Custom Cabin Retreat 2 Miles to Ski Cooper, 25 to Vail. Views!
- Minimum stay:2 nights
- Internet:Yes
- Pets allowed:No
- Wheel chair accessible:No
4WD or AWD car or SUV or truck is necessary in the winter.
The El Capitan Lodge: Stay in our custom built, timber framed home on 12 wooded acres and enjoy expansive views of the Rocky Mountains from our sunny deck. Located near Tennessee Pass at 10,500', this off-grid "green" home gives you a chance to experience the beauty of clean-energy living. Think of the house as a front-country cabin, rustic yet all the comforts of indoor plumbing and electricity. We may not have TV or a microwave, but the views, stars and peacefulness more than make up for it.
The house is a 1500 sf, 2 bedroom, 2 bath house with a huge deck that can sleep 6 in beds, and then an additional 2 - 3, if necessary. We have sleeping pads, an air mattress, and a pack-n-play for the youngest visitor.
We have local phone service, dial-up internet, and some cell service is available. There is no television. We do have a stereo that plays radio and cd's and we invite you to borrow a book from our library, or a cd from our collection. Escape the hustle/bustle and enjoy the serenity of the mountains without the distractions of TV, traffic, or city life. You can take in the views, watch the snow quietly fall, or sit by a glowing fire with a hot cocoa.
Right out the door, we have hiking, cross country skiing, mountain biking, snowshoeing and sledding. In the winter you are welcome to use our snowshoes or sleds. In the summer, you can enjoy our scenic fire pit for a campfire, and the kids can play in the treehouse or huge sandbox. Hiking and biking trails abound.
We are 1.5 miles from Ski Cooper, 25 miles to Vail, a 2 hour drive to Denver International Airport, and an hour from the Eagle-Vail airport. You can take advantage of the many nearby attractions of dog-sledding, horseback riding, river rafting, rock-climbing, visit historic Leadville (a 20 minute drive /10 miles) or go shopping in Vail or Beaver Creek Village. Winter activities abound.
No snowmobiling or ATV riding is permitted on Forest Service Rd. 731. There are rentals and outfitters in Camp Hale and other nearby areas.
4 wheel/all wheel drive is necessary in the winter.
Keywords: off-grid, vail hut trip, mountain cabin, solar powered, private, skiing, biking, hiking, snowshoeing, vail cabin, back country skiing, timber frame, 10th Mountain Division, hut trip
Property Type
- 2 story
- House
- 1500 sq. ft.
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Meals
- Guests Provide Their Own Meals
Suitability
- Long-Term Renters Welcome
- Children Welcome
- Non Smoking Only
- Pets Not Allowed
Bedrooms
- 2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 8, Beds for 6-8
- Bedroom 1
- 1 queen
- Private 3/4 bathroom
- Bedroom 2
- 1 double, 1 twin/ single, 1 baby crib
- pack-n-play
- Office
- 1 twin/ single
- Open room at top of stairs
Bathrooms
- 2.0 Bathrooms
- Bathroom 1
- toilet, shower
- Bathroom 2
- toilet, tub
- Clawfoot tub
Kitchen & Dining
Amenities
- Linens Provided
- Towels Provided
Entertainment
- Video Library
- Stereo
- Games
- Books
- CD Player
- Music Library
Communications
Outdoor Features
- Deck / Patio
- Outdoor Grill
Theme
- Adventure
- Away From It All
- Family
- Historic
- Romantic
- Tourist Attractions
Location & View
- Ski-Out
Activities
- Churches
- Cycling
- Spelunking
- Hunting
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Mountain Biking
- Fishing
- Skiing
- Swimming
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Rafting
- Cross Country Skiing
- Fly Fishing
- Freshwater Fishing
- Ice Skating
- Mountain Climbing
- Kayaking
- Golf
- Snowmobiling
- Snowboarding
- Library
- Playground
- Cinemas
- Live Theater
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Restaurants
- Museums
- Sledding
- Shopping
- Horseback Riding
- Wildlife Viewing
- ATM/Bank
- Groceries
- Hospital
- Laundromat
- Massage Therapist
- Medical Services
- Ski Lift Privileges
- Whitewater Rafting
Reviews
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Beautiful cabin!
