Silver Lake Lodge

The Silver Lake Lodge

Set at 10,500 feet, 9 miles from the historic gold-rush town of Idaho Springs, The Silver Lake Lodge is one of the highest B&Bs in the world.

There’s a lot you won’t find at the lodge — like kids, crowds, stress and worries. What you will find is a romantic, adults-only bed-and-breakfast an hour west of Denver that blends warm hospitality with the rustic luxury you’d expect from a four-star inn. Most of the rooms have no TV, so you’ll have no choice but to relax and unwind (there is free Wi-Fi, however, so you won’t be completely off the grid).

What makes it special?

Begin the day with a hearty breakfast, then tackle a challenging hike or other ambitious activity (river rafting, ziplining, horseback riding or hot-air ballooning, anyone?). On the other hand, you could just curl up in an overstuffed chair by the fireplace in the common area, dozing as a good book slides off your lap. Either way, come nightfall, be sure to wander out to the deck, cuddle up under a blanket and marvel at the incredibly dense carpet of stars.

Coolest amenity

Join a full-moon hike along rocky trails to St. Mary’s Glacier, leaving from the lodge’s front door. A knowledgeable guide will talk about the glacier and regional history as you sip on a steaming hot chocolate.

The  Silver Lake Lodge Exterior

Best room to book

Of the lodge’s stylish rooms and suites (each with a private bath, vaulted ceiling and mountain-inspired decor), go ahead and spring for the Silver Lake Suite. Its combination of king-size pillow-top bed and private deck with stately treetop views is positively seductive.

Top sensory experience you’ll encounter

That would be a toss-up between breakfast (think chocolate strawberry pancakes with maple syrup or lodge-baked buttermilk biscuits and sausage gravy) and the in-room couple’s massage that the lodge’s hosts are happy to arrange.

Our favorite traveler review

“Beautiful views, delicious food, gracious hosts, comfortable beds, in a rustic mountain lodge. We enjoyed our time there so much. I can’t say enough good things about Silver Lake Lodge! Being there felt like being in a Hallmark Christmas movie.” — Teresa G., Tripadvisor

Silver Lake Lodge Room

Things to see and do nearby

Boredom is not an option, but most everything else is! Take an easy walk to Silver Lake or Lake Quivera (known as Lake Q) for a lakeside picnic with views of Mount Evans. Bring your canoe and paddle about or fish for trout. Follow hiking trails near the lodge to spring and summer wildflowers, stunning fall foliage or a dazzling winter wonderland. Climb Yankee Hill to views of several Colorado fourteeners (mountains over 14,000 feet). Drive 20 minutes into Idaho Springs for buffalo burgers, pizza, barbecue and craft beer. Ride the narrow-gauge Georgetown Loop Railroad through Clear Creek Valley and across Devil’s Gate High Bridge to Silver Plume. Tour the Argo Mill and Tunnel in Idaho Springs and pan for gold. Try your luck of a different sort at casinos in nearby Central City and Blackhawk. In winter, use the lodge as your home base for skiing excursions to Loveland, Keystone, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain and Winter Park, all within an hour’s drive. Shop for Colorado wine, handmade soap and T-shirts in Idaho Springs, Georgetown, Evergreen and Central City/Black Hawk. Bargain hunters will want to hightail it to the Outlets at Silverthorne, just 45 minutes away.

 

Photos courtesy of The Silver Lake Lodge

Booking Information