Dunton Hot Springs in southwestern Colorado is a rare place where a deserted mining town became a luxury retreat without losing its frontier character. Founded in 1885, Dunton was once a small mining settlement in the San Juan Mountains before it was largely abandoned in the early 20th century. Decades later, German investor Christoph Henkel bought the entire ghost town in the 1990s and began an ambitious effort to bring its buildings, hot springs and history back to life. The result is ‘Dunton Hot Springs,’ a secluded resort made from restored cabins and historic structures. Its story is not simply about turning old buildings into expensive accommodation. It is about carefully reshaping a forgotten community while keeping enough of its original character to make the past feel surprisingly close today.
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