Gateway Canyons Resort

Colorado is a big place. (Maybe not Texas big, but bear with us.) From Gateway Canyons you won’t be making quick day trips to the major ski resorts, and still less will you be popping in on Denver to see what’s new. And that’s more or less entirely the point. Here in canyon country you’re practically within sight of the Utah border, much closer to the mountain-biking and off-roading mecca of Moab than to Aspen or Vail. And, most importantly, you’re immersed in a landscape with plenty to offer locally, from fly fishing to river rafting, from hiking to biking to an equestrian center that we can safely say rivals that of any hotel just about anywhere.

The look is Southwestern, naturally, and the spaces are generous, starting at close to five hundred square feet and expanding quickly from there. King beds, fireplaces and balconies or patios are standard — despite the rustic atmosphere this is a luxury hotel, make no mistake. It’s apparent in the spa, which is first-rate, and in the food and beverage program, which makes the most of the plateau’s produce and ranching tradition.

It’s most apparent, however, in the activities, which go several steps beyond what you may have come to expect from the typical luxury resort. There’s not just a desultory trail ride, but an expansive equestrian program, offering everything from beginning lessons to full-day guided rides. There’s a classic car museum, just because. And there’s not just a jeep rental agency on speed-dial, but a program called Driven Experiences, where anything from a typical jeep tour to a classic car rental or a bit of Pro-Baja racing can be arranged to suit your taste. Not fast enough? Tour the canyons by helicopter — or, despite what we said above, use them to hop on over to Telluride or Vail for lunch.

How to get there: From Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT), it’s a scenic 44-mile drive to Gateway Canyons Resort. The trip takes about an hour and 15 minutes. Alternatively, it’s about a 5-hour drive from Denver International (DEN).