The Backcountry Inn — located at 1160 Grand Avenue on the west end of town— continues to be one of Norwood, Colorado’s best options for lodging. Just 35 miles from Telluride and 99 miles from Moab, Utah, the destination sits in the middle of some of the Western Slope’s most beautiful scenery.
After a complete remodel in 2010, the motel has built a faithful clientele of hunters, bikers, cyclists, longtime visitors and more. Walking distance from the local grocery store and main street restaurants, the Backcountry Inn offers an ideal, yet quiet, location.
Along with 10 very comfortable and clean rooms that feature Wi-Fi, Dish television and pillow-top beds, motel guests also enjoy the use of mini-refrigerators, microwaves and coffee makers. Some rooms feature bunk beds.
Complimentary tea, coffee and homemade chocolate chip-toffee cookies are another bonus.
Recently, the inn begun a continental breakfast with Indian Ridge granola, yogurt, fruit, cereal, bagels and pastries with milk and juice.
“It makes it nice for people, and our business travelers really like that,” said manager Laurie Hunter. Hunter manages the inn with her husband Erlend Greulich.
These days, as another option, recreationists, visitors and tourists can also use the motel for a camping spot. The Backcountry Inn has campsites available on the property.
In 2014, inn owners Mark and Patty Beagley began seriously considering the idea of offering camping after they discussed the possibility with officials from the Norwood Chamber of Commerce. Then, the chamber realized there was a real need for a camping area within the town’s limits.
Since then, the camping option has existed, and for hunters, especially, the sites have become an asset to Norwood. The state wildlife area at Miramonte Reservoir, however beautiful, is several miles outside of town. Similarly, camping on U.S. Forest Service roads also can make for quite a trek back into the Town of Norwood.
On the contrary, camping at Backcountry Inn allows for an affordable, outdoor option in a quiet setting with access to showers and bathrooms. The tent sites are located on an open, grassy area behind the motel. Charcoal grills and a picnic table are added amenities for guests.
Three RV camping spots are available there too. Those sites include hook-ups for water, sewer and electricity.
Since the camping option was established, the owners have worked to improve the tent sites and increase advertising. Currently, the Backcountry Inn is the only facility offering camping in town.
Additionally, four trailer houses are available behind the motel, and those can be rented for an extended stay or for long-term.
With Norwood’s trails systems blossoming and the openings of Thunder Road Trails and Burn Canyon Trails attracting recreationists from other parts, Norwood’s camping option at the Backcountry Inn is filling a need.
Hunter said summer tends to be the busy season, but fall is another story altogether.
“In hunting season, we will fill every bed in every room,” she said. “People are coming from all over the Midwest and the South — They come back every year and book a year in advance because they like staying here. And we have lots of parking, and people with big trucks like that.”
Anyone interested in reserving a campsite or regular lodging should call 327-4232.