Alta Lakes Observatory; Rustic Mountain Cabin outside Telluride

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Cabin

The Observatory in summer - this keeps it all in perspective.

The Observatory in the winter - this is a classic photo!

Winter is something special at The Observatory.

Situated near the base of Palmyra Peak; surrounded by national forest land.

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

3 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 122400 sq ft

Popular amenities

Parking available
Hot tub
Dryer
Washer
Pet-friendly
Fireplace

Explore the area

Telluride, CO

Telluride Ski Resort
‪1 min walk‬
Telluride Historic District
Telluride Gondola Station
Telluride, CO (TEX-Telluride Regional)

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 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 (you would need to source/provide), snowshoe or skiing in from the back country access gate from the Telluride ski area.

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.

Keywords:

Property manager

Alta Lakes Observatory

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Pet-friendly

Free WiFi

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Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 21

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 3–17

Infant/Toddler are fine; but we have no gear.

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings

13-50 people; Special Event Pricing applies.

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)

$75 per pet per stay.

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 of any size: inquire about pricing. Weddings/Parties: person # 13 turns a regular stay to a special event which must be booked directly.

The Altamate is the only rate available for the Christmas and New Year holidays time period. Contact owner for pricing.

Important information

You need to know

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

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

About the area

Telluride

Located in Telluride, this cabin is in a rural area and on a lake. Telluride Historic District and Nellie are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Telluride Ski Resort and Lynx Ski Lift. Travelling with kids? Consider Fetch's Mining & Mercantile and Silverton Railroad Depot. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and don't miss out on the snowmobiling and sledging.

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 Restaurant - ‬29 min drive
‪Altezza - ‬27 min drive
‪Tomboy Tavern - ‬28 min drive
‪Steamies Burger Bar - ‬34 min drive
‪Oak - ‬34 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Alta Lakes Observatory; Rustic Mountain Cabin outside Telluride pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

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).

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

9.0/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Jasmine L.

18 Oct, 2023

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

The Perfect Wedding

My husband and I never got to have a wedding when we got married back in 2020 and finally decided to celebrate with friends and family. The Observatory was more stunning than any place we could have chosen to spend our special day. Our photographer did an amazing job finding the venue for us. Mountain Top Catering catered a beautiful, delicious dinner for us and knew the Observatory well. The lodge was stunning and cozy. The location was like a fairy tale backdrop for our elopement photos. Mattie and Nicole were a pleasure to work and plan with and had great communication while we planned the perfect weekend. We hope that we can return to the Observatory again someday. The memories we made there are truly unforgettable.

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Olivia G.

24 Jul, 2023

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

Unique and Impressive Experience

The house and the hosts were extremely impressive. The property is unique and has a ton of character and story to tell. Our stay was more than we hoped for - thank you for a tremendous experience!

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Erick S., Santa Catarina

1 Jan, 2023

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

Más de lo que te imaginas

Ha sido una de nuestras mejores experiencias como familia, tienes que ir preparado para esperar lo mejor. Matt el mejor anfitrion. Definitivamente 100% recomendable .

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jason K.

21 Aug, 2022

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Breathtaking Views….

Such a great place to hit the reset button with my family…. Bring your hiking boots and your bikes…. So much to explore and see. Loved the fireside nights and constellation viewing.. If you need anything Mattie will be there..

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Briana T.

30 Jun, 2022

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

Honeymoon Stay

There are no words to describe how magical this property is. We are already planning our return!

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michael P.

2 Mar, 2022

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

Glorious!

Location could not be more amazing! This is a very special place. Thank you Mattie and family for making it available for us to enjoy.

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Gayle H.

7 Oct, 2021

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

Heaven

This uniquely special spot is a treasure! The surrounding majestic mountains envelop you as you look onto your own pristine lake...heaven on earth!! Whether we were canoeing in solitude with the mountains reflecting on the still waters, looking up at endless starry skies and spotting meteors, sitting around the campfire, preparing delicious meals together in the well-equipped kitchen, or taking in the stunning sunsets right out the back door, Alta Lakes Observatory was truly a treasured spot for our family to share a magical time together...one that will always hold a bright place in our hearts and minds!! AND, what a treat to make new friends, Mattie and the pine martin!!!

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jake C.

12 Oct, 2020

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

Perfect!!!

I can't even describe how perfect this place is!

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Joshua M.

1 Sept, 2020

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

:)

Exquisite.

10/10 Excellent

Ryan B.

2 Jan, 2020

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

Best Trip Ever

No words can describe the experience at the Observatory. The snowmobile rides, sledding in the meadow, crackling fire, secluded cabin, amazing host (Mattie)...oh, and snowmobiling into a world class ski mountain. It's more than you could ever dream.

Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Larry K., Oakland

30 Oct, 2019

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

Pristine Getaway

Amazing and unique property, very isolated and quiet, sited high in the mountains at the end of a 6 mile dirt road. Quite rustic but fabulous for those who want to get away from it all; we did not want to leave. My two sons and I could not have been happier, and thanks again to Mattie, who was fun and helpful.

10/10 Excellent

Laura B.

28 Jun, 2019

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

The Observatory is AMAZING! We got married on June 15th here!

This is a perfect location for a cozy/comfortable mountain getaway/wedding/whatev. You will be completely surrounded by mountains and the lakes are awesome! We coordinated with Mattie a few days ahead of time to arrange for our arrival. At that time, he informed us that due to an unusually long winter there was still lots of snow on the access road approaching the Observatory. No worries, though! Mattie was working to clear the snow/ice leading to the observatory. By our arrival time, we were able to drive up to the Alta ghost town on cleared road. At the ghost town, Mattie met us with two snowmobiles. We packed our gear in a cargo sled and hopped on the snowmobiles for a 5 minute ride to the observatory. Awesome experience! We never thought that we would be snowmobiling to the Observatory for our wedding on June 15th, but it was a pleasant surprise that kicked off our weekend adventure. Arriving at the Observatory was an overwhelming experience on the senses! The structure of the Observatory juxtaposed with the natural beauty of the mountains was breathtaking! Once inside the Observatory we were overcome with the details of the place. Every nook and cranny has something interesting and unique to check out; a lot of mining stuff around that we found interesting. Not to mention that the Observatory has all the modern amenities you would expect (modern kitchen, directv, wifi, sound system, etc...). Mattie even had a tub full of snowshoes for us to use. It was a blast hiking around the site with snowshoes! Our wedding day was AMAZING! The day started sunny in the morning, clouded up, rained, snowed, then cleared again and the sun returned. Our officiant and photographer arrived during the snow period. They coordinated with Mattie to be picked up by snowmobile. The photographer also was pulling double duty for us to bring the food and flowers. We have an awesome video of Mattie arriving on snowmobile at the Observatory before the wedding with my fiances flower bouquet in hand. We quickly learned that there are no conditions that would keep Mattie from getting everyone and everything safely to the Observatory.

10/10 Excellent

Barbara W.

8 Jan, 2019

Most magical place on earth.

Mattie made our stay at the Observatory the most extraordinary experience. We will never forget our amazing weekend- we want to come back every year. From the snowmobile rides to the gourmet kitchen to the ultra soft comfy beds- I can not say enough. Put this on your bucket list. Everyone deserves to be this happy for a few days.

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

kit l.

10 Jul, 2018

Amazing

We all (kids & dogs included!) had a wonderful time at the observatory. Loved every minute of our stay there! The view is so amazing out the kitchen window that I actually didn’t mind doing dishes. Kids loved having the lake just right outside the door and it was especially nice to have canoes, stand up paddle boards and tubes for them to use. Mattie was a great host as well. Can’t wait to go back next summer!

Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2018