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Thoreau's Cabin: Back to the Basics, Beautifully.

Lake City cabin with kitchen

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A log cabin with a triangular window offering a mountain view.
A log cabin with a stone fireplace, leather sofa, wooden table, and a view of mountains.
A log cabin interior with a leather sofa, wooden dining table, and a stone fireplace.
A wooden cabin with a stone pathway leading to a porch overlooking a mountainous landscape.
A cozy log cabin bedroom with two beds, a small table with pinecones, and a view of a green landscape through a large window.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire cabin

2 bedrooms1 bathroom936 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Pet friendly
  • Outdoor Space
  • Barbecue grill
  • Fireplace
  • Mountain view

Explore the area

View in a map
Lake City, CO

Room options

About the neighborhood

Lake City

In Lake City .Within 9 miles (15 km) of this cabin, you'll find Animas River and Animas Forks. Bear Creek Falls and Hard Tack Mine are within 16 miles (25 km).
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About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire cabin to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Thoreau's Cabin: Back to the Basics, Beautifully.

Thoreau's Cabin: Where Stillness Speaks Volumes. Discover your true escape in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. Inspired by the spirit of Thoreau, this charming off-grid cabin offers a serene and comfortable base for exploring the unparalleled beauty of the Colorado Rockies near Ouray, Silverton, and Lake City.

Immerse yourself in nature's embrace with breathtaking panoramic views from large windows and relaxing porches. Inside, a cozy fireplace invites you to unwind after a day of adventure. This unique backcountry retreat provides essential comforts, including solar power, running water, and internet access, allowing you to stay connected while feeling completely removed from the everyday.

Please Note: Thoreau's Cabin is nestled in a remote backcountry setting at nearly 11,500 feet of elevation. Guests should be prepared for rugged terrain, variable weather conditions, and the unique challenges of an off-grid experience. Familiarity with backcountry safety and high-altitude environments is highly recommended. A high clearance 4x4 is highly recommended to access the cabin. Coming up from the Lake City side is also recommended.

Location Highlights:

Convenient access to the charming mountain towns of Ouray ("Switzerland of America"), Silverton (historic mining town), and Lake City (gateway to the Alpine Loop). Unparalleled opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and exploring the stunning San Juan National Forest. Experience true tranquility and escape the crowds in this secluded mountain haven.

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Property amenities

Ski

  • Close to skiing
  • Snowboarding nearby

Internet

  • Available in the cabin: WiFi

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Shower
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 2 pets total (up to 50 lbs per pet)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Things to do

  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Sledding nearby
  • Snowmobiling nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Garden
  • Some LED lighting used
  • Unit size: 936 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:

Strip any used beds and gather used towels

Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash

Turn off the lights, lock the doors, and return the keys

Please wash any dirty dishes. Bag ALL trash and place in the outdoor can.

Place any used towels and bed sheets in the bathroom floor.

Ensure everything is turned off... lights, stoves, etc. Return the key to the lockbox. The code is 2449.

Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Rules

No fireworks or shooting guns any time of day/night. Peaceful enjoyment-quiet/dark hours from 8p-8a. No loud noises or bright lights during this time.

A high clearance 4x4 is highly recommended to access the cabin.

No drones over the cabins in the area. Please respect the privacy of neighbors.

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 2 (weight limit: 50 lbs per pet)
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Note from host: Parents please keep a close eye on small children.

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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: 15
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 15. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector in each accommodation.

Frequently asked questions

How close is Thoreau's Cabin: Back to the Basics, Beautifully. to the airport?

This cabin is 91.1 mi (236-min drive) away from the Telluride, CO (TEX-Telluride Regional) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Thoreau's Cabin: Back to the Basics, Beautifully. have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this cabin.

Does Thoreau's Cabin: Back to the Basics, Beautifully. offer free breakfast?

This cabin does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Thoreau's Cabin: Back to the Basics, Beautifully.?

No, there is no casino at this cabin.

What time is check-in at Thoreau's Cabin: Back to the Basics, Beautifully.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Thoreau's Cabin: Back to the Basics, Beautifully.?

Free parking is not available at this cabin.

Does Thoreau's Cabin: Back to the Basics, Beautifully. have a pool?

This cabin does not have a pool.

Does Thoreau's Cabin: Back to the Basics, Beautifully. have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this cabin.

How close is Thoreau's Cabin: Back to the Basics, Beautifully. to downtown Lake City?

This cabin is 13.6 mi away from Lake City.

Thoreau's Cabin: Back to the Basics, Beautifully. Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 8 out of 9 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 9 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 9 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 9 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 9 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Garrett H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was the perfect cabin for a jeeping weekend with friends.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Rich S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We stayed at this cabin for four nights in mid-July with our 14-year-old triplet boys, and it was one of our all-time favorite family trips.The setting is stunning—remote, peaceful, and surrounded by jaw-dropping mountain views. The cabin itself is cozy, clean, and thoughtfully equipped. We loved that there was no TV, which helped us unplug, but also working Starlink Internet when needed.We explored the San Juan Mountains, drove over Engineer Pass, visited Silverton and Animas Forks, and took our rented UTV up to the Golconda Boarding House, a beautiful old mining site just up the mountain. The boys loved roasting s’mores by the creek, and we all enjoyed being surrounded by such natural beauty. Every now and then, we’d see old mining relics—quiet reminders of the early pioneers who once lived here.One afternoon, we spotted a bear across a ravine from the living room using the spotting scope. Don’t worry—it was over a mile away—but unforgettable! The big windows and morning coffee views made us feel like we were part of the landscape.The owner was extremely responsive and helpful when we had a question about one of the appliances. And don’t let the suspension bridge scare you—the wagon made it easy to get everything across.Highly recommend for anyone looking to disconnect, explore, and make memories.
Incredible location!
Bear we spotted on an afternoon drive!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lynn N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Tonette B.

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

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