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Alta Lakes Observatory; Rustic Mountain Cabin outside Telluride

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

A rustic interior with a kitchen, dining area, and fireplace.
A modern kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and wooden cabinetry.
A rustic wooden interior with a high ceiling, exposed beams, and a large dining table.
A cozy log cabin bedroom with a stone fireplace, a bed, and a large window offering a view of trees.
A rustic interior with a stone fireplace, wooden beams, and a kitchen area.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Ski access
    A rare find - hit the slopes directly from your doorstep!
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Walk to Telluride Ski Resort
3 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 12

Popular amenities

  • Ski-in/ski-out access
  • Hot tub on site
  • Onsite parking available
  • Dog-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine

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
    ‪20 min walk‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Bedroom 1 - The Wilson Room

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2 - The Sunshine Room

1 Queen Bed and 2 Single 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.

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Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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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

Property # 235621vb
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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 that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

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. Fetch's Mining & Mercantile and Silverton Railroad Depot are also worth visiting. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and don't miss out on the snowmobiling and sledging.
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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

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Big Billies - ‬29 min drive
  • ‪The Butcher & The Baker - ‬34 min drive
  • ‪Oak - ‬34 min drive
  • ‪Steamies Burger Bar - ‬34 min drive
  • ‪Tracks Café & Bar - ‬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 20 Aug 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Alta Lakes Observatory; Rustic Mountain Cabin outside Telluride on 29 Mar 2027 start from £1,981, 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 at Alta Lakes Observatory; Rustic Mountain Cabin outside Telluride?

On-site 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?

Checkout 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 is convenient for winter sports, such as cross-country skiing and sledging. Galloping Goose and Ute Park are also within 2 miles (3 km).

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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