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Thoreau's Cabin: Back to the Basics, Beautifully.

Photo gallery for Thoreau's Cabin: Back to the Basics, Beautifully.

A log cabin with a triangular window offering a mountain view. - Thoreau's Cabin:  Back to the Basics, Beautifully. (Lake City)
A wooden cabin with a stone pathway leading to a porch overlooking a mountainous landscape. - Thoreau's Cabin:  Back to the Basics, Beautifully. (Lake City)
A log cabin with a stone fireplace, leather sofa, wooden table, and a view of mountains. - Thoreau's Cabin:  Back to the Basics, Beautifully. (Lake City)
A cozy log cabin bedroom with two beds, a small table with pinecones, and a view of a green landscape through a large window. - Thoreau's Cabin:  Back to the Basics, Beautifully. (Lake City)
A log cabin interior with a leather sofa, wooden dining table, and a stone fireplace. - Thoreau's Cabin:  Back to the Basics, Beautifully. (Lake City)
A firepit, a garden and a playground are just a few of the amenities provided at Thoreau's Cabin: Back to the Basics, Beautifully.. Guests can connect to in-room WiFi.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Pet-friendly
  • Outdoor space
  • Barbecue grill
  • Fireplace
  • Mountain view

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About this property

Thoreau's Cabin: Back to the Basics, Beautifully.

  • Thoreau's Cabin: Where Stillness Speaks Volumes. Discover your true escape in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. Inspired by the spirit of Thoreau, this charming off-grid cabin offers a serene and comfortable base for exploring the unparalleled beauty of the Colorado Rockies near Ouray, Silverton, and Lake City.

    Immerse yourself in nature's embrace with breathtaking panoramic views from large windows and relaxing porches. Inside, a cozy fireplace invites you to unwind after a day of adventure. This unique backcountry retreat provides essential comforts, including solar power, running water, and internet access, allowing you to stay connected while feeling completely removed from the everyday.

    Please Note: Thoreau's Cabin is nestled in a remote backcountry setting at nearly 11,500 feet of elevation. Guests should be prepared for rugged terrain, variable weather conditions, and the unique challenges of an off-grid experience. Familiarity with backcountry safety and high-altitude environments is highly recommended. A high clearance 4x4 is highly recommended to access the cabin. Coming up from the Lake City side is also recommended.

    Location Highlights:

    Convenient access to the charming mountain towns of Ouray ("Switzerland of America"), Silverton (historic mining town), and Lake City (gateway to the Alpine Loop). Unparalleled opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and exploring the stunning San Juan National Forest. Experience true tranquility and escape the crowds in this secluded mountain haven.

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About the area

Lake City is home to this cabin. Ouray Hot Springs Pool and Silverton Mountain Ski Resort are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Animas River and Bear Creek Falls. Take in the nearby slopes with snowboarding and skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as snowmobiling and sledging. Visit our Lake City travel guide
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Map
Lake City, CO

Frequently asked questions

Is Thoreau's Cabin: Back to the Basics, Beautifully. pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at Thoreau's Cabin: Back to the Basics, Beautifully.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Thoreau's Cabin: Back to the Basics, Beautifully.?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Thoreau's Cabin: Back to the Basics, Beautifully. located?

Situated in Lake City, this cabin is 7.3 mi (11.7 km) from Animas River and 7.9 mi (12.7 km) from Animas Forks. Bear Creek Falls and Hard Tack Mine are also within 16 miles (25 km).

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Reviews

Thoreau's Cabin: Back to the Basics, Beautifully. Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

9.8

Cleanliness

10

Location
Rating 10 - Excellent. 8 out of 9 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 9 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 9 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 9 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 9 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We stayed at this cabin for four nights in mid-July with our 14-year-old triplet boys, and it was one of our all-time favorite family trips.The setting is stunning—remote, peaceful, and surrounded by jaw-dropping mountain views. The cabin itself is cozy, clean, and thoughtfully equipped. We loved that there was no TV, which helped us unplug, but also working Starlink Internet when needed.We explored the San Juan Mountains, drove over Engineer Pass, visited Silverton and Animas Forks, and took our rented UTV up to the Golconda Boarding House, a beautiful old mining site just up the mountain. The boys loved roasting s’mores by the creek, and we all enjoyed being surrounded by such natural beauty. Every now and then, we’d see old mining relics—quiet reminders of the early pioneers who once lived here.One afternoon, we spotted a bear across a ravine from the living room using the spotting scope. Don’t worry—it was over a mile away—but unforgettable! The big windows and morning coffee views made us feel like we were part of the landscape.The owner was extremely responsive and helpful when we had a question about one of the appliances. And don’t let the suspension bridge scare you—the wagon made it easy to get everything across.Highly recommend for anyone looking to disconnect, explore, and make memories.
Incredible location!
Bear we spotted on an afternoon drive!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was the perfect cabin for a jeeping weekend with friends.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The perfect cabin in the perfect location, amazing Mountain View’s and Henson Creek runs through the property, the same creek that follows the Alpine Loop into Lake City. The creek and its waterfalls create the ultimate ambiance for a relaxing day and night while glamping in the mountains. Tons of wildlife, we brought a Maven spotting scope for wildlife viewing. Thoreau’s Cabin brings the book Walden, written by Henry Thoreau in the 1800s to life. It’s everything you need in an epic mountain setting, Nestled along the border of the Uncompahgre Wilderness, it doesn’t get better in God’s country! Toni is the best host these world travelers have had the pleasure to communicate with, every detail is provided for super simple check in and out, not a single thing missed. Thank you Perry for sharing this experience!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent place near Engineers Pass. For anyone wishing to truly get away this is the place to go. But make sure you have a true 4x4 vehicle and/or the experience to get there. The one downside, however, was the lack of communication during the second half of our stay as a new wildfire began relatively close to the cabin and particularly close to one of only two routes out of Lake City. Given the circumstances, it would have been the right thing to reach out to us and make sure we were informed of the situation. I have also not heard from the host(s) since informing them of leaving the cabin two days early because of the previously mentioned wildfire. Overall, this was still a great experience, but make sure if you go, know that you are truly on your own.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025