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Alta Lakes Observatory; Rustic Mountain Cabin outside Telluride

Photo gallery for Alta Lakes Observatory; Rustic Mountain Cabin outside Telluride

So that’s why it’s called The Observatory!
The Observatory in summer - this keeps it all in perspective.
The Observatory in the winter - this is a classic photo!
Stunning seclusion
Winter is something special at The Observatory.

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% based on
3 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 122400 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
Telluride, CO
  • Place, Telluride Ski Resort
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Alta Lakes
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Galloping Goose
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Airport, Telluride, CO (TEX-Telluride Regional)

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Bedroom 1 - The Wilson Room

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2 - The Sunshine Room

1 Queen Bed and 2 Twin Beds

Bedroom 3 - The Rock Room

1 Queen Bed

Loft

2 Double Bunk Beds

2 bathrooms, 2 half bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 4

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area

About this property

Alta Lakes Observatory; Rustic Mountain Cabin outside Telluride

Alta Lakes Observatory was hand built in the early 70's by some of the earliest 'settlers' of Telluride's Ski Resort town, Jim and Salli Russell. It is constructed of local timber and stone, stained glass windows, a huge fireplace, hot tub, decks, and an ambience that settles the soul.
The Observatory. Extremely. Comfortable. Backcountry.

SUMMER TIME: Alta Lakes Observatory is located 13 miles from Telluride, 5 miles off the highway, on a mountain dirt road, accessible by 2 wheel drive vehicle (high clearance!!!!) through breathtaking scenery! Wild flowers abound! Great fishing, hiking, mountain biking - they are right out our front door. In the summer it's the perfect venue for weddings, just because gatherings, retreats, corporate groups (if you have more than 12 people reach out prior to booking!).

WINTER TIME: Alta Lakes Observatory is adjacent to the Telluride ski area and is accessible on Alta Lakes Road by snowmobile (we have them!), snowshoe or skiing (it can take anywhere from 15 - 45 minutes in each direction depending on fitness level and weather conditions) in from the back country access gate from the Telluride ski area. If you opt for the snowmobiles then you are in for a treat! We are with you when the sleds are in use and love seeing our guests faces while enjoying what is often a trip highlight! Inquire about pricing!

Words nor photos can accurately convey the feeling you have at The Observatory. It is like no other place in the world! We hope to hear from you soon to make your reservation so you, too, can experience The Observatory.

The Alta Lakes Observatory, LLC operates on the Grand Mesa, Umcompahgre and Gunnison National Forests under special use permit from the USDA Forest Service. The Observatory at Alta Lakes, LLC is an equal opportunity service provider.

Keywords:
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot Tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet friendly
Free WiFi

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 3-17
Infants/Toddlers are ok. We don't have baby gear.
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
13-50 people; Special Event Pricing applies.
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
$75 per pet per stay.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Check In Time year round is 4pm MST; Check Out time is 11am MST. SNOW - if you arrive late you may (not) be able to access The Observatory.
Weddings, Parties or Gatherings of 13 or more people only mid June - mid Oct. Contact us for pricing as rates here are for a maximum of 12 ppl.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 50
Note from host: 13-50 people; Special Event Pricing applies.
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

About the neighborhood

Telluride

Located in Telluride, this cabin is in a rural area and on a lake. Nellie and Christ of the Mines Shrine are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Telluride Ski Resort and Lynx Ski Lift. Traveling with kids? Consider Fetch's Mining & Mercantile and Silverton Railroad Depot. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and don't miss out on the snowmobiling and sledding.
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Map
Telluride, CO

What's nearby

  • Telluride Ski Resort - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Alta Lakes - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Galloping Goose - 7 min walk - 0.6 km

Getting around

  • Telluride, CO (TEX-Telluride Regional) - 29 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Tracks Café & Bar - ‬28 min drive
  • ‪Steamies Burger Bar - ‬34 min drive
  • ‪Oak - ‬34 min drive
  • ‪Smuggler Union Restaurant & Brewery - ‬34 min drive
  • ‪Tomboy Tavern - ‬28 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Alta Lakes Observatory; Rustic Mountain Cabin outside Telluride pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

How much does it cost to stay at Alta Lakes Observatory; Rustic Mountain Cabin outside Telluride?

As of Mar 6, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Alta Lakes Observatory; Rustic Mountain Cabin outside Telluride on Mar 23, 2026 start from $1,175, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Alta Lakes Observatory; Rustic Mountain Cabin outside Telluride?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Alta Lakes Observatory; Rustic Mountain Cabin outside Telluride?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Alta Lakes Observatory; Rustic Mountain Cabin outside Telluride located?

