Welcome to The Bear Den, a cozy retreat in Twin Lakes where mountain trails, lakeside paths & alpine air surround you. Perfect for families, couples, & pet owners alike:
- Sleeps 4 | 2 bedrooms | 2 beds | 1 bath
- Lake access just steps away
- Firepit, patio & BBQ grill
- Fully equipped kitchen & washer/dryer
- Family-friendly w/ Pack ’n Play & board games
- Pet-friendly
We're here for you during your stay but our level of interaction is up to you. We are only a phone call or message away. You will be able to self check-in upon arrival. We are happy to assist via phone or through Airbnb before, during or after your stay.
Once a week, one of our team members will stop by the property to put out the trash cans, replenish our supplies, and/or restock sheets and towels. They will NOT enter the home. They have access to the storage or shed with a code. This day may or may not fall during your stay.
TOWN OF TWIN LAKES & SURROUNDING AREA
Just outside the cabin you will enjoy stunning views of Mt Elbert - the second-highest peak in the contiguous U.S. as well as of Mt. Hope, another of the tallest peaks in Colorado. You will fall in love with the clear morning lake views and awe-inspiring panoramic perspectives. These gorgeous mountain views create an amazing backdrop for the ever-changing light show, which offers glorious sunrises and mind-blowing sunsets. Occasional passing storms and rainbows add to the magnificent display of nature.
A mere two-hour drive from Denver, Twin Lakes is a remote historic mining town. Nestled deep within a National Forest at the base of the Rockies’ tallest mountains, yet close to the booming outdoor adventure towns of Buena Vista and Leadville, the town of Twin Lakes is an undiscovered gem. Our cabins offer the best views in the state of Colorado and immediate access to the wilderness just outside your door. You will gain an appreciation for the peaceful beauty of this untamed area like you have never known before.
ACTIVITIES & RECREATION
Twin Lakes and Mt. Elbert Forebay are both a quick 5-10 minute drive from here. You'll find various activities to enjoy, including:
• Swimming
• Onsite disc golf course (3 holes)
• Canoeing (rentals available)
• Kayaking (rentals available)
• Stand-up paddle-boarding (rentals available)
• Lake fishing (try ice fishing in the winter!)
• Hiking/Cross-country skiing/Snowshoeing/Mountain biking. There are endless trails just outside your door for you to enjoy.
• 14ers - Bag your peaks here! Use this as your base camp. The most accessible mountains are:
Elbert, Massive, Huron, La Plata, Missouri, Belford, Oxford, Harvard, Colombia and Yale.
• Stargazing. On clear nights you may see planets, and, of course, myriad stars. View the details of the Milky Way as rarely seen in our world today. Don’t forget to bring your telescope!
• ATVing/4-Wheeling/Snowmobiling. Haul your vehicle up. There’s plenty of space!
• Whitewater rafting on the Arkansas river
• Fly fishing the 100+ miles of Gold Medal trout water on the Arkansas River
• Hunting
• Gold-panning
We are accessible year-round. Our cabin is located on a county road that gets plowed when there's snow; however, we still recommend AWD with good tire tread in the snowy months (generally December to April). Winter driving conditions on the highways leading to the cabin can change rapidly, so check the weather before heading out. Colorado has some specific winter driving laws pertaining to tire requirements.
DRIVING DISTANCES - SKI RESORTS
• Copper - 50 min
• Ski-Cooper - 40 min
• Monarch - 1 hour 10 min
• Vail - 1 hour 15 min
• Keystone - 1 hour 15 min
• Breckenridge - 1 hour 15 min
DRIVING DISTANCES - TOWNS/CITIES
• Twin Lakes (town) - 8 minutes
• Denver - 2 hours
• Buena Vista - 30 minutes
• Leadville - 25 minutes
• Aspen - 3 hours
• Salida - 1 hour
• Colorado Springs - 2 hours 15 min
Step outside and breathe in crisp alpine air as you take in the quiet rhythm of Twin Lakes. Mornings begin with soft light spilling over the 14,000-ft peaks, while evenings invite you to gather by the firepit or linger on the patio as the stars brighten above. This cabin places you at the heart of Colorado’s wilderness while keeping comfort close at hand.
