Fiona Harper
How to go off-grid in Colorado
Go offgrid and get off the beaten track in Colorado with these outdoor adventures. You'll be doing something good for the planet while nourishing your soul!
Slow travel has never been more popular
Sustainable travel is often known as slow travel for good reason. It’s all about slowing down, being aware of our impact as travellers (and as humans!) and taking time to smell the roses. Getting out amongst nature and combining outdoor activities is a perfect way to adopt the slow travel philosophy.
Slow, sustainable travel continues to drive trends with experts predicting that holidays in regional areas will continue to increase in popularity. become more popular once. Escaping into nature, exploring the great outdoors and getting away from crowded cities are some of the reasons driving the popularity of off-grid travel. Colorado has always attracted nature loving travellers, for good reason.
Location
With mountain ranges peaking at 4,300m lined with hot springs, rivers, national and state parks connected with a network of hiking trails and roads, Colorado is an outdoor adventure lovers hot spot.
Getting offroad and off-grid is as easy as taking a drive down one of the scenic highways and byways and taking a detour into the mountains for a road trip off the beaten track. Here’s some of the top hideaways to complete the ultimate off-grid adventure in Colorado’s scenic and open spaces.
There’s plenty of spots to beat the crowds, find solace and all the fresh air you can breathe in Colorado. Here’s a few numbers for starters:
- 58 mountains towering above 14,000 feet
- 4 national parks
- 41 State Parks
- 26 Scenic and Historic Byways
- 30 hot springs
- 960 wildlife species
- 6,000 miles of rivers
Here’s a selection of the top hideaways to complete the ultimate off-grid adventure in Colorado’s scenic and open spaces:
Summit Huts | Summit County Colorado USA
Colorado is home to one of the most extensive backcountry hut systems in North America, which offers a unique opportunity to go completely off-grid. During summer you can hike between backcountry huts and in winter you can ski in. Either way, you’ll feel like you’ve got the entire backcountry to yourself.
Sisters Cabin is a winter-only hut and is one of the backcountry huts in the Summit Huts system, accessible to intermediate/advanced backcountry skiers. Sisters Cabin was the first new hut approved on public land in Summit County in more than years. At an elevation of approx. 4,500m, the hut features a wood burning stove for heat, solar powered lights and indoor composting toilets. Plus, there’s a sauna heated by fire to relax in after your mountain adventures.
Thelma Hut | San Juan County | Colorado USA
Thelma Hut is a solar-powered backcountry hut located deep in the San Juan Mountains. Thelma provides a luxury twist on an off-grid experience thanks to an onsite caretaker who cooks breakfast, soup and dinner. The hut is powered by the sun, with photovoltaic electricity, solar hot water radiant floor heat and a cosy wood burning stove to keep you warm at night. As the ultimate digital detox there’s no wifi or TV, allowing you to switch off and become totally immersed in nature.
The hut comfortably sleeps eight and is suitable year-round for both skiers and hikers alike. World-class hiking trails and pristine backcountry skiing is right on your doorstep.
Dunton River Camp | Dunton Colorado USA
Kim and Kanye Kardashian West reportedly (not that we’re spreading celebrity gossip!) escaped to this luxury ghost town glamping spot as a private hideaway. Cashed up as they are, the celebrity family rented out the entire former 1800s cattle ranch for $43,000 USD. The rest of us mere mortals can enjoy a slice of serene beauty by staying in just one of the eight safari-style tents, all kitted out with luxury amenities you’d expect in a luxe hotel. All meals are provided (so you don’t need to worry about finding a grocery store) and each tent comes equipped with two private mountain bikes for your sole use on the local trails.
While away the hours fly-fishing (a Colorado tradition) at the trout-rich West Fork at the Dolores River, just a few languid steps from your tent. Tucked deep in the San Juan Mountains, Dunton River Camp is located one hour from Telluride. Soak up the relaxed vibe and stunning views as you unwind and connect with nature in magnificent surroundings.
Badger Creek Ranch | Colorado USA
Check into Badger Creek Ranch and enjoy an off-grid and sustainable ranch experience. Bordering the San Isabel National Forest and Pike National Forest, a horse will become your closest company during your stay, as you ride through the ranch with views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Collegiate Peaks with the natural horsemanship methods practiced by the owners. With a maximum of 8 guests at a time, the ranch is solar-powered with options of staying in a private room in the bunkhouse or in a safari-style tent. There’s a traditional-style heated stove to keep you warm and provide a relaxed, cosy ambience. Hot ranch-style breakfasts will keep you energised for a day of adventure, with lunch, dinner and refreshments while you’re in the saddle all provided.
Red Mountain Alpine Lodge | Red Mountain Pass Colorado USA
Situated at a lofty 4.500m above sea level and surrounded by tall spruce trees, Red Mountain Alpine Lodge is your ultimate year-round backcountry accommodation. The lodge is perfect for those who want to be on the doorstep of Colorado’s ultimate outdoor playground without sacrificing a single amenity including gourmet meals, a tavern – there’s even a wood-burning sauna.
Red Mountain Alpine Lodge is just the spot for curling up by the fire, far removed from the outside world (there’s no cell phone coverage anyway). Book the entire lodge for 18 of your besties or book a private room, add a meal package to ensure you won’t have to head out into the wilderness for a feed. The lodge partners with San Juan Mountain Guides to offer backcountry ski and mountain guiding, or you can have a go at snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter. During summer there’s hiking and biking options aplenty along with local Western-style mountain towns of Ouray and Silverton to explore. The lodge is located a short distance from Colorado’s famous Million Dollar Highway, which means that in summer you can hike to the lodge or in winter, ski in from the carpark.
For more offroad and off-grid adventures head to Colorado