Located on a lake, this ski-in/ski-out cabin in Telluride is within a 5-minute walk of Telluride Ski Resort and Alta Lakes and close to winter sports such as cross-country skiing and sledding. Galloping Goose and Ute Park are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 36 out of 36 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 36 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 36 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 36 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 36 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Matt W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay, great host in Mattie. Really enjoyed our time and the cabin
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Olivia G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unique and Impressive Experience

The house and the hosts were extremely impressive. The property is unique and has a ton of character and story to tell. Our stay was more than we hoped for - thank you for a tremendous experience!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jasmine L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Perfect Wedding

My husband and I never got to have a wedding when we got married back in 2020 and finally decided to celebrate with friends and family. The Observatory was more stunning than any place we could have chosen to spend our special day. Our photographer did an amazing job finding the venue for us. Mountain Top Catering catered a beautiful, delicious dinner for us and knew the Observatory well. The lodge was stunning and cozy. The location was like a fairy tale backdrop for our elopement photos. Mattie and Nicole were a pleasure to work and plan with and had great communication while we planned the perfect weekend. We hope that we can return to the Observatory again someday. The memories we made there are truly unforgettable.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Erick S., Santa Catarina

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Más de lo que te imaginas

Ha sido una de nuestras mejores experiencias como familia, tienes que ir preparado para esperar lo mejor. Matt el mejor anfitrion. Definitivamente 100% recomendable .
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jason K.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Breathtaking Views….

Such a great place to hit the reset button with my family…. Bring your hiking boots and your bikes…. So much to explore and see. Loved the fireside nights and constellation viewing.. If you need anything Mattie will be there..
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Briana T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Honeymoon Stay

There are no words to describe how magical this property is. We are already planning our return!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michael P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Glorious!

Location could not be more amazing! This is a very special place. Thank you Mattie and family for making it available for us to enjoy.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Gayle H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Heaven

This uniquely special spot is a treasure! The surrounding majestic mountains envelop you as you look onto your own pristine lake...heaven on earth!! Whether we were canoeing in solitude with the mountains reflecting on the still waters, looking up at endless starry skies and spotting meteors, sitting around the campfire, preparing delicious meals together in the well-equipped kitchen, or taking in the stunning sunsets right out the back door, Alta Lakes Observatory was truly a treasured spot for our family to share a magical time together...one that will always hold a bright place in our hearts and minds!! AND, what a treat to make new friends, Mattie and the pine martin!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jake C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect!!!

I can't even describe how perfect this place is!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Joshua M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

:)

Exquisite.

10/10 Excellent

Ryan B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best Trip Ever

No words can describe the experience at the Observatory. The snowmobile rides, sledding in the meadow, crackling fire, secluded cabin, amazing host (Mattie)...oh, and snowmobiling into a world class ski mountain. It's more than you could ever dream.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Larry K., Oakland

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Pristine Getaway

Amazing and unique property, very isolated and quiet, sited high in the mountains at the end of a 6 mile dirt road. Quite rustic but fabulous for those who want to get away from it all; we did not want to leave. My two sons and I could not have been happier, and thanks again to Mattie, who was fun and helpful.

10/10 Excellent

Laura B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Observatory is AMAZING! We got married on June 15th here!

This is a perfect location for a cozy/comfortable mountain getaway/wedding/whatev. You will be completely surrounded by mountains and the lakes are awesome! We coordinated with Mattie a few days ahead of time to arrange for our arrival. At that time, he informed us that due to an unusually long winter there was still lots of snow on the access road approaching the Observatory. No worries, though! Mattie was working to clear the snow/ice leading to the observatory. By our arrival time, we were able to drive up to the Alta ghost town on cleared road. At the ghost town, Mattie met us with two snowmobiles. We packed our gear in a cargo sled and hopped on the snowmobiles for a 5 minute ride to the observatory. Awesome experience! We never thought that we would be snowmobiling to the Observatory for our wedding on June 15th, but it was a pleasant surprise that kicked off our weekend adventure. Arriving at the Observatory was an overwhelming experience on the senses! The structure of the Observatory juxtaposed with the natural beauty of the mountains was breathtaking! Once inside the Observatory we were overcome with the details of the place. Every nook and cranny has something interesting and unique to check out; a lot of mining stuff around that we found interesting. Not to mention that the Observatory has all the modern amenities you would expect (modern kitchen, directv, wifi, sound system, etc...). Mattie even had a tub full of snowshoes for us to use. It was a blast hiking around the site with snowshoes! Our wedding day was AMAZING! The day started sunny in the morning, clouded up, rained, snowed, then cleared again and the sun returned. Our officiant and photographer arrived during the snow period. They coordinated with Mattie to be picked up by snowmobile. The photographer also was pulling double duty for us to bring the food and flowers. We have an awesome video of Mattie arriving on snowmobile at the Observatory before the wedding with my fiances flower bouquet in hand. We quickly learned that there are no conditions that would keep Mattie from getting everyone and everything safely to the Observatory.

