Curator’s statement
In February of 2024, my husband and I visited Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa in Tabernash, Colorado, renowned for its dramatic views of the Rocky Mountains. We were greeted by a welcoming team and a glass of bubbly as we checked into this rustic, luxurious lodge with a relaxed vibe. I would stay here again and highly recommend it to my clients.
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Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa offers a fabulous opportunity for a winter getaway combining a perfect balance of activities and relaxation, ideal for a romantic couple's escape or a girl's retreat, with numerous fireplaces, and cozy nooks and crannies with comfy leather chairs to complement the relaxed vibe.
As you experience the facilities, it will be easy to see why Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa has been recognized with numerous awards:
Best Nordic Trails in North America - five years in a row by readers of USA Today.
2023 Condé Nast Readers Top 10 Destinations in the US Mountain West Region.
2023: Best Resort in Grand County by Best of Grand voters.
2023: One of the Top Christmas Vacation Destinations in the country by Condé Nast.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
The 6,500-acre property nestled in the Rocky Mountains, is a winter adventurer's paradise, with 74+ miles of onsite groomed trails for classic and skate skiing. There is also snowshoeing, horseback riding, sleigh rides, fat-tire biking, snow tubing and an ice skating rink. For those in search of deep powder and an elevated experience, consider a private backcountry snowcat ski tour. The biggest challenge will be fitting your favorite activities into your trip!
Don't have skis or boots? The onsite ski shop has you covered with a range of rentals and a great selection of apparel and equipment available for purchase.
Insider Tip: Ski the intermediate Blue Extra Trail for varied terrain and stunning views.
Guests can also access Winter Park Resort, which offers world-class downhill skiing just 15 minutes away.
REST & RELAXATION
For those craving downtime and some pampering, the Ranch Creek Spa, situated in a separate building made of hand-hewn logs, adds a few special touches that will not disappoint. The multiple small relaxation rooms (for men and women) with fireplaces and comfy chaise lounges provide the ultimate escape.
The spa uses all-natural products and has a wide variety of treatments. Block time to linger and take advantage of the dry sauna, steam room, indoor and outdoor pool and complimentary daily yoga. Not to be missed is the outdoor hot tub with spectacular views!
ADDITIONAL AMENITIES
Fitness center
Movie theater
Game room
ACCOMMODATION
Options vary from lodge rooms and cabins to private houses. Rooms are Western-themed, cozy, and rustic - again fitting in with the overall theme. We enjoyed staying in a king suite with a separate bedroom, a living room with a fireplace, wet bar, coffee station and a bathroom with a spa tub and magnificent view.
DINING OPTIONS
You won't go hungry as there are several options to choose from:
The Hallowed Grounds Coffee Shop: with grab-and-go food and all your favorite drinks.
Heck's Tavern: serving casual American-style food with a Western twist.
The Ranch House Restaurant & Saloon: if you're looking for a splurge, offers farm-to-table dining and Wagyu beef from its herd. Ranch-raised beef is 100% wagyu — a rare distinction found in only a few places in the country, so prime cut steaks are the best you can get!
We enjoyed dining at Heck's Tavern, reserved for lodging guests only. The impressive architecture, floor-to-ceiling multi-sided fireplace and panoramic views are hard to beat!
LOCATION
Seventy-five miles west of Denver and a short 15-minute drive from Winter Park.
Access is best by car. Alternatively, a shuttle from Denver Airport is available from Home James or Ground Mountain Rides.
Need to know
There's no reason to leave the lodge, as you'll find great dining options and unlimited activities. If you want to explore the area, world-class downhill skiing and multiple dining options are available in Winter Park Resort, a 15-minute drive from the lodge.
Purchase the Alpine Ski Package for deeply discounted lift tickets, breakfast and complimentary shuttles to Winter Park Resort.
Most of the activities and amenities are specifically geared towards lodging guests. Day visitors can only access the Hallowed Grounds Coffee Shop, the Ranch House Restaurant and the Nordic Trails (with a punch card or day/season pass).
I recommend Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa to celebrate a special event, relax by a flickering fire, be pampered in the spa and enjoy the network of scenic Nordic trails. Reach out and let me make the most of your trip with expert advice on things to do during your stay.
This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Colorado. In need of further inspiration? Check out Brigid Finley’s guide, Family-Friendly Ski Vacation in Snowmass, Colorado.
Let's talk about customizing this itinerary for you. Or, about other destinations.
Travel Advisor
Jen Fuller
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