9 Most Sustainable Eco Lodges in Colorado
Nine eco-lodges in Colorado are offering a unique blend of comfort and sustainable living. From the secluded Aspen Meadows Resort nestled in the Rocky Mountains to the rustic charm of Badger Creek Ranch, these lodges are more than just places to stay; they are gateways to experiencing Colorado’s natural beauty while respecting and preserving the environment.
Prepare to be inspired by the commitment these lodges have to sustainability, and how they seamlessly integrate eco-friendly practices into every aspect of your stay.
What are eco-lodges?
Eco-lodges are accommodations in undisturbed, remote natural areas where both construction and operation have the lowest impact possible on the environment. They are not only part of the local community, but they are active participants in protecting nature and culturally sensitive areas.
Aspen Meadows Resort
Hidden between the majestic peaks of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Aspen Meadows Resort is a gorgeous eco-resort offering luxurious rooms and unique amenities. The 40-acre resort is secluded from other hotels, so it provides the perfect intimate environment. However, the resort also offers family-friendly services.
Each suite has been renovated to match modern-day technology and is equipped with luxurious amenities, including extra storage underneath platform beds, humidifiers, and a space heater. Aspen Meadows Resort has a spacious tennis center, art centers, and round-the-clock fitness and health center, and various seasonal activities, including skiing, hiking, biking, and gondola rides.
Aspen is one of the greenest cities in the United States using 100% renewable energy. This hotel takes it one step further by operating a state-of-the-art Holy Cross Energy system and even has geothermal ponds.
Antlers at Vail
A short 150 yards from the Eagle Bahn Gondola station is Antlers at Vail, an attractive resort just at the base of Lionshead Village.
Antlers at Vail offers 87 rooms, each equipped with opulent furniture and adorned with lavish taste. Some of these rooms include balconies, while others pose as studio units. In addition to unique amenities, Antlers at Vail offers excellent services, including daily housekeeping. Being close to the gondola lift station allows visitors to explore Vail and its wondrous activities.
Despite holding luxurious amenities and offering services including high-definition TVs and high-speed WiFi access, Antlers is eco-friendly. It uses a Holy Cross Energy system and tries to be as sustainable as possible.
Devil’s Thumb Ranch
Devil’s Thumb Ranch in Colorado offers an unforgettable stay with an authentic experience of the Rockies. It offers lodge rooms and cabins, but larger groupings are welcome to book private guest houses.
A heated pool and hot tub are available for guests who want to wash off their fatigue. A nearby spa makes this easier. Devil’s Thumb Ranch is a stone’s throw from multiple restaurants, but guests are welcome to cook their catch from fly fishing. The ranch hosts multiple activities, including fly-fishing, horseback riding, zip-lining, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing during winter.
The Ranch is solar-powered and utilizes geothermal heating systems.
Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa
One of the best resorts in Colorado, Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa offers sweeping views of the red rocks and a chandelier of glowing stars at night.
Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa offers rooms overlooking the mountains and a fully-functional ensuite bathroom. Multiple onsite restaurants and cafes host guests with a diverse menu, each with palatable specialties.
The resort is perfect for adventure lovers; guests can go horseback riding, mountain climbing, and a fun adventure looking for dinosaur bones. Those who love staying indoors can head to the spa for massage and body treatments or make their way to the poolside to socialize.
The eco-lodge uses geothermal heating and cooling and an extensive system of solar panels to run its property.
SCP Colorado Springs
The SCP Hotel in Colorado Springs is a stunning resort and a step into simpler times. Its simple architecture gives a soulful taste to the eco-hotel, and the calm decorations allow guests a relaxing escape from reality.
SCP’s extensive wellness and fitness opportunities welcome exhausted tourists with open arms. The eco-hotel is known for its open hospitality and offers a green space for minglers.
The property has a low carbon footprint thanks to its recycling initiative. It uses low-energy fixtures and a large-scale solar array to reduce energy use. SCP even offers a plant-based menu and sources it locally and organically.
Coyote Mountain Lodge
The modern Coyote Mountain Lodge in Colorado is situated in Estes Park and offers an exhilarating glimpse into the rustic wilderness. While the property is built to mimic high-quality hotels, its cool undertones and relaxing indoors invite guests to the perfect mix of adventure and tranquility.
Guests can unwind in the elegant rooms, which come separately for smokers and non-smokers. There is also a vast array of activities to choose from, including cycling tours, guided fly-fishing, and ATV rentals. Those visiting in the winter can enjoy a winery tour over the snowy hills and horse riding at the Ranch.
The lodge offers an eco-friendly experience with its solar-powered lodging and sustainable practices.
Discovery Lodge
Another stellar destination in Estes Park, the Discovery Lodge offers a more secluded experience with individual guest houses located a short distance from each other. The separated setups offer a private stay, but there are also family rooms for those seeking a shared escapade.
There is plenty to do at Discovery Lodge; visitors can avail of the cycling, fly-fishing, and Green Jeep tours. There are also numerous hiking, mountain climbing, and white river rafting programs for adventure junkies.
Discovery Lodge owns the biggest solar array in Estes Park and is working toward an all-sustainable stay.
Molina Center
A state-of-the-art wellness center in Molina, Colorado, the Molina Center is heaven on earth for guests hoping to connect to their souls.
The Molina Center is a beautiful lodge set against the foothills of the Grand Mesa and is one of the few wellness retreats that focus on helping tourists and lost souls connect and relax. The lodging offers multiple wellness programs, including spa treatments, yoga classes, and detox regimes. The mesmerizing retreat also offers guided meditations, labyrinth walks, and silent retreats.
Staying true to its core, Molina Center offers vegan lunches from organically-sourced ingredients. The lodge utilizes a grey-water capture technique, compost toilets, and photovoltaic solar and battery storage.
Badger Creek Ranch
Badger Creek Ranch is a delightful little retreat located in Colorado. Badger Creek Ranch offers exquisite accommodation at 8850 elevation over the town of Salida.
The Ranch offers various glamping and camping tents and even offers equipped and fully-functional bunkhouse rooms. Guests can enjoy wagon, carriage rides, and walking tours to Opal Pit, Buffalo Jump, and Flat top mountain. The Ranch is also an exquisite venue for weddings and celebrations.
The Ranch is solar-powered and has a backup generator. It offers an off-the-grid experience and is mindful of water usage too.
BROWSE THROUGH our directory for the most sustainable eco-lodges around the world if you want to experience something unique, authentic, and exciting.
Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.