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Thoreau's Cabin: Back to the Basics, Beautifully.

Photo gallery for Thoreau's Cabin: Back to the Basics, Beautifully.

A log cabin with a triangular window offering a mountain view.
A log cabin with a stone fireplace, leather sofa, wooden table, and a view of mountains.
A cozy log cabin bedroom with two beds, a small table with pinecones, and a view of a green landscape through a large window.
A log cabin interior with a leather sofa, wooden dining table, and a stone fireplace.
A wooden cabin with a stone pathway leading to a porch overlooking a mountainous landscape.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Firepit available
    One of the few properties with a dedicated outdoor firepit.
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Dog-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Deck or patio
  • Internet access
  • Fireplace

Explore the area

View in a map
Lake City, CO

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Living Room 1

1 Queen Sofa Bed

Loft Level - Two Queens

2 Queen Beds

Main Level - Queen

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Number of living rooms
Outdoor play area
Garden

About this property

Thoreau's Cabin: Back to the Basics, Beautifully.

Thoreau's Cabin: Where Stillness Speaks Volumes. Discover your true escape in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. Inspired by the spirit of Thoreau, this charming off-grid cabin offers a serene and comfortable base for exploring the unparalleled beauty of the Colorado Rockies near Ouray, Silverton, and Lake City.

Immerse yourself in nature's embrace with breathtaking panoramic views from large windows and relaxing porches. Inside, a cozy fireplace invites you to unwind after a day of adventure. This unique backcountry retreat provides essential comforts, including solar power, running water, and internet access, allowing you to stay connected while feeling completely removed from the everyday.

Please Note: Thoreau's Cabin is nestled in a remote backcountry setting at nearly 11,500 feet of elevation. Guests should be prepared for rugged terrain, variable weather conditions, and the unique challenges of an off-grid experience. Familiarity with backcountry safety and high-altitude environments is highly recommended. A high clearance 4x4 is highly recommended to access the cabin. Coming up from the Lake City side is also recommended.

Location Highlights:

Convenient access to the charming mountain towns of Ouray ("Switzerland of America"), Silverton (historic mining town), and Lake City (gateway to the Alpine Loop). Unparalleled opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and exploring the stunning San Juan National Forest. Experience true tranquility and escape the crowds in this secluded mountain haven.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
Parents please keep a close eye on small children.
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
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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:
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, lock the doors, and return the keys
Please wash any dirty dishes. Bag ALL trash and place in the outdoor can.
Place any used towels and bed sheets in the bathroom floor.
Ensure everything is turned off... lights, stoves, etc. Return the key to the lockbox. The code is 2449.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
No fireworks or shooting guns any time of day/night. Peaceful enjoyment-quiet/dark hours from 8p-8a. No loud noises or bright lights during this time.
A high clearance 4x4 is highly recommended to access the cabin.
No drones over the cabins in the area. Please respect the privacy of neighbors.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 4532168
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: 15
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property

About the neighborhood

Lake City

Lake City is home to this cabin. Ouray Hot Springs Pool and Silverton Mountain Ski Resort are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Animas River and Bear Creek Falls. Take in the nearby slopes with snowboarding and skiing, or check out other outdoor activities such as snowmobiling and sledding.
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Map
Lake City, CO

Frequently asked questions

Is Thoreau's Cabin: Back to the Basics, Beautifully. 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 Thoreau's Cabin: Back to the Basics, Beautifully.?

As of Aug 11, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Thoreau's Cabin: Back to the Basics, Beautifully. on Sep 8, 2026 start from $828, 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.

What time is check-in at Thoreau's Cabin: Back to the Basics, Beautifully.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Thoreau's Cabin: Back to the Basics, Beautifully.?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Thoreau's Cabin: Back to the Basics, Beautifully. located?

Situated in Lake City, this cabin is 7.3 mi (11.7 km) from Animas River and 7.9 mi (12.7 km) from Animas Forks. Bear Creek Falls and Hard Tack Mine are also within 16 mi (25 km).

Reviews

9.6

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. 4 out of 5 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 5 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 5 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 5 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 5 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Jonathan H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent place near Engineers Pass. For anyone wishing to truly get away this is the place to go. But make sure you have a true 4x4 vehicle and/or the experience to get there. The one downside, however, was the lack of communication during the second half of our stay as a new wildfire began relatively close to the cabin and particularly close to one of only two routes out of Lake City. Given the circumstances, it would have been the right thing to reach out to us and make sure we were informed of the situation. I have also not heard from the host(s) since informing them of leaving the cabin two days early because of the previously mentioned wildfire. Overall, this was still a great experience, but make sure if you go, know that you are truly on your own.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Garrett H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was the perfect cabin for a jeeping weekend with friends.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 9, 2025
We’re so glad the cabin was the perfect base for your Jeeping weekend with friends! Sounds like a fun adventure — we’d love to host you all again for your next mountain getaway
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Rich S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We stayed at this cabin for four nights in mid-July with our 14-year-old triplet boys, and it was one of our all-time favorite family trips.The setting is stunning—remote, peaceful, and surrounded by jaw-dropping mountain views. The cabin itself is cozy, clean, and thoughtfully equipped. We loved that there was no TV, which helped us unplug, but also working Starlink Internet when needed.We explored the San Juan Mountains, drove over Engineer Pass, visited Silverton and Animas Forks, and took our rented UTV up to the Golconda Boarding House, a beautiful old mining site just up the mountain. The boys loved roasting s’mores by the creek, and we all enjoyed being surrounded by such natural beauty. Every now and then, we’d see old mining relics—quiet reminders of the early pioneers who once lived here.One afternoon, we spotted a bear across a ravine from the living room using the spotting scope. Don’t worry—it was over a mile away—but unforgettable! The big windows and morning coffee views made us feel like we were part of the landscape.The owner was extremely responsive and helpful when we had a question about one of the appliances. And don’t let the suspension bridge scare you—the wagon made it easy to get everything across.Highly recommend for anyone looking to disconnect, explore, and make memories.
Incredible location!
Bear we spotted on an afternoon drive!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 9, 2025
We’re so glad your family had such a memorable stay and enjoyed everything from mountain adventures to s’mores by the creek! It’s wonderful that the cabin’s setting, wildlife sightings, and unplugged atmosphere helped make this one of your favorite trips. We’d be delighted to welcome you back for more San Juan memories!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lynn N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Tonette B.

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

About the host

Hosted by Perry

Host profile image
Hi there, I'm Perry! Born and raised in Virginia with a curious mind and nomadic soul.

Why they chose this property

The views, serenity, nature and peace.

What makes this property unique

The most iconic Rocky Mountain cabin!

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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