Let's Go Glamping in the West
As a kid who grew up camping in backcountry with absolutely no luxuries—not even a sleeping pad—glamping is a real treat.
If you aren’t familiar with glamping, it’s a relatively new word that means “glamorous camping.” It allows participants to get out in nature without having to forgo the comforts of home.
Not surprisingly, the idea has swept the nation, and glamping destinations have popped up from Coast to Coast. Here are three unique glamping spots in the mountain west that are sure to please.
Free Spirit Spheres
GLAMPING WITH YOUR HONEY
Vancouver Island, British Columbia
It doesn’t get more romantic than cuddling up in an “orb” in the trees. While it sounds like something out of a fantasy novel, Free Spirit Spheres is a unique lodging destination where guests’ “rooms” are literally suspended in the Vancouver Island rainforest.
Free Spirit Spheres
Free Spirit Spheres is the only manufacturer of spherical treehouses in the world. They currently have three spheres available in their one-of-a-kind forest hotel.
Suspended in tall conifers, the orbs offer three different layouts and sleep up to three people. And while they do not come with bathrooms, each orb has its own three-piece bathroom in the bathhouse located on the forest floor.
The Lodge at Paradise
GLAMPING WITH THE GIRLFRIENDS
Idaho/Montana border
This remote glamping destination halfway between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks is great for couples, families, or a group of friends. Should you wish to get away with a group of girlfriends, a stay at The Lodge at Paradise could include a wine tasting on top of a mountain and a trail ride highlighted by a gourmet picnic.
The Lodge has four cabin tents that can be furnished to accommodate your group. Decorated with western flair and comfy rugs, no one “roughs it” at this glamping destination.
In addition to their gourmet food and wine offerings, guests at The Lodge at Paradise can participate in an array of activities that include workshops on Dutch Oven and Campfire Cuisine, horsemanship and mountain orienteering. Classes are available to groups of three or more.
Yurt Village
GLAMPING WITH THE FAMILY
Snow Mountain Ranch, Colorado
It’s a family affair at Yurt Village, a collection of yurts located at Snow Mountain Ranch, the YMCA of the Rockies’ Grand County location. Equipped with a queen bed and two bunk beds, these yurts are perfect for a family glamping vacation.
Each yurt has a mini-fridge and microwave, and guests have access to a bathhouse with private bathrooms and a laundry room. Yurt Village even has its own wi-fi.
Yurt Village
Snow Mountain Ranch is a wonderland for families, and the list of activities here is as long as my arm. Whether your kids are horse-crazy or bike-crazy, love zip lines or tubing hills or frisbee golf, you’ll find it here. The property even has its own reservoir where guests can fish and canoe.
Don’t feel like campfire cooking at the end of a fun-filled day? Pack up the kids and head to Schlessman Commons, Snow Mountain Ranch’s dining hall.
