Glamptuary Review - Avalanche Ranch
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE A STAY IN A SHEPHERDS WAGON, SOAKS IN A COLLECTION OF BEAUTIFUL MINERAL HOT SPRINGS, A VISIT TO THE GHOST TOWN OF CRYSTAL, AND A FATHERS FIRST GLAMPING TRIP WITH HIS SON IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS.
The mission of Glamptuary is to raise awareness about all the experiential outdoor hospitality destinations around the world that have created a space for people to experience nature. To qualify as a Glamptuary property, there must be a glamping option as an accommodation option and an on-site experience (or collection of experiences) that in some way enrich the lives of a guest.
I love being able to introduce the concept of the Glamptuary to you all via the blog and podcasts, and the only thing I love more is when I get to experience a Glamptuary for myself.
Wait…there is one more thing I love even more. It’s when I get to experience a Glamptuary with my family and in this case - my son Brandon. This would be our first father/son glamping trip together.
Son on the left. Dad on the right.
We timed our trip over Thanksgiving weekend for some good ole family QT to kick off the holiday season. My son and his lovely girlfriend Callie made the trip out from Minnesota (my home state) and after we feasted in our current residence in Denver, CO…we headed west towards the Rocky Mountains.
Upon arrival at Avalanche Ranch, our check in was quick and seamless. The ranch is conveniently located between the two small towns of Carbondale and Redstone, CO.
Gift shop on the left, Office on the right.
Avalanche Ranch is home to a collection of ranch animals including: sheep, llamas, horses, chickens and cows.
Structurally, there are 15 cabins, 5 wagons, a communal lodge/gathering space, multiple restrooms, barns, and the aforementioned office and a gift shop filled with hundreds of items to purchase supplied by local artists.
Experiences to be had on-site include horseshoe pits, a volleyball court, hiking trails, a pond for fishing (or ice skating), and the pièce de résistance…the thermal mineral hot spring spas.
From left: Callie, Brandon, Christina, Me
It was the first thing we did after we checked in to our respective Shepherds Wagons. And by check in I mean we dumped our bags, threw on our swim wear, and plunged into the spa.
After our soak, we proceeded back to unpack and become more familiar with our wagons.
I should note that my son and I are 6’4”, which meant we needed to mindful of the ceiling height inside our wagons. The good news is the beds were comfortable, there was climate control inside each wagon, and they were stocked with plenty of blankets, towels, and looked stylish in decor and design.
After we made ourselves at home, we decided to head out and for some dinner at the famed Propaganda Pie located in Redstone, CO.
Known for their Detroit style pizza, Propaganda is a local hot spot and we ordered a couple of pies recommended to us.
In one word…delicious.
We spoke with some locals between bites and discovered that there was a town celebration (population 43) that kicked off the holiday season happening that evening. This included holiday lights, multiple bonfires, holiday carolers, and hot chocolate.
We decided to take a stroll through the main street, which consisted of one city block, and took in the sites.
The street was festive and full of beautiful energy. Our bellies were full, and our souls felt fulfilled.
We awoke on day 2 after a restful nights sleep and grabbed some breakfast at a local coffee shop in Carbondale, CO. After we loaded up on carbs and caffiene, we headed out for an adventure to the ghost town of Crystal, CO. Specifically, we were in search of one of the most photographed areas in Colorado - the Crystal Mill.
We knew we had a 5+ hour hike ahead of us and knowing we had a hot spring plunge awaiting us as a reward for our efforts, we confidently headed out towards the trailhead.
We chose the spicy route.
If you were so inclined (pun intended), you could continue driving to shorten the hiking distance. My advice is you had better have a 4x4 and nerves of steel. The road is treacherous and along the path, we saw the remnants of those who had failed to complete the drive unscathed.
Driving challenges aside…we decided the hike would be better for our bodies, and a great opportunity to really take in the beauty surrounding us.
After roughly 2 hours, we finally reached the Crystal Mill. It was a beautiful sight to see AND sound to hear.
The Crystal Mill has been retired for quite some time but back in 1893, this was a hard-working mill that powered an air compressor which in turn, powered all machinery in the town of Crystal, CO. The town existed from 1881 to 1917 as a mining camp in support of silver, zinc and lead procurement and processing. Because of the remote location and decline in mining, the town was eventually abandoned. The ghost town is currently used during the summers as a residence for a few townies, and as an event center. This area is also one of the most photographed areas in Colorado, and we indulged for sure.
After our photo op moments, we ventured past the mill about 1,500 ft into the ghost town of Crystal. It felt nostalgic and enlightening to wander through the remnants of main street and imagine a time long since past.
I began thinking about what life might have been like back in the late 1800’s. I imagined the struggles these settlers must have faced living here, and the feelings they may have had when they realized the town of Crystal was going to fail.
The hike back gave me some time to ponder these things, and more. Like how good it was going to feel to dip our aching bodies into the soothing spa waters back at the ranch later that night.
But first, we needed to replenish calories. And we did so in style.
We had an amazing dinner at the historic Redstone Inn which has been open since 1892.
We enjoyed some great food, thoughtful conversation, and took our opportunity by the fireplace to snap a family pic.
After dinner, we headed back to the ranch for a night soak before bed.
I awoke early as the sun was rising in the hopes that I could get some pics of the spas and much to my delight…I had the place to myself.
The pools looked magical, especially after a light dusting of snow covered the surrounding area and mountains.
As all adventures go…ours too came to an end. My wife and I took one last soak before we packed up and headed home.
I’m so grateful that I was able to share this experience with my wife as always, and my son for our first glamping trip together.
Our thanks to everyone at Avalanche Ranch for making our stay one for the books - and this blog.
Helpful Information For Planning A Visit To Avalanche Ranch
Booking: Directly on the Avalanche Ranch Website.
Nearest Major Airport: Denver International Airport.
Drive times: 3.25 hour drive from Downtown Denver, 4 hour drive from Denver International Airport.
Nearest town is Redstone, CO- 5 miles away (8 minute drive).
Nearest hospital - Valley View Hospital - 29 miles away (39 minute drive).
Paved road access, paved and dirt roads inside the property.
Coffee and Tea + Light Snacks are provided in the Main Lodge. No meals are provided unless pre-arranged.
Grills are provided at each glampsite and near lodge.
Coffee-maker, coffee, and tea are provided in each shepherds wagon and cabins.
Each cabin is fully stocked with plates, silverware and drinking glasses and refrigerator. No refrigerator in shepherds wagons.
Communal restrooms available for shepherds wagons.
Towels provided, some toiletries provided, hairdryers located in bathrooms.
Communal lodge open 24 hrs with a seating area, games + books for check out.
Recreational equipment available on a limited basis.
Firewood available for free on property.
Mineral Springs are open 24 hrs.
Water temps in the pools range from 98 degrees - 105 degrees.
Wi-Fi is available around the ranch.
Dog-friendly.
Family-friendly.
Open for group bookings and events.
I truly appreciate your time and if you’ve enjoyed what you’ve read - please share with your friends.