Beautiful cabin!
- Guest Treefrog
- Date of stay 07/01/12
- Review Submitted 08/08/12
My family stayed at this beautiful mountain cabin and enjoyed the cabin and the area.Recommended for: Sightseeing, girls getaway, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, families with teenagers.
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Off Grid Craftsman's Dream
Off Grid Craftsman's Dream
- Guest Compass
- Date of stay 08/02/12
- Review Submitted 08/08/12
My family had a great off-grid experience in the Dennis' house. While our kids adapted to living without the internet and TV for a few days, we learned to practice living lightly in the home supplied with well-water and solar-generated electricity. The home is beautifully handcrafted by the owners themselves and their attention to detail made the modest-sized space a great place for family time around meals, playing games, or just relaxing reading a book. There is great access to hiking right from the property (including 10th Mtn. Div. huts) as well as the nearby peaks and wilderness areas. We'll definitely be back, possibly in the winter time to live in the snowy woods for a few days. Leadville is only 20 mins away over the pass, and Minturn 30 mins downhill, both great drives and cool areas. But plan to enjoy your time at the cabin out of the hustle-and-bustle of even these small towns, if you visit!Recommended for: Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, families with teenagers.
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Great place to get away
Great place to get away
- Guest Phil
- Date of stay 06/22/12
- Review Submitted 08/07/12
We had a great time in this fantastic home. It was nice to stay in a well built, quite home in the mountains. The view from the back deck is fantastic and a great place to relax at dinner time and into the evening. The owner met us at the cabin and it was great to talk to him and get settled in. The kids had a great time exploring the property and even made friends with the neighbors (who were very friendly). This is a great get away in the summer and I bet it would be a great place for a long ski weekend. Thanks for the great stay at your home.Recommended for: Sightseeing, girls getaway, families with young children, adventure seekers.
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Gorgeous, Serene Getaway
Gorgeous, Serene Getaway
- Guest MountainGirl
- Date of stay 06/15/12
- Review Submitted 08/07/12
We loved staying at the El Capitan Lodge. The views are to die for! It's wonderful to wake up each morning with the view of the mountains from bed; a perfect way to start the day. The cabin is located in the country about 10 miles outside of Leadville. Beautiful deck to lounge and views of the mountains from every window. The interior was very clean and comfortable. Melanie, the owner, made sure we had everything we needed. We will definitely want to stay at El Capitan again in the future.Recommended for: Sightseeing, girls getaway, families with young children, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
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Outstanding whimsical cabin
Outstanding whimsical cabin
- Guest Steph
- Date of stay 07/28/12
- Review Submitted 08/06/12
The property was beautiful and the cabin itself was absolutely wonderful - a unique, cozy, comfortable place to enjoy the mountains. Greg and Melanie went out of their way to make sure we had a great time and to provide us with some recommendations for a mechanic when we had some car trouble. We would highly recommend this property - and it's owners - to anyone looking to have a memorable experience in the heart of the Rockies.Recommended for: Sightseeing, girls getaway, families with young children, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
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Off-grid paradise....
Off-grid paradise....
- Guest Sue B.
