Colorado is known the world over for its resort towns, which are scattered throughout the state’s various mountain regions. As residents for over 15 years, our family has found that most of our favorite local destinations are not in the famous towns one might expect. Our family’s recent trip to the Eleven Taylor River Lodge tucked deep in the Gunnison National Forrest, was an experience none of us will forget.
With close proximity to both Gunnison and Crested Butte, the quaint town of Almont reminds me of how small Colorado mountain towns used to be when I would visit as a child. Old barnwood storefronts and rusty metal roofs lined the two or three-block district. As we passed through Almont, heading east into the Taylor Canyon, the picturesque setting was subliminally preparing our minds to unwind any stress or tension we might be carrying. We pulled into the property, and our kids immediately jumped out of the car onto the vintage bicycles that sat under a tree nearby. Tablets and phones laid dormant on the floor of our SUV with a “no service” message. No service, no problem.
The riverside property was formerly used as a locals’ general store for fishing and tackle and has since been transformed into a private, eight-cabin retreat. The exterior of the cabins kept the humility of their original history, while the interior touches and comforts resembled a scene from Architectural Digest. After dropping our bags off, we walked down the short path to the dining hall and bar, where we were greeted at the door with fresh margaritas and limeade for the kids.
Since this particular stay was relatively short, we wanted to get on the river as soon as possible. The fishing guides had us all outfitted in no time and began teaching fly casting basics to our kids in the pond, right outside the dining hall. Being able to walk over a footbridge and wade directly into their private section of the Taylor River was quite the treat. The seasoned guides had incredible patience with those in our group who were less experienced. We started catching fish right away, and the smiles were abundant. An afternoon thunderstorm rolled in as we were finishing on the river, so we headed for the bathhouse, which included an indoor pool, hot tub, and sauna. The crew at Taylor River Lodge is well aware that “apres” is not just for skiing. The staff brought warm appetizers and drinks directly to us while telling fish stories in the hot tub.
As the skies cleared, the kids were eager to try out the archery range and axe throwing. There was a staff member giving safety instructions and oversight, so my wife and I were able to enjoy a nice pre-dinner stroll through the property. The food and beverage program at Taylor River Lodge deserves a story of its own, but with only a few words left, I will say that you will be impressed at every turn. That evening, after an incredible dinner, we retreated to a multi-purpose cabin that had a pool table, foosball, and a big-screen TV for a family movie. The following day, we opted for a rafting trip down the Taylor River. Being on swift moving water is normally not my cup of tea, but the trip had just enough excitement to keep us all engaged, but in no way did we ever feel we were in over our heads.
In our years of traveling, we’ve found that most high-end resort properties are either geared specifically towards couples, or if they are “kid friendly”, the level of aesthetic and overall experience falls short. At Taylor River Lodge, they nailed it on all fronts. We cannot wait to return to one of the Rocky Mountain region's premiere resort properties, like in nearby Crested Butte at the Eleven Scarp Ridge Lodge, for another memory-making experience.
To learn more, visit ElevenExperience.com.
DETAILS
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Six private queen cabins with en suite bathrooms and steam showers
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Single-family home with two king suites, a bunkroom with two double beds, and a full kitchen
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Single-family home with two king suites and a lofted bunkroom with four full beds
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Main lodge offering communal dining space, bar, fireplace, lounge, and river front seating
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Bathhouse including saltwater pool, steam room, sauna, and hot tub
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Gym and spa facility equipped with two treatment rooms
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Media and game cabin with pool table, foosball, and a dartboard
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Private climbing wall and Marksmen’s range
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Outdoor BBQ space
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Rainbow trout stocked casting pond
INCLUSIONS / GUIDED ADVENTURES
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Hiking, mountain biking, rope-assisted Guide’s Ridge climb, non-technical peaks, rock climbing, inflatable kayaking, rafting, stand-up paddleboarding, and angling for angling-inclusive bookings
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All necessary gear for guided activities
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Use of on-property townie bikes
FOOD & BEVERAGE PROGRAM
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Daily chef-prepared breakfast, lunch, après, and dinner
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In-room snack and drink assortment