# 9. The Zen Den - Modern Cabin W/ Large Porch in Woods
Cabin #9 is a stylishly furnished, spacious & modest stand-alone cabin which, like all our cabins, has been completely remodeled. It is nestled on a hillside closer to the forest which offers more privacy, but also beautiful partial views of the valley below through the majestic oak trees. There's loads of filtered sunlight to set the right mood and to make your stay even more memorable, we offer a wood-burning fireplace, a fully stocked kitchen, large flat screen TV, and a cozy reading nook. Along with a huge balcony, we have patio furniture for convenient lounging opportunities to commune with nature!
This is one of 11 cabins at San Diego Mountain Lodge located at Hideout Mountain- a boutique retreat destination on 40 acres of unspoiled wilderness with an unbelievably cool, one-of-a-kind historic bar and grill called Josie’s Hideout Saloon. Open Friday-Sunday till 5, with live music every weekend, weather permitting. Ask about reserving Josie's Hideout Saloon for your next once-a-year(or lifetime?!) event. No gathering too small! Your live music stage awaits! Your live music stage awaits! Imagine delicious catering options, DJs, a fog machine and disco balls! What are you waiting for?! Sound exciting enough? Keep reading for more details! Don't think that our backcountry locals are the only wildlife around here! This place is full of wild animals like deer, fox, raccoons, bats, ground squirrels and chipmunks. Keep a steady eye open for rattlesnakes, badgers and mountain lions, oh my! Make some noise so they know you're coming. Be not afraid, they're honestly more scared of us than we are of them! And once night falls, keep your ear's peeled for our local pack of coyotes while you star gaze under some of the darkest skies in San Diego County! We love to encourage our guests to unplug and unwind, but in case you want to Netflix and chill, we have all the modern comforts of home covered here too. The fully stocked kitchen has all the essentials to cook a delicious home-cooked meal (once you go to the market first!) and a Keurig coffee machine for that morning cup o' joe. There is a shared outdoor fire pit to enjoy the incredible surrounding landscape, and offers the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine after a day of activities with friends and loved ones. Park it right there! Private parking spaces will accommodate any two large vehicles. Hideout Mountain really is your go-to for the ultimate get away destination for a retreat, festival, reunion or just a romantic weekend with a loved one. Invite your friends and make it more the merrier! We are just 18 minutes from Julian and down the road from the Santa Ysabel Business District. We are also uniquely situated as a hub for popular biking, hiking, boating, fishing and motorcycle riding. Our spacious property is the perfect place to BBQ, entertain, play outdoor games or just relax and enjoy the breathtaking views of Lake Henshaw, Palomar Mountain & the spectacular valley below!
We not only have Josie's Hideout Saloon & Grill with it's outdoor live music pavilion, there's also San Diego Mountain Lodge! And with 11 cabins, 2 retro campers and the historic 5 bedroom Adobe Lake View Retreat House, we have over 26 beds that could potentially accommodate over 21 couples and up to 5 singles for a total of nearly 50 people with a few couch crashers! With our expanding campground and RV spaces, even more people could join in on a unique event here just waiting to be organized! Hit us up with any questions. We want to help make your Hideout dreams come true! ► 2 minutes to Lake Henshaw ► 10 minutes to Santa Ysabel ► 18 minutes to Downtown Julian ► 20 minutes to Vulcan Mountain Winery ► 12 minutes to Jeremy's on the Hill ► 30 minutes to Lake Cuyamaca ► 30 minutes to Granite Mountain Trailhead ► 41 minutes to Borrego Springs ► 75 minutes to downtown San Diego
You will have access to the entire cabin, and you are encouraged to walk around the property and explore.
The top attractions to visit in Santa Ysabel are:
Santa Ysabel Mission Santa Ysabel Art Gallery Himalaya Mine Lake Henshaw Resort Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures Julian Pie Company Farmhouse 78 Dudley's Bakery
CAUTION! This is rattlesnake country! Please be extra careful with children & pets while roaming the property unattended. There is also poison oak located on the property, we do our best to clear it out, but please keep your eyes open for any we might have missed.
*Help us conserve water while staying with us! Use only what you need! Conservation is the key!
*Please also find the recycle bin at the exit of both San Diego Mountain Lodge and Josie's Hideout Saloon.
*We believe in "Leave No Trace" outdoor ethics. Let's pack out anything we pack in! Please take all your trash with you to the dumpster conveniently located on the right just before the exit. Thank you in advance for helping keep Hideout Mountain as beautiful as it is WILD!
*Remember don't miss Josie's Hideout Saloon is only open Fri.-Sun. till around 5 depending on the season. *Our Community Fire Pit by Josie's Backyard and is open to everyone! **We do allow one pet. The Pet fee is $35. Unfortunately, only humans are allowed on the furniture and beds. Please message us in advanced if you plan to bring your pet. We kindly ask that you pick up after your pet while staying with us...and beyond ;o) *Thanks to Elon, we have Starlink Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the property! *As always we encourage guests to disconnect and invite them to explore Hideout Mountain and our surrounding area like they never have before! Get Lost Here & Find Yourself in Nature Again!
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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 first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Pauma Valley
Pauma Valley is home to this cabin. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve and Palomar Mountain State Park, while Julian Pioneer Museum and Julian Historical Society are cultural highlights.
Anza Borrego Desert State Park - 32 min drive - 44.9 km
Harrah's Resort Southern California - 33 min drive - 35.2 km
Valley View Casino - 43 min drive - 43.4 km
Pechanga Resort & Casino - 58 min drive - 64.1 km
Getting around
San Diego, CA (SEE-Gillespie Field) - 63 min drive
Restaurants
Hideout Saloon
Lake Henshaw Cafe - 3 min drive
Mataguay Parker Dining Hall - 19 min drive
Santa Ysabel Roadside - 5 min drive
The Jerky Hut - 17 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is # 9. The Zen Den - Modern Cabin W/ Large Porch in Woods pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total).
