Welcome to The Bear Den â a cozy mountain cabin in Twin Lakes surrounded by 14,000-ft peaks and winter wilderness. Perfect for families, couples & remote workers.
- Sleeps 4 | 2 bedrooms | 2 beds | 1 bath
- Private patio & BBQ grill
- Shared firepit & outdoor seating
- Starlink Wi-Fi & dedicated workspace
- Fully equipped kitchen & washer/dryer
- Pet-friendly & family-ready
- Steps from trails, lakes & snowy adventures
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 Rockiesâ 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:
âą Swimming
âą Onsite disc golf course (3 holes)
âą Canoeing (rentals available)
âą Kayaking (rentals available)
âą Stand-up paddle-boarding (rentals available)
âą Lake fishing (try ice fishing in the winter!)
âą Hiking/Cross-country skiing/Snowshoeing/Mountain biking. There are endless trails just outside your door for you to enjoy.
âą 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.
âą 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. Donât forget to bring your telescope!
âą ATVing/4-Wheeling/Snowmobiling. Haul your vehicle up. Thereâs plenty of space!
âą Whitewater rafting on the Arkansas river
âą Fly fishing the 100+ miles of Gold Medal trout water on the Arkansas River
âą Hunting
âą 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
âą Copper - 50 min
âą Ski-Cooper - 40 min
âą Monarch - 1 hour 10 min
âą Vail - 1 hour 15 min
âą Keystone - 1 hour 15 min
⹠Breckenridge - 1 hour 15 min
DRIVING DISTANCES - TOWNS/CITIES
âą Twin Lakes (town) - 8 minutes
âą Denver - 2 hours
âą Buena Vista - 30 minutes
âą Leadville - 25 minutes
âą Aspen - 3 hours
âą Salida - 1 hour
âą Colorado Springs - 2 hours 15 min
Steam rises from your morning coffee as sunlight spills across snow-dusted peaks. Step outside into the crisp mountain air and take in the quiet stillness of Twin Lakes, Coloradoâwhere towering 14,000-foot summits and evergreen forests frame a tranquil alpine retreat. After a day exploring frozen trails or cozying up indoors, youâll feel the peace that only a true mountain winter can bring.
Sleeping arrangements
The Bear Den accommodates up to four guests across two bedrooms, each featuring plush Green Leaf memory foam mattressesâone king and one queen. Soft linens, extra blankets, and room-darkening shades ensure restful nights after a day in the high-country air.
Living and comfort
The single-level cabin blends rustic character with thoughtful updates. Settle into the inviting living area for a quiet evening with the 43" Smart TV or a round of board games. Heating and ceiling fans keep you comfortable through Coloradoâs changing seasons, while portable fans offer airflow when needed. For families, the cabin provides a Pack ân Play, table corner guards, and babysitter recommendations.
Kitchen and dining
The fully equipped kitchen includes everything you need to prepare meals at homeâfrom a refrigerator and stove to a microwave, oven, and coffee maker. Enjoy breakfast at the dining table or savor dinner with a view from the private patio. Essential cookware and dining ware are provided, making it easy to refuel after a snowy adventure.
Outdoor living
Step outside to your private patio or balcony, complete with outdoor furniture and a BBQ grill. In winter, breathe in the cool alpine air while snowflakes drift over the quiet forest. Shared outdoor areas feature firepits perfect for warming up under the stars after a day of cross-country skiing or exploring nearby trails.
Connectivity and convenience
Stay connected with Starlink high-speed Wi-Fi and a dedicated workspace ideal for remote work or streaming. The washer and dryer make extended stays simple, and self check-in via smart lock ensures a seamless arrival. Free parking is available both onsite and along the street, even in snowy conditions.
Neighborhood
Nestled at 9,200 feet in the historic town of Twin Lakes, this cabin is surrounded by Coloradoâs tallest peaks, including Mt. Elbert and Mt. Hope. Winter brings opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and peaceful lakeside walks. The nearby towns of Leadville and Buena Vista offer charming restaurants, gear shops, and year-round adventure access.
Perfect for
Small families, couples, or friends seeking a pet-friendly alpine escape with comfort, connection, and endless outdoor beauty just beyond the door. Whether youâre here for stargazing, mountain air, or the serenity of snow-covered trails, The Bear Den offers a cozy home base for your winter mountain retreat.
There is no public transportation that will take you up here. You will need your own vehicle. 4WD is recommended throughout the year and required during winter months due to potential heavy snowfall.
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 wonât 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.
5. 4WD is recommended throughout the year and required during winter months due to potential heavy snowfall.
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
