Entire home

A private wilderness retreat -- an incredible setting with onsite fishing

Photo gallery for A private wilderness retreat -- an incredible setting with onsite fishing

Creekside, privately set on a gentle slope among the evergreens w/fishing!
Left of the entry is the upper balcony. Below is the covered patio.
The windows of the entry and kitchen bay reflect this pristine environment.
North-facing view of the entry with the lower patio and upper balcony behind.
As guests enter, the entry hall mirror reflects the grounds' pines and creek.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 12241.5 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Fireplace
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Almont, CO
  • Taylor River
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Crested Butte Town Park
    ‪34 min drive‬
  • Crested Butte Mountain Resort
    ‪71 min drive‬
  • Gunnison, CO (GUC-Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional)
    ‪32 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Bedroom 1 -- Upper Level Master Suite

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2 -- Lower Level

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3 -- Lower Level

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 4 -- South End of Home and Above Garage

+1
1 Double Bed and 4 Single Beds

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1 -- Master

Bathtub or shower · Bidet · Toilet

Bathroom 2 -- Lower Level Between Bedrooms

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3 -- South of kitchen, outside of fourth bedroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Dining area

About this property

A private wilderness retreat -- an incredible setting with onsite fishing

MOUTAINLAIR on SPRING CREEK -- Nothing quite like it!

A MAGICAL SETTING -- within a canyon in the mountains...a flowing stream...pines and aspen...rocks and palisades...the bluest skies above

A COMMON SENSE HOME -- great floor plan...privacy for all four bedrooms...three full bathrooms...three inside gathering areas...three outside gathering areas...windows with wilderness views...a well equipped kitchen...welcoming, comfortable, homey

-- Ten miles north of Gunnison, is the resort community of Almont where the Taylor River conjoins with the East River and becomes the Gunnison River. Turning east onto County Road 742, travel 7 scenic miles up the Taylor Canyon with its towering palisades as it follows the Taylor River towards the high elevation Taylor Park Reservoir resting below the Sawatch Mountain Range to the northeast and the Elk Mountains to the northwest.

-- Just past Mile Marker 7 (with the mountain resort of Harmels on the Taylor on your right, where Spring Creek flows into the Taylor River), is a north turn for those daring to step yet further into the wild west. You have now entered the Spring Creek Canyon on County Road 744.

-- From this point and proceeding north for two miles is the Spring Creek community of private homes on both sides of this perfect mountain stream. Continuing on County Road 744 beyond these homes is the Gunnison National Forest. Since the 1930s (when the federal government allowed private ownership of this Spring Creek land), residents of the southern plains (such as Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, and even Colorado's hotter regions) began escaping the summertime their summertime heat in exchange for the perfect temps and wilderness atmosphere of the Spring Creek canyon.

-- Far from the madding crowd of autos and pedestrians, the Spring Creek community is picturesque, friendly, with a down-home, backwoods character, and it just feels right. For those with the good fortune of discovering and connecting with the enchantment of Spring Creek, it is a treasured experience with the continuing hope of many future shared visits with family and friends.

ARRIVING AT MOUNTAINLAIR

-- One mile north from the CR 742/744 junction, you commit to another significant step away from earthly concerns and towards a heavenly promise. This right turn onto “Broncos Drive” at Eubanks Acres is a commencement into another world, — likened, perhaps, to Dorothy’s travel to Oz in “The Wizard of Oz,” for, during her journey, there was a critical realization when, in Dorothy's bewilderment, she turns to her canine companion and says, “Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore."

-- And, now, you creep down a one-lane trail, slowly over the bumps, tightly between the aspen, past the pines, through the field, across the quaint, wood, one-lane bridge, then, to the right, down the private access road, to the end-of-the-road at your retreat, ... "Mountainlair on Spring Creek."

-- BEST OF ALL, this perfectly-sized creek (not too big, not too small) flows right through the property.

-- The cabin overlooks the creek and is just up the gentle slope among the evergreens and aspen, and rests against the canyon's forested and boulder-filled, eastern slope.

-- Mountainlair is smack-dab in the middle of a special wilderness environment where you will be ... undisturbed / private / peaceful / refreshed / inspired.

-- Mountainlair provides its guests an awesome mountain atmosphere created by this incredible canyon setting offering forest, rock, stream, blue skies, and sun and shade.

SUMMERTIME OVERVIEW

-- An elevation of 8500' to help ensure summer coolness
-- Trees for summer shade and the aesthetics of a softened landscape
-- A mountain wilderness with immediate, out-your-front-door hiking
-- A safe, friendly, private, refreshing, and inspiring environment
-- Quick access to Crested Butte and Gunnison for dining, shopping, events, entertainment, recreation, and services
-- The perfect stream to view, hear, wade, and inspire

MOUNTAINLAIR'S FLOOR PLAN

-- The indoor living space includes 2,600 square feet.

-- The attached garage on the south end of the home includes an additional 400 sq ft (19' x 21").

-- The home's entry is on the west side, and you enter the home on its mid-level. Moving south from the entry and also on this mid-level is the kitchen, a dining area and sitting room, and the utility room.

-- To the north of the entry, you ascend 7 steps to the upper level living room. This living area includes an additional dining area (the antique, harvest table accommodates 12) and an L-shaped couch in front of the wood burning fireplace with a 65" flat screen TV above. Adjoining this room is a large outdoor wood deck balcony facing the creek to the west.

-- This upper level also includes the master suite with its king bed, fireplace, and master bathroom with his and her separate vanity sinks and 6' tub/shower combination. The master bedroom also has access to the extra-large outdoor wood deck and courtyard on the back side/east side of the home.

-- Going back to the entry on the mid-level, you can also go north and down 7 steps to the lower level living area with its fireplace and seating area including two sofas. This lower level also includes access to an outdoor patio area located directly below the upper level balcony, and also facing the creek to the west.

-- This lower level has two bedrooms (one with a queen bed, and one with a double bed). These bedrooms are also quite private being separated by a shared full bathroom with a shower.

-- Going back to the entry/mid-level and moving to the south through the kitchen and the sitting and dining area next to the kitchen, and then past the utility room, pantry, and access door to the garage, you can now go up 8 steps to a landing. To your left is the third full bathroom with its tub/shower combination. Straight ahead is the fourth bedroom with a queen bed and four twin beds.

-- Your home takes further advantage of its setting by providing all three inside living areas (the kitchen's sitting and dining area, as well as the upper and lower level living rooms) with window views of the surrounding outdoors and the creek to the west.

-- Besides the expansive grounds, there are the previously mentioned three outdoor living areas where there is always the opportunity for sun or shade: (1) the front wood deck balcony off of the upper level living area, (2) the fully-enclosed back courtyard extending the full length of the back of the home, and (3) the front patio area next to the front entry and just outside the lower level living area.

A QUICK MENTION OF SOME LOCAL ACTIVITIES

-- Yes, hiking is just out the front door. But, hiking is everywhere throughout this region. You need only pick up the local trail maps to immerse yourself in these awesome ventures. (See additional information.)

-- The same goes for mountain biking. Crested Butte is the birthplace of the mountain bike. For the past 50 years the area has developed over 750 miles of mountain bike single-track. Bikes are available for rental.

-- Fly fishing, also, is just out the front door on Spring Creek. The purity of the water is excellent allowing even brook trout to thrive. There is also a good population of brown trout and rainbows, and the deeper holes or pools are your best opportunities. We never keep our fish, but immediately return them unharmed back to their waters to ensure that there are always fish to catch. And, fishing opportunities abound off-site on the upper stretches of Spring Creek, as well as with the Taylor River, the East River, and the Gunnison River which are all close by. The local fly shops in Almont, Crested Butte, and Gunnison can provide further help with available water and guide services.

-- Mountainlair is easily accessible to the famous Taylor Park and its Taylor Reservoir by continuing to travel up County Road 742 in the Taylor River Canyon for 14 miles to the Reservoir, and, then, into Taylor Park. This area is an enormous, picturesque playground to camp, boat, and ride ATVs. There are miles of dirt roads and trails for these motor-recreationers to play upon.

-- Regarding music, the Crested Butte Music Festival has events all summer long, and Alpenglow hosts a free weekly concert on Monday evenings. The local joints are good about offering live music. (See additional information.)

-- Crested Butte has the distinction as the Wildflower Capital of Colorado. There are some 200 events offered throughout the summer. (See additional information.)

-- Gunnison is also the home of Western State Colorado University. There are various educational programs available to the public throughout the summer at Western State.

-- A quick mention of other activities: rafting; horseback riding; SUP (stand-up-paddle boarding), art workshops, historical walking tours, a farmers market.

A COUPLE MORE HOME FEATURES WORTH MENTIONING

-- There is plenty of parking, including a space for a travel trailer, motor home, or boat.

-- Because you are at the end-of-the-road, there are no concerns of dust from passing traffic.

WHAT ABOUT THE WINTER SPORTS SEASON

-- If downhill skiing or snowboarding is high on the list, don't forget that, at the end of the day, you will retreat to the magic of a Thomas Kincade-like mountain-cabin-in-the-winter-woods scene of serenity and solitude.

-- If you are game for a cold-weather hike on packed snow, or strapping on snowshoes to pound the powder, or cross-country skiing, then you too have a Mountainlair mind-set.

-- And, if a crackling fire, a home-cooked meal, and a good book have an appeal, you are also ready for Mountainlair in the wintertime.

To CLEANSE your CORE ... it's Mountainlair on Spring Creek

Escape to the wilderness.
Immerse your soul in her enchantment.
Succumb to her fresh, pure, flowing waters.
Allow this sanctuary to heal and regenerate your spirit.
And, emerge triumphant, ready to once again take on the world.

Property manager

Dale Frates

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 5:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock

About the area

Almont

Located in Almont, this holiday home is in the mountains and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Taylor River and Gunnison River, while Center for the Arts and Crested Butte Mountain Theatre are cultural highlights. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Almont, CO

What's nearby

  • Taylor River - 5 min drive - 2.8 km
  • Western State Colorado University - 32 min drive - 29.5 km
  • Crested Butte Town Park - 34 min drive - 28.8 km
  • Crested Butte Mountain Resort - 71 min drive - 44.3 km
  • Maroon Bells - 83 min drive - 49.5 km

Getting around

  • Gunnison, CO (GUC-Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional) - 32 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is A private wilderness retreat -- an incredible setting with onsite fishing pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at A private wilderness retreat -- an incredible setting with onsite fishing?

Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.

What time is check-out at A private wilderness retreat -- an incredible setting with onsite fishing?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is A private wilderness retreat -- an incredible setting with onsite fishing located?

Located on the waterfront, this family-friendly holiday home is 1.7 mi (2.8 km) from Taylor River and 8.1 mi (13.1 km) from Gunnison River. Slate River and Cranor Hill Ski Area are also within 16 miles (25 km).

About the host

Hosted by Dale Frates

Host profile image
-- For four generations, our family has spent many summer and winter vacations enjoying the Rocky Mountains, and, particularly, the areas of Crested Butte, Creede, South Fork, and Taos.

-- Our Mountainlair home is a family venture. There are many of us in our extended family who are involved with and love this property. However, we are also interested and excited to share the Mountainlair experience with those of you who also have a love for the Rockies and her special gifts.

-- I am Dale Frates from Tulsa. My wife was raised in Waxahachie, Texas. We live in Tulsa as does our son who graduated from Hillsdale College in Michigan. Our son also earned an engineering degree from Oklahoma State University and is a drilling engineer for an oil and gas company in Tulsa.

-- During my early years, my family took summer vacations in the Colorado mountain towns of South Fork and Creede. And, in traveling to Colorado, we usually stopped for several days to take in the air, sights, sounds, and tastes of Taos, New Mexico. I learned to fly fish with my grandfather and father on the Rio Grande and the South Fork rivers, as well as Goose Creek at the 4UR Ranch between South Fork and Creede.

-- In the mid-1960s, my father built one of the early homes at the Crested Butte ski area. In those days the main street of Crested Butte was a dirt road. And, the ski area had only a J-bar, T-bar, and gondola -- no chair lift. Our family winter and summer vacations continued here for several years until my father purchased a ranch in the Crested Butte valley. He built a family home on the East River which we enjoyed up until the late 1980s.

-- Afterwards, we joined the La Garita Club outside of Creede. Our son also worked at La Garita in the kitchen and as the Club's angler who helped guests with their flyfishing skills on Bellows Creek and the Rio Grande River.

-- Several years ago the La Garita Club was sold to an individual as a family retreat, and the Club's operation ceased.

Why they chose this property

After the closure of La Garita Club, we spent several summers without the Rockies. And, I soon had it in my mind that our family would like to once again own a second home in these mountains.

I decided to consider all the higher elevations of Colorado, as well as, parts of the Enchanted Circle in northeastern New Mexico, including Taos, Red River, Angel Fire.

After several driving trips over a two-year period, I came to realize that, for me, there was nothing quite so visually spectacular as the Crested Butte valley and region. And, I decided to hone our focus on the various housing areas in this vicinity.

A top priority included dependably cool, summer temperatures. We decided that a minimum elevation of 8000 feet would help to ensure this. We also knew that at these elevations the sun is intense, and, therefore, we wanted a location or property where trees could provide adequate shade for protection from this intense sun since we enjoy being outside.

We also began to realize our preference for a more quiet, wilderness atmosphere with minimal traffic and crowds, and, dare we say, the dream of flowing water. We seemed willing to give up expansive views and homes built on high, treeless slopes, in favor of a home among the trees and near a stream. But, we still wanted convenient, close access to the town amenities offered by Crested Butte and Gunnison.

The Spring Creek location had great promise.

We became aware of an unseen property that might become available. Then, on one of our viewing trips, we came across this property from a distance. I immediately felt that this was it.

The property did later become available, and in November of 2017, it was now our opportunity to caretake this special home in this most heavenly setting.

Mountainlair captures the magic
-- a peaceful wilderness setting with evergreens and aspen
-- a rigorous mountain/canyon atmosphere with palisades
-- the rippling, splashing, sparkling, refreshing flow of Spring Creek.

What makes this property unique

The Crested Butte mountain stands as a magnificent island in the midst of an array of other surrounding majestic mountains within their ranges. The Slate and East Rivers meander and tumble around Mt CB and the Crested Butte valley floor of lush green meadows.

This unprecedented visual imagery of the Crested Butte region takes a backseat to no others.

Many are acquainted with the legend of wintertime Crested Butte. But, the bonus seasons begin in late May, continue throughout the summer, and into September and early autumn with the brilliance of the golden aspen. Then, after the first killing frosts, the region is blessed with spectacular Indian summer weather patterns during October and up to Thanksgiving.

Crested Butte -- this historic mountain mining town overflowing with character, its ski area, and its summertime recreational opportunities of hiking, biking, rafting, flyfishing, golf, and tennis -- is perfectly convenient to the Spring Creek community.

For me, Mountainlair is the perfect opportunity with family and friends to refresh in a peaceful, natural, awe-inspiring atmosphere.

Our home is comfortably set up to accommodate a small or large family. The home has three distinct inside gathering areas -- upstairs living, downstairs living, and kitchen living areas. Likewise, there are three such gathering areas outside and adjacent to the house -- the front balcony, the front patio, and the rear deck.

We do hope you will consider Mountainlair for your relaxing and refreshing vacation with family and friends. This setting offers the best of the Rockies, within the comfort of this home, in the atmosphere of the best summertime weather in the world, and on the banks of the perfect mountain stream.

Escape the summer's heat and become bedazzled by the sights and sounds of Spring Creek.

Stretch out on that hammock, realize your perfect privacy, close your eyes, and engulf your mind with the freedom of flowing waters.

Mountainlair delivers!

Languages:

English