- Date of stay 07/25/12
- Review Submitted 08/06/12
Afrer a few hectic days in NY, this was sheer bliss. We sat on the deck and enjoyed the marvellous views as the steak sizzled on the BBQ. A family of deer wandered by and we were visited by chipmunks, humming birds and a woodpecker. Lots of great hikes neaby and Vail was worth a visit. The cabin was beautifully designed and built by the owner and well equipped with everything we needed - and we would not hesitate to recommend it.Recommended for: Sightseeing, girls getaway, families with young children, pet owners, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
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Beautiful and unique mountain home
Beautiful and unique mountain home
- Guest Paul
- Date of stay 03/08/12
- Review Submitted 03/17/12
As an admirer of good design and craftsmanship, I was completely taken in by this home. While the setting is an quiet mountain scene and the views are awesome, the dwelling is itself a thoughtful thing of beauty. Greg and Melanie have constructed a dream retreat, built with great attention to detail and style. If you love nature and appreciate reasonable efforts to live responsibly and yet comfortably, then you will find this house very satisfying. I also found them to be among the most pleasant and responsive owners I have ever worked with. My sons and I thank you both for the great place to rest after days of snow skiing. We would definitely rent again!Recommended for: Sightseeing, girls getaway, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+.
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Amazing Retreat!
Amazing Retreat!
- Guest Happy Camper
- Date of stay 02/18/12
- Review Submitted 03/12/12
We stayed at El Capitan over President's Day weekend and had so much fun we ended up staying an extra night! The cabin itself is beautiful. Melanie and Greg built it themselves and the craftsmanship is fantastic. You can tell a lot of love and thoughtful planning went into building it and it has been maintained impeccably. We were originally looking for a hut to go to for my husband's birthday, but all of the 10th Mtn. Division Huts were booked. I have to say that our whole group ended up being very happy that that had been the case. The cabin was so well equipped and very clean. We were able to go on ski tours right from the cabin (Vance's was about a 25 minute ski). Greg even offered to take us out on a ski to show us all the great backcountry skiing that you can access right from the cabin. I can't write a review without mentioning the sledding. Wow! It was SO fun for adults and kids alike!! We spent hours out there and it was only the allure of hot cocoa with a little Bailey's by the fire that finally lured us in. If you want to ski at a resort, Ski Cooper was 10 minutes away and is a great family ski area. All-in-all, I don't think you can beat the location, accessibility, and amenities that you will find at El Capitan Cabin. Melanie and Greg were fantastic...super friendly and accommodating! It was a perfect weekend and we can't wait to go back!Recommended for: Girls getaway, families with young children, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
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Beautiful Mountain Getaway
Beautiful Mountain Getaway
- Guest Camie
- Date of stay 03/01/12
- Review Submitted 03/05/12
I hate to say too many positive things, because I feel that El Capitan Lodge is a best kept secret! This "cabin" far exceeded our expectations. From the minute you pull up to the cabin you are captivated by the craftsmanship. It is beautiful inside and out! Gorgeous exposed beams, cozy decor, and breathtaking views. The cabin is well stocked from the kitchen to sleds. The owners, Melanie and Greg, were wonderful to work with. They made every effort to make our stay great, down to the last detail. Our days were filled with great family skiing a short drive away, sledding, and snowshoeing. We can't wait to go back!Recommended for: Sightseeing, girls getaway, families with young children, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
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Off Grid Cabin in the Woods
Off Grid Cabin in the Woods
- Guest CavSct
- Date of stay 01/03/12
- Review Submitted 01/18/12
A beautiful setting with amazing view of the mountains and valley below. Leadville is only 10 miles away for groceries and other dining. My family and I stayed at the cabin for 4 nights in January and absolutely loved it. Ski Cooper is only 2 miles away! This cabin is perfect for the couple or family that would like to get away and be able to focus on family and nature without many of the distractions of home. We enjoyed not having a TV for a week and spent our nights reading and playing board games and puzzles. A minor inconvenience of staying in the cabin was learning to cook again without the convenience of a microwave and it wasn't a big issue. We really loved the winding road to the cabin and amazing setting. We will rent the cabin again and I would encourage others to try it also.Recommended for: Sightseeing, families with young children, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, families with teenagers.
