Welcome to the Bear Den, the perfect blend of tranquility and adventure. Situated at a breathtaking altitude of 9,200 ft, this alpine wonderland is surrounded by majestic 14,000-ft peaks, boundless BLM wilderness with awe-inspiring panoramic vistas of Twin Lakes. In this Rocky Mountain haven, you truly can have it all!
**Please note** The Bear Cabin is quietly tucked behind Wolf & Moose Cabins. While it doesn't have a direct view, stunning landscapes are just a 20-second stroll from your door.
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
The interior of this cabin is freshly and completely renovated with a rustic-meets-modern vibe. The cabin was designed and furnished to cater to all your vacation needs and comforts. The gorgeous lake views are just steps away from your front door, but not directly visible from inside the Bear cabin.
Whether you are a couple looking for a romantic getaway, a family looking for a place to spend quality time reconnecting with each other, or just an adventurer looking for the ideal hop-off point, this inviting retreat can be your cozy home for a memorable holiday.
KEY AMENITIES
• King bed & Queen bed
• Green Leaf Memory foam mattresses
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Large 43” SMART TV
• Basic toiletries - towels, soap, shampoo
• Black-out curtains
• Onsite washer/dryer
• Board games
• Pack ’n Play/travel crib available upon request
• Shared outdoor grill and firepit areas
• Easy and simple self-check in process
• Dog-friendly (2 dogs max, cleaning fees apply)
• E-guidebook with local favorites (hikes, dining, attractions)
This cabin is one of four on the premises, so you may meet some friendly, like-minded folks when you venture out of your private cabin. These cabins are nestled next to one another, with the Bear Den tucked in the back. In the patio area, you'll find a dedicated grill space, which is a part of our shared outdoor amenities. Enjoy evenings around the communal firepit, a cozy gathering spot shared among our cabin properties.
If you require extra space or would like total outdoor privacy, please reach out about booking all four cabins!
Need fast Wi-Fi? Got you covered. With the recently released STARLINK satellite internet, we’ve got the fastest, most reliable internet available in the mountain with speeds of about 50–100 Mbps. Also, nearly all cell service providers will have consistent and reliable 4G connections.
There is no public transportation that will take you up here. You will need your own vehicle. In the winter, I would highly recommend a vehicle with snow tires and/or 4-Wheel drive.
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.
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
