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Specials:Hottub|ChefsKitchen|Sleeps9:RusticRanch

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Outdoor spa tub
A wooden cabin kitchen with a central island, hanging pots, and a view into the living area.
The spacious family room features vaulted ceilings, plenty of comfortable seating, skylights, floor to ceiling windows, plenty of games, a connected workspace and 75" SmartTV.
Spa
Exterior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms4+ bathroomsSleeps 9

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Ignacio, CO
  • Place, Sky Ute Casino
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Place, Los Pinos River
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Place, Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • Airport, Durango, CO (DRO-La Plata County)
    ‪15 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 9)

Bedroom 1 (Master)

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Twin Bed and 1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 King Bed

4 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1 (Ensuite Master)

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 4

Toilet

Bathroom 5

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Specials:Hottub|ChefsKitchen|Sleeps9:RusticRanch

Welcome to Lucky Elk Ranch
Breathtaking mountain views await at this 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath luxury retreat nestled on 35 serene acres just 20 minutes from Old Town Durango. Whether you’re planning a family reunion, wellness retreat, micro-wedding, or peaceful getaway, Lucky Elk Ranch offers a one-of-a-kind experience blending rustic charm and modern comfort. Soak in the hot tub under the stars, gather for meals in the chef’s kitchen, or enjoy fresh eggs straight from the coop.
Your unforgettable mountain retreat begins here!

-- THE PROPERTY – 4000 Sq Ft
Hot tub | Huge Fully Fenced BackYard | 2 Living Rooms | 2 Kids Lofts with TVs

Main House: 4 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms | Sleeps 9
⭐️Optional Add-On: The Falcon’s Nest Studio | 1 Bedroom King + Queen Futon | Sleeps 4⭐️

OUTDOOR LIVING:
Hot tub with panoramic mountain views, multiple patios with lounge seating, grill, hammock, “Magic Garden” dining area under cantina lights, 3/4-acre fenced yard for pets, 3-acre fenced pasture for horses, fire pit, farm-fresh eggs from resident hens
INDOOR LIVING:
2 spacious living rooms on the opposite ends of the house with Smart TVs, library, cozy upstairs TV nook, 2 kids’ lofts with TVs, large dining table (seats 14–four seats at the large kitchen island, six at the large round hammered copper dining room table and four at the breakfast nook area), luxury furnishings, free high-speed WiFi

SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS:
Bedroom 1: King Bed (Primary Suite located on main floor)
Bedroom 2: Queen Bed (2nd floor-cannon ball room) + Kids loft #1
Bedroom 3: 2 beds - Twin over Queen bunk + Kid's loft #2
Bedroom 4: King Bed

KITCHEN:
Fully stocked chef’s kitchen with modern appliances, cookware, utensils, and pantry essentials; Full gourmet kitchen in The Falcon’s Nest

GENERAL:
Washer/dryer, linens/towels, central heating, wood burning stove in winter, large private circular driveway with ample parking for trailers or Sprinters, pet-friendly - up to 2 dogs and up to 4 horses welcome (with approval and fees)

EVENTS & RETREATS:
Perfect for family reunions, wellness getaways, micro-weddings (up to 50 guests; event fee applies), and corporate or creative retreats

ADDITIONAL PERKS:
Complimentary organic eggs, stargazing hot tub for up to 7, sweeping San Juan Mountain views, direct host support from Chance & Elizabeth

-- THE LOCATION --
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS:
Old Town Durango (20 min)
Million Dollar Highway Scenic Drive
Durango-La Plata Airport (7 min)
Purgatory Ski Resort (50 min)
San Juan National Forest (30 min)
Vallecito Lake (40 min)
Aztec Ruins National Monument (45 min)
Pagosa Springs (35 min)
Mesa Verde National Park and Pueblo Ruins (45 min)

LOCAL FAVORITES:
-Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway
-Animas River Trail
-Lake Nighthorse (swimming, fishing, kayaking, boating)
-James Ranch Grill (local farm-to-table dining)
-Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa
-Honeyville (local honey & distillery)

-- GUEST ACCESS --
Guests have full access to the Main House only. The entire property spans 35 acres with private pastures, fenced yards, and ample parking.
Guests needing larger accommodations may inquire about renting the Main House (sleeps 9) PLUS The Falcons Nest Studio (sleeps 4).

-- GUEST EXPERIENCE --
Your hosts, Chance and Elizabeth, live just minutes away and are happy to assist with anything you need — from local tips to grocery delivery through their “Fill the Fridge” service. They may stop by to collect fresh eggs daily but will always respect your privacy. Guests are also welcome to join in and gather eggs!

