Welcome to your cozy mountain escape in scenic Twin Lakes - perfect for adventurers, families & remote workers alike:
• Sleeps 4 | 2 bedrooms | 2 beds | 1 bath
• Starlink Wi-Fi & workspace
• Shared firepit, BBQ & lake access
• Fully equipped kitchen & coffee maker
• Onsite washer/dryer
• Pet-friendly (max 2 dogs)
• Private entrance & smart lock
• Steps to trails, 14ers & fishing year-round
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
Framed by towering 14,000-foot peaks and just steps from the shimmering waters of Twin Lakes, The Bear Den offers a serene mountain retreat with all the comforts of home. At 9,200 feet above sea level, the crisp alpine air, quiet surroundings, and breathtaking scenery make this cabin an ideal base for both peaceful getaways and outdoor adventures.
Rustic charm meets modern comfort
Inside, a fully renovated rustic-modern interior welcomes you with warm wood tones and contemporary finishes. The cozy living area invites relaxation after a day on the trails, complete with a 43-inch Smart TV, board games, and room-darkening shades for restful evenings. Both bedrooms feature memory foam mattresses - a king in one and a queen in the other - ensuring a comfortable night’s sleep. An onsite washer and dryer make extended stays simple and convenient.
Fully equipped kitchen
The open kitchen is stocked with everything needed to prepare home-cooked meals, from pots and pans to modern appliances, a coffee maker, and cooking basics. Share meals at the dining table or step outside to the dedicated BBQ grill area and enjoy dinner in the fresh mountain air. Essentials such as towels, soap, shampoo, and a Pack ’n Play for little ones are provided.
Remote work-ready
With Starlink high-speed internet providing 50-100 Mbps and a dedicated workspace, the cabin is well-suited for remote workers who want a change of scenery without sacrificing connectivity. Whether streaming, video conferencing, or browsing, staying connected here is effortless.
Outdoor living
A short walk brings you to panoramic lake and mountain views, perfect for sunrise photography or evening strolls. The shared outdoor space features a firepit and outdoor furniture - ideal for unwinding under a starlit sky or swapping stories with fellow travelers. Lake access is nearby, offering opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.
Perfect for nature lovers
Surrounded by National Forest and near some of Colorado’s most scenic 14ers, this location is a haven for hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. In warmer months, enjoy water sports at Twin Lakes or Mt. Elbert Forebay. In winter, try ice fishing or explore snow-covered trails. Buena Vista and Leadville are within easy reach for dining, shopping, and additional adventures.
Pet-friendly privacy
Bring along up to two dogs and explore the trails together. The Bear Den’s private entrance, smart lock self check-in, and single-level layout make it accessible and convenient. Free onsite and street parking ensure ease of arrival year-round, even during snowy months.
A base for every season
Whether you’re here to summit peaks, paddle across alpine lakes, or simply sit by the fire and watch the stars, this cabin offers the perfect blend of comfort, privacy, and access to nature. From summer hikes to winter snowshoeing, The Bear Den provides a welcoming space to return to at the end of each day.
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