Location: Fort Garland, Southeast, Colorado, USA (A short walk from the San Isabel National Forest trails.)
Accommodations: Cabin, 3 Bedrooms + Loft, 1.5+ Baths (Sleeps 8-9)
Keywords: mountain retreat,Log Cabin, secluded, hiking, mountain biking, birding, backpacking, snow mobiling, sledding, skiing, elk hunting, deer hunting, fishing, rock climbing.peace and quiet,star gazing
Nestled in the dense forests of the Sangre de Cristo Range of Colorado's Rocky Mountains. Off I-25 west of Walsenburg and east of Ft.Garland, Forbes Park is a private gated community encompassing over 13000 acres of fenced and protected land. Over 5000 acres of which is commons land, preserved for residents use and can never be built on or developed. Our cabin is located approximately 13 miles into the rear of the park, a short walk from the San Isabel National Forest Trail head. Far from "all" the civilized world's distractions. We now offer guided, birding, hiking, and wildlife viewing excursions. Miles of cross country skiing and snowmobiling from the front door on seldom plowed roads and old logging trails, which we seldom see anyone on for most of the winter months.
Off the grid, total solar, not even "connected" to the world.
Abundant wildlife, including Elk, Deer, Bear, Porcupine, Bobcat, Turkey, and Mountain Lion, all of which have been observed "on" the property. Interested in the bull elk you saw? Not here, but you can meet him on his turf just up the trail and into the National Forest. Hunting is permitted there and we know the folks you need to know for assistance with game ventures during the seasons. We can assist with most any arrangements for small or big game hunts.
NOTE: Forbes Park Landowners Association restricts access to the national forest from the park. We must escort our guests per FPLOA/CCC covenants. All Colorado hunting regulations are supported and enforced! Absolutely no hunting or discharging of any weapon is allowed within the boundries of Forbes Park! A copy of these rules/regs furnished upon request.
Constant comfort at 10,000 feet, during the winter, provided by radiant floor heating and a very efficient wood burning heater. During the summer it is so cool you will need to wear long sleeves at night with the windows open. Light snows can surprise you at anytime, even during the summer months.
Seven years now and we still are grabbing our book to identify new birds on our porch feeders. You can literally approach and "touch" our Hummingbirds. We have photos of the hummers perched on our fingers. We have Gray Jays that will perch on your knee and eat from your hands. Our occasional bear visitors (no Grizzlys) are much more shy than the birds. They don't normally approach anywhere near if anyone is out and about. Bear sightings are very rare but increasing in frequency. We have photos of them, which we took from the porch, early one morning, while sitting quietly sipping our tea. Cougar sightings are extremely rare, but I have, along with several guests, observed a large cougar walking through the back yard.
Winters are not for words. Words will never describe the beauty of these mountains following a heavy snow. Never worry, first light, following moderate to heavy snows, and our snow plows are already on their way up the roads. Our home owners association contracts out properly maintained snow removal in excess of six inches. Occupied roads, such as ours are kept clear year round, but would it be BAD to get snowed in for a day? We think not! Besides, most guests will already be out on our snow mobiles riding the miles of seldom plowed "back" roads and trails which join the back of our property. We have ridden on snows well over four feet in depth from the back of the property. Kids will play tirelessly, all day on paths we plow for their sleds. You won't have any trouble getting them into bed at night, leaving you time for some Caveman television! Winter play will bring out the kid in anyone and you will not want to leave here!
Two bedrooms, a sleeping loft, and a sleeper sofa can comfortably accommodate nine (max.) persons. We live on-site to better serve our guests and assist with unexpected needs and as such you will be sharing our kitchen,bathroom and a closet with us.We do stay out of your way unless invited however,but we do have to fix our meals.
Winter visiters flying in are encouraged to purchase airline tickets that can be changed,because of the winter weather and the threat of snow storms at any time.
There is an abundance of historical and tourists attractions within a couple of hours of the cabin.Ft.Garland,Great Sand dunes National Park,San Luis Stations of the Cross,San Luis itself,plenty of local museums and other places of interest.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking : Private drive.
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
- Wood Stove
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Double Bed
- Twin/Single Bed (3)
- Convertible Bed
- Crib : Can be provided upon request.
- Entertainment
- Private Hot Tub : Wood fired, Snorkel brand tub.
- Cable/Satellite TV : We have HughesNet satellite www with wifi.
- TV (No Cable/Satellite) : We do not have TV receception but the TV has a CD player.
- DVD
- Video Library
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Catering Available
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- Balcony (3)
- View/Location
- Mountain View : Although located at 10,000 ft you have a mountain view to the West.
- Ski-In : Upon request it is a max. 2 hr trip over the ridge from Cuchara, via trail through the national forest.
- Ski-Out : Upon request, it is a max. 2 hr trip over to Cuchara.
