Mountain Goat Lodge

Charming hosts Gina and D’Arcy Marcell operate this cozy lodge and farm boasting a herd of resident goats that roam the nearby meadows. All of the accommodations — including well-appointed rooms with balconies in the lodge, a 1957 two-bedroom trailer and retro campers — offer peak-strewn views of the surrounding Sawatch Range, including a popular Colorado fourteener, Mount Princeton.

What makes it unique?

As the name implies, adorable dairy goats meandering the property are the four-legged stars at this ranch in addition to chickens, ducks, dogs and a fluffy llama. You can bring your own pooch to this dog-friendly destination as well.

The most “Colorado” thing about this place

As you practice yoga poses on a mat during an outdoor class, don’t be surprised if curious younger goats join your session, perhaps climbing on your back as you attempt the perfect plank. Enjoy playtime and photos with them afterward.

Most unexpected amenity

Eating local is easy to do when you’re staying at a working farm. You’ll enjoy ranch-sourced and -made goodies — like cheeses, yogurt, duck and chicken eggs, produce and pastries — every morning for breakfast. Locally roasted Mountain Phoenix coffee beans are used for the made-to-order lattes, espressos and coffees. Enjoy lathering up with an all-natural bar of goat’s-milk soap in your room.

Top sensory encounter you’ll experience

Sign up for a farm tour to learn about raising goats and backyard chickens. Watch the goats get milked, then take a hands-on cheese-making class. Take home samples of varieties such as chèvre, mozzarella, feta and paneer.

The interior of the Bailey A-Frame. The roof is in a geometrical shape, white with accents of dark brown wood. There is a long L-shaped dark blue couch with light pink pillows and a wooden coffee table with a brown chair next to it. In the background is a small kitchen with patterned wallpaper, several appliances, and three wire-legged stools at the bar. To the left is a golden metal bar cart with fake plants, alcohol bottles, and a welcome message on a little board.

A two-tiered light brown cedar hot tub steams with the hot water inside. There is a patterned towel lying on the lower level of the hot tub. There is a light layer of snow on the first layer. In the background is sunlight filtering in through green-and-brown pine trees.

A nighttime photo of the exterior of the Bailey A-Frame. There are twinkling lights along the path winding up to the front door of the a-frame, which is lit in the glow of the porch light. There is light snow on the ground and sparse, tall pine trees.

Our favorite traveler review

“This is about the best B&B I have ever been to! Accommodations are as nice and comfortable as a five-star hotel. We had a birthday weekend for four friends and had a blast. Their breakfast is unrivaled. None of that continental stuff but a full-blown farm breakfast made as you request. Gina and D’Arcy, the owners, take an interest in their guests. They know your name within minutes and remember it! They are fun and are passionate about their business and their goats. Even if you are not into yoga, you gotta try the goat yoga! The babies are hilarious! Making goat cheese was totally cool as well! Even if you are not into farm life, this B&B is fantastic!” — Chris R., Yelp

Things to see & do nearby

The lodge is conveniently located near hiking trails, Arkansas River whitewater rafting and fishing trips, along with shopping in historic Salida at the foot of the central Colorado Rockies. High-altitude hikers can plan excursions to the area’s tallest peaks, known as Upper Arkansas fourteeners because they’re at least 14,000 feet in elevation. Skiers can hit the slopes at Monarch Mountain ski resort come winter.

Photos courtesy of Mountain Goat Lodge