How much does it cost to stay at # 9. The Zen Den - Modern Cabin W/ Large Porch in Woods?
As of 12 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at # 9. The Zen Den - Modern Cabin W/ Large Porch in Woods on 17 May 2026 start from NZ$248, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
What time is check-in at # 9. The Zen Den - Modern Cabin W/ Large Porch in Woods?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at # 9. The Zen Den - Modern Cabin W/ Large Porch in Woods?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is # 9. The Zen Den - Modern Cabin W/ Large Porch in Woods located?
Situated in Pauma Valley, this cabin is 0.4 mi (0.6 km) from Lake Henshaw and within 9 miles (15 km) of Warner-Carrillo Ranch House and Santa Ysabel Mission. Sengme Oaks Water Park and Warner Springs Community Park are also within 12 miles (20 km).
Reviews
9.2
Wonderful
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We actually stayed in cabin 10. The room was clean with a great view. Had all the amenities as described and everything worked very well.The live on site host was courteous and helpful. We brought our two elderly dogs who enjoyed the stay too. Great spot to visit Julian and the surrounding areas.We would visit this place again.
The Zen Den was The perfect place to overnight on our way North. It's near Werner springs, the Pacific Crest trail and Lake Henshaw all fun places to go take a look around.
Milly L.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 8 May 2025
Hi Milly! 😊
We’re so glad you chose Hideout Mountain Lodge for your stay. It was a pleasure hosting you! You're always welcome back. 🙏
Stay connected by following us on IG @hideoutmountainlodge. If you had a great time, we’d really appreciate your Google review!
Great place to get off the grid and enjoy nature. Hiking trails not far. Very clean and cute. Would stay again.
Tricia K.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 23 December 2021
Hi Tricia! Thank you for this review. Hope to see you again soon.
Verified
6/10 Okay
Norman J.
13 September 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Check-in
Well, we didn't stay in this property as it was being painted. we stayed in the next door (#10) which was fine with the exception of having no coffee cups.There was apparently a big event Sat.--people were friendly.
Norman J.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 4 October 2025
Thank you for sharing your experience, Norman. We’re sorry about the inconvenience. We’re glad you still enjoyed the atmosphere and friendliness around. We look forward to welcoming you back soon and giving you an even better stay!
I was looking for a quiet space to get away for a while and this was perfect. It's basic but fantastic location with access to lots of hiking trails, outdoor activities, within a short drive. Bring your own hair dryer, but all the other amenities are provided. The location is beautiful.
Julie D.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Keiko
7 November 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Just next to the Lake Henshaw, and walking along the lake was very peaceful and enjoyed the Autumn colors.
30 minutes drive to Julian, and enjoyed apple cidery experience. It's a tiny cabin, along the camp site, perfect for 1 person with a small dog. I enjoyed the fireplace a lot!
Nice and quiet weekend timeout.
This cabin was perfect for the little weekday getaway I was after. It’s a small quaint place perfect for two. It had all the amenities we were looking for; full kitchen, bathroom, shower, patio, and dining space. We spent most of the days up near Julian or hiking the Santa Ysabel Open Space reserve as recommended by the host. Our cabin was the perfect place to come home too after a long hike or stuffing up on pie! I would definitely recommend to anyone looking to explore Julian or Santa Ysabel.
I loved the place, very peaceful. Simple but cozy cabin. The best thing is the wood stove, it heats the whole cabin. The only thing I would recommend, a microwave. The rest great, the bar nearby with live music and the lake 2 minutes away, beautiful the lake. I will return to this place but now with the family.
Fernando G.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 23 December 2021
Hello Fernando! What a nice review. Glad you had a good time. We hope to see you back.
All I can say is the attention to detail was amazing! From the kitchen, to the bathroom and everything in between!!! We had everything we needed to make it the “glamping” experience we were going for. Even the pillows were comfortable (and that can sometimes be a hit or miss). We loved it so much, we decided to extend our stay, which we took advantage of right away after seeing a magnet on the refrigerator that it was offered for a 50% discount. We definitely recommend this place! 10 out of 10; from the views, to the hospitality and location, location, location! Just 1hr and 15 min outside central San Diego. Definitely coming back.
Soely S.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 4 October 2025
Thank you, Soely, for your review. We’re glad you enjoyed it and we hope to see you again soon
We enjoyed our stay. The porch is great and was my favorite place to sit and relax. The cabin was clean and cozy.
For our first night neighbors camping fire smoke prevented us from opening the windows. The cabins bathroom is very tiny. The starlink wifi is weak and bearly enough to watch Netflix movies.
But overall it was a nice stay.
Directions and check in information provided was excellent including photos. The location and bush setting is lovely. The cabin itself is really small with not much room to move inside. The bed is jammed against the wall making it difficult to get out of bed. If using the fire which would definitely be needed on a cold night there is a real risk of fire hazard as the fire is only 6-8 inches from the end of the bed. The bathroom is tiny and ammenities very basic. It is disappointing the restaurant on-site doesn’t open any evenings. Unfortunately our expectations were not met.
Christine P.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2022
Verified
6/10 Okay
Seemab Z.
22 March 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication
Cabin 9
Nice stay! Small and quaint!
Seemab Z.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 24 May 2022
thank you so much! hope to have you around again
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Yuritza
16 February 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Very nice cabin excellent place to relax
We just love it
Thank you