- Communications
- Cell Phone : Limited cell service, but we have Hughes Net
- Computer : Satellite high speed service by Hughes Net
- Broadband Internet : Hughes Net Satellite
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters : 21
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Restaurants
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Snowmobiling
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Antiquing
- Museums
- Other Activities
- Guided hiking excursions, camping trips, guided birding excursions, wildlife viewing.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Nov 01-Mar 01 and major holidays.. $795/week
Mar 02-Oct 30 .. $595/week. Extra fee for parties over four.
Nightly rates, $115 party of 4, $130 major holidays. $15 ea additional person.
Snowmobiles $40 hr (daily rate also) each (guests only). We require a 50% deposit.
Cancellation within ONE week of stay may void a deposit refund.
A $65 cleaning fee is also required for stays over 5 nights or parties over 6.
Groups or individuals requiring access from Forbes Park for hunting within the
San Isabel Ntn'l Forest must be escorted by us, per FPLOA covenents.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Owner's Profile
Owner Description
Year Purchased: 2006
My wife and I were raised in Florida but fell in love with Colorado. Our first visit we purchased land in Forbes Park a gated community between LaVeta and Ft Garland. We RV'd on the property for several years while researching log homes before deciding to build from a custom designed log kit. We incorporated radiant floor heat and a cozy but very efficient wood burning fireplace. We have spent sub-zero temperature nights in the cabin and stayed very comfortable. Nothing like walking on warm floors in the winter months. We don't feel inconvenienced when "occasionally" stranded until the snow plow clears our road.
Why the Owner Chose Fort Garland
The property is very secure yet well isolated from other homes. We wanted a place remote and private yet with road maintenance and snow removal. We wanted the best of both the civilized and the uncivilized worlds. We are so remote most of the wildlife is near tame and we can hand feed the birds including the hummingbirds. We keep our snowmobiles on site as we access the backroads and trails from our front door. We also own, and keep on site a skidsteer snow blower large enough to clear trails for our guest to sky, hike or snowmobile. Summers we hike and mountain bike primarily on the trails of San Isabel National Forest, a 10 minute walk from the front door.
The Unique Benefits of this Cabin
We spend a great deal of time watching "caveman" television, "the fire", during the heavy snow months! We can accomadate the more modern forms of entertainment too. We also are guilty of feeding the wildlife and watching them, especially the hummingbirds. We have photos of them perched on our fingers. We do a great deal of walking on and around the property. We occasionally join with other locals for an extended day hike. Winter "snow" months we ride the snowmobiles and sleds on the back roads which we access from the back of the property. We offer guided, wildlife, birding, and hiking excursions into the national forest.
Property Photos
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- Winter view from a snowmobile. Two are available to our guests. - La Veta, Colorado Mountain View Vacation Cabin with Private Hot Tub & Wildlife Viewing
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- There is a wood fired hot tub under the snow. We will dig it out for you! - La Veta, Colorado Mountain View Vacation Cabin with Private Hot Tub & Wildlife Viewing
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- Cozy fire and radiant floor heat. Nice warm floors and a heated towel rack. - La Veta, Colorado Mountain View Vacation Cabin with Private Hot Tub & Wildlife Viewing
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- We cook a great deal on the wood heater but you can use the new gas stove.
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- This is where kids love to sleep. It has a balcony for watching the wildlife.
Traveler Reviews (4)
August Vacation
Guest: F & D
(Oklahoma City, OK)
Date of Stay: 08/13/11
Review Submitted: 09/24/11
This is a gorgeous “off-the-grid” location for those who truly want to get-away from all the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The 40 minute drive from the highway to the cabin provides beautiful views of mountains and open valleys. This cabin is deeper into nature than any of our previous experiences. The outside area is a “work-in-progress” as the owners are adding a balcony and a patio, but the cabin more than makes up for this minor inconvenience!!! The view of Harrison Peak from the Master bedroom is a wonderful sight to wake up to each morning. We enjoyed our time just sitting on the balcony, soaking in the beauty, and watching all the “creatures”. The mama bear and her two cubs were a delight to see from the safety of the balcony! The owners, Terri & Jerry quickly became our friends and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay with them. They knew the area well and directed us to beautiful scenic points, tourist attractions, and locations to see the elk herds.
Owner response:Wonderful couple. They helped to remind of us of why we built where we did and why we continue to have guest. We look forward to your return.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, families with teenagers, age 55+.
Our Sept. Stay
Guest: Rick
(Blue Creek,Ohio)
Date of Stay: 09/03/11
Review Submitted: 09/22/11
We had a great time, the cabin is comfortable,beautiful ,and sets in the wild and beautiful Rockys,wildlife is everywhere.If you looking for the real getaway this is it,you'll feel the tension leave your body and you'll learn to relax again.Remote and Private is accurate and would recommend this cabin to anyone who wants a relaxing getaway
Owner response:Great! We feel successful and we feel we have made new friends! Wonderful! We do enjoy guests that visit us for the right reasons. This is what we are about, "Peace and Relaxation". We are not a four star hotel but we are a four star "near wilderness" retreat. No longer "in progress". We have arrived. Visit with us and sit a spell.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, romantic getaway, families with young children, adventure seekers, families with teenagers, age 55+.
