BLACK HAWK — It was hard to decide what to check out first on Saturday at the grand opening of The Nest at Black Hawk.

Visitors could choose free tacos and drinks, cool off with ice cream, listen to live music from Red Spork, challenge friends to giant Jenga or Connect Four, get their faces painted, or simply relax in lawn chairs overlooking the mountains.

For me, the biggest draw was getting a look inside the resort's luxury glamping domes.

The new mountaintop resort officially celebrated its grand opening on May 30 with a full day of activities that began with morning yoga and continued through an afternoon ribbon-cutting ceremony, live music, lawn games, food trucks, and family activities. The festivities wrapped up with ghost stories and s'mores around the fire pits, followed by an outdoor showing of the animated movie "Hoppers."

The property currently includes 27 guest domes, with plans to eventually expand to 50. During guided tours, visitors got a firsthand look at what "glamping" means at The Nest.

Luxury glamping domes overlook the mountains at The Nest, which plans to expand to 50 guest accommodations.

Photo by Mindy Leary

Inside, the domes felt more like boutique hotel rooms than campsites. The deluxe model features a king bed, private bathroom with a stand-up shower, smart television, internet access, microwave, mini refrigerator, Keurig coffee maker, sink, safe, and loft sleeping area above the main room. 

Large picture windows frame the mountain views, while blackout shades can be lowered for privacy or sleeping in. Guests can even order food directly to their dome through what staff call "dome service."

Outside, fire pits, and grilling areas create gathering spaces between the domes. Staff described the concept as combining the experience of camping with the comforts and conveniences of a hotel.

Rates vary by dome size, season, and availability, but staff said accommodations generally range from about $230 to $400 per night, with promotional grand-opening discounts currently available.

The celebration drew a steady crowd throughout the day. Families stopped by the face-painting station, children played yard games on the artificial turf lawn, and lines formed for free tacos and margaritas.

The MC² Ice Cream truck and Boba Tea To Go were among the vendors on site. Alex's Lemonade Stand raised money for childhood cancer patients.

Representatives from Ventana Capital joined Black Hawk officials and community members for the ribbon-cutting. Alderman Jim Johnson, Historic Preservation Commissioner Curtis Linder, and City Manager Lance Hillis were among those attending.

Black Hawk officials and Ventana Capital reps take part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the official grand opening of The Nest at Black Hawk.

Photo by Mindy Leary

The resort's large entertainment dome, which serves as a restaurant and bar, remained busy throughout the afternoon as guests wandered among the music, food, and dome tours.

The Nest has already been operating through a soft opening, but Saturday marked its official debut as one of Gilpin County's newest lodging options.

Looking ahead, resort representatives said they are working with local historical groups to bring ghost stories and historical reenactments to future events, including a possible Halloween event.

The Nest is located at 990 Miners Mesa Road, Black Hawk. They can be reached at thenestatblackhawk.com or 720-881-7998.