Entire home

A private wilderness retreat. Onsite fishing, ... close to trails and rafting

A private wilderness retreat. Onsite fishing, ... close to trails and rafting

Photo gallery for A private wilderness retreat. Onsite fishing, ... close to trails and rafting

Creekside, privately set on a gentle slope among the evergreens w/fishing!
Left of the entry is the upper balcony. Below is the covered patio.
The windows of the entry and kitchen bay reflect this pristine environment.
North-facing view of the entry with the lower patio and upper balcony behind.
As guests enter, the entry hall mirror reflects the grounds' pines and creek.

Overview of A private wilderness retreat. Onsite fishing, ... close to trails and rafting

Reviews
9.8 out of 10 Exceptional
4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 12242 sq m

Popular amenities

  • FireplaceFireplaceFireplace
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Barbecue grillBarbecue grillBarbecue grill
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • WasherWasherWasher
  • DryerDryerDryer

Check out the area

Map
Almont, CO
  • Popular LocationTaylor River5 min drive
  • AirportGunnison, CO (GUC-Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional)32 min drive
  • Popular LocationCrested Butte Town Park34 min drive
  • Popular LocationCrested Butte Mountain Resort71 min drive

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Bedroom 1 -- Upper Level Master Suite

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2 -- Lower Level

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3 -- Lower Level

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 4 -- South End of Home and Above Garage

+1
1 Double Bed and 4 Single Beds

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1 -- Master

Bathtub or shower · Bidet · Toilet

Bathroom 2 -- Lower Level Between Bedrooms

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3 -- South of kitchen, outside of fourth bedroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Dining Area

About this property

A private wilderness retreat. Onsite fishing, ... close to trails and rafting

MOUNTAINLAIR on Spring Creek is a MAGICAL SETTING.

FIRST, recognize the ENCHANTMENT of the Spring Creek Canyon, with it's namesake stream and community.

THEN, realize the UNIQUENESS of Mountainlair.

THE SPRING CREEK CANYON

-- Ten miles north of Gunnison, at the resort community of Almont where the Taylor River conjoins with the East River and becomes the Gunnison River, you turn east on County Road 742 for a scenic 7-mile drive up the Taylor Canyon with its towering palisades as it follows the Taylor River towards Taylor Reservoir high in the mountain range in the expansive Taylor Park. (And, don't be surprised should you happen onto a dozen Rocky Mountain rams meandering between the river and their canyon cliff stomping grounds in the vicinity between Mile Markers 3 and 4.)

-- Near Mile Marker 7 and across from the entrance to Harmel's Ranch Resort where Spring Creek flows into the Taylor River, is a north turn for those daring to step yet further into the wild west. You have now entered the Spring Creek Canyon on County Road 744.

-- This community, with perhaps two miles of length before private land concludes and national forest ensues, has an extensive history of homeowner residents escaping the summertime heat of the southern plains states of Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, and even Colorado's hotter regions. These mostly second homes are scattered throughout the valley floor beneath deep blue skies and nestled between towering steep slopes of evergreens and rock.

-- Far from the madding crowd of autos and pedestrians, the Spring Creek community is picturesque, friendly, with a down-home, backwoods character, and it just feels right. For those with the good fortune of discovering and connecting with the enchantment of Spring Creek, it is a treasured experience with the continuing hope of many future shared visits with family and friends.

ARRIVING AT MOUNTAINLAIR

-- One mile north from the CR 742/744 junction, you commit to another significant step away from earthly concerns and towards a heavenly promise. This right turn onto “Broncos Drive” at Eubanks Acres is a commencement into another world, — likened, perhaps, to Dorothy’s travel to Oz in “The Wizard of Oz,” for, during her journey, there was a critical realization when, in Dorothy's bewilderment, she turns to her canine companion and says, “Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas any more."

-- And, now, you creep down a one-lane trail, slowly over the bumps, tightly between the aspen, past the pines, through the field, across the quaint, wood, one-lane bridge, then, to the right, down the private access road, to the end-of-the-road at your retreat, ... "Mountainlair on Spring Creek."

-- BEST OF ALL, this perfectly-sized creek (not too big, not too small) flows right through the property.

-- The cabin overlooks the creek and is just up the gentle slope among the evergreens and aspen, and rests against the canyon's forested and boulder-filled, eastern slope.

-- Mountainlair is smack-dab in the middle of a special wilderness environment where you will be ... undisturbed / private / peaceful / refreshed / inspired.

