Cozy A-Frame Cabin 11: Rustic-Luxury, Kitchen, Deck & Mountain Vibes

Our family has called the Roaring Fork Valley home since 1976. Raised right here in the mountains, we have watched this beautiful region grow while holding onto the charm of small-town living. We know every trail, every hidden gem, and every local secret because this is where we live, work, and raised our own children.

For over 30 years, our passion has been generous hospitality. What started as a family tradition has blossomed into a family-owned business dedicated to offering guests a true slice of Americana. We believe that being from a small town means something special: we thrive on genuine relationships and understand the value of a warm welcome.

To us, there are no strangers here—only friends we haven’t met yet! Whether you’re visiting for a quick weekend getaway or a long family retreat, we are honored to open our doors to you. We look forward to serving you and helping you create your own memories in the mountains.

Today, the Ponderosa Lodge stands as a peaceful, historic retreat nestled among modern hotels and businesses, yet it retains its original charm. While you feel worlds away in our quiet 2-acre setting, you are perfectly positioned just one mile from the heart of the action.

World-Famous Attractions at Your Doorstep
Hot Springs: Walk or drive minutes to the world-famous Glenwood Hot Springs Pool and the Iron Mountain Hot Springs & Saunas.

Adventure: Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is right nearby for thrill-seekers.

Dining & Culture: Enjoy all of downtown Glenwood Springs' excellent restaurants, shops, and the scenic Two Rivers Park where the Colorado and Roaring Fork rivers meet.

Trails & Nature: The Rio Grande Trail runs close by, perfect for walking, cycling, or jogging.

Skiing: We are 25 minutes from Sunlight Mountain Resort and 45 minutes from the world-renowned resorts of Vail, Aspen, and Snowmass.

Year-Round Fun: Explore numerous hiking trails, go white-water rafting, fly fishing, or try your hand at the top-rated rock climbing routes in the area.

Whether you are here to relax in the hot springs or chase adrenaline on the slopes, the Ponderosa Lodge is your perfect home base.

We didn’t just choose this neighborhood; we fell in love with its incredible story. When we purchased the historic Ponderosa Lodge, our mission was clear: to preserve the unique legacy that brought this place to life.

The story begins in 1937. The original owners, Mr. and Mrs. March, won the Irish Lottery. In a bold move, they used half their winnings to back a horse named "Midday Sun" in the prestigious Epsom Derby in Ireland. Against all odds, Midday Sun won.

Building a landmark from nothing, with their winnings, the March family returned to Glenwood Springs in 1938 to build the Ponderosa Lodge. At that time, this area was nothing but trees, a winding river, and a handful of small cabins. The Ponderosa was one of the first buildings in West Glenwood—a beacon of hospitality in the wilderness.

The story of the Ponderosa didn't end with the Marches. In the 1970s and 80s, the Johnson family (who later owned the property) received a precious handwritten letter directly from Mrs. March herself. Inside, she shared the full story of her fateful bet, along with original photographs of the lodge from 1938, capturing the property in its earliest days.

Mr. Johnson passed this rich history and these precious photos to our family just weeks before he passed away. We were deeply honored to accept this responsibility. Today, we are the stewards of a story that spans nearly a century—from a winning horse in Ireland to a historic lodge in the Rockies. We invite you to step into this slice of Americana and be part of the next chapter of the Ponderosa's story.