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Rates
| Dates | Nightly | Wknd Night | Weekend | Weekly | Monthly * | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Rate 2 night min stay |
$295 | $1942 | ||||
| Off-season May 1 - Jun 14 2 night min stay |
$195 | |||||
| Off-season Jan 5 - Jan 30 2 night min stay |
$195 | $1253 | ||||
Fees:
- Cleaning fee - 5+ ppl: $100
- Cleaning fee - 4 ppl: $75
- Refundable Damage Deposit: $200
- Tax Rate 4.4%
Cancellation policy:
100% refund if canceled at least 60 days before arrival date.
This owner accepts HomeAway's most secure form of payment.
HomeAway PaymentsSM is the most secure way to pay and automatically protects your payment up to $10,000 (learn more). Call the owner directly to confirm payment details.
Location
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- Nearest Airport: Eagle County Airport at 52 Miles
- Nearest Motorway: Hwy 24 at 1 Miles
- Nearest Barpub: Mango's at 10 Miles
- Nearest Ski: Ski Cooper at 2 Miles
- Nearest Golf: Mount Massive Golf Course at 10 Miles
- Nearest Restaurant: Mango's at 10 Miles
Owner info
Year Purchased: 1997
About the owner: My husband and I have lived in the mountains of Colorado for the last 20+ years, and we love the adventures and beauty of a mountain lifestyle. Together we own a construction company, called Fiddler Creek Company (online at the same name), and we specialize in the construction of timber framed and "green" homes. We built our off-grid home in 2003, and have lived there up through 2011, when we moved to the town of Minturn to be closer to schools for our kids. We are happy to share our house with you through VRBO. We use our house when it's not rented, as we enjoy the hiking, skiing, biking and the solace of the location.
Why the Owner Chose Leadville:
We bought our 12 acre property back in 1997, after an extensive search through Colorado, looking for a property that was both close to amenities and community, and also offered us the experiences of the backcountry. We were also looking for a place to build our own home. This property accomplished this perfectly for us. We are nestled in the mountains between Vail and Leadville, can easily ski at Cooper, Copper, Vail, or the Summit County areas as well. In the summer there are numerous rivers for rafting, and there is awesome hiking and biking without having to drive.
The Unique Benefits at this House:
Our neighborhood is surrounded by National Forest with recreational opportunities everywhere. While only being 10 short miles to Leadville, it feels like you're many more miles into the wilderness. In an hour's hike from the front door, you can be standing on top of Taylor Hill, with 360 degree views, and not a sole in sight, except perhaps,for a roaming herd of elk or a soaring red tail hawk. Or, in a 5 minute's drive you can be at Ski Cooper or the Tennessee Pass Nordic Center. For the more adventurous, you can ski/hike the 3-4 miles instead. In the 1800s, our property was in a gold and silver mining area. As you explore the surrounding forest you can sometimes find remnants of a bygone era, like a broken down miner's cabin or tin can, that has been rusting for over 100 years.
Contact us
- Primary: 970-390-7700
- Click Here to see All My Rental Listings
Photos
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The El Capitan Lodge - your mountain get-away nestled between Leadville and Vail
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Sit by the fire in our sunny living room and take in the views of Homestake Peak
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Not a powerline or road in sight, yet minutes to Leadville, Ski Cooper, Vail.
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Views and relaxation on the deck
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Bedroom 1 has a double bed, a single bed, and amazing views of the Sawatch Range
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Bedroom 2 has a nestled queen size bed and a private bathroom.
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We have 2 immaculate bathrooms, one with a shower and one with a clawfoot tub.
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Views from the sunny deck.
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Enjoy cooking in our cozy kitchen.
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Catch a falling star. Enjoy an evening campfire on a cool, star filled night.
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Bedroom 1: There's a twin bed a double, and a comfy seating area by the wi
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The sitting area in Bedroom 2 is cozy and perfect for a book and a cup of tea.
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Take a relaxing soak in our clawfoot tub after a long day on the slopes.
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Enjoy sledding, snowshoeing, or skiing right out the door.
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Date last modified - Friday, January 04, 2013