-- Mountainlair provides its guests an awesome mountain atmosphere created by this incredible canyon setting offering forest, rock, stream, blue skies, and sun and shade.

SUMMERTIME OVERVIEW

-- An elevation of 8500' to help ensure summer coolness
-- Trees for summer shade and the aesthetics of a softened landscape
-- A mountain wilderness with immediate, out-your-front-door hiking
-- A safe, friendly, private, refreshing, and inspiring environment
-- Quick access to Crested Butte and Gunnison for dining, shopping, events, entertainment, recreation, and services
-- The perfect stream to view, hear, wade, and inspire

MOUNTAINLAIR'S FLOOR PLAN

-- The living space includes 2,600 square feet.

-- The attached garage on the south end of the home includes an additional 400 sq ft (19' x 21") with its awaiting ping pong table.

-- The home's entry is on the west side, and you enter the home on its mid-level. Moving south from the entry and also on this mid-level is the kitchen, a dining area and sitting room, and the utility room.

-- To the north of the entry, you ascend 7 steps to the upper level living room. This living area includes an additional dining area (the antique, harvest table easily seats 10 adults) and an L-shaped couch in front of the wood burning fireplace with a 65" flat screen TV above. Adjoining this room is a large outdoor wood deck balcony facing the creek to the west.

-- This upper level also includes the master suite with its king bed, fireplace, and master bathroom with his and her separate vanity sinks and 6' tub/shower combination. The master bedroom also has access to the extra-large outdoor wood deck and courtyard on the back side/east side of the home.

-- Going back to the entry on the mid-level, you can also go north and down 7 steps to the lower level living area with its fireplace and seating area including two sofas and three large upholstered chairs (and small TV). This lower level also includes access to an outdoor patio area located directly below the upper level balcony, and also facing the creek to the west.

-- This lower level has two bedrooms (one with a queen bed, and one with a double bed). These bedrooms are also quite private being separated by a shared full bathroom with a shower.

-- Going back to the entry/mid-level and moving to the south through the kitchen, the sitting and dining area next to the kitchen, and then past the utility room, pantry, and access door to the garage, you can now go up 8 steps to a landing. To your left is the third full bathroom with its tub/shower combination. Straight ahead is the fourth bedroom with four twins and a double bed.

-- Your home takes further advantage of its setting by providing all three inside living areas (the kitchen's sitting and dining area, as well as the upper and lower level living rooms) with window views of the surrounding outdoors and the creek to the west.

-- Besides the expansive grounds, there are the previously mentioned three outdoor living areas where there is always the opportunity for sun or shade: (1) the front wood deck balcony off of the upper level living area, (2) the fully-enclosed back courtyard extending the full length of the back of the home, and (3) the front patio area next to the front entry and just outside the lower level living area.

A QUICK MENTION OF SOME LOCAL ACTIVITIES

-- Yes, hiking is just out the front door. But, hiking is everywhere throughout this region. You need only pick up the local trail maps to immerse yourself in these awesome ventures. (See additional information.)

-- The same goes for mountain biking. Crested Butte is the birthplace of the mountain bike. For the past 50 years the area has developed over 750 miles of mountain bike single-track. Bikes are available for rental.

-- Fly fishing, also, is just out the front door on Spring Creek. The purity of the water is excellent allowing even brook trout to thrive. There is also a good population of brown trout and rainbows, and the deeper holes or pools are your best opportunities. We never keep our fish, but immediately return them unharmed back to their waters to ensure that there are always fish to catch. And, fishing opportunities abound off-site on the upper stretches of Spring Creek, as well as with the Taylor River, the East River, and the Gunnison River which are all close by. The local fly shops in Almont, Crested Butte, and Gunnison can provide further help with available water and guide services.

-- Mountainlair is easily accessible to the famous Taylor Park and its Taylor Reservoir by continuing to travel up County Road 742 in the Taylor River Canyon to the Reservoir, and, then, into Taylor Park. This area is an enormous, picturesque playground for campers, dirt bikers, 4-wheelers, and side-by-siders. There are miles of dirt roads and trails for these motor-recreationers to play upon.

-- Regarding music, the Crested Butte Music Festival has events all summer long, and Alpenglow hosts a free weekly concert on Monday evenings. The local joints are good about offering live music. (See additional information.)

-- Crested Butte has the distinction as the Wildflower Capital of Colorado. There are some 200 events offered throughout the summer. (See additional information.)

-- Gunnison is also the home of Western State Colorado University. There are various educational programs available to the public throughout the summer at Western State.

-- A quick mention of other activities: rafting; horseback riding; SUP (stand-up-paddle boarding), art workshops, historical walking tours, a farmers market.

A COUPLE MORE HOME FEATURES WORTH MENTIONING

-- There is plenty of parking, including a space for a travel trailer, motor home, or boat.

-- Because you are at the end-of-the-road, there are no concerns of dust from passing traffic.

WHAT ABOUT THE WINTER SPORTS SEASON

-- If downhill skiing or snowboarding is high on the list, don't forget that, at the end of the day, you will retreat to the magic of a Thomas Kincade-like mountain-cabin-in-the-winter-woods scene of serenity and solitude.

-- If you are game for a cold-weather hike on packed snow, or strapping on snowshoes to pound the powder, or cross-country skiing, then you too have a Mountainlair mind-set.

-- And, if a crackling fire, a home-cooked meal, and a good book have an appeal, you are also ready for Mountainlair in the wintertime.

To CLEANSE your CORE ... it's Mountainlair on Spring Creek

Escape to the wilderness.
Immerse your soul in her enchantment.
Succumb to her fresh, pure, flowing waters.
Allow this sanctuary to heal and regenerate your spirit.
And, emerge triumphant, ready to once again take on the world.



Property manager

Dale Frates

Languages

English
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Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Mountain view

House Rules

Check in after 5:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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

Almont

Located in Almont, this holiday home is in the mountains and on the waterfront. Center for the Arts and Crested Butte Mountain Theatre are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Trailhead Discovery Museum and Trailhead Childrens Museum. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Almont, CO

What's nearby

  • Taylor River - 5 min drive
  • Western State Colorado University - 32 min drive
  • Crested Butte Town Park - 34 min drive
  • Crested Butte Mountain Resort - 71 min drive
  • Maroon Bells - 83 min drive

Getting around

  • Gunnison, CO (GUC-Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional) - 32 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is A private wilderness retreat. Onsite fishing, ... close to trails and rafting pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at A private wilderness retreat. Onsite fishing, ... close to trails and rafting?

Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.

What time is check-out at A private wilderness retreat. Onsite fishing, ... close to trails and rafting?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is A private wilderness retreat. Onsite fishing, ... close to trails and rafting located?

Located on the waterfront, this family-friendly holiday home is 1.7 mi (2.8 km) from Taylor River and 8.1 mi (13.1 km) from Gunnison River. Slate River and Cranor Hill Ski Area are also within 16 miles (25 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 27 out of 31 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 31 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 31 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 31 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 31 reviews" "

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

8/10 Good

William K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Mountain getaway
Beautiful location. Private. Lots of room. The range was a litte difficult to figure out at first. Really enjoyed the stay.
Stayed 9 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rita M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Rest, Relax and Renew
We had a wonderful stay. The creek was so relaxing while resting in the hammock! Really enjoyed the night fires as well. The house was spacious with plenty of room for our group.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stephen K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice place
We had 4 retired couples, all cousins. Plenty of room and great outdoor spaces. We had several meals on the back patio. Dale was very easy to communicate with and made us feel at ease and at home. The place was clean and well kept.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great home in the woods for several families traveling together!
We loved this property. It’s in a beautiful location with a creek in front. We were a group of 8 and this house was perfect. The teenagers all shared a room that had several beds and their own bathroom. It was really like they had their own wing of the house. The house is multi-level which was perfect for everyone to have their own space. The top level deck was our favorite. We could sit and listen/watch the creek as well as the hummingbirds. The owners were great to work with. They were very helpful when we had questions and got back to us right away. We would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kirk S., Knoxville, TN

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
OHV Riding at Taylor Park
Great location for riding OHV in Taylor Park and Crested Butte. The house is located halfway between Gunnison and Crested Butte. We had several deer came by the house one afternoon.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022

About the host

Hosted by Dale Frates

Host profile image
-- For four generations, our family has spent many summer and winter vacations enjoying the Rocky Mountains, and, particularly, the areas of Crested Butte, Creede, South Fork, and Taos.

-- Our Mountainlair home is a family venture. There are many of us in our extended family who are involved with and love this property. However, we are also interested and excited to share the Mountainlair experience with those of you who also have a love for the Rockies and her special gifts.

-- I am Dale Frates from Tulsa. My wife was raised in Waxahachie, Texas. We live in Tulsa as does our son who graduated from Hillsdale College in Michigan. Our son also earned an engineering degree from Oklahoma State University and is a drilling engineer for an oil and gas company in Tulsa.

-- During my early years, my family took summer vacations in the Colorado mountain towns of South Fork and Creede. And, in traveling to Colorado, we usually stopped for several days to take in the air, sights, sounds, and tastes of Taos, New Mexico. I learned to fly fish with my grandfather and father on the Rio Grande and the South Fork rivers, as well as Goose Creek at the 4UR Ranch between South Fork and Creede.

-- In the mid-1960s, my father built one of the early homes at the Crested Butte ski area. In those days the main street of Crested Butte was a dirt road. And, the ski area had only a J-bar, T-bar, and gondola -- no chair lift. Our family winter and summer vacations continued here for several years until my father purchased a ranch in the Crested Butte valley. He built a family home on the East River which we enjoyed up until the late 1980s.

-- Afterwards, we joined the La Garita Club outside of Creede. Our son also worked at La Garita in the kitchen and as the Club's angler who helped guests with their flyfishing skills on Bellows Creek and the Rio Grande River.

-- Several years ago the La Garita Club was sold to an individual as a family retreat, and the Club's operation ceased.

Why they chose this property

After the closure of La Garita Club, we spent several summers without the Rockies. And, I soon had it in my mind that our family would like to once again own a second home in these mountains.

I decided to consider all the higher elevations of Colorado, as well as, parts of the Enchanted Circle in northeastern New Mexico, including Taos, Red River, Angel Fire.

After several driving trips over a two-year period, I came to realize that, for me, there was nothing quite so visually spectacular as the Crested Butte valley and region. And, I decided to hone our focus on the various housing areas in this vicinity.

A top priority included dependably cool, summer temperatures. We decided that a minimum elevation of 8000 feet would help to ensure this. We also knew that at these elevations the sun is intense, and, therefore, we wanted a location or property where trees could provide adequate shade for protection from this intense sun since we enjoy being outside.

We also began to realize our preference for a more quiet, wilderness atmosphere with minimal traffic and crowds, and, dare we say, the dream of flowing water. We seemed willing to give up expansive views and homes built on high, treeless slopes, in favor of a home among the trees and near a stream. But, we still wanted convenient, close access to the town amenities offered by Crested Butte and Gunnison.

The Spring Creek location had great promise.

We became aware of an unseen property that might become available. Then, on one of our viewing trips, we came across this property from a distance. I immediately felt that this was it.

The property did later become available, and in November of 2017, it was now our opportunity to caretake this special home in this most heavenly setting.

Creekside captures the magic --
... a peaceful wilderness setting with evergreens and aspen
... a rigorous mountain/canyon atmosphere with palisades
... the rippling, splashing, sparkling, refreshing flow of Spring Creek.

What makes this property unique

The Crested Butte mountain stands as a magnificent island in the midst of an array of other surrounding majestic mountains within their ranges. The Slate and East Rivers meander and tumble through and about this mountainous terrain and the Crested Butte valley floor of lush green meadows.

This unprecedented visual imagery of the Crested Butte region takes a backseat to no others.

Many are acquainted with the legend of wintertime Crested Butte. But, the bonus seasons begin in late May, continue throughout the summer, and into September and early autumn with the brilliance of the golden aspen. Then, after the first killing frosts, the region is blessed with spectacular Indian summer weather patterns during October and November, up to Thanksgiving.

Crested Butte -- this historic mountain mining town overflowing with character, its ski area, and its summertime recreational opportunities of hiking, biking, rafting, flyfishing, golf, and tennis -- is perfectly convenient to the Spring Creek community.

For me, for our family and friends, the opportunity to be so comfortably settled in the peaceful atmosphere of the Spring Creek canyon, in this home, and upon her various outdoor decks and patio arrangements, always with the ability to escape the summer's sun, and, ... with the bedazzling sight and sound of Spring Creek (the perfect mountain stream), Mountainlair is a bewitching experience.

Inside, we have tried to furnish the home in a manner that is welcoming, comfortable, laid-back, and homey. We have utilized furnishings from the past four generations of our families. For us, these items bring back pleasant memories of past wonderful times.

We do hope you will consider Mountainlair for your relaxing and refreshing vacation with family and friends. Mountainlair offers the best of the Rockies, within the comfort of this home, in the atmosphere of the best summertime weather in the world, and on the banks of the perfect mountain stream.

Mountainlair delivers!

Languages:

English
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