10/10 Excellent

Barbara W.

Most magical place on earth.

Mattie made our stay at the Observatory the most extraordinary experience. We will never forget our amazing weekend- we want to come back every year. From the snowmobile rides to the gourmet kitchen to the ultra soft comfy beds- I can not say enough. Put this on your bucket list. Everyone deserves to be this happy for a few days.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

kit l.

Amazing

We all (kids & dogs included!) had a wonderful time at the observatory. Loved every minute of our stay there! The view is so amazing out the kitchen window that I actually didn’t mind doing dishes. Kids loved having the lake just right outside the door and it was especially nice to have canoes, stand up paddle boards and tubes for them to use. Mattie was a great host as well. Can’t wait to go back next summer!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

Absoutely amazing!

We had the most amazing stay at The Observatory. Our entire group loved the cabin and the surroundings. The Observatory is truly a special place. We enjoyed the hot tub, star gazing, spending time on the lake, hiking around, and had a great time in town for Blues and Brews. It was a fantastic weekend! We definitely plan to come back, especially in the winter. Thanks again for sharing such a special place!
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

Lucas C., Steamboat Springs

Perfection!

We picked the Observatory for our wedding based on pictures we found online. We had no clue how perfect this decision was! The first time we drove the dirt road up, we kept smiling and saying, this is where we're getting married? It can't get better. But every little bit we went up, it got better! That spot was absolutely incredible!! Matt showed us a spot up the hill from the old truck we ended up using as our ceremony spot. It was perfect. Our families and guests LOVED it as well. I don't think there was anything negative about the weekend at all. It was a bit rainy but even then, it didn't matter and didn't detract from the weekend. The house itself is comfortable and the kitchen is really well done. The drive isn't that bad and shouldn't be an issue for most people! We're glad to have been able to experience this location for our wedding and know we'll be back for years to come!
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

Ryan M.

This Place is Incredible!

Alta Lakes Observatory is a magical place. Nestled in the back side of Telluride Ski Resort, with a private lake, and tons of hiking/skiing routes, this place is perfect for the adventure seeker; or someone who just wants to go relax! It is a good drive to the house from town, but once you get up there you don't want to leave! Tons of wildlife, a beautiful house and private lake with canoes, and tons of access to hiking during the summer or skiing during the winter. This place has a rich history in Colorado, and is an amazing vacation. We cannot wait to go back.
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

Curtis M.

A Storybook High Altitude Rustic and Luxurious Mountain Cabin in the Backcountry of Telluride CO

We spent a few days and a couple magical nights at the Observatory at Alta Lakes with my brother-in-law and sister-in-law. Our mountainman concierge, the unflappable and resilient "Matty Ice" was also our adventurous snowmobile tour guide, sharing remarkable and electrifying stories of human history, wildlife and mountain lore. On two of the nights he snowmobiled in Chef Patrick of Wine Geek Food Freak (great guy) for spectacular evenings of 5 course dinners with 5 wine pairings, as we stayed toasty by the crackling and roaring fire in the giant stone fireplace, while laughing, telling stories over a background of Continental Jazz and a good mix of the Argentina/France Gotan Project. Mornings were spent snowshoeing around the lake and area or with a bit of fireside reading at sunrise followed by delicious breakfasts, and afternoons at full throttle trying to keep up with my hilarious but fearless beast of a brother in law "shredding the gnar" on snowmobiles at 11,300ft+. We also had some more sublime, but absolutely magical snowglobe-like snowmobile tours through and above the treeline in a mountain snow storm. The cabin is everything you would dream of in it's rustic and quirky nature, mountain luxury, and perfect location. There is an O2 generating machine should you feel the effects of altitude or just want a bit of a boost. There is a beautiful fully functional kitchen with higher end stainless appliances and cabinets full of all the pots, pans, and utensils necessary for any meal preparation. The two bedrooms are spacious and relaxing with private decks. The master bedroom has another stone fire place. There is even a loft area with bunk beds and a couch, so there is plenty of room for a small to medium size group to spread out and have their own space. We really hope to return this summer and then again next winter for more adventure and active relaxation. Spectacular, secluded, rustic and mountain-luxurious! Thanks Matty Ice and Nicole, talk to you soon!!!
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer J.

AMAZING.....again!

Our 2nd year to stay at the Observatory! Fell in love last year and had to come for another week! Great hiking, so romantic, secluded...BEAUTIFUL! We will be back!
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

Allie H.

