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Gondola Village at Holy Cross

93%
·
103 reviews
 · Red Cliff, Eagle, Colorado
2.5 acres hosted by Gondola V.
2 lodging sites
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Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.
Gondola Village at Holy Cross is a little sanctuary in the mountains between Vail, Leadville, and Aspen. There is little nearby except for the next door Holy Cross Wilderness, with a lifetime worth of trails, lakes, and peaks to explore -- all only two hours from Denver. Gondola Village at Holy Cross has direct access that many dream of to Colorado's water wilderness, and some of the best backcountry skiing, hiking, scrambling, backpacking, and fly fishing in the Summit Vail Eagle Aspen area. Our modern alpine cabins are some of the cutest cabins you'll step foot in, complete with a mix of amenities to make your wilderness stay a bit more comfortable. Gondola Village at Holy Cross is at 11.5k feet above sea level (believed to be the highest altitude Hipcamp in the world). Gondola Village at Holy Cross has been featured on Discovery Channel’s Reclaimed, Airbnb's OMG! Fund, Arch Digest, and the site of many product shoots. The managers of this property have worked in yurt, ADU, and cabin construction and hospitality for many years and have brought together some of the best Scandinavian and modern design with a mining town aesthetic. The trip up can be challenging (only off-road, winch / locker equipped vehicles dare try the 759 Holy Cross City jeep road, others will need to hike in at least 2.5 miles), but the views and cabins are well worth the trek. Snow free season tends to be June 15 an October 30 annually, and outside of this guests should be prepared for up to 11 miles of over-snow travel with no cars allowed (a bit less depending on snow coverage in the shoulder seasons from May 21 - early June and late October - November 20)
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Little Blue Beauty on the Rock

