LOCATION:
Nestled in the outskirts of Lyons Colorado just 11 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park (we are 6 miles southeast of Allenspark), the Riverside Cabin offers you the warmth of a classic, rustic log cabin with a beautiful mix of mid-century modern upgrades. Enjoy the beautiful Colorado sunsets from the swing on the wrap-around deck, from the hot tub, or through the cathedral, floor-to-ceiling windows of the living room overlooking the Saint Vrain Creek across the road from our cabin and the wooded mountainside. (The Riverside Cabin has a Lyons address but is 16 miles West-South.West of Lyons.)
This is a spectacular family home with incredible mountain views. It is fully equipped and immaculately maintained. It will sleep up to 7 in beds plus 2 more on the supplied blow-up queen-sized mattress if needed.
Our house is a superb mountain-cabin home at an elevation of just under 7,800 feet. It features the perfect combination of mountain living and Front Range accessibility. The moment you drive in you will enjoy peace and tranquility - listening to the sounds of the river, enjoying the views and the fresh mountain air, as well as the wildlife that frequently comes through the property.
ACCESS:
The Riverside Cabin is situated off a very lightly traveled (and winter-cleared) paved road in a valley just off the Middle St Vrain Creek with a beautiful, wooded mountainside view. We are only minutes (9 miles) from the Rocky Mountain National Park. The town of Nederland is 20 miles south of us, Estes Park 22 miles north, and Lyons just 16 miles to the east. Enjoy the wildlife right off our deck, including moose, elk, deer, bear, coyotes, and others - but please remember not to approach or feed the animals. It is both dangerous and illegal in Colorado. :)
Guests have access to all parts of the house with the exception of the owner's storage closet and the garage.
A keypad controls access to the cabin through the main entry door of the house. You will be given a unique code for your use.
AMENITIES:
The house is fully equipped with all the amenities you would hope for.
- hot tub under the stars that seats six
- fully equipped kitchen
- beautiful living room with great views and a piano
- master bath featuring a large soaker tub
- bedrooms feature luxury linens and bedding
- bathrooms are supplied with luxury plush towels
- downstairs family room with a TV - perfect for the kids
- loft featuring a reading area and a 70-inch HD TV
- office space with Wi-Fi access, a monitor, keyboard, and mouse
- full-sized washer and dryer
- 1 full bath, 2 three-quarter baths, and 1 half-bath
- a large wrap-around deck equipped for outdoor dining and lounging, as well as a swing to enjoy the views
- Like nearly every other mountain home in Colorado, there’s no A/C. However, mountain air blows down from the high peaks and provides a cooling effect in the evenings if you open the windows.
- Free Wi-Fi. We have the best internet service available with Starlink service. Guests are able to stream movies and access Wi-Fi via multiple devices at once.
CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT:
No early check-in or late checkouts due to the cleaning schedule. Check-in is 4 pm or later; check-out is 10 am or earlier.
WILDLIFE:
Do not leave food in your vehicle as it may attract bears. Bears are able to break into cars.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS:
Take a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park - only an 11-mile drive from the doorsteps of the Riverside Cabin. Enjoy a beautiful day hike from the Wild Basin Trailhead just 19 minutes away. There you can hike over 13 different breathtaking trails that will take you to multiple waterfalls, alpine lakes, snowfields, and places in the RMNP for which the area is aptly named... the Wild Basin. See Pear Lake, Finch Lake, Lyric Falls, Bluebird Lake, Ouzel Lake, Falcon Falls, Sandbeach Lake, Trio Falls, Lion Lake, Fan Falls, Calypso Falls, Ouzel Falls, and Copeland Falls. Download the AllTrails app or the Komoot app on your mobile phone to find these and other nearby trails.
Just 25 minutes north is the majestic Colorado mountain town of Estes Park home of the Stanley Hotel and a classic Colorado tourist town. There you'll find lots of great restaurants and shops. It’s known as a base for the Rocky Mountain National Park, home to wildlife including elk and bears, plus miles of trails. The park’s Trail Ridge Road winds past craggy peaks, forests, and tundra.
And South, just 23 minutes, is picturesque Nederland, one of Boulder County’s most unique and eclectic, mountain communities. It is the gateway to the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. There you can enjoy the local restaurants, coffee houses, and breweries. Live music and outdoor sports are drawing cards for this fun Colorado town.
In the winter months, Eldora Ski Resort is only a 30-minute drive west. Skiing at Eldora is a local favorite with its convenient access, lower fees, and fun runs. Eldora is one of the few ski mountains east of the continental divide. With a summit of 10,600 feet, it slopes down Bryan Mountain approximately 1,600 feet before resting at the main base of 9,200 feet.
CHILDPROOFING:
Guests understand that no special efforts have been made to “childproof” this house, and accept the risk or harm to any children/infants we allow on the property.
WINTER:
- A four-wheel drive vehicle is not required for access to our home (but is recommended during the winter months) although the nearest stores - gas and other amenities - are not within walking distance and will require a vehicle for access. A 4WD vehicle is recommended for easier access and travel during the months of November through March. Use the OpenSnow mobile app for a great look at local snow conditions. Type in "Peaceful Valley, CO" for the most accurate snow and winter conditions, local to our Cabin on Riverside Drive.
- If it snows during your stay guests may need to shovel (provided) the deck and/or steps in order to clear a path. The steps to access the rental can be slick in the winter months.
RULES AND POLICIES:
No early check-in or late checkouts due to the cleaning schedule. Check-in is 4 pm or later; check-out is 10 am or earlier. No smoking in the house or on the property. No parties, please. No pets and no open fires. Six cars & nine guests max. Please do not block our neighbor's driveway. AN ACCURATE GUEST COUNT IS MANDATORY. Please, no shoes or ski boots in the house. Please remove them and leave them at the doors. No skis (except in the ski rack in the basement), bikes, or any other sporting equipment in the house. Please DO NOT use the wood-burning stove. Our mountain home has central heat and so the use of the wood-burning stove is not necessary, and in light of the high fire hazard in our area, it is NOT allowed. Thank you for abiding by this policy. Please be kind to our home and treat it like it is yours. Thank you. :)
Violation of any of the following rules is subject to a $300 fine for each violation: smoking prohibition, fire ban, wood-burning stove use, no partying rule, six vehicle limit, quiet time hours, and accurate guest count.
Please do not hesitate to contact either Shelby or Vonda should you need assistance or have any questions. We are here to help make your stay safe, enjoyable, and memorable.
Don and Vionda Downs and Caleb and Shelby Downs
PS. See our Mobile App for lots of helpful information regarding our Cabin as well as local amenities and attractions. (https://hostful.ly/OurRiversideCabin)