Log Cabin & Hut, WIFI, 13 acres; borders Nat Forest; 8 min. to town! Sleeps 9
PLEASE READ ENTIRE DESCRIPTION BEFORE BOOKING!… Please keep in mind that we are a private home and former goat farm, one of the first homesteads in the valley, surrounded by woods/forest/wildlife, and not a luxury hotel. Charming & rustic historic, hand made log/wood sided cabin and guest hut. King sized custom log bed in upstairs primary bedroom w/ large closet; cowhide/leather queen bed in 1st level BR; 2 twin Old Hickory beds on second level in main home. 2 Old Hickory twins in guest hut, and twin fold-a-way. There is no plumbing in the hut; it does have electric, to include baseboard heaters and a ceiling fan in the vaulted ceiling. It has large windows because it was the weigh station of the Gold King Mine, brought to our property in the 1970’s and completely renovated by us in 2013. The expanded deck with built-in seating was completed in 2021. Guests who stay in the hut must use the main home for bathroom facilities or find a tree. Entire property sleeps a maximum of nine persons and one infant/toddler. (10 humans total.) There is a portable crib, but please bring your own bedding if you plan to utilize it. New hardwood flooring throughout; stainless appliances, butcher block counters, jetted tub in upstairs bath, laundry, aspen tongue & groove ceilings. Large open decks, sun room, side porch. Large rock fireplace w/blower to keep you warm during chilly nights, which can be all year. Newer furnishings mixed with antiques, Native American artifacts, and Colorado Mountain decor; professionally decorated. There is inherited taxidermy throughout, to include: pelts, deer mounts, stuffed fox, cowhides/cowhide furniture, longhorns, feathers on dream catchers, etc… If you are allergic to fur/pet hair/feathers or offended by these items, then this property is not a fit for you. The decor also includes artwork from local and well-known artists. Please do not touch the art or rearrange it. We are a Christian family and recognize Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. You will see many crosses and religious artwork. If you are offended by this, then our property is not a fit for you. Located 30 minutes to ski/snowboard/snowmobile/dog sled/tube/shop/dine/have best Bloody Mary’s at Purgy’s, etc…. at Purgatory Resort; 7-10 minutes to town of Durango; 45 minutes to Mesa Verde; 25 minutes to the Durango airport (DRO). Near and across from Turtle Lake which is privately owned but one may enjoy the views from the Homestead, just a short hike up the hill or beyond the fire pit. One mile to the Colorado Trail; our property includes the Pioneer Trail and is steep, and joins with many miles of other trails but they are not marked, so use a hiking app. We recommend high quality ankle boots for the rocky trails, and always carry bear spray even during hibernation months. Acclimate first to the altitude if arriving from sea level. We own 13 acres for privacy, yet located only 4 miles to all of the restaurants, shopping and amenities that Durango has to offer. Various wildlife visitors: mule deer, elk, mountain lions, turkey, skunks, mice, chipmunks, bears and more! Preventing rodents from entering our property is facilitated utilizing mothballs, so you may smell those, especially in the cold weather months when they are seeking warmth in our interiors. If you are allergic to MOTHBALLS or offended by their smell, this property is not a fit for you. Mothballs are also kept around the exterior of the property which is necessary because it’s in the country. If the smell affects you, then you need to stay at a hotel or a place downtown. PLEASE KEEP THE WINDOWS IN DINING AREA SHUT because we do not have screens by the large picture windows. It was determined that mice were getting in because one window was left cracked open during October 2025, which then got into the guests’ food. Window shut and problem solved! We also just had new siding installed which has further assisted in rodent prevention. DO NOT leave trash outside or in your vehicle. Bears, mountain lions, and other types of furry neighbors have been known to help themselves to these free treats. Your well-behaved, housebroken canines are welcome at no extra charge (they are family!) but please keep them off of the furniture (or at least try, they can be on your lap) and for their safety, don’t let them play unsupervised outside with the skunks or big cats. Dog feeding/water bowls provided. Children should be well-behaved. PLEASE MONITOR YOUR CHILDREN! Hammock, tire swing, hiking trails, large decks, sunroom, covered porch and fire pit for outdoor living and fun for all! Amazing Boulder Garden is next door and may be accessed via the