95% (121)
Cabin · Sleeps 3
Your wilderness adventure awaits in this darling Alpine cabin, inspired by mining heritage and mountain huts around the world. The High Alpine Cabin at Gondola Village is ready for adventure, elopement, anniversaries, brand shoots, and more. The trek can be challenging, but the reward is well worth it. Believed to be the highest Hipcamp cabin in the world.  Regardless of season, adventure is guaranteed, but please read this about access so you are educated about our wilderness travel options in all seasons: In summer, most guests will want to hike about 2.5 miles (or more depending on the choice of trails) to the site, as the hike is beautiful, and the drive is best reserved for motorbikes, atvs, or 4wd jeeps with big tires, lockers, and winches.  In winter (Nov 20th - May 21st), access is by over-snow vehicles such as snowmobiles (with proper experience), backcountry skis (with proper experience), snowshoes, or some combination. Expect 10.5 - 11+ miles of over-snow transport Guests booking around the start / end dates of the season can check with host about current conditions as these are USFS guidelines and depend on conditions.  Gondola Village is your place to stay in comfort in the middle of Holy Cross Wilderness. Scandinavian design meets Colorado nature. Gondola Village is a one room cabin with full bed for two and extra mattresses for one more person. Property accommodates 3 inside (with sleeping bags or comforters for 3 as well - bring your own liners). Perfect alternative to Summit or 10th mountain division huts and yurts that book out years in advance — we regularly open up new dates and can accommodate smaller groups. Large variety of excellent backcountry ski routes, fly fishing lakes, hiking trails, and climbing just out the door. Leave No Trace style property blends the best of conservation and comfort; your LNT practices help us keep hosting awesome people. Please remember food, water, and sleeping bag liners if you want to use our bags, wag bags (for use with the gray folding NRS toilet, located in the outdoor bath enclosure made of old skis and gondola doors). Pots and pans and utensils and such are available for your use. There is a small, very efficient wood burning stove inside the original cabin for late fall, winter, and spring use (please bring 6" length logs if you'd like to use this) and there is a fire pit/ring outside (please bring 8-16" length logs if you'd like to use this) on the ledge overlooking Holy Cross City and the mountains. Check local fire bans (Eagle County and White River National Forest) before burning! Wood stove is not available for use during summer or early fall. Expect to have no cell service along the way so if you're using Google Maps, we would suggest downloading the area map to your phone before taking off. A printed topo map is an excellent item for your pack as well. There are several different routes you can take when getting to the cabin, which you will pass in this order as you go along the 703/ Homestake road and you'll see outlined in detail further below. Please research these when planning your trip: 1. Hike in from the start of Holy Cross City Road (road 759) (3.7 miles, 39.403140, -106.443517) 2. Hike in from Fancy Pass Trailhead (~4.4 miles, 39.390546, -106.470555) 3. EASIEST ROUTE: Hike in from intersection of 727 and 759 (2.5 miles, for getting here you should have 5-8+” clearance and AWD, as the 727 road is a somewhat tricky drive and not appropriate for most compact rental sedans), 39.409698, -106.455588) Note: For winter the best route is on Homestake Reservoir Road (road 703) for about 7-7.5 miles from the closure to the 759 Holy Cross City jeep road and then up to Holy Cross City Directions: 1. Off highway 24, take Homestead Reservoir Road (road 703). 2. Drive about 7.8 miles and take a right onto Missouri Creek Road (road 704). Note: before Missouri Creek Road, your GPS may try to take you to the right up Holy Cross City Road (road 759). Unless you have a high clearance, off-road vehicle, we would not turn here. However, you can hike in from this point. Please check signs regarding current parking restrictions if you choose this option. 3. Drive 2.2 miles and take a right on Fancy Creek Road (road 727). For this road you may want a good Colorado trailhead vehicle like a Subaru, unless you are used to driving your lower-clearance vehicle on narrow and at time challenging forest roads. Note: you'll pass Fancy Pass Trailhead which is another hiking route you can take to the cabin. 4. Drive 1.8 miles and you'll reach an opening at the intersection of 727 and 759 where you can park your vehicle. 5. Head up the 759 jeep road to the cabin. Further directions and GPS coordinates provided at booking. Winter (Nov 20 - May 20, approx, check USFS website for exact): Plan on the road being unplowed about 1/4 mile off of HWY 24, so plan on 7-7.5 miles flat (depending on where you can park) on the 703 road and then 3.5-4 miles up (depending on what quick shortcuts you are familiar with) on the Road 759 (right turn off of 703) over snow by snowmobile, snowshoes, touring skis, etc. We do our best to keep a skin/ snowshoe track up maintained but not always possible after new snow. Parking is often available at start of 703 road well before the bridge, or off of 24. Please heed all warning signs.  Avalanche safety policy: if conditions from CAIC for the Vail / Summit zone warrant an “extreme” (black) rating on the day you start your trip or are forecast for the second day, you probably shouldn’t have be driving US-24, and we will happily refund your stay. If conditions warrant a “high” (red) rating, we will allow you to rebook your stay to another available date if you are not comfortable making the trip (rate differences may apply for certain dates).
Campfires allowed
Toilet
No potable water
No pets
Showers
Picnic table
from
$108
/ night
for NaN guests
  • Picture of the site
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Work weekend / week stay

94% (18)
Cabin · Sleeps 3
Note … this is a work trade (but we allow for plenty of time for exploring and enjoying the beautiful surroundings), not just a cheap camp spot! Hi all.... If anyone (past guests, friends, future guests) wants to help with an awesome project (featured on Discovery Channel’s Reclaimed show and part of Airbnb’s OMG! Fund) we are offering 2+ nights cabin stay in a modern, insulated cabin on the property we help manage in exchange for a little help (trail work, landscaping, cleaning, staining, other construction needs). Dates for 2025 (planned so far): TBD Before booking, we ask that you have a willingness to help with relevant trail building, landscaping, or construction projects and / or work. Please include your experience levels in each area in the request to book. Minimum 2 night stay so you have time to both help with the property and explore. Feel free to contact us with any questions. We are located near Holy Cross City, CO bordering the Holy Cross Wilderness. In summer the approach is minimum 2.5+ miles hiking or driving a jeep crawler, more like 4 miles if you don’t have a good SUV or truck with 8” + of clearance. You’ll have a cute alpine cabin to stay in with all the amenities.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
No potable water
No pets
Showers
Picnic table
from
$4
/ night
for NaN guests

Reviews

93% Recommend148 ratings · 103 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
Modern Alpine Cabin - Work Stay
Long overdue return to the Refugio. The newer cabbin Ben has built is really cool, and a perfect setting for a remote weekend. As always, I loved my time up here. I'll be back for sure.
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Nikolajs B.
1 month on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2024
A honeymoon for the books!
High Alpine Cabin
10/10 would recommend! My husband and I spent part of our honeymoon at Gondola Village! