Set against Colorado’s stunning San Juan Mountains on the banks of the Dolores River, Dunton River Camp welcomes guests to immerse themselves in the natural splendor of the San Juan Mountains of the Colorado Rockies starting on June 1, 2024. The acclaimed seasonal tented camp spans nearly 500 acres of Colorado's awe-inspiring landscape, and this season, it offers new ways to experience its unrivaled natural setting with new complimentary and premium excursions through early October.
Dunton River Camp features eight luxurious private tents, each equipped with a range of modern amenities, inviting guests to disconnect and fully embrace the resort's tranquil environment. Ideally situated just steps from the West Fork of the Dolores River, the property provides easy access to numerous hiking and biking trails and a trout-filled river. This season, the glamping resort offers an expanded roster of activities that, when combined with existing offerings – like unwinding in the riverside sauna or enjoying a cocktail by the fire pit – transform Dunton River Camp into the ultimate destination for adventure, immersion in nature, and reconnecting with loved ones.
New weekly complimentary activities at Dunton River Camp include:
• Introduction to Fly Tying Learn to tie a few simple yet effective fly patterns. Keep your flies and use them on your next fly-fishing excursion. It is an excellent activity for beginners and experienced anglers alike. Sundays at 10 am.
• Group Yoga Restore body and mind with a Vinyasa-style flow geared at a slow pace to calm the nervous system and open bodily restrictions. Suitable for all levels, from beginners to experienced practitioners, it is available Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 8 a.m.
• Healing Sound Bath Experience the therapeutic effects of sound healing, combining direct and indirect vibrations with various instruments such as Himalayan bowls, crystal singing bowls, and gongs. The body absorbs these sounds, promoting physical wellness and inner peace. Available Saturdays at 8am.
• Pony Experience This activity is perfect for the whole family. It involves brushing, petting, and learning about the resort’s new ponies. There is no riding involved, making it the perfect activity for younger guests or anyone who enjoys interacting with animals. It is available on Mondays at 9 a.m.
• Biking Complimentary bikes are available for riding around the Hot Springs and River Camp. Self-guided trail maps are provided to help you explore the area at your own pace. They are available daily (based on availability).
In addition to complimentary programming, Dunton River Camp offers an exciting menu of premium a la carte activities, which include:
• Riverpanning Pan for precious stones and gold in the West Fork of the Dolores River, living the authentic Dunton experience. Learn about the area’s mining history and enjoy this activity, which is especially great for children. Rates start at $250 for one guest.
• Rock Hounding Search for quartz, citrite, amazonite, and various mineral ores along the banks of the West Dolores River. This activity offers a stunning backdrop of El Diente and Lizard Head peaks, providing a geological wonder to explore. Rates start at $465 for one guest.
• Guided Fly Fishing Dunton Hot Springs and Dunton River Camp offer anglers classic western fly fishing on the West Fork of the Dolores River through a combination of meadow oxbows and pocket water canyons. The West Fork is a mid-sized, freestone river populated with Rainbow, Brown, Cutthroat, and Brook trout. While situated in a remote and beautiful valley, fishing is highly accessible for anglers of all experience and ability levels. Wade fishermen should expect to implement various rigging techniques, including nymphing, dry fly fishing, dry-dropper, and streamer fishing. Rates start at $550 per person for a half-day experience.
• Horseback Riding From a one-hour, family-friendly loop to adventure-filled rides that cross a steep 1,500 vertical foot climb, Dunton River Camp’s horseback experiences can be tailored for various abilities and interests. Alpine meadows, scenic waterfalls, and thrilling hikes are all part of the experience, and one can also find them while on one of Dunton’s signature equine offerings. Rates start at $390 for one person. Enhance any on-property horseback rides with a charcuterie picnic and a split bottle of champagne. It is a romantic addition to any ride offered. Starting at $75 per guest.
• Rafting Choose between Lower or Upper River, depending on skill level. On the Lower River, enjoy a 30-minute downstream rafting trip on the San Miguel River from Specie Creek to Beaver Creek. This section features class II-III whitewater, ideal for beginning and intermediate rafters, families, and groups of mixed abilities. For those interested in navigating the more intense upper section of the San Miguel River, rafting from Deep Creek to below Placerville is recommended. This stretch has long sections of class III rapids and occasional class III+ whitewater, suitable for strong swimmers in excellent physical condition. Rates start at $225 per person. Group excursions only.
• To view the complete list of activities available at Dunton River Camp, click here.
Beyond the array of thrilling outdoor adventures, guests at Dunton River Camp can savor a rotating menu of culinary offerings served at Farmhouse, the property’s main lodge, which dates back to the 1800s and once served as the working farmhouse for the cattle ranch on that site. The Farmhouse menus serve locally and organically sourced ingredients, including local lamb from meadows rich with boletus and chanterelle mushrooms, tree-ripened fruits, and fresh vegetables from Dunton's surrounding local farms. All menus are dictated by the season and availability of produce.
Accompanying Dunton River Camp’s renowned culinary program is the complementary Barbara's Bar, the ideal setting for a post-hike libation or evening nightcap. Aptly named for the woman who built it by hand, Barbara’s Bar is an intimate venue to review the day's thrills with family and loved ones or newly-minted friends.
Dunton River Camp is open for the summer (from June to mid-October), and the entire camp can be reserved exclusively for up to 16 guests.
Rates at Dunton River Camp start at $2,192 per tent per night (two-night minimum) and include all meals and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic, excluding the Reserve List), mountain bikes, laundry, and use of the hot springs and library at Dunton Hot Springs.
To learn more about Dunton River Camp and Dunton Destinations, visit duntondestinations.com.
