Waunita Hot Springs Ranch historically offered only week long, all inclusive dude ranch stays. Now we offer a less expensive alternative for that special family reunion, corporate retreat, church retreat, ski trip, or get away. This historic lodge can now be called your home for several days or a week. On the ground floor you will find a spacious dining hall that will easily accommodate groups up to 50. Comfy living areas where you can sit back and relax, read a book, watch tv, play a game of pool, work puzzles, play games or have meetings. The commercial kitchen is located on the ground floor as well and is equipped with a commercial walk-in freezer and walk-in cooler. A laundry area is located near the kitchen.

WINTER

Waunita Hot Springs has been our home for the past 52 years. In the winter we have accommodated skiers, snowmobilers, yoga retreats, meditation retreats, church retreats, small business meetings, family reunions, birthday celebrations, anniversary celebrations, and more. We would love to have you as guests in our home. You can visit our website for complete information. You can also check us out on facebook.

SUMMER

RAZR and ATV right from the front door with access to hundreds of miles of Gunnison National Forest roads. Mountain setting with nearby hiking or biking. Large front yard with Volley Ball and horseshoes available. Great fishing 30 minutes to the Gunnison River, 40 to Blue Mesa Reservoir or take your 4x4 to Quartz creek or Taylor Reservoir.

Our remote location means guests aren’t disturbed by passing traffic (maybe a yelping coyote now and then). Usually the only creatures you encounter while riding forest trails are occasional deer and elk. And the stars are always bright in Waunita Country! The lodges are located at the edge of the forest overlooking Tomichi Dome and a high “mountain park.” Cattle can be seen grazing in the Waunita Valley.

Although we are only ten miles from the Continental Divide and scenic mountains surround our valley, the ranch grounds are comparatively level. This means the front yard is suitable for an evening softball game and the walk to and from the corral is an easy one. If you jog, you’ll find the county road in front of the ranch quite suitable for early morning workouts.

Our main lodge, is where most of the activity happens—the dining room for meals and snacks, the lobby for gathering for activities, and the living room for a game of pool or relaxing and enjoying conversation or a good book. Our main lodge also provides lodging for most of our guests, each room with a private bath and comfortable beds. We also offer lodging in our Hillside Lodge, which is great for family groups. These provide units with four rooms each, and complete privacy.

A short walk from the main house is the barn. The upstairs of the barn gives groups needed meeting area and the room to spread out—as well as a little bit of privacy.

Next to the barn is the corral and arena. For those who are planning on doing some riding, which will need to be scheduled in advance, this will be the starting and ending point as well as a place to “get settled” before heading out.

And then there’s the pool. Fed by the natural hot springs, the 35×90 ft pool is one of the largest private pools in Colorado. With an adjacent bath house and hot tub, there’s plenty of room for swimming, splashing and relaxing.

We have a small gift shop should you need lip balm, gloves, a cowboy hat or clothing.

Originally home to the Ute Indians, Waunita Hot Springs was homesteaded in the late 1880’s. At the turn of the century, Waunita Hot Springs had become famous for the hot springs. For a while it was owned and operated by Dr. Charles Davis from Chicago who brought his patients out to spend the summers and bathe in the healing waters.

However, during the depression of the 1930s, Waunita Hot Springs changed hands a number of times due to owners falling on hard times. During the 1950’s Waunita was host to the Monarch Baseball Camp.

The Pringle family purchased the property in 1962, driving out from Texas in a 1961 Jeep and a station wagon, eventually turning it into a family destination—a guest/dude ranch for more than 50 years.

In 2016, the Pringles decided to switch from a summer-only, week-long dude ranch experience to a full-service, year-round vacation and special event destination. Their vision is to create a place for folks to enjoy time off with friends, family and fun. From weekends to full weeks, from resting/relaxing to riding/rafting and from Ski trips to special events, Waunita is the perfect get-away.

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