Sleeping arrangements
Inside, you’ll find two bedrooms, each furnished with a Green Leaf memory foam mattress—one king and one queen—to ensure a restful night. Room-darkening shades make mornings slow and peaceful, while extra pillows and blankets add to the sense of ease. The single-level layout with no stairs makes moving about simple for all guests.
Living spaces
Settle into the cozy living area, where a 43-inch Smart TV and a collection of board games encourage you to unwind after a day outside. A washer and dryer are on hand to make longer stays effortless, and thoughtful touches like hangers, linens, and an iron keep packing light.
Kitchen & dining
The cabin’s fully equipped kitchen allows you to prepare meals with ease. With modern appliances including a stove, oven, microwave, toaster, refrigerator, and coffee maker, as well as cooking basics, you’ll find everything you need. Share meals at the dining table or bring dinner outdoors, where a grill and outdoor furniture wait for you.
Bathroom
A full bathroom includes a bathtub, hot water, and stocked essentials like shampoo, conditioner, and body soap. Towels, sheets, and other necessities are ready on arrival.
Outdoor living
Though the cabin is tucked behind other properties without a direct view, the lakeshore and panoramic mountain scenery are only a short walk away. Outside, you’ll find a patio or balcony, outdoor furniture, and a shared firepit where you can gather with fellow travelers. Lake access is available along a path or dock, placing fishing, kayaking, or simply lakeside strolling within easy reach.
Connectivity & safety
Reliable Wi-Fi keeps you connected when needed, and the cabin is equipped with essentials like a smoke alarm, carbon monoxide alarm, fire extinguisher, and first aid kit.
Perfect for families & pets
Families will appreciate the Pack ’n Play, table corner guards, and babysitter recommendations. Two dogs are welcome, making it simple to bring your four-legged companions along for the adventure.
From mornings on the patio with coffee in hand to evenings spent around the firepit, this cabin blends the quiet of the mountains with the ease of modern essentials. Whether you’re visiting for outdoor adventure or quiet retreat, The Bear Den offers a comfortable base in Twin Lakes.
There is no public transportation that will take you up here. You will need your own vehicle. 4WD is recommended throughout the year and required during winter months due to potential heavy snowfall.
In the patio area, you'll find a dedicated grill space, part of our shared outdoor amenities. Enjoy evenings around the communal firepit, a cozy gathering spot shared among our four cabin properties. Kindly note that the futons in the cabins are designed for seating only and are securely fixed in place. They cannot be converted into beds.
BRINGING ALONG YOUR FURRY FRIEND?
Let us know a little about your dog(s) and we should be able to accommodate with an adjustment to our cleaning fee. $75 cleaning fee per dog, maximum two dogs only. Sorry, no cats permitted.
Events are subject to approval. Please note event fees will apply.
THE WILDLIFE:
There are animals around the premises including many deer, foxes, multiple species of raptors and other birds, armadillos, many rabbits, black bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, coyotes and more! You won’t see all of these at the cabin, but if you get out on the trails, you might get lucky...
MOUNTAIN LIVING
1. We are located just shy of 10,000 feet. Please drink plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness.
2. Sometimes the wind kicks up to remind us of all the things we cannot control, but it usually settles down again within a few hours. You would be best not to leave belongings outside.
3. Wildlife is somewhat rare but has been known to wander through, please do not leave food outside at night.
4. Be prepared with lots of clothing layers so you can adapt to changing conditions. Mountain storms come and go quickly.
5. 4WD is recommended throughout the year and required during winter months due to potential heavy snowfall.
RESPECT
The Bear Den is located in a remote, tiny mountain town. Twin Lakes is pretty amazing; in fact, our family is a little apprehensive to share it with others. As visitors to the area, please think about your impact on our town and the small surrounding communities. Please respect full-time residents' privacy and solitude. Follow Leave No Trace guidelines when visiting and recreating in the beautiful outdoors, and consider supporting local dining and shopping during your stay.
SMOKING
We like to keep our cabins as fresh as the outside alpine air. If you need to smoke, you'll need to step outside to do so. There will be a $600 fine for any smoking inside the cabins
FIRE
There is currently a fire ban in place. Violations is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000. Please be careful and check with Lake County for more recent updates.
VIEWS
While the cabin windows don't provide a direct view of the lake, taking a short walk outside reveals a stunning view of Twin Lakes and the surrounding mountains.
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Lake County STR License # 2024-016
