Gateway Getaway

When world-class luxury, heart-pounding adventure, profound relaxation, and intellectual discovery intertwine against an iconic western landscape, you can only be one place: Gateway Canyons. By Carly Scholl

When Discovery Channel founder John Hendricks first laid eyes on Gateway—a charming, historical town nestled in the sweeping red rock country of western Colorado—he knew he needed to make it his home.  Soon after his first visit, Hendricks began working on a design for a sustainable recreation resort that would offer visitors an up-close-and-personal experience with the undeniably beautiful scenery and culture of the west.

Emerging from the historically and geologically unique Unaweep Canyon, Gateway Canyons is truly a world-class resort for anyone seeking an unparalleled experience with the powerful nature of the American West. The East Creek and West Creek flow through land long since eroded by ancient rivers, leaving fossil-rich stone dating back to Precambrian times exposed for the world to see. 

But the land isn’t the area’s only noteworthy attribute.  The town of Gateway itself is steeped in the cultures and histories of the ancient  Fremont,  Anasazi, and Ute Native American tribes, who once made the majestic valleys and plateaus their home. When the first known homesteaders settled in Gateway in 1884, the town became a real-life backdrop to classic western archetypes like cattle rustlers, outlaws, ranchers, gold miners, and pioneers fulfilling their manifest destiny.

The community grew strong, anchored by cattle ranching, farming, and lumber milling, and today, it welcomes visitors from all over the world who enjoy the intersection of nature, culture, history, and recreation that occurs at Gateway Canyons. 

A true destination resort overflowing with adventures, beauty and stimulation for the mind, body and spirit, Gateway Canyons has something for everyone.  Choose from three different lush lodgings, all bearing signature western style and outfitted with only the finest accommodations, including fireplaces, hot tubs, private outdoor living spaces, and alfresco showers. Guests may take advantage of the on-site fitness center, go for a refreshing swim in one of the pools, and enjoy gourmet dining at any of the resort’s four restaurants. 

Wellness is an art form at Gateway Canyons, where inner and outer relaxation become one seamless, stressless experience.  Indulge in a signature facial or body treatment at the full-service spa, or enjoy the serenity of your surroundings with yoga and massage therapy sessions offered outdoors on the sprawling green lawns of the resort.  

But don’t spend your entire trip to Colorado’s red rock playground with cucumbers over your eyes!  The resort was, after all, created by the founder of the Discovery Channel and Gateway Canyons offers a myriad of adrenaline-spiked outings that characterize the founder’s joie de vivre.  Helicopter rides, river-rafting trips, fly-fishing, ATV excursions and archery lessons are all offered by the resort, not to mention the incredible hiking, mountain biking, and off-roading trails that are calling your name. 

And, of course, you’re in horse country! What would a vacation to the heart of the west be without some horseback riding?  The Stables at Gateway Canyons offers guests the opportunity to explore Uncompahgre Plateau on a full-day horseback outing lead by experienced guides. 

One unique aspect of the resort are the extraordinary learning opportunities offered to visitors. Zebulon Miracle—Gateway Canyons’  “Curator of Curiosity”—has made it his mission to engage guests in fascinating workshops and discussions on topics such as geology, archeology, astronomy, and Native American anthropology, allowing visitors to discover first-hand the natural and cultural wonders of western Colorado, delivered directly onto the doorstep of Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa. 

Find out more at gatewaycanyons.com.