Unwind and enjoy your vacation the way it was meant to be. For over 150 years the Conejos River has been the fisherman’s choice in Southern Colorado. Nestled in the South San Juan Wilderness of the Rio Grande National Forest, the Homestead Cabin on the Conejos offers your family a great vacation experience.
The Homestead Cabin is one of the original guest cabins on the 14 acre Conejos Ranch located along the Conejos River with approximately 1 mile of private river frontage. The rustic 2 bedroom, 1 bath cabin has a full size, well-appointed kitchen and a cozy wood stove. Under new ownership since 2016, the cabin has received new flooring, furniture, and many other upgrades for your comfort. The master bedroom has a luxurious pillow top queen bed and the second bedroom has a pillow top full size bed and twin size bunk beds. The cabin will sleep 5 comfortably.
The kitchen is fully stocked with Caphalon cookware, blender, coffee maker, electric tea kettle, a full spice cabinet, and plenty of extras.
NOTE: as of 05/21/2020, the fiber optic internet service is active!
Outside under the pines, is a gas grill, picnic table and a fire pit to enjoy cool evenings. Wood is provided however you must heed any burn ban or red flag warnings. You will receive current fire restrictions, if any, prior to arrival.
Fish the river right outside your cabin across the private park or in over 30 smaller streams and tributaries in the county that offer some remarkable fishing for Rainbow and Native Brown Trout. The season generally runs from May through October – with July, August and September being prime months for dry-fly. Licenses are requires and may be obtained at the Fox Creek Store or Conejos River Anglers.
If hunting is your preference, the Homestead Cabin on the Conejos makes a great base camp. While hunting is not allowed on the property, hunt for deer, elk, bear, and antelope all within a short 30 minute drive.
Artists and photographers, mountain bikers, hikers and backpackers can find over 180 miles of trails in the wild and rugged San Juan Mountains of Colorado that stretch from southwestern Colorado into northern New Mexico. Here the San Juan Mountains remain yet untouched by man and where the wanderer can find solitude from the crowded avenues of the city. The best backpacking in the state is here, some would argue. In the autumn, the area is popular with hunting parties looking for trophy elk. But outside of the autumn hunting season, solitude can be more readily found here for the soul who is willing to seek it out.
If trains are your passion, the historic narrow gauge Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad is just down the road in Antonito, Colorado. Take the train from Antonito to Chama for an unforgettable experience. Or head north to Alamosa and catch a ride on the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad. The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad is the highest and longest route on standard gauge rail. Choose from a daytime ride over historic La Veta Pass with steep grades, wildlife sightings and narrated tales of railroad and mining history, a weekend train ride to a mountaintop concert, or a sunset dinner train to make your vacation truly unforgettable.
Shoppers will delight in Taos, NM a short 1 1/2 hour drive away. In the summer, rafting is also available in Taos. Don’t forget to stop at the Chili Line Depot in Tres Piedras, NM on the way for one of the best burgers around and great home-made desserts.
The Homestead Cabin on the Conejos is pet friendly. We only ask that you let your four legged family members join you on your adventures. Pets should always be on leash while outdoors and should never be left in the cabin un-attended.
The cabin is non-smoking however you are welcome to smoke outside. Please dispose of smoking materials properly and always be careful of any fire sources while visiting in the National Forest.
About the Area
The South San Juan area is special for its rugged scenery, large expanses of forest, and high altitude trails that offer a sense of remoteness difficult to find elsewhere. High ridges, pinnacles and deep canyons, carved by the headwaters of the San Juan, Conejos, and Blancos rivers characterize the geography of the wilderness. Pristine spruce, fir and ponderosa forest make the South San Juan wilderness a sanctuary for deer, elk, bear, and other wildlife that thrives unmolested by human activity. It comes as no surprise then that it was in this place that the last Colorado grizzly was shot in 1979. Biologists speculate that if any Colorado grizzlies remain, it would be in this remote wilderness.
Nearby Attractions: Guided fishing at Conejos River Anglers (you won't be disappointed) and guided horseback rides and overnights with Conejos Canyon Outfitters are currently available.
Antonito, Co (15 miles)
Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad
The oldest church in Colorado - Our Lady of Guadeloupe Parish Church dedicated in 1863 is located just north of Antonito
Alamosa, CO (42 miles)
Zapata Falls – Hikers wade through chilly waters and maneuver over slippery rocks to Zapata’s hidden falls a short ½ mile from the parking lot. Views of the Great Sand Dunes National Park are spectacular.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Rio Grande Scenic Railroad
San Luis Brewing Company
Platoro (35 miles) – Don’t let the distance fool you! This winding dirt road (FR 250) follows the Conejos River up the canyon to Platoro Reservoir and the headwaters of the Conejos. Platoro started out as a boomtown in the late 1800’s following the discovery of large deposits of gold and silver in the area. Even today, you can still find plenty of gold and silver in the Conejos River valley.
Salida (125 miles) – Get ready for some spectacular whitewater rafting! The upper Arkansas River offers some of the best rafting in the state.
Philmont Scout Ranch (134 miles) - Philmont Scout Ranch is the Boy Scouts of America's largest national High Adventure Base. Its 34 staffed camps and 55 trail camps provide an unforgettable adventure in the high country along hundreds of miles of rugged, rocky trails. Drop the kids off for their trek and head on over to the Homestead on the Conejos for your own wilderness adventure.
