An off-grid glamping experience amid the stunning backcountry of the San Isabel National Forest, the Tennessee Pass Sleep Yurts are just 10 miles north of Leadville and feel like a world away — especially after hiking or cross-country skiing to your room.
Each rustic abode at Tennessee Pass Sleep Yurts offers all the appeal of camping — blissful silence, serene scenery and immediate access to outdoor activities — but buffered by a hefty dose of comfort amenities.
From your private deck, take in panoramic views of the Sawatch Range, boasting two of Colorado’s tallest fourteeners: Mount Elbert and Mount Massive. At night, cozy up by the cheery heat of the soapstone wood stove and take in views of the stars through the domed skylight.
Along with a kitchenette stocked with a propane stove, fresh water, cookware and dishware, you’ll find plenty of thoughtful touches throughout, including complimentary hot chocolate, cider and coffee; a chess and checkers set; and down or polar fleece booties to wear to the nearby outhouse. There’s no need to pack a sleeping bag either — the handcrafted log-frame beds even come outfitted with full linens, including plush down comforters.
It’s all about the service. Enjoy luxe conveniences you simply won’t find at your average campground, including luggage and cooler chauffeuring to and from your yurt by snowmobile, as well as pre-order room service items (winter only) such as bottles of wine or bison chili with cornbread.
Even getting to these glamping yurts feels like an adventure. During check-in at the Tennessee Pass Nordic Center, rent snowshoes or cross-country skis (plus a headlamp — it gets dark early in winter) before hitting the 1.3-mile groomed trail. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch the moonrise as it ushers in a radiant blue hue across tranquil, snow-drenched forests.
Don’t miss the on-site, solar-powered restaurant, Tennessee Pass Cookhouse. Sip a pre-dinner craft beer while taking in mountain views or star-studded night skies from the deck. Then, warm up by the potbelly stove and bask in candlelight as you savor a from-scratch, five-course dinner with entree options such as elk rack, wild boar sausage or bison tenderloin, plus a wine list of exclusively organic, biodynamic and sustainable wines.
“This is not camping — it’s luxury at its best: down comforters, comfy beds and the views are outstanding. From our yurt you could see two fourteeners. The ski-in was easy, just a mile or so. You can dine here or bring your own food in to cook. But definitely go to the cookhouse for a drink on the best deck ever.” — suzieFortCollins, Tripadvisor
For more laid-back snow adventures, Ski Cooper is a true locals’ mountain. Revel in affordable day passes and rentals, all-natural snow and a family-friendly (and learner-friendly!) atmosphere. Ski or snowboard down 64 trails spanning 480 skiable acres.
For Victorian-era charm, head down to the historic gold- and silver-mining town of Leadville. Experience its boomtown past at the National Mining Hall of Fame & Museum, the legendary Silver Dollar Saloon and the scenic Leadville Railroad. Depending on the time of year, cross-country ski, walk, bike or skate along the 11.6-mile paved Mineral Belt Trail encircling the town to take in mountain views.
Photos courtesy of Emily Sierra and Tim Gormley