Our Mountain Lodge Visit
Guest: 4 friends from Oklahoma
(Tulsa, Oklahoma)
Date of Stay: 08/09/11
Review Submitted: 08/15/11
This Forbes Park Home is 45 minutes into the wilderness from the gate along a twisting, dusty road. We feel the home is best suited for winter sports or a group of men who are hunters. The home is a work-in-progress with a great deal of construction debris and downed trees completly surrouding the house. The entryway was intimidating and dark - filled with tools and old theater chairs. The unfinished stairwell to the living quarters held rat poison, miscellaneous boxes of junk and tools. The top deck and the bedroom balcony need to be finished and cleared of wood piles, tools and broken chairs. The owner stayed on site most of the time to keep the generators running since the wind turbine and solar power doesn't provide enough energy to keep refrigeration and lights working at the same time. As an engineer, I helped solve some major problems with power, otherwise we would have left immediately. Water isn't potable so take plenty of your own. We lacked several amenities, especially in the kitchen - no electric coffee maker or microwave. We did expect the home to be clean. In the master bedroom, the owners clothes, shoes, and underwear remained in the door-less closet and in clear plastic drawers. The second bedroom had no closet door and the closet was filled with old rugs, the vacuum, bedding, etc. and had no clothes rod. A basic cleaning was needed. Dead bugs were thick on the windowsills when we opened windows. Kitchen dishes weren't too clean, there were no mattress pads, no soap in the bathrooms, and we had to hunt for towels. There were 1 1/2, not 2 1/2 bathrooms as indicated above. Sleeping space was for 6 only. We did enjoy hummingbirds and chipmunks and nearby hiking. We would never recommend this place until major renovations occur. Outside photos were taken with debris under the snow.
Owner response:I have only recently retired from a full-time position in Florida. I readily admit that managing the property from Florida has proven to be challenging. We have faced disappointment more than once when attempting to find reliable and dependable help. We have at times squeezed by with preparing for guests. We have yet had satisfactory help with cleaning, repairs, etc. I terminated my most recent helper based on what this guest told me about the conditon of the cabin upon their arrival. We were not present when they arrived. This past winter, we lost most of our solar power system, including our entire battery bank during a big winter storm. We have only recently, successfully corrected that problem. We have also added a wind generator to support the components, which were relocated into our heated basement. We are anticipating the delivery and installation of a new self starting LP powered back-up generator for winter use. We did have delays with getting everything back on line but we would have without our guests "engineering" assistance. I am finishing other suggested corrections and repairs etc. within the next wk to 10 days. I will post more photos, including some of the grounds without the snow covering the debris which is no longer there. We have been actively improving the "defenseable fire perimeter" around the cabin but there is also a pine beetle infestation which has littered the floor of much of the forest with dead trees. There are numerous insects in the forest and occasionally some get inside, even the finest of homes. Individuals with insect phobias and unrealistic concerns (fears) about our natural environment should consider another vacation cabin. We even have bear sightings here! I have always, without fail, offered a refund, and/or refused to accept money from a dissatisfied client, customer or guests. No one can please the varied tastes of everyone all the time. This guest's fee was discounted, upon his arrival and he expressed an appreciation with my offer. Simply be honest with me, up front. If you decide our "Peace of Heaven" is not for you, it's on us or we will refer you to others within the park. I always offer my thanks for any well meaning advise and/or constructive critcism. THANK YOU.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers.
Week of Jan 10 2011
Guest: Michael & Heather
(Fort Myers, Florida)
Date of Stay: 01/08/11
Review Submitted: 01/19/11
We stayed there for a week...If you are looking for a true off grid experience, then this is it. We had a great time and Terri was a pleasure to stay with. If you are considering living off grid, then you must stay here and see all the things that can /will happen. They have a very nice cabin, and their dog Chance was great. It's a great place to hear nothing but the wind & birds. You will enjoy the piece and quite and just sit back and live life as it should be. Jerry the only thing i have to complain about is the wood stove. Man i hated getting up every three hours to load it with wood..LOL...But again it was 10below out and the wind was blowing around 35mph..Soo i guess that wasnt so bad. Again we loved it and totally enjoyed the experience and made some great new friends. Jerry, Terri were a pleasure. We cant wait to get our cabin built and see everyone again.
Owner response:Honest but true comments, and they say they will be back! Good News. Great news, we completed moving all of the solar electronics and batteries into the basement, where they won't freeze again. Now we have a fully functional radiant floor heating system again and the fire is again "optional". Soon to complete our wind generator for supplemental power. Join us during the winter months for endless hours of fun in the snow, enjoying our "on-site" snowmobiles. One, possibly both of us will be available during the warm months for short or overnight hiking expeditions. Terri is open to company on an extended hike over a section of the Colorado Trail this summer.
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #271603
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