-- THINGS TO KNOW --
-Damage Protection & Security Hold: A refundable $500 security hold is required prior to arrival and released after checkout, provided no damage occurs.
-Rental Agreement: Guests are required to review and agree to a standard rental agreement prior to check-in.
-Maximum Occupancy: The maximum overnight occupancy is 13 guests, including children.
-Events & Gatherings: Events or gatherings with non-overnight guests require prior written approval.
-Pets: Pets are welcome with prior approval and an additional nightly fee.
-Children: Children are welcome. Please note the property is not childproofed and requires supervision.
-No Smoking: Smoking or vaping of any kind is not permitted anywhere on the property.
-Check-In / Check-Out: Check-in is after 3:00 PM | Check-out is by 11:00 AM.

-- REST EASY WITH US --
Lucky Elk Ranch was featured on the TV show Staycation and lovingly renovated in 2023 to offer guests a luxurious yet down-to-earth mountain experience. Whether you’re here for adventure or stillness, you’ll find a space designed for connection, restoration, and creating memories that last a lifetime.

Welcome to Away From it
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 50 lbs per pet (limit 2 pets total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Please just pile any used towels on the floor in the bathrooms. When stripping beds, just place used linens on the floor in the bedroom. No need to strip mattress cover unless soiled.
Please close any open windows.
Come see us again soon!
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 3437856
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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the neighborhood

Ignacio

Located in Ignacio, this vacation home is in the mountains. Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Eagle Park and Ute Park. Durango Arts Center and The Powerhouse are also worth visiting.
Map
Ignacio, CO

What's nearby

  • Sky Ute Casino - 15 min drive - 14.8 km
  • Los Pinos River - 15 min drive - 13.7 km
  • Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum - 16 min drive - 15.2 km
  • Animas River - 23 min drive - 21.9 km
  • Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad - 29 min drive - 29.6 km

Getting around

  • Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad Station - 26 min drive
  • Durango–La Plata County Airport (DRO) - 11 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Roadhouse Pizza Company - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Tequila's Mexican Restaurant - ‬23 min drive
  • ‪Bottom Shelf Brewery - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Rolling Thunder Grill - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Billygoat Saloon - ‬23 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Specials:Hottub|ChefsKitchen|Sleeps9:RusticRanch pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 50 lbs per pet.

How much does it cost to stay at Specials:Hottub|ChefsKitchen|Sleeps9:RusticRanch?

As of May 17, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Specials:Hottub|ChefsKitchen|Sleeps9:RusticRanch on Jun 1, 2026 start from $654, 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 Specials:Hottub|ChefsKitchen|Sleeps9:RusticRanch?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Specials:Hottub|ChefsKitchen|Sleeps9:RusticRanch?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Specials:Hottub|ChefsKitchen|Sleeps9:RusticRanch located?

Situated in the mountains, this vacation home is within 9 mi (15 km) of Bayfield Town Hall, Eagle Park, and Sky Ute Casino. Los Pinos River and Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum are also within 9 mi (15 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. 14 out of 14 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 14 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 14 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 14 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 14 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Just as advertised- comfy, roomy and memorable. Great communication with owners.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Celia B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
House was beautiful and very well supplied with everything we needed to host a family get-together at Thanksgiving. Our host was great! Friendly, responsive and accommodating.
Stayed 16 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Dec 26, 2025
Thanks Celia! We loved hosting you and your family over Thanksgiving and are so glad that Lucky Elk provided the perfect spot for your celebration. We hope you end up being neighbors! Hope to see you again soon! Safe travels.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Monica D.

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

Amazing

Beautiful and relaxing. Definitely would book this place again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 3, 2025
So enjoyed hosting you and you family at Lucky Elk! Hope to see you again soon!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stefanie K.

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

Lovely Colorado Country Hideaway

Great stay from start to finish. Lovely hosts who made sure all our needs were met! Beautiful views and plenty of space to spread out inside the house!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Feb 24, 2024
Thanks Stefanie! We’re so glad you enjoyed the ranch and your stay with us. We look forward to hosting you again soon!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan B.

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

Wonderful stay just outside Durango

The house is great. As advertised, it is 20-25 min from Durango. So you have peace, quiet, great views. The house is very well equipped and up to date. Hosts are nearby and very kind.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 18, 2024
Thanks Jonathan! We’re so glad you enjoyed your stay and look forward to hosting you (and hopefully your extended family next time!) again soon!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Becky N.

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

Wedding Week

This property was everything and more! We had our son’s wedding in Durango and needed space for us and my son’s groomsmen and this was perfect. Chance is the perfect host with great communication and flexibility for us to host a few larger wedding party dinners. We would highly recommend this big beautiful space for your next visit, reunion or special event.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 19, 2023
So glad we were able to make this special occasion that much more memorable for you and your family! We loved hosting your family and look forward to hosting you again soon!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kamae L.

