Two Homes with Private Gate to Canyons of the Ancients • Near Mesa Verde NP
Brand new listing! Big discounts while we earn our first 5-star reviews!
OVERVIEW Two homes on four quiet acres with a private gate that opens directly into Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. Walk from the porch to public‑land trails—no driving or easements. Big‑sky views, true dark‑sky nights, and room for everyone make this an ideal base for Mesa Verde, Cortez, and Four Corners adventures.
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT • Private gate into Canyons of the Ancients for instant trail access • Two fully independent homes booked together—perfect for multi‑gen families, two couples, or a friends’ trip • Dark‑sky stargazing and sandstone‑canyon vistas • Fast Starlink Wi‑Fi and a dedicated workspace • Effortless self check‑in and simple checkout
SLEEPING & LAYOUT Main House (2BR/2BA) • Living: open great room with sectional, gas stove, and a wall of windows on the high‑desert view • Kitchen & dining: full kitchen stocked for real cooking; indoor dining table • Bedrooms: Bedroom 1—King; Bedroom 2—2 Double Beds • Baths: two full baths on one level
Guest House (1BR/1BA) • Living: quiet casita with its own living room and view porch • Kitchen: full, private kitchen • Bedroom: Bedroom 1—King; Loft—Queen • Bath: one full bath
KITCHENS & DINING • Both homes have full kitchens with cookware, dinnerware, and basic pantry items • Outdoor seating for sunrise coffee and sunset conversation
WORK & WI‑FI • Strong Starlink Wi‑Fi throughout • Dedicated workspace so you can blend adventure and remote work
OUTDOOR SPACES & ACCESS • Four acres of high‑desert privacy with a private gate directly onto monument trails • True dark‑sky nights for stargazing • Easy day trips to Mesa Verde National Park (about 15 minutes), Hovenweep, Durango, and the wider Four Corners region
GUEST ACCESS • Your reservation includes both homes and all outdoor areas • Smart‑lock self check‑in; a unique code is issued for your stay
PARKING & ARRIVAL • On‑site parking for 5 vehicles; trailer or RV by prior approval only • Rural road access; expect typical high‑desert conditions and seasonal weather
REMOTE HOSTING & LOCAL SUPPORT • We manage remotely from North Carolina and are a phone call or message away • Our local team in Cortez provides on‑the‑ground support
WATER & ENVIRONMENT • The property is on a deep, filtered well with reverse osmosis at the kitchen sink; taste may differ slightly due to natural minerals • Please follow public‑land etiquette when entering from the gate: stay on designated trails and leave what you find
HOUSE RULES SNAPSHOT • Registered guests only; no events or parties • Quiet hours and respect for the land and neighbors • Pet policy: Pets permitted (pre‑approval required; fee applies; see House Rules for limits) • Check‑in/out: 4:00 PM check‑in, 10:00 AM check‑out (also shown in the booking details)
GOOD TO KNOW • High‑desert climate brings day‑to‑night temperature swings; pack layers • Seasonal notes: brief summer monsoons and occasional winter snow are normal for the region • There is one exterior camera pointing down the driveway; no interior cameras.
WHY TRAVELERS LOVE IT Private, peaceful, and perfectly placed—step onto miles of trails from your own gate, spread out across two independent homes, and finish each day under a star‑filled sky. This is a rare basecamp where convenience, quiet, and direct access all line up.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Just make sure you’ve gathered your belongings, enjoy that last cup of coffee on the porch, and we’ll handle the rest. Your vacation is meant to be relaxing right up to the very end.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 4700874
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
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
Cortez
Cortez is home to this vacation home. Notah Dineh Trading Company and Museum and Clay Mesa art Gallery and Studio are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Sutcliffe Vineyards and Dolores River Brewery. Cortez Cultural Center and Cultural Park are also worth visiting.
Yucca House National Monument - 25 min drive - 30.3 km
Colorado Welcome Center at Cortez - 25 min drive - 31.9 km
Ute Mountain Casino - 29 min drive - 41.8 km
Getting around
Cortez, CO (CEZ-Montezuma County) - 17 min drive
Restaurants
Sutcliffe Vineyards - 10 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is Two Homes with Private Gate to Canyons of the Ancients • Near Mesa Verde NP pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total).
How much does it cost to stay at Two Homes with Private Gate to Canyons of the Ancients • Near Mesa Verde NP?
As of May 11, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Two Homes with Private Gate to Canyons of the Ancients • Near Mesa Verde NP on Jun 20, 2026 start from $306, 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 Two Homes with Private Gate to Canyons of the Ancients • Near Mesa Verde NP?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Two Homes with Private Gate to Canyons of the Ancients • Near Mesa Verde NP?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Two Homes with Private Gate to Canyons of the Ancients • Near Mesa Verde NP located?
Situated in Cortez, this vacation home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Sutcliffe Vineyards and Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. Hawkins Preserve and Notah Dineh Trading Company and Museum are also within 20 mi (32 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Property was clean and stocked with extras. Beds were comfortable, towel new and clean. It is a perfect place to unwind and enjoy nature. Access to the hiking trail and close proximity to a vineyard were an extra bonus. We enjoyed our stay very much. Highly recommend.
Kelly H.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 10, 2025
Kelly, we’re so glad you had such a positive experience! Thank you for being a wonderful guest and taking great care of the property during your stay. If your travels bring you back to the Cortez area, we’d be delighted to host you again!
Perfect location to Canyon of the Ancients and many offerings of this magical corner of Colorado! Well appointed, stocked and labeled, especially the kitchen. Owner was extremely helpful and responsive. We would definitely return for another vacation to this beautiful property.
Dennis
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
About the host
Hosted by David Riggins
Hello! We're a family of firefighters from North Carolina who fell in love with the high desert's privacy and beauty. We created Sand Canyon Oasis as our personal getaway and are excited to share it. What truly captured us was the land—the beautiful home, seclusion, and especially the direct BLM access via a private gate into the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. Our goal is a relaxing stay for you, which is why we proudly offer our 'Effortless Checkout'. We're just a message away!
Why they chose this property
We chose this specific location for its unparalleled combination of seclusion and adventure. The neighborhood offers a profound sense of privacy and tranquility, allowing you to truly disconnect. What we enjoy most is the incredible dark sky—at night, the stargazing is absolutely breathtaking. It's a place where you can feel away from it all, yet be on the doorstep of ancient history and vast wilderness.
What makes this property unique
The single most unique feature is our private 'backdoor' to adventure. We have a private gate that opens directly into the 500,000-acre Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. There's no need to drive; you can literally walk out the door and start exploring one of the most significant archaeological sites in the country. This direct access, combined with the property's peaceful seclusion and stunning dark skies, offers a truly rare and unforgettable high-desert experience.
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests