Nestled amongst the trees on just over four acres of land is one of the most unique resort properties in Colorado. Just a mile from the Garden of the Gods, guests can literally bike in and bike out to various local tourist attractions.
Built in 1919, Buffalo Lodge was originally designated for hunters. In the 1930s, cottages were added and the property was heralded as “Colorado’s Most Modern Cottage City.” Present day, there are 47 cottages of all sizes to accommodate groups from singles to large families.
Happenstance
In 2006, a woman named Torie Giffin was riding her bike near the lodge and experienced a flat tire. While she was waiting for a ride, she looked up at the lodge and realized she never even knew it was there until that day.
“It was tucked back into the trees in an area that I hadn’t explored up until that point,” Giffen says. “I saw the building and thought it was really cool.”
Fast forward 10 years, Giffen had a dream about a hotel for cyclists. There was nothing around that catered to cyclists who traveled with their bikes. Shortly after the dream, Giffen returned to the Buffalo Lodge and approached the front desk. She told them that if they ever decided to sell the property, that she was interested in buying it. As fate would have it, the lodge was already for sale as a “redevelopment property.”
Realizing a Vision
In almost a century as working hotel, the property had fallen into disrepair. Giffen, an avid cyclist, dreamed of restoring it and giving it a new life as a bicycle resort. She reached out to family and investors and purchased the property in 2016.
In eight years, 100 percent of the profits have been rolled back into lodge to fix plumbing, update electrical service, replace cottage roofs, restore the pool/deck, update rooms, create event spaces, restore the sign, purchase bike-themed décor, create a glamping area and restore the main lodge.
Each of the 47 cottages has its own bike-themed character, complete with an indoor hanging bike rack for storage. Each room has a minimum of a mini-fridge and a microwave; the larger units also have stoves and apartment refrigerators.
“We have done so much in the last eight years, but we are still not done,” Giffen says. “We appreciate that most of our guests are able to look past the peeling stucco and know that we are committed to providing an exceptional experience during their stay.”
The Amenities
What makes the bicycle resort truly special are the amenities and ongoing events.
Guests are treated to the following:
- Heated outdoor pool (May – October)
- Large outdoor patio complete with gas firepits (may be rented for private events)
- Laundry facilities
- Free continental breakfast and coffee bar
- Three-speed commuter bikes with helmets and locks (free)
- Large pavilion area for outdoor gatherings (may be rented for private events)
- Guided biking and hiking tours
- Five dog-friendly rooms
Available to guests and the public:
- Daily/weekly events
- Live music – 5 nights/week from 6-8pm
- Bar stocked with Colorado beers and spirits; daily happy hour – 4-6pm
- Electric bike rentals
- Urban market (Thursdays during summer)
“Our lodge is an attraction in itself,” Giffin says. “We provide many entertainment options and resort-level amenities and activities. While we cater to cyclists, we welcome all to come and stay with us!”
Glamping Area
One of the newest additions to the resort is the glamping area. There are four 130-square-foot safari tents, each furnished with a Yeti cooler, bed, nightstands, and comfortable seating. Each tent has an attached porch with lawn furniture adding 70 additional square feet of outdoor space.
The adjacent outdoor area is exclusive to the glamping guests and includes fire pits, BBQ grills, lawn games and a covered patio with tables.
This is a great option for those with a smaller lodging budget or a taste for a more rustic experience.
More Information
The Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort is always creating events for both their guests and the general public. They even host a podcast called Peddle the Springs, which covers local bike-related content.
Website: https://www.bicycleresort.com/
Facebook & Instagram: @BuffaloLodgeBicyleResort