The Luxury of Less

In a world where work emails arrive at all hours, social media competes for every spare moment, and the glow of a screen often accompanies us from sunrise to bedtime, true disconnection has become a sought-after luxury.

Fortunately, Colorado’s mountains still offer places where cell service fades, Wi-Fi disappears, and the rhythms of nature reclaim our nervous systems. Off-grid escapes deliver opportunities to disconnect from screens and reconnect with nature, swapping endless scrolling for something far more restorative: true presence.

The benefits of unplugging extend beyond simply taking a break from your phone or laptop. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can reduce stress, improve mood, boost creativity, and help restore attention spans depleted by constant digital stimulation.

In a recently released advisory, officials at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services warn against too much screen time for kids and teens, citing incessant social media scrolling, texting, and online gaming as a public health concern. Kids are spending an average of four or more hours per day on screens by the time they’re teenagers, the advisory states. According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the number for adults hovers around 10 hours a day.

Hospitality leaders are leaning into the benefits of a genuine digital detox, and Colorado is no stranger to unplugged stays. Lodging options around the state pair high-desert domes, wellness retreats, and luxury glamping with expansive mountain landscapes, clean alpine air, and star-spackled skies. The effects of these unscripted days and screen-free nights can feel transformative.

For those seeking a classic Colorado backcountry experience, the Jackal Hut offers a glimpse into a simpler way of life. Part of the renowned 10th Mountain Division Hut System, the cabin sits near the Continental Divide about 40 minutes from Breckenridge. Reaching it requires only a short one-eighth-mile hike, yet the transition feels much greater. The rustic hut’s remote setting encourages a slowed-down pace, gathering around communal tables, and complete immersion into rugged Rocky Mountain survival and beauty.

A different kind of wilderness experience awaits with Tennessee Pass Sleep Yurts near Leadville. Guests hike in to cozy, canvas-covered yurts and follow lantern-lit paths to nightly dinner at the property’s cookhouse, where hearty meals refuel tired legs and the high-country night sky puts on a celestial show.

Farther south, Pagosa River Domes blend eco-conscious design with riverside tranquility. Set along the San Juan River outside of Pagosa Springs, geodesic domes are equipped with kitchenettes, comfy loungers, and Pendleton throws. Faraway galaxies paint nighttime skies while the sound of flowing water lulls guests to sleep. Days are filled with trips to nearby hot springs and hiking trails, and while there is technically Wi-Fi available, your private viewing deck, hammock, and gas fire pit will replace the urge to grab your phone.

Travelers who prefer a touch of luxury with their wilderness check in to Black Tree Resort near Lake George. The resort’s fully furnished safari-style tents are thoughtfully appointed, offering plush beds, heating, indoor plumbing, private decks, and panoramic mountain views. Tap into easeful mornings and uninterrupted stargazing in remarkable comfort. Fly fishing, horseback riding tours, and guided hikes are a small sampling of the activities menu.

“Trying to get the family to disconnect from their devices and reconnect with each other is not easy these days. Black Tree Resort was built to make that a reality,” says Colorado native and Black Tree Resort owner Nabil Saweeres. “Time is short; make some memories.”

Along Guanella Pass outside of Georgetown, Lostfork Basecamp offers a fresh interpretation of unplugged mountain travel that feels both calming and intentional. Inspired by Scandinavian design and wellness traditions, two Finnish-style wooden dry saunas overlook a creek that doubles as a natural cold plunge. Mod cabins encourage guests to take a step away from technology and take advantage of quiet mornings with coffee on the porch, Zenned-out forested walks, and breathtaking sunset alpenglow draping distant peaks.

Whether spending a night in a backcountry hut, a riverside dome, an upscale safari tent, or a mountain cabin, an off-grid Colorado getaway isn’t an escape from the world—but rather an invitation to return to it.

Editor’s note: Colorado’s landscapes are beautiful—but conditions can change rapidly during wildfire season, so check current fire activity, closures, and restrictions before you go.

Five Off-Grid Destination Picks

These beautifully remote locales rest within four to five hours of Boulder.

Jackal Hut: Near the Continental Divide, just 40 minutes from Breckenridge, Jackal Hut is part of the 10th Mountain Division Hut system. The hut sits at 11,660 feet, sleeps 16 guests, and affords striking views of several 14ers. huts.org

Tennessee Pass Sleep Yurts: Hike-in wilderness lodging unfolds across solar-powered backcountry yurts situated near Leadville. Yurts sleep six and are furnished with handcrafted log beds and soapstone wood stoves. Hike to multi-course slow-food dinner experiences at the on-site cookhouse. tennesseepass.com

Pagosa River Domes: Minutes from legendary spots like Nathan’s Hippy Dip Hot Spring and The Springs Resort, this geodesic dome glamping spot rests on the banks of the San Juan River. Zero televisions, spacious decks, and easy access to water encourage time outside. pagosariverdomes.com

Black Tree Resort: Luxury safari tents are spaced out for privacy near Lake George. Active families and couples reconnect through customized fishing, horseback riding, and ATV adventures. blacktreeresort.com

Lostfork Basecamp: Share a zip code with abundant moose, deer, and eagles on rugged and remote Guanella Pass. Modern cabins house unplugged stays along rushing Geneva Creek with miles of scenic trails webbing through dense forests. lostfork.co