Willowtail Springs Nature Preserve and Education Center - Mancos, Colorado

Silvana Conti

Willowtail Springs Nature Preserve and Education Center is an absolute gem—a place where time slows down and creativity flows effortlessly. Tucked away in nature, it’s the perfect retreat for anyone looking to disconnect and dive into a meaningful, inspiring experience. Owners Peggy and Lee are incredible—kind, thoughtful, and endlessly welcoming. They make you feel right at home from the moment you arrive. The setting is stunning, with cozy, charming accommodations surrounded by beautiful landscapes, a peaceful lake, and inviting trails. Ideal for artists, writers, and anyone seeking a creative spark, Willowtail is pure magic. It’s one of those places you never want to leave.

Jazz

Rustic with a splash of contemporary. We stayed two nights in the Lake house and had a peaceful and relaxing trip. The grounds are vast with a lake right off of the deck where we enjoyed morning coffee watching water fowl chase bugs and fish around, before strolling the grounds with the preserves own guide Beau he was a little slow but very friendly. (He is an elderly pupper) he showed us his favorite spots and guided us to the start of his Boulevard which goes up the top of the garden to the highest point on the grounds I think.

I saw more hummingbirds then I knew existed while I was here. The garden is immense and full of art work, sculptures, and plants of all kinds. There are hammocks to take a nap in the shady areas. We hung out and spoke with Peggy and Lee they shared some of the history and goals of the preserve with us and invited us to check out her artwork and chatter like we were family.

The lake house was huge and easily would sleep 8-10. Full kitchen, good water pressure in the shower.

We fell asleep each night to make sounds and the chirping of crickets at night. Back in the city and miss it already. We will stay here again in the future.

Emma Fillmore

A beautiful two night stay at the one and only Willowtail Springs! My husband and I stayed here as a stop on our honeymoon roadtrip and we absolutely loved our stay. The owners were absolutely wonderful and we hope to return one day. Possibly the most peaceful place we’ve ever been too! Thank you for the amazing hospitality.

Lisa Shubel

The perfect destination for artists, and families. Need space for reunions or family gatherings? This is a perfect destination. The lake, the gardens, the cabins are all beautiful. I can't say enough good things about our hosts Peggy and Lee. Highly recommend!

Lisa Shubel

This is one of the most beautiful spaces I have ever stayed - and I am a frequent traveler. From the cabins, to the gardens, to the graciousness of owners Peggy amd Let, this is a paradise! A perfect getaway for any and all - not just artists. Bravo!

Joy Martin

A reset on life and true Southwestern gem await in the pinons and junipers at Willowtail Springs. Cozy up in one of Willowtail's rustic cottages decorated with antiques from around the world. Wander through the storied trees found on Willowtail's 60 acres with the resident 14-year-old pup, Beau. Slip into a kayak or canoe for a peaceful paddle on the idyllic pond animated by wildlife and pleasant breezes. If quiet and solitude are calling to your artist's soul, get lost in your thoughts and find space to dream. Peggy and Lee are a stone's throw away when you have questions or are hungry for a good story. I join with countless others around the Four Corners in gratitude for their hospitality, passion for restoring this powerful landscape, and efforts to preserve the essence, flora, and fauna that call this oasis home.

Elena K

The quiet winter energy of this lovely, remote place, proved perfect for a productive and inspired writing retreat. We were comfy, cozy and held by the creativity this location and its wonderful hosts, the Cloys, inspire!|Highly recommend!

YVONNE M

We stayed in The Bungalow in late September for 3 nights. We awoke every morning to birdsong and the sun glinting on the lake. The property is a short drive to Mesa Verde National Park which offers many trails with amazing vistas. But back to Willowtail. The hosts, Peggy and Lee, are always available for questions and recommendations. We loved the property so much that we cooked all of our own meals there including BBQ steaks on our first night. Their dog, Beau, took us on walks each morning (I am not kidding...we said "Beau take us for a walk" and he did leading us on a walk on the 60 acre property. recommend 3 nights!