Sundance Lodge has a history as unique as its mountain views.

It all began in 1964, when Bob Ide purchased a piece of land along the scenic Peak-to-Peak Highway. Rather than building from scratch, Bob acquired a set of old army barracks—originally stationed in Texas—then relocated to Boulder where they served as a roadside motel near what is now the 29th Street Mall. Bob had the entire structure moved up the mountainside to Nederland, where it became the Sundance Lodge.

In the mid-1960s, he purchased a motel in Boulder and moved it up Boulder Canyon to an old mining claim he had purchased just south of Nederland, naming it the Rocky Mountain Lodge.  During the move of the motel, they had to stop traffic on highway 119 while he cut the eaves off the roof so it would fit through the tunnel.  Bob’s kids have fond memories of helping out at the motel and wandering freely in the mountains.

In the 1970s, two lodge rooms were transformed into a small full-service restaurant and a wraparound deck was added. The lodge officially became known as the Sundance Lodge & Café, and quickly became a favorite spot for both locals and travelers.

In 2016 the property was sold again. Today, we proudly carry forward the legacy, upholding its rustic charm while guiding it into a new era.

Now more than 50 years strong, Sundance Lodge remains a beloved part of the Nederland community. Whether you're here for the views, the peace, or a bit of mountain magic, you’re part of our story too.