trails. THERE IS NO TV, but one may enjoy movies on a laptop if you must entertain your children or yourselves with a screen. Enjoy the mountains, lakes, rivers, hiking trails, views and all the beauty nature inspires. WIFI in case you need to connect with work while in paradise. Plenty of space for ZOOM classes and meetings at the various seating areas: breakfast bar, dining table, and chairs/tables in every bedroom. WIFI also provided in guest hut. Property is RURAL, on water well/cistern/filter/septic system. ONLY toilet paper may be flushed! (NO feminine products, diapers, "flushable" wipes, etc....) Water is a precious commodity in Southwest Colorado and must be used conservatively. During extreme, prolonged droughts, water pressure may very minimized. In those times, our property is more like “glamping”. There is NOT central air conditioning, only window units and fans, as are most private homes in the area. Summer nighttime temperatures are in the high 40’s-60s! If you are coming during unprecedented heat, please keep this in mind. (Rent a hotel in town if you require “luxury”….AC/TV/bellhop, little bottles of shampoo, etc…) Snow is not guaranteed during the holidays though it is likely. If you do not enjoy living in nature, being close to wildlife, not having a TV, nor residing in a log cabin with a gravel drive and historical outbuildings, then this property is not for you. Guests must take trash to town, as we do not qualify for trash pick up since we do not require week-long rentals and it is strictly a rural-zoned vacation rental. (Bears and other wildlife will break in if you leave your trash behind and therefore you are charged a fee if you do so. ) We love sharing our second home, in the beautiful San Juan Mountains, with respectful guests who appreciate rustic log cabin living surrounded by the National Forest, gorgeous mountains, and Colorado wildlife! Owner is happy to answer any of your questions or clarify any parts of the description by sending a message through VRBO or HomeAway.
Add dates for prices
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Similar properties
Lovely Spacious 2 in 1 Log Home, Hot Tub, Huge Deck
Durango
Lovely Spacious 2 in 1 Log Home, Hot Tub, Huge Deck
Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Event fees are negotiable.
default
Pets
Pets allowed: dogs (limit 3 total)
House broken canines only.
default
Smoking
Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Due to wilderness surrounding the property, guests must take trash/recycling to designated areas in town so as not to harm nor attract wildlife.
Canellations due to bona fide family emergency, death, or severe illness/injury may be negotiated with owner.
Recreational marijuana is legal in Colorado. All illegal drugs are strictly prohibited.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 501319vb
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: 25
Note from host: Event fees are negotiable.
Long-term renters welcome
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 and a first aid kit
About the area
Durango
Located in Durango, this cabin is in a rural area and near a water park. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Perins Peak State Wildlife Area and Animas Mountain Trailhead, while Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Animas Museum are cultural highlights. The Powerhouse and Durango Arts Center are also worth visiting. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, or try out other outdoor activities such as sledging and snowmobiling.
Perins Peak State Wildlife Area - 4 min drive - 4.1 km
Animas River - 8 min drive - 7.8 km
Durango Community Recreation Center - 8 min drive - 7.0 km
Fort Lewis College - 9 min drive - 10.0 km
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad - 10 min drive - 10.3 km
Getting around
Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad Station - 13 min drive
Durango, CO (AMK-Animas Air Park) - 22 min drive
Restaurants
Happy Pappy’s - 7 min drive
Starbucks - 8 min drive
Chainless Brewing - 8 min drive
Frida's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina - 8 min drive
Wendy's - 8 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Log Cabin & Hut, WIFI, 13 acres; borders Nat Forest; 8 min. to town! Sleeps 9 pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 3 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much does it cost to stay at Log Cabin & Hut, WIFI, 13 acres; borders Nat Forest; 8 min. to town! Sleeps 9?
As of 13 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Log Cabin & Hut, WIFI, 13 acres; borders Nat Forest; 8 min. to town! Sleeps 9 on 28 May 2026 start from AU$516, 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.
How much is parking at Log Cabin & Hut, WIFI, 13 acres; borders Nat Forest; 8 min. to town! Sleeps 9?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Log Cabin & Hut, WIFI, 13 acres; borders Nat Forest; 8 min. to town! Sleeps 9?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Log Cabin & Hut, WIFI, 13 acres; borders Nat Forest; 8 min. to town! Sleeps 9?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Log Cabin & Hut, WIFI, 13 acres; borders Nat Forest; 8 min. to town! Sleeps 9 located?
Situated in the mountains, this cabin is 3 mi (4.8 km) from Perins Peak State Wildlife Area and within 6 miles (10 km) of Durango Community Recreation Center and St. Columba Catholic Church. Animas Museum and Durango Fish Hatchery and Education and Nature Center are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
The host was very friendly and easy to work with. The Mountain View was pretty decent especially with lake round the corner. Cabin had everything we needed and lots more
Excellent location, close to Durango (10-15 minutes), but far enough out of the city. Wonderful access to hiking trails on property. Had everything we needed and more. Easy to communicate with host. The only downfall were the mice living with us. It didn't bother us too much since the host had this disclaimer, but they did get into our food and left droppings everywhere.
Hannah D.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Oct 2025
Thank you for choosing our property and I’m glad that you enjoyed the rural setting with access to trails. Unfortunately this does bring mice and chipmunks and they are a constant battle, even with professional eradication. We provide traps and peanut butter to help keep the rodents at bay, but it sounds as if they were especially a nuisance during your stay, and I am so sorry to hear that they got in your food! I will purchase large plastic storage containers and contact our pest service again. Thank you for letting me know, and taking the time to write your review! Please come again in the future for a half-price stay!!
Wonderful family trip. This house was amazing. The host was great. Out of town but close enough to all our activities. We hiked nearby, went whitewater rafting, rode the train from Silverton to Durango. Toured Mesa Verde National Park and rode the mountain coaster at Purgatory Ski resort. Tons of fun my only regret is that I didn’t save a day to just relax at this fabulous house.
The cabin itself was amazing and beautiful! Communication with the host was easy and she was so kind and helpful. Check in and check out were clear and simple. Absolutely would stay again!
The moment we walked into the cabin, we felt we had gone back 150 years! This is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy nature. It is rustic with all the modern conveniences. The wildlife is amazing! Unfortunately, our dog was not as impressed as we were and she tended to scare off all the critters! Overall, a lovely experience!
Great property and good location close to mountain bike trails, hiking trails, and rock climbing. Really enjoyed the stay and would certainly book this property again.
Bill O.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
About the host
Hosted by LAURA BUTSCH
We are a family with our permanent home in St. Louis and had been skiing at Durango Mountain Resort (AKA Purgatory). We fell in love with the Durango area and people in the town. We had searched many areas in the west for our vacation property: Colorado, Montana, New Mexico and California. Durango was the right fit with many outdoor activities all year round. Rafting the Animas River, hiking the Colorado Trail and hundreds of others, fishing in the San Juan river and many lakes, touring Silverton, Telluride, Pagosa Springs, and the Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings is wonderful. The local restaurants are some of the best in the U. S. with a wide variety of international flavors and the best French bakery anywhere. There are many ski resorts within a 1.5-2 hour drive. Purgatory is only 30 minutes.
Why they chose this property
Genuine historic log cabin with huge rock fireplace on 13 acres and National Forest all around is what attracted us to this particular property. It was a rehab project, that we spent 2 years working on. There are new hardwood floors, renovated kitchen, lovely bathrooms, lots of log furniture, antlers, deer hides/heads, leather, and some Ute Indian/tribal influences in the decor.
What makes this property unique
Views are AMAZING!......the Animas Mountain in front of the home and mountainous National Forest in the back. Turtle Lake is just across and down the road. Turtle Lake Valley is one of the most beautiful in La Plata County. Enjoy the large decks, sunroom, side porch and landscaped yard. Hiking trails are out the back door! Our private trails connect with the Log Chute Trail System and the Colorado Trail. The Pioneer Trail out our backdoor is steep and one must be physically fit and acclimate to the altitude before attempting. The Durango Boulder Garden borders our property, as well as the National Forest. If you are planning a special event with loved ones, it is a perfect spot, with open areas, woods, mountains, decks, and a large cross in the meditation labyrinth/rock garden.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests