Entire home

Cozy Ranch House - Elk and Wildlife Preserve Southwest Co

Photo gallery for Cozy Ranch House - Elk and Wildlife Preserve Southwest Co

Exterior
Property grounds
Property grounds
Property grounds
Property grounds

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View map
Placerville, CO
  • Last Dollar Road
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Orvis Hot Springs
    ‪35 min drive‬
  • Telluride Ski Resort
    ‪57 min drive‬
  • Telluride, CO (TEX-Telluride Regional)
    ‪55 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Master1

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Master Bath

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden

About this property

Cozy Ranch House - Elk and Wildlife Preserve Southwest Co

Property views Mt Hayden, Mt Sneffels, and much of the Sneffels Range south and Cimarron Range east. Located 11 miles west of Ridgway at 9,100 feet on Hastings Mesa . Situated on 85 acres as the northernmost building on the Lakota S Ranch. Former ranch manager’s home, remodeled with new kitchen and bathrooms. Private setting adjacent to the 105 acre Black Canyon Land Trust Elk Preserve.
A well-maintained one mile long gravel driveway takes you to the famous scenic Last Dollar Road /CR58P; one mile on Last Dollar Road puts you on the all weather Skyway Scenic Byway [State Hwy 62] to Telluride [ 35 minute drive], Ridgway [15 minute drive], Ouray [35 minute drive].
Wildlife - elk, deer, hawks, eagles, grouse and turkey. NO HUNTING on the property.
Close to hiking trails, 4-Wheel Drive jeep trails, and mountain bike trails.
Views of Mt. Hayden and North Pole Peak and much of the Sneffels Range due South and Cimarron Range to the East. Ralph Lauren's Double RL Ranch is directly east of the property. True Grit Ranch [John Wayne movie fame] is one mile west; Marlboro Photo shoots done on the Last Dollar Ranch directly across from the driveway end. National Forest and Wilderness very near, south of the ranch. Ridgway Reservoir is a few miles north of Ridgway – great boating and water sports.
Girls’ Getaway. Romantic Holiday.
Dark Sky Community - wonderful night sky observation with your telescope or naked eye. See darksky.org/ridgway for information.


Keywords: Located 11 miles west of Ridgway at 9,100 feet on Hastings Mesa. Lakota S Ranch, Ranch house, adjacent to the 105 acre Black Canyon Land Trust Elk Preserve, near Last Dollar Road, Telluride , Skyway Scenic Byway , Ouray , Dark Sky Community
Views of Mt Hayden, North Pole Peak, Sneffels

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

No pets allowed
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
There is no hunting on or from the ranch.
There are no gatherings , parties or other such events permitted - all parties are done in town.
Our primary renter cannot invite any visitors to the property other than those persons disclosed in the original rental request.

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

Placerville

Located in Placerville, this holiday home is in a rural area and in the mountains. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Dennis Weaver Memorial Park and Ridgway State Park, while Ridgway Railroad Museum and Palm Theatre are cultural highlights. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Placerville, CO

What's nearby

  • Last Dollar Road - 8 min drive - 3.0 km
  • Orvis Hot Springs - 35 min drive - 32.4 km
  • Ouray Hot Springs Pool - 47 min drive - 47.7 km
  • Telluride Ski Resort - 57 min drive - 56.0 km
  • Mountain Village Gondola Station - 59 min drive - 58.2 km

Getting around

  • Telluride, CO (TEX-Telluride Regional) - 37 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Cozy Ranch House - Elk and Wildlife Preserve Southwest Co pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Cozy Ranch House - Elk and Wildlife Preserve Southwest Co?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Cozy Ranch House - Elk and Wildlife Preserve Southwest Co?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Cozy Ranch House - Elk and Wildlife Preserve Southwest Co located?

Situated in the mountains, this holiday home is 1.9 mi (3.1 km) from Last Dollar Road and within 16 miles (25 km) of Trail Town Still and Hartwell Park. Ridgway Town Hall and San Juan Hut Systems are also within 16 miles (25 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 46 out of 46 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 46 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 46 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 46 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 46 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Sandra S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Ideal place to spend your vacation! This is our 2nd trip and we have already booked for next year. Fred and Cheryle are the best hosts. The views are amazing and the home has everything you need to enjoy a week or a month. The location is perfect and great for day trips to the surrounding sights.
Stayed 28 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

mark s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful Retreat

We enjoyed our stay! Clean home with comfortable beds.Very well stocked with all the everyday items you need. Very quiet and remote with amazing mountain views. Fred and Cheryl were great hosts, helpful with local things to do and eat. Ridgway was the closest town to grocery store and restaurants. We loved seeing the elk and deer and watching the sunset in the back yard.
Stayed 11 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Leslie and Cullan H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Stemmler’s are the best hosts ever! The house is perfect if you love quiet outdoors with views and fabulous wildlife; which we do. The house fit us perfectly and is in a great spot to head off for hikes and off-road drives to admire the beauty. This is our second stay with the Stemmler’s, with hopefully more to come. Thank you sooo much!
Stayed 13 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chris I.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great property

This is the second time I have stayed here. The location is incredibly beautiful. The property is well cared for, clean and well equipped. The owners are available if any issues come up (none did) and very gracious hosts.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Leslie and Cullan H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mountain retreat

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Fred and Cheryl are awesome hosts. The house was perfect for us. It is well stocked and super clean. The wildlife was so much fun to observe. We loved how quiet and serene the area is. The ranch and surroundings are just lovely. It was a highlight of our vacation.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Harley J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Clean and comfortable place with great views.

We very much enjoyed staying our stay. The views from the ranch are stunning with opportunities to see wildlife during early morning and late evening hours. The back house was very clean and comfortable. The hosts are very friendly and helpful.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sandra S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mountain Paradise

We spent a month in paradise with the most wonderful hosts/people--Fred and Cheryle. The house was perfect, clean and stocked with everything you will need. The birds and wildlife were so much fun to observe. It was lovely sleeping through amazing thunderstorms and viewing the Milky Way on clear nights. We have already booked for next year and can't wait to return.
Stayed 28 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Darla G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome!

We loved everything about it! The views were amazing. The home had everything you needed and had views out every window. The owners were very kind and accommodating. We would definitely stay there again.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Debra R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Gem in the mountains

We have stayed here several times, maybe 4 as of this trip. We love the cleanliness of the house and it’s fully stocked. Always enough paper towel, toilet paper…etc. Fred and Cheryle are the most gracious hosts/owners. We could not have wanted anything else as everything is always perfect! Great location too! Placerville is my favorite area.Thank you Fred & Cheryle!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sara B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Getaway

We had a wonderful time enjoying the peaceful beauty of the San Juans during our stay. The house was perfect for our little group, and we really enjoyed the thoughtfulness of the hosts. The views are absolutely incredible, and the host, Fred, went above and beyond to help us when we discovered we had a flat tire right before we were about to leave. Thank you for an incredible stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Debra R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Diamond in the Mountains

I have stayed here last year and will continue to stay at Fred & Cheryle’s beautiful and spotless home! They are awesome hosts and just so gracious. The house is just so clean and very well stocked with all essentials needed. Extra paper towel, toilet paper, etc…. We are coming back in September as we just love staying here:)
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stunning home for getting away from it all

This was our second time renting the home and we're already planning our return in 2024. The home is meticulously clean and well stocked. Cheryle and Fred are wonderful, gracious hosts. We sincerely enjoyed our visits with them. The location is unbelievably beautiful and close enough to towns and hiking for convenient day trips. Or you can enjoy a relaxing respite stayong at the ranch.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Heidi G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

One of the most beautiful places we’ve stayed in Colorado, so quiet and peaceful ! Perfect getaway!

It was all we were looking for! Every convenience we needed was there! The scenery was breathtaking! We were took back roads we never travelled before, so accessible to new and old plans and adventure! Fred was amazing, so helpful in every detail!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Diane H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A little slice of paradise…

What an amazing place! We were greeted by Fred and given a short summary of the property and overall area as well as helpful suggestions for our stay. Cheryl offered helpful info the next morning for all our daily excursions. The house is cozy, clean and well stocked from the bathrooms to the kitchen. The scenery is so breathtaking that we ended up coming back to eat and enjoy most nights on the property rather than eat out. We would definitely return to this beautiful spot!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Chris B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Elk Paradise

Our stay was perfect. Fred and Cheryle are great hosts(and people) and the property is well located between Telluride, Ouray, and Montrose. We hiked in Ouray and Telluride and visited the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. All were great day trips. We probably saw 100+ Elk every evening when we returned to the property. We had 4 mule deer bucks visit us nightly and in close proximity. Highly recommend! Thanks Fred and Cheryle!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Steven M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay out of the way

Easy access to Telluride, Ouray, and Silverton. Place is about 10 minutes off the highway on a ranch. Owner lives close, meets you next door, tours the house with you, and tells you how to keep the wildlife out of the house. Would definitly go back.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Debra R., New Braunfels, TX

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent

Fred & Cheryle were so accommodating! They showed us property to let us know where everything was located. The property was well stocked with everything needed. Very Clean which is huge for me. We loved the location which was close to all the trails we like. We will definitely return! Best VRBO!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Richard M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

5 Plus Stars

This property and our hosts are top notch. My wife and I picked this property because it was central to the various locations we wanted to visit. Not only was the property wonderful but our hosts go the extra mile to make sure our stay was comfortable. The surrounding area was breathtaking and we knew the owners work hard to make sure that this property is a five star property. We know this because we are Vrbo property owners and you work hard to make keep a 5-star rating. We are definitely rebooking again for another stay within a year.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

laura r.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing experience!

It's hard to capture the views in photos - the views are breathtaking! The cabin had everything we needed! We grilled/made dinner at the cabin a few nights, and we ventured in to Telluride and Ridgeway for a few meals, as well. We are already thinking about returning, next year! Laura
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Robert A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Phenomenal hosts and home, and amazing location for those seeking quiet and beauty

We loved our stay—from the moment Fred greeted us and we walked into the meticulously clean and welcoming home until we had to tear ourselves away to catch our flight home. The home is very comfortable and well appointed. Fred and Cheryle have thought of everything guests might need and are very happy to suggest hikes and places to go. We loved the quiet location and gorgeous views in every direction. We appreciated being close enough to drive to Telluride, Ouray or the Million Dollar Highway, but away from the activity. We’d love to come back and stay longer!
Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Harry S., Glendora

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic Property

With views that never end this is a one-of-a-kind property. We've stayed in VRBO's many times (third one this year) and this is the best. In addition to the fantastic location, it's a beautiful ranch managers house with a very well-appointed kitchen. We always appreciate the washer and dryer so we can travel light. We were visited each evening by a family of deer right outside our window. Already miss them. Be sure to get up early enough to watch the sunrise thru the bay window!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ron A., Reading, PA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

All It was Cracked Up to Be

Everything we read in previous reviews was true. This property was a great location for us to explore Colorado. We easily drove to Telluride, The Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP, Grand Junction/Palisades, and on around the Million $ Highway. But we also loved our leisurely days hanging around the ranch. The view there is amazing, and we had a front row seat to the changing colors of fall foliage. We enjoyed morning and evening walks out the lane, where we saw elk, coyote, and a variety of birds, while the deer paraded through the front yard. It was an amateur photographer's dream!
Stayed 21 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan T., EVANSVILLE

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gorgeous Ranch Views

The first thing we noticed about this property was the unbelievable views and the quietness. We felt relaxed and refreshed immediately. Walking in the house we noticed the cleanliness. It is among the cleanest if not the cleanest rental we have stayed in. My husband usually ends of deep cleaning on the rentals we stay in and this rental was perfect! The house is very roomy and is supplied with everything you need, whether it is for cooking or toiletries. The location is centralized whether you want to visit Telluride or Ridgeway or Ouray. Plus, there are many hiking trails in the area. We loved all the bluebirds on the property and had mule deer visiting us every day. One morning two female elk passed through. I can not say enough great things about this ranch house and Fred and Cheryle. They are around if you need anything, but also, give you your privacy. Not to mention how informative they are. We will definitely be back! Thank you for opening your beautiful home to us!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christina V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely Perfect

This was the absolute perfect getaway. I booked this home for 4 nights to work and attend the Telluride blues & brews festival. I was a little concerned about the 45 minute drive but let me assure you that was no factor once I arrived. The drive to/from Telluride was gorgeous and well worth being off the radar of city life. We were greeted w/ deer each day, I did yoga on the front yard each morning, sat and drank my coffee on the porch. Even the late night arrivals back home after the festival were beautiful as I got a view of the moon and stars. The house was great for cohabiting as I was never disturbed by my friend in the other room. It has all the typical house rental items. Fred greeted us at check in and have us tips & suggestions. Cheryle came the next day to greet & gave us more tips and points of interest for Telluride and surrounding towns. Honestly, I would love to come back and just spend a few days at the house exploring trails and the surrounding area. There was not a bad view from anywhere in this home. Do be careful and alert though coming/going from the property as there is definitely wildlife everywhere. This was an absolute win and I will be staying here next year as well. The hosts were just wonderful and the home, a beautiful dream.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca M., Thomasville, GA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

South Georgia comes West

This was exactly what we were looking for. My husband and I took a three weak driving trip across the country to escape the Georgia heat and enjoy some beautiful scenery. Our temporary home was perfect. We had everything we needed to be comfortable and prepare a few simple meals. We loved waking up every morning to an amazing view out our bedroom window. On the lucky days we would also see deer. Our host and hostess were the best. It was a treat to meet both of them. They gave us much needed advice about the area, which only enhanced our stay. If they lived in Georgia we think we would all be great friends. This is a very private and quiet setting. Perfect for relaxing. I even worked on a sewing project while my husband spent a day climbing Lizard Mountain. It was one of my favorite days. This is also a nice area to walk and hike. The property is about 14 miles from shopping, restaurants, etc. Despite the distance, we were still able to use our AT&T service cell phones and internet with their WiFi. But honestly, you aren't going to want to contact with the rest of the world . . . just enjoy the beauty around you! We only spent 5 days at this property, which was too short. We hope to make it back one day and stay in the exact same place!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

About the host

Hosted by Fred Stemmler

Host profile image
Wildlife, quiet, beautiful seasons, yet close to Telluride, Ridgway and Ouray - all the reasons why we moved here from the Big City.

Why they chose this property

Open spaces all around, very private, yet convenient to all the wonders of the area.

What makes this property unique

Spectacular mountain sanctuary for wildlife and humans. Wildlife everywhere. All seasons beautiful in their own ways. Blessed to live here full time.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests