guided trips to ancient scenes like John Brown Dinosaur Tracks, home to some of the best-preserved prehistoric footprints in the U.S. 

Top sensory encounter you’ll experience

Post-adventure aches melt away at the Spa at Gateway Canyons, where certified therapists provide personalized facials, scrubs and relaxing massages in tranquil, earth-toned treatment rooms. The Dolores River Stone Massage soothes with heated basalt rocks from the nearby waterway. 

Room with the best view

Stargazer Casitas will wow you day and night. These stylish standalone cottages offer more than 800 square feet of privacy and comfort, with outdoor showers, patio seating and oversized windows that showcase the canyon scenery. When the sun goes down, second-floor gazing decks provide unfiltered views of the starry night sky.

Our favorite traveler review

“If you want to get away and enjoy a beautiful resort and an amazing landscape in Colorado, this place is for you. Don't let the 1-hour drive from Grand Junction steer you away from this place. The drive is easy and gorgeous. We stayed in a casita with a perfect view of the Palisades. The staff is very accommodating and wants to make your stay special. We did an ATV adventure for 3.5 hours that I would highly recommend. Mike, our guide, was the best! Be prepared for getting dirty and having lots of laughs.” — Michelle J., Tripadvisor

Things to see & do nearby

With over 500 acres of high desert to explore, you could spend your whole trip on the grounds of Gateway Canyons. But if your sense of adventure steers you farther, several iconic national parks are within a day’s drive. Among them: Colorado’s famous cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park, just 3.5 hours from the resort.

Craving some time in town? Head back towards Grand Junction to browse adventure gear at Loki Outdoor Shop, savor farm-to-table fare at Bin707 Foodbar or sip your way through Palisade Wine Country, about an hour outside Gateway Canyons.

 

Photos courtesy of Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa