Cabin
Alta Lakes Observatory; Rustic Mountain Cabin outside Telluride
Photo gallery for Alta Lakes Observatory; Rustic Mountain Cabin outside Telluride
Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 12223.0 sq m
Popular amenities
Explore the area
Telluride, CO
- Telluride Ski Resort1 min walk
- Alta Lakes1 min walk
- Telluride Historic District
- Telluride, CO (TEX-Telluride Regional)
Rooms & beds
3 bedrooms (sleeps 12)
Bedroom 1 - The Wilson Room
1 King Bed
Bedroom 2 - The Sunshine Room
1 Queen Bed and 2 Single Beds
Bedroom 3 - The Rock Room
1 Queen Bed
Loft
2 Double Bunk Beds
2 bathrooms, 2 half bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom 2
Toilet
Bathroom 3
Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom 4
Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area
About this property
Alta Lakes Observatory; Rustic Mountain Cabin outside Telluride
Alta Lakes Observatory was hand built in the early 70's by some of the earliest 'settlers' of Telluride's Ski Resort town, Jim and Salli Russell. It is constructed of local timber and stone, stained glass windows, a huge fireplace, hot tub, decks, and an ambience that settles the soul.
The Observatory. Extremely. Comfortable. Backcountry.
SUMMER TIME: Alta Lakes Observatory is located 13 miles from Telluride, 5 miles off the highway, on a mountain dirt road, accessible by 2 wheel drive vehicle (high clearance!!!!) through breathtaking scenery! Wild flowers abound! Great fishing, hiking, mountain biking - they are right out our front door. In the summer it's the perfect venue for weddings, just because gatherings, retreats, corporate groups (if you have more than 12 people reach out prior to booking!).
WINTER TIME: Alta Lakes Observatory is adjacent to the Telluride ski area and is accessible on Alta Lakes Road by snowmobile (you would need to source/provide), snowshoe or skiing in from the back country access gate from the Telluride ski area.
Words nor photos can accurately convey the feeling you have at The Observatory. It is like no other place in the world! We hope to hear from you soon to make your reservation so you, too, can experience The Observatory.
The Alta Lakes Observatory, LLC operates on the Grand Mesa, Umcompahgre and Gunnison National Forests under special use permit from the USDA Forest Service. The Observatory at Alta Lakes, LLC is an equal opportunity service provider.
Keywords:
The Observatory. Extremely. Comfortable. Backcountry.
SUMMER TIME: Alta Lakes Observatory is located 13 miles from Telluride, 5 miles off the highway, on a mountain dirt road, accessible by 2 wheel drive vehicle (high clearance!!!!) through breathtaking scenery! Wild flowers abound! Great fishing, hiking, mountain biking - they are right out our front door. In the summer it's the perfect venue for weddings, just because gatherings, retreats, corporate groups (if you have more than 12 people reach out prior to booking!).
WINTER TIME: Alta Lakes Observatory is adjacent to the Telluride ski area and is accessible on Alta Lakes Road by snowmobile (you would need to source/provide), snowshoe or skiing in from the back country access gate from the Telluride ski area.
Words nor photos can accurately convey the feeling you have at The Observatory. It is like no other place in the world! We hope to hear from you soon to make your reservation so you, too, can experience The Observatory.
The Alta Lakes Observatory, LLC operates on the Grand Mesa, Umcompahgre and Gunnison National Forests under special use permit from the USDA Forest Service. The Observatory at Alta Lakes, LLC is an equal opportunity service provider.
Keywords:
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
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House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 3–17
Infants/Toddlers are ok. We don't have baby gear.
Events
Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
13-50 people; Special Event Pricing applies.
Pets
Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
$75 per pet per stay.
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 50
Note from host: 13-50 people; Special Event Pricing applies.
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
About the area
Telluride
Located in Telluride, this cabin is in a rural area and on a lake. Telluride Historic District and Nellie are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Telluride Ski Resort and Lynx Ski Lift. Travelling with kids? Consider Fetch's Mining & Mercantile and Silverton Railroad Depot. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and don't miss out on the snowmobiling and sledging.
Telluride, CO
What's nearby
- Telluride Ski Resort - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
- Alta Lakes - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Bon Vivant
- Alpino Vino
- Oak - 34 min drive
- Tracks Café & Bar - 28 min drive
- Big Billies - 29 min drive
Frequently asked questions
About the host
Hosted by Alta Lakes Observatory
This is Matt "Mattie" Bowling. He is a long time Telluride local who IS The Observatory. So, what is The Observatory? What's the deal?
In the summer of 1974, Jim Russell started to build the cabin along with the help of about 25 other young locals while living in the abandoned mining town of Alta. It earned it's name, The Observatory, by the many locals who have stayed there over the years...at 11,300 feet it's so close to the moon and stars!
In 2010, Matt and his two brothers, were thrilled to purchase The Observatory from Papa Russell (Jim). Some improvements have been made; however, the soul, the essence of The Observatory remains unchanged.
Mattie and his loved-by-everyone-who-meets-her wife, Ana, live in Telluride proper. One of the brothers currently lives in Denver and the other is in Dallas, Texas. It's a small family business and the Bowling brothers are committed to helping you make memories that you will cherish forever - whether you are a once in a lifetime guest or a guest that must have their fix of The Observatory repeated.
In the summer of 1974, Jim Russell started to build the cabin along with the help of about 25 other young locals while living in the abandoned mining town of Alta. It earned it's name, The Observatory, by the many locals who have stayed there over the years...at 11,300 feet it's so close to the moon and stars!
In 2010, Matt and his two brothers, were thrilled to purchase The Observatory from Papa Russell (Jim). Some improvements have been made; however, the soul, the essence of The Observatory remains unchanged.
Mattie and his loved-by-everyone-who-meets-her wife, Ana, live in Telluride proper. One of the brothers currently lives in Denver and the other is in Dallas, Texas. It's a small family business and the Bowling brothers are committed to helping you make memories that you will cherish forever - whether you are a once in a lifetime guest or a guest that must have their fix of The Observatory repeated.
Why they chose this property
There are truly but a few places in Colorado that can offer the beauty and remoteness that The Observatory offers.
Lakes, meadows of wildflowers, forests, mushrooming, eagles soaring, wild life exploring...someone summed it up by saying 'Oh! THIS is where God goes on vacation!'. Whether you are seeking pure mountain solitude or an outdoor adventure, The Observatory is the perfect location.
Lakes, meadows of wildflowers, forests, mushrooming, eagles soaring, wild life exploring...someone summed it up by saying 'Oh! THIS is where God goes on vacation!'. Whether you are seeking pure mountain solitude or an outdoor adventure, The Observatory is the perfect location.
What makes this property unique
Adjacent to the Telluride Ski Area, the Observatory is the perfect 'off-piste' back country lodge in the winter. Enjoyed by some of the top extreme skiers from around the world, it is family friendly as well! The Observatory. Extremely. Comfortable. Backcountry.
Languages:
English
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