Perfect Honeymoon Escape

We visited Alta Lakes Observatory for our "mini-moon" and it was amazing. It was the perfect quiet retreat that we needed right after our wedding. As you can see from the pictures the location is spectacular and extremely secluded. I highly suggest a high clearance vehicle if you are visiting in the summer and will be driving up to the house. While 4 wheel drive is not necessary, the road has lots of very large potholes and high clearance will make the drive in much more enjoyable. We pre-planned a few days worth of meals and picked up groceries in Telluride before heading out to the Observatory. The Observatory sits above 11,300 ft in elevation, thus altitude sickness is something to keep an eye out for. Luckily, we were not affected. We rented inflatable paddle boards and also brought them out to the Observatory....which was really fun! We also hired Metamorphic Massage out of Telluride to come out to the house one day for a couples massage! And we hiked! The whole trip was really fantastic! Matty was extremely knowledgeable about property and was available by text to answer all of our questions. Nicole was so friendly and helpful in the booking process. I cannot recommend this place enough. And might be planning a return trip already!
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

The Observatory

This was my families second stay here and it was just as amazing as I remembered!!! Since the last time 13 yrs. ago the new owners have made some awesome upgrades to the property but it still maintains the original charm. From the booking process right through our stay they were very responsive and always checking to see if we needed anything. My only recommendation is that they add an additional shower since I am usually with a large group but I believe that is already on their agenda :)
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

Patricia H.

Life in a Snow Globe

Have you ever looked into a snow globe and thought "that place looks perfect!"??. Well then you would be talking about Alta Lakes. I am very late in writing this review, but our family (2 adults, 2 teenagers, small dog) spent a week over New Year's at Alta Lakes. It was absolutely breathtaking in every way. The location is incredible - perched at over 11,000 feet, every direction you look is another spectacular view. My daughter described it as the world's most beautiful playground, and that is accurate! The cabin itself is perfect - it is charming and rustic while still offering the modern amenities. It is cozy yet so well laid out that we felt we had loads of space. Matt, the local caretaker is awesome - available to help when you need him. He is very knowledgeable about the area and its history which we very much appreciated. The location is isolated, so it may not be for everyone. But, if you love the outdoors, natural beauty and are happy to be with the ones you are traveling with, then this place is perfection. We will definitely return!
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

Beth D., Gilbert, AZ

""WOW"" It's going to be hard to find one better than this.

This cabin is going to be hard to beat for the views and it's uniqueness. May even have to come back sometime. We try to find new places for our vacations which explains why we may come back. The views from the cabin and surrounding area can't be described, only seen in person to appreciate. We were at the cabin during the 4th of July weekend and barely saw a soul at the upper lake. The campground down below can't be seen or heard from the cabin. Make sure you keep the gate locked when you pass the lower lakes, and then drive up the private road. I would recommend mid to late June for your stay, plenty of snow still on the ground, and on the mountains. We did get a short rain or storm on most days but was a welcome change for use coming up from Phoenix. Our biggest concern at the cabin were the stairs, very steep and no back to them. We had our two golden retrievers with us and was a problem the first couple days going up. We always bring a couple baby gates to keep the dogs out of certain areas and were needed on this trip. Highly recommend you bring gates if you have small children, or adults that may have a few too many. I could keep going on but I'll stop here and let you decide if you want to stay.
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer J.

Wow.

My husband and I spent a week at The Observatory for my birthday and instantly fell in love. Beautiful scenery, wildlife, amazing home and close to Telluride! Exactly what we needed to get away from everyday life! Matt was so helpful and kind! We will definitely be back!

About the host

Hosted by Alta Lakes Observatory

Host profile image
This is Matt "Mattie" Bowling. He is a long time Telluride local who IS The Observatory. So, what is The Observatory? What's the deal?

In the summer of 1974, Jim Russell started to build the cabin along with the help of about 25 other young locals while living in the abandoned mining town of Alta. It earned it's name, The Observatory, by the many locals who have stayed there over the years...at 11,300 feet it's so close to the moon and stars!

In 2010, Matt and his two brothers, were thrilled to purchase The Observatory from Papa Russell (Jim). Some improvements have been made; however, the soul, the essence of The Observatory remains unchanged.

Mattie and his loved-by-everyone-who-meets-her wife, Ana, live in Telluride proper. The other two brothers unfortuantely don't live in Telluride. It's a small family business and the Bowling brothers are committed to helping you make memories that you will cherish forever - whether you are a once in a lifetime guest or a guest that must have their fix of The Observatory repeated.

Why they chose this property

There are truly but a few places in Colorado that can offer the beauty and remoteness that The Observatory offers.
Lakes, meadows of wildflowers, forests, mushrooming, eagles soaring, wild life exploring...someone summed it up by saying 'Oh! THIS is where God goes on vacation!'. Whether you are seeking pure mountain solitude or an outdoor adventure, The Observatory is the perfect location.

What makes this property unique

Adjacent to the Telluride Ski Area, the Observatory is the perfect 'off-piste' back country lodge in the winter. Enjoyed by some of the top extreme skiers from around the world, it is family friendly as well! The Observatory. Extremely. Comfortable. Backcountry.

Languages:

English
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