Chipeta Solar Springs Resort and Spa – An Escape to the Rockies

Owners Jack Young, originally from North Dakota, and Patsy Young, originally from Florida, have deep roots in Colorado, the San Juans and Ridgway. Jack has designed and built numerous commercial projects in Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, and Fiji but Ridgway has become his main base. In addition to the Chipeta Solar Springs Resort and Spa, his major projects catering to travelers have included the splendid Koro Sun Resort and Rainforest Spa in Fiji. After living on Colorado’s Western Slope for many years, Jack and Patsy moved to Ridgway in 1988 when Kauai was devastated by Hurricane Iniki.

All of Jack’s projects have unique, outside-the-box elements and long-term visions for their travel destination’s future, in both good and bad times. His Kauai, Fiji, and Ridgway projects exemplify that perspective. The Solar Ranches in Ridgway with the Chipeta Resort as an anchor to it helped to define what Ridgway has become for both residents and visitors in recent decades. In the early 1990s, inspired by a trip to Mesa Verde National Park, Jack designed the original Chipeta Sun Lodge, a 12-room B&B that opened in 1993. The Lodge, and later the Resort, were named in honor of Chipeta, wife of the great Ute Chief Ouray. Chipeta became a famous part of Ute history in the San Juans and elsewhere. In addition to Native American and Western heritage, Jack and Patsy have been inspired by Ridgway’s beautiful surroundings. Chipeta was designed and is meticulously managed as a destination resort to enable travellers to recharge in the unique experiences that the region offers.

The first thing many visitors notice about Chipeta Solar Springs Resort and Spa is its striking architectural design: the large wooden beams, ceilings detailed with thatch, rough-hewn walls, stacked stone fireplaces and southwestern decor from Hopi art to terracotta tiles depicting sun and mountain motifs. Circular shapes are everywhere, from ceiling décor and round tables to teepees and seating areas arranged around a central fire pit. The Resort’s accommodations feature Adobe King or Queen guest rooms, Luxury Studio Suites and Spa Suites. Most rooms feature a gas fireplace, granite wet bar, refrigerator and deck with hot tub. Jack and Patsy have increased the property’s deluxe rooms with private hot tubs and balconies. A full-service Spa is complemented by two outdoor, solar-heated pools. After hiking, jeeping, fishing or skiing nearby, visitors can return to Chipeta Resort to experience the Spa with its circular cedar sauna, steam room, yoga facilities, therapeutic massage, and facial treatments.

The mountain community of Ridgway is 15 minutes north of Ouray, 45 minutes from Telluride to the southwest and 35 minutes south of Montrose. The normally low-key town can boast of True Grit John Wayne fame. In 2019 Ridgway celebrated the 50th anniversary of the filming True Grit in 1968 and ‘69. The first annual Ridgway Old West Fest in 2019 celebrated Ridgway’s brief transformation into Fort Smith, Arkansas, for the filming of True Grit. Ridgway is known as the birthplace of the Rio Grande Southern Railroad. Exploration of Ridgway and surrounding Ouray should include visits to the Ouray County Ranch History Museum and the Ridgway Railroad Museum.