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

Beautiful, peaceful and wanted to stay longer

We had the most relaxing enjoyable time at this lodge like house. It had enough space for us to have space but also family areas we could watch movies or play games. We love the chickens and the farm fresh eggs are such a wonderful treat. We had fun feeding the chickens and visiting with the Mules. The interior is decorated beautifully and the clawfoot bathtub in the master is Divine! We hot-tubbed at night and saw all the stars. It was exactly what this family with our adult children needed to reconnect and re charge. Chad the host is so lovely he made us feel like family. We will be back. Thank you!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa W.

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

Country Home

The home worked out perfectly for our group. We traveled with family our main goal was spending time together. The patio and backyard are both a perfect way to start (coffee) and end (wine) the day. Our dogs also enjoyed the large yard and the freedom to run and lounge. We cooked a lot of our meals (for 9). The kitchen had everything we needed. The drive into Durango took about 25 minutes. We made the trip once a day and were able to enjoy the area too. Overall everyone enjoyed the house and it worked as a great home base for us.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth R.

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

Family Vacation

We had a great time at Lucky Elk! We stayed for 10 days, and enjoyed every minute. It sits on a large property far enough from your neighbors with alot of open space surrounding. The property owners live about 5 min away and will come by daily to maintain the property and tend to the chicken coop that is nearby. They gave us some fresh eggs from their chickens that were very good. They are very attentive hosts. The house itself has all the essentials and is very cozy. This is a great place for a large family to vacation. There is a LARGE fenced in yard for your dogs to play-mine loved it. It is a place I would definitely visit again!
Stayed 9 nights in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Nov 21, 2023
Thanks so much Elizabeth! We loved hosting your family and look forward to having you back again soon!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Allen M.

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

Weekend get away

I recently had the pleasure of staying at a charming log cabin retreat located on a picturesque hay meadow near Durango, Colorado. From the start, the hosts were fantastic, offering great communication that made our check-in process seamless and stress-free. Their attention to detail and genuine hospitality set the tone for a wonderful stay. The cabin itself is a delightful mix of rustic charm and modern comfort. The spacious interior is thoughtfully furnished, but one of the highlights is undoubtedly the large back porch. We spent countless hours here, soaking in the quiet atmosphere and marveling at the spectacular views of the surrounding meadows and mountains. It was the perfect spot for morning coffee, afternoon reading, and evening stargazing. Overall, this log cabin retreat near Durango is a gem. Its serene setting, combined with excellent amenities and stunning views, makes it an ideal destination for anyone looking to unwind and reconnect with nature. We can't wait to come back!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michelle M.

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

Thanksgiving

This property is beyond special, it’s not your ordinary rental. This is a home! Well decorated with special art painted from their family members, interesting pieces that you could tell were collected after many years. Warm and inviting with endless accommodations. We hosting thanksgiving at a nearby ranch owned by my partner and rented this for family overflow. However, it was so special, I would love to just rent it and entertain there just to show off its beauty. It was great for my 81 year old mom to have everything on the first floor, so she didn’t have to go up and down the stairs. And my college age kids, stayed upstairs with plenty of room to spread out and feel spoiled. The host and hostess were so accommodating and kind. They even had farm fresh eggs for us to cook in the very well appointed kitchen. I would definitely stay at this cozy and charming home again!! Thank you again Chance and Elizabeth for having us in your home and making this Thanksgiving memory unforgettable!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Dec 16, 2024
Thanks for your thoughtful and authentic comments Michelle! We were honored to host your beloved family members and grateful that Lucky Elk so perfectly met your families needs! We strive to strike the right balance of elegance and comfort and it’s comments like this that reassure us that we’ve got it right. We look forward to hosting you and your family again and meeting you and your partner on future visits to Durango!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jim H.

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

Amazing house and property near Durango

Spectacular home! We enjoyed our stay here very much. The house is a beautiful 2 story log house with a master suite on the ground floor, remaining bedrooms upstairs. The furnishings are first class. Nice art work throughout. It is located in farmland East of Durango in rolling hills of Juniper with great mountain vistas. The house is well stocked with appliances, cooking gear, kitchen utensils, and basic supplies. Games galore. Two living rooms with t.v.'s. The beds are very comfortable. There are many areas for people to separate to when needing their own space as well as plenty of space for everyone to come together. The master bath is dreamy. Washer & Dryer in the master bathroom (isolated and out of the way). The grounds are nicely manicured and maintained. Lots of flowers. Hummingbirds ever present on the feeders on the back porch. A large hot tub on the back deck. Nice grill for cooking. This house really has it all. We brought our two dogs with us. They were happy campers. The back yard is a half acre, fenced. Grass surface. Perfect for games of frisbee or playing with a ball. The dogs slept well. Durango is 20 to 25 minutes away depending on traffic. The pace of life at the house is a welcome state of quiet relative to the frenzy of town. Chance & Elizabeth were great to work with. They live nearby and can jump in when needed. The photos on VRBO are an accurate reflection of what you will find upon arrival. Book this house, thank me later.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 14, 2023
Wow! Thanks so much Jim! We so loved having you, your lovely family and those sweet doggie with us this past week! So glad you found us! You are the type of guests every host dreams about and we look forward to having you back with us again soon! We look forward to the opportunity to stay at your place in Fort Collins sometime soon as well! Safe travels and we’ll see you down the road!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This place is awesome. Even better than the pictures. The location is great, close to Durango, the airport, fishing, and day trips to Silverton, Ouray, Telluride, etc. While it is close, it is in the countryside and very peaceful and quiet. Lots of room and a great views!
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Steven S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 24, 2025
We so enjoyed hosting you and your family and look forward to seeing you again soon!

About the host

Hosted by Chance and Elizabeth Carpenter

Host profile image
In June of 2022, we sold our home of nearly 30 years in Scottsdale, AZ and moved to the Durango area. We felt it was time to get out of the confines of a sprawling city of 5 million + people and have some new adventures. We rented a home (that is currently about 5 minutes from Lucky Elk Ranch) and began a search for the perfect place to put down roots. We had a long and pretty specific list of boxes that needed checking...beautiful, spacious home, security, water sovereignty, acreage, amazing views...it went on a bit. We called it the 'Purple Unicorn' list. And when we found Lucky Elk, we knew this was it and so much more...and it was right in the neighborhood. What we also realized was that with a little love, this amazing property would be the perfect Luxury Vacation Rental. So we acquired the land and began a full renovation on both the main house and the studio above the attached garage. Thus began the adventure of Lucky Elk Ranch...

Why they chose this property

In addition to the property checking so many of the boxes on our extensive list, what we LOVE about this farm community neighborhood is that you’re literally out in the middle of the country… it’s quiet (no road noise), peaceful and serene at the ranch and yet you’re so close to so much of the amazing playground that is Durango and the stunning landscapes of the surrounding areas. We’re a 7 minute drive from the Durango Airport. We’re 15 minutes from the hospital and bigger box stores in southern Durango. We’re 20 minutes from the charm, shopping and restaurants of Old Town Durango. We’re 15 minutes each from the charming villages of Bayfield and Ignacio. The stunning beauty of tVillacito Reservoir and Lake Lemon are only 20-30 minutes north of Bayfield. Do you ski? We’re only 45-60 minutes (depending on the time of year of course) from world-class skiing at Purgatory Ski Resort. The deepest hot springs in the world are only 35 minutes to the east in Pagosa Springs and breathtaking Wolf Creek Ski Area is only another 35 minutes northeast of there. To top it all off, the Village of Telluride ski area is only 90 minutes from Lucky Elk. The world famous Durango-Silverton steam train takes you through some of the most spectacular scenery on Planet Earth and the ‘Million Dollar Highway’ offers some of that same breathtaking scenery for drivers…only a 5-6 hour day trip from Lucky Elk. Mountain bike enthusiasts from around the globe come to the area to enjoy Phil’s World only an hour west near the village of Dolores and literally thousands of miles of some of the best biking trails in the world. There’s world-class rafting, kayaking, fishing, hiking, boating, snowmobiling, ATV’ing, zip-lining and just about any amazing outdoor activity you can possible think of all within a proverbial ‘stones throw’ of Lucky Elk Ranch. And with all of that…you may be perfectly content to sit in the hot tub at the ranch, just take in the stunning mountain views and relax.

What makes this property unique

As we mentioned above, Lucky Elk Ranch is stands out for so many reasons. Starting with the gorgeous log ranch home. It's spacious and sleeps up to 9 in the main house. And if you need more room, the 'Falcon's Nest' studio above the attached garage is available for rent and sleeps an additional 4. The log home is the epitome of 'Rustic Elegance'. It's comfortably appointed with leather couches, comfy beds, a gourmet kitchen, plenty of seating, 4 SmartTV's, Starlink high-speed Internet and ample parking for all. The views of the San Juan mountains are truly breathtaking and the spacious rear patio and hot tub that seats up to 7 are the perfect vantage points to take it all in. Nearly every light switch in the house is on a dimmer, allowing you to create the ambiance you prefer. There is a full-sized, cast iron clawfoot tub in the master bedroom with an amazing view of the mountains out the window. Add to that a giant stone tiled shower, huge walk-in closet and spacious double sink vanity. The master bedroom features a gas fireplace with remote control. Pets are welcome on a case by case basis. The entire property is fully fenced and so too is the nearly 1 acre back yard, making it a dogs paradise. And finally what makes our property unique is us!...your hosts. We are only 5 minutes away and will do whatever we can to help you make unforgettable memories during your stay in 'the Heart of Away From it All'.

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