The Ultimate Colorado Getaway: A Yurt, a Hot Spring and a Brewery

The Heidi Guide visits the Frontier Drive-Inn

November 12, 2024

Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer,

Photo: Frontier Drive Inn, Sophie Kuller

The Frontier Drive-Inn lodging experience is like no other in Colorado, plus, the location is excellent for exploring the San Luis Valley. The valley not only boasts the world famous Great Sand Dunes National Park, but is home to breweries and hot springs. Not to mention trails, world class birding and more.

While the movie screen goes dark during the winter months at Frontier Drive-Inn, the yurts and huts stay open, and each comes equipped with a stove for those cold evenings. Plus, fires blazing in the fire pits located in the middle of the two rings of yurts offer a cozy escape from the hustle and bustle of life.

Photo: Frontier Drive Inn, Sophie Kuller

What’s Old is New Again

The Frontier Drive-Inn has rehabilitated an old drive-in movie screen which was opened in 1955 in Center, Colorado. It closed in 1986, until the owners of Frontier Drive-Inn bought it several years ago. In addition to the new screen, they’ve added yurts and huts, as well as turned the former snack lounge into a state-of-the-art chef’s kitchen and dining area for guests.

Movies, which play May through October, aren’t watched from a car, but rather on a chair on the grassy yard between the screen and kitchen/dining room. If it rains, movies go on and guests can watch from the kitchen/dining area. A stay here really is a one-of-a-kind experience. Families, wedding parties or friend groups can rent out the entire property which makes for a memorable occasion of any kind.

Photo: Frontier Drive Inn, Sophie Kuller

If a Soak is What You Crave

Center is located along Highway 285 between Alamosa and Saguache in the middle of the San Luis Valley. While the town is small, with a population of around 2,300, the location is relatively close to a lot of activities including hot springs venues. Twenty minutes to the east, is Sand Dunes Recreation, a destination perfect for families or couples. A huge outdoor pool welcomes old and young, while the adults-only Greenhouse, features four pools with a bar offering an array of adult beverages. A personal favorite, Joyful Journey Hot Springs is 40-minutes north of the Center. With a view of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and a peaceful environment, Joyful Journey is a must-stop for us whenever we’re in the valley.

Photo: Frontier Drive Inn, Sophie Kuller

A Beer or Two?

Center is closest to Del Norte, just 15 minutes to the west. This adorable town is home to several eateries and even a distillery. It is also just 40 minutes from here to Wolf Creek Ski Area, making Frontier Drive-Inn less than an hour to some of Colorado’s deepest powder. Another personal favorite is Three Barrel Brewing Co. in Del Norte. Their barrel aged beers are excellent and we always buy a six-pack or two for the beer fridge when we’re in the area. They also make wood fired pizza and my go-to sandwich, the Notorious P.I.G. We visited twice on our last trip to the San Luis Valley—not sorry!

A destination that goes nicely with a stay at Frontier Drive-Inn, is the Colorado Farm Brewery. Located thirty minutes south of Center, it operates on a working, family farm, and is a true field to glass kind of beer experience. In addition, the town of Alamosa offers two fine breweries including San Luis Valley Brewing, which is also a restaurant (delicious fish and chips by the way), and Spare Keg Brewerks. Dogs are allowed in the latter.

Fritzi At 3 Barrel Brewing In Del Norte Colorado. | Photo: Heidi Kerr Schlaefer

When it comes to dogs, Frontier Drive-Inn welcomes them, so it’s possible to make this trip with your pup in tow like we did. She was so happy to come along. In addition to hot springs and breweries, the San Luis Valley features the Montes Vista National Wildlife Refuge and the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge. Both are fantastic birding destinations. Every March, Monte Vista (just 10 minutes from Center) is the site of the Crane Festival. Last but not least, I must mention that the Great Sand Dunes National Park is just 40 minutes east of Frontier Drive-Inn.

If you haven’t been to this incredible destination, it’s a must-see. A sand dune the size and height of this one, located in the largest alpine valley in the world, is a sight to behold. Of course, there is wonderful hiking in the San Luis Valley. Check out the Penitente Canyon for an easy day hike (or climbing) close to Center. The entire San Luis Valley lacks the crowds that exist in much of the state, and this matches the boutique experience of Frontier Drive-Inn. See a map of Frontier Drive-Inn here. There are only ten yurts and four huts, making this a true getaway.