Secluded Offgrid Backcountry Lodge in Natl Forest

Now for something completely different!

The Estes Park Outfitters Lodge is a remote mountain retreat on 20 private acres in the middle of 33,000 acres of Roosevelt National Forest. Hike, mountain bike, snow shoe, XC ski, and even bring your own horse to explore more than a hundred miles of trails few have ever seen.

I'll ferry winter visitors up in a snow cat; in summer you'll need high clearance 4WD. We are miles from civilization, with wildlife as the only neighbors.

BUT PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE READ THIS LISTING CAREFULLY

MOST IMPORTANT:

- I live in a caretaker suite on site.
- From June 1 to Oct 1 you should have easy access but you MUST have a high clearance 4wd vehicle.
- Due to unpredictable weather the other months, I advise you to contact me directly before instant booking.
- In the dead of winter, I provide a complimentary ATV or snow cat shuttle to the property but charge $300 for each additional run.
- During the shoulder season (April 15 to June 1 and Oct 1 to Nov 15) you may be able to access with your own car, or you may need to pay for the shuttle.
- Please contact me, please contact me, please contact me!

Now... my place!!

This is unlike anything else you will find on AirBnB – a secluded mountain retreat miles from the nearest neighbor completely surrounded by national forest and bordering Rocky Mountain National Park. I'm the owner and caretaker of this lodge , so while I live in a caretaker suite, the 2200-square-foot main lodge is a private space that's completely yours.

For 33 years I ran an outfitting business out of this property, but am now slowing down. During those decades I escorted hunters and horse riders along hundreds of miles of trails out my backyard that virtually nobody knows about. I know the terrain around this property better than anyone, so I can point you toward the most gorgeous aspen groves, meadows, streams -- heck, even a tiny private cold swimming hole 15 minutes from the house if you like dipping in snow runoff.

You will have uninterrupted access to a maintained public trail system that's essentially yours. While the crowds get stuck in National Park traffic, you can come to my lodge and be mountain biking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, motorcycling and hiking without seeing a single human soul (though the elk, deer, turkeys, bobcat, mountain lions, moose and bear are abundant!)

Note that access is difficult, which adds to the charm and adventure of this stay. In the summer you will need a high clearance 4WD vehicle to get here. In the winter months, I'll pick you up in a snow cat and give you a private ride to the property, winding along miles of snowy landscapes with incredible views of the Estes Valley and the Rocky Mountains.

While Rocky Mountain National Park deservedly gets 5 million tourists a year, the land around my property gets only a few hundred -- the lucky ones who book a stay with me. But amazingly, the terrain and mountains are just the same. In fact, you can stare off the deck directly onto the summit of Twin Sisters, which is part of Rocky Mountain National Park.

If you come here, you can

- Bring your own horse and keep them in my corral. I will feed, water and clean up after them daily, and give you maps from my house through historical ruins of homesteads dating back to 1889

- Bring your mountain bikes and embark on rides of up to 100 miles from my doorstep

- Bring XC skis and enjoy the groomed roads that I pack down with my snow cat

- Enjoy 10 miles of ATV terrain and hundreds of miles of motorcycle riding

- Hike private trails that wind their way through meadows and forests and onto summits of peaks within the National Park

- Enjoy a 2250-yard rifle range and a 50-yard pistol range if you bring your own firearms.

Again, all from the front door.

Afterward, during the summer you'll probably sit on the deck or in front of a fire pit as the sun sets and enjoy the views. During the winter, you'll likely enjoy a wood fire in the living room, cook an epic meal, and hunker down as the snow falls.

I'm a music aficionado, so the home's stereo system is bluetooth-friendly and concert worthy!

While this is a completely off the grid and green property, this lodge has all the modern conveniences: solar power, satellite TV, internet and radio and full coverage cell phone service. Water is fed from mountain springs at the headwaters of Fish Creek.

Live acoustic fire side private concerts available on request.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Bedroom 1 - Queen bed

Bedroom 2 - Queen bed and 2 twin beds in a bunk bed setup.

Kitchen - Full kitchen fully stocked with cookware, dinnerware, and common spices and condiments and a 6 place custom log dining room table.