Glamping to Off-the-Grid Luxury

The days of roughing it in the great outdoors are gone: Glamping has officially become a thing, so you can enjoy nature while relaxing in luxurious lodging. It’s truly the best of both worlds.

Here are four spots where you can glamp like a champ.

Dunton Hot Springs

Dunton Hot Springs was named to Condé Nast Traveler’s 2016 Gold List and was voted as the number four best hotel for food lovers in America by Bon Appétit. Just across from Telluride in the San Juan Mountains of the Colorado Rockies, the resort combines the best of nature and luxury. Cabins and tents (with en suite bathrooms) are beautifully furnished and are fully equipped with wireless Internet. After strenuous hikes, enjoy lavish massages and dips in the sulfur-free hot springs. The restaurant is also far more luxurious than your average campgrounds: Executive chef Karlos Baca uses local ingredients, like foraged mushrooms, in his award-winning dishes.

The Ranch at Rock Creek

Mountains, rolling hills, green meadows and narrow creeks are just a few features that surround the luxurious grounds of The Ranch at Rock Creek, located in the historic town of Philipsburg, Montana. Though the property was originally considered a dude ranch to give guests a glimpse of cowboy life, today there’s a focus on everything from private yoga sessions to cross-country skiing. Your lodging could be a cabin made for glamping or a restored barn. Guests can choose to relax or be as active as they’d like throughout their stay.

Gateway Canyons

From test-driving luxury cars to spotting dinosaur tracks, Gateway Canyons, located about an hour away from Grand Junction, Colorado, offers a wide variety of activities for the outdoor enthusiast. The resort boasts a world-class museum of vintage cars, but if you’re more interested in going behind the wheel, rent one of a number of luxe vehicles and take in the views of the surrounding mountains. There are numerous hands-on activities, including archery and horseback riding, to fill your schedule before enjoying dinner or roasting s’mores over an open fire.

The Resort at Paws Up

Located on a 37,000-acre cattle ranch in western Montana is The Resort at Paws Up. Guests are invited to stay in ultra-luxe tents or cabins and can choose from a variety of activities, including horseback riding, fly-fishing or relaxing spa services. There are countless amenities throughout the property, including en suite bathrooms, heated floors, electricity (and air-conditioning), a camping butler and full-service housekeeping. When you're not out and about exploring the scenery, you can unwind at the nightly bonfire and roast s'mores, or enjoy fine dining at restaurants Pomp (for "refined rustic ranch") or Trough (for traditional Western options). There's also Tank, a full-service bar with flat-screen TVs, music and potent cocktails.