The Bear Den | Lake + Alpine Lookouts | Fast Wifi

Welcome to your cozy Twin Lakes retreat, perfect for peaceful days in the mountains.

- Sleeps 4 | 2 bedrooms | 2 beds | 1 bath
- Private patio or balcony
- Heating, single-level layout
- Kitchen & dedicated workspace
- Lake access via path or dock
- Pet-friendly

We're here for you during your stay but our level of interaction is up to you. We are only a phone call or message away. You will be able to self check-in upon arrival. We are happy to assist via phone or through Airbnb before, during or after your stay.

Once a week, one of our team members will stop by the property to put out the trash cans, replenish our supplies, and/or restock sheets and towels. They will NOT enter the home. They have access to the storage or shed with a code. This day may or may not fall during your stay.

TOWN OF TWIN LAKES & SURROUNDING AREA
Just outside the cabin you will enjoy stunning views of Mt Elbert - the second-highest peak in the contiguous U.S. as well as of Mt. Hope, another of the tallest peaks in Colorado. You will fall in love with the clear morning lake views and awe-inspiring panoramic perspectives. These gorgeous mountain views create an amazing backdrop for the ever-changing light show, which offers glorious sunrises and mind-blowing sunsets. Occasional passing storms and rainbows add to the magnificent display of nature.

A mere two-hour drive from Denver, Twin Lakes is a remote historic mining town. Nestled deep within a National Forest at the base of the Rockies’ tallest mountains, yet close to the booming outdoor adventure towns of Buena Vista and Leadville, the town of Twin Lakes is an undiscovered gem. Our cabins offer the best views in the state of Colorado and immediate access to the wilderness just outside your door. You will gain an appreciation for the peaceful beauty of this untamed area like you have never known before.

ACTIVITIES & RECREATION
Twin Lakes and Mt. Elbert Forebay are both a quick 5-10 minute drive from here. You'll find various activities to enjoy, including:
• Swimming
• Onsite disc golf course (3 holes)
• Canoeing (rentals available)
• Kayaking (rentals available)
• Stand-up paddle-boarding (rentals available)
• Lake fishing (try ice fishing in the winter!)
• Hiking/Cross-country skiing/Snowshoeing/Mountain biking. There are endless trails just outside your door for you to enjoy.
• 14ers - Bag your peaks here! Use this as your base camp. The most accessible mountains are:
Elbert, Massive, Huron, La Plata, Missouri, Belford, Oxford, Harvard, Colombia and Yale.
• Stargazing. On clear nights you may see planets, and, of course, myriad stars. View the details of the Milky Way as rarely seen in our world today. Don’t forget to bring your telescope!
• ATVing/4-Wheeling/Snowmobiling. Haul your vehicle up. There’s plenty of space!
• Whitewater rafting on the Arkansas river
• Fly fishing the 100+ miles of Gold Medal trout water on the Arkansas River
• Hunting
• Gold-panning

We are accessible year-round. Our cabin is located on a county road that gets plowed when there's snow; however, we still recommend AWD with good tire tread in the snowy months (generally December to April). Winter driving conditions on the highways leading to the cabin can change rapidly, so check the weather before heading out. Colorado has some specific winter driving laws pertaining to tire requirements.

DRIVING DISTANCES - SKI RESORTS
• Copper - 50 min
• Ski-Cooper - 40 min
• Monarch - 1 hour 10 min
• Vail - 1 hour 15 min
• Keystone - 1 hour 15 min
• Breckenridge - 1 hour 15 min

DRIVING DISTANCES - TOWNS/CITIES
• Twin Lakes (town) - 8 minutes
• Denver - 2 hours
• Buena Vista - 30 minutes
• Leadville - 25 minutes
• Aspen - 3 hours
• Salida - 1 hour
• Colorado Springs - 2 hours 15 min

Soft winter light settles over the quiet mountain valley as you step into a peaceful stretch of alpine stillness. Crisp air, soaring peaks, and the calm of Twin Lakes surround you, offering a sense of retreat the moment you arrive. Inside, warmth, comfort, and the ease of single-level living create a welcoming place to settle in after time outdoors.

Sleeping arrangements
The cabin features a king bed and a queen bed, each with memory foam mattresses designed for restful nights at altitude. Room-darkening shades, extra pillows and blankets, and simple bedroom comforts support both short and extended stays.

Living spaces
A cozy seating area invites relaxed evenings with a TV, board games, and soft lighting. Heating keeps the space comfortable during cold-weather days, and the single-level layout provides easy movement throughout the home. A dedicated workspace and wifi allow you to stay connected when needed.

Kitchen and dining
The kitchen offers the essentials you need for cooking your own meals, including a stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator, and freezer. A dining table provides a comfortable spot to gather for breakfast before heading out into the winter landscape or returning from a day exploring nearby trails.

Outdoor living
The cabin includes a private entrance and a private patio or balcony, giving you space to step outside and breathe in the high mountain air. Outdoor furniture and a BBQ grill are available, along with shared outdoor areas that include a firepit and grill space. Free onsite and street parking make arrival simple, even during snowy months. Lake access is nearby, reached via a path or dock.

Family friendly
Families will find thoughtful touches such as a Pack n play and travel crib, board games, and table corner guards. Babysitter recommendations are provided for those who may want extra flexibility during their stay.

Home care and safety
Washer and dryer access, bathroom essentials, and standard safety features such as a smoke alarm, carbon monoxide alarm, fire extinguisher, and first aid kit add convenience and peace of mind. Pets are welcome in this pet-friendly space, and assistance animals are always allowed. Self check-in with a smart lock makes your arrival smooth at any hour.

Neighborhood
Surrounded by 14,000 ft peaks and set near the historic village of Twin Lakes, the cabin places you in a landscape defined by alpine scenery and quiet winter beauty. Trails, lakes, and wide-open wilderness are close by, allowing you to experience the season at your own pace while returning to the comfort of the cabin at day’s end.

Perfect for
Guests seeking a peaceful winter retreat, outdoor enthusiasts exploring the area’s cold-season terrain, remote workers looking for a quiet setting, and those who appreciate simple comforts in a mountain environment.

There is no public transportation that will take you up here. You will need your own vehicle. 4WD is recommended throughout the year and required during winter months due to potential heavy snowfall.

In the patio area, you'll find a dedicated grill space, part of our shared outdoor amenities. Enjoy evenings around the communal firepit, a cozy gathering spot shared among our four cabin properties. Kindly note that the futons in the cabins are designed for seating only and are securely fixed in place. They cannot be converted into beds.

BRINGING ALONG YOUR FURRY FRIEND?
Let us know a little about your dog(s) and we should be able to accommodate with an adjustment to our cleaning fee. $75 cleaning fee per dog, maximum two dogs only. Sorry, no cats permitted.

Events are subject to approval. Please note event fees will apply.

THE WILDLIFE:
There are animals around the premises including many deer, foxes, multiple species of raptors and other birds, armadillos, many rabbits, black bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, coyotes and more! You won’t see all of these at the cabin, but if you get out on the trails, you might get lucky...

MOUNTAIN LIVING
1. We are located just shy of 10,000 feet. Please drink plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness.
2. Sometimes the wind kicks up to remind us of all the things we cannot control, but it usually settles down again within a few hours. You would be best not to leave belongings outside.
3. Wildlife is somewhat rare but has been known to wander through, please do not leave food outside at night.
4. Be prepared with lots of clothing layers so you can adapt to changing conditions. Mountain storms come and go quickly.
5. 4WD is recommended throughout the year and required during winter months due to potential heavy snowfall.

RESPECT
The Bear Den is located in a remote, tiny mountain town. Twin Lakes is pretty amazing; in fact, our family is a little apprehensive to share it with others. As visitors to the area, please think about your impact on our town and the small surrounding communities. Please respect full-time residents' privacy and solitude. Follow Leave No Trace guidelines when visiting and recreating in the beautiful outdoors, and consider supporting local dining and shopping during your stay.

SMOKING
We like to keep our cabins as fresh as the outside alpine air. If you need to smoke, you'll need to step outside to do so. There will be a $600 fine for any smoking inside the cabins

FIRE
There is currently a fire ban in place. Violations is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000. Please be careful and check with Lake County for more recent updates.

VIEWS
While the cabin windows don't provide a direct view of the lake, taking a short walk outside reveals a stunning view of Twin Lakes and the surrounding mountains.

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Lake County STR License # 2024-016