Destination Colorado recently started a blog series about destinations in Colorado. These blogs typically will focus on a particular community or area, but in this case Gateway Canyons Resort is the main highlight for groups in the Western Slope town of Gateway, which sits along the 133-mile Unaweep/Tabeguache Scenic and Historic Byway. Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa in Tabernash and Peaceful Valley Resort & Conference Center in Lyons are other great examples of unique properties in out-of-the-way places. – Destination Colorado
By Michael Macleod
Gateway Canyons Resort is located in western Colorado’s Unaweep Canyon, one of the most unique red rock canyons in the world. Founder John Hendricks’ father would tell him tales of the beautiful red rock country in Colorado, resulting in his first visit to the town of Gateway in 1995 and being moved by the magnificence and history of the area, as well as by the spirit of its people. He soon began the design for a sustainable, outdoor recreation resort that highlights the scenery and endless adventures of the area. Gateway Canyons acts as the town’s anchor in welcoming visitors from around the world.
Aerial view of Gateway Canyons and surrounding landscape.
Plan memorable meetings
The resort’s collective setting lends itself to productive and memorable meetings, incentives and events. Every experience is unique to each group, with Gateway Canyons team members working closely with meeting planners to customize meetings and activities based on the preferences and time restraints to ensure the best possible experience. Offering traditional boardroom and ballroom settings, a full HD theater, an outdoor amphitheater, an atrium, auto museum, private dining rooms and numerous outdoor gathering sites, groups who gather at Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa find themselves surrounded by the majestic canyons, and opportunities for group collaboration are endless.
Palisade Event Center.
Gateway Canyons’ auto museum.
Get outside for some meals
Gateway Canyons encourages once-in-a-lifetime team-building experiences, including the Cowboy Campfire Dinner—a private dinner overlooking the mountains, where groups of up to 40 guests ride horseback on hoof-built trails and discover an exclusive pavilion located 1,500 feet above the heart of the Unaweep Canyon, where chefs have prepared an authentic steak dinner.
Horseback riding adventure against a scenic backdrop.
Unique learning experience
Finding unique learning experiences while at Gateway Canyons is made easy with the Curator of Curiosity, who develops and implements a series of hands-on workshops and discussions on subjects such as Anthropology, History of the Western Slope, Native American Heritage, Paleontology and Stargazing, to name a few. For thrill-seeking groups, Gateway Canyons offers rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and off-roading adventures, in addition to the Driven Experiences program.
Helicopter ride to prime fly fishing.
Groups can tap into a wide range of Discovery Retreats.
Variety of lodging options
Gateway provides a number of lodging options suitable for all types of guests and groups. Conveniently situated around the heated Kiva pool and hot tub, the Kiva Lodge offers 38 freshly renovated rooms and suites, each ranging from 480 to 1,100 square feet. Kayenta Lodge features 20 rooms ranging from 485 to 650 square feet, complete with private outdoor balconies or patios with freestanding gas fire bowls, and two Signature Rooms featuring an oversized private outdoor courtyard with in-ground hot tub and gas fire pit. Lastly, 14 Palisade Casitas offer guests the ultimate private retreat with 875 to 2,075 square feet of space, personalized service from a Casita Butler and priority reservations at all resort amenities and services, and more.
Small gatherings can be held in one of the casita’s dining rooms.
Michael Macleod is the Director of Sales & Marketing at Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa and has more than 15 years experience in the hospitality industry. He can be reached at michael.macleod@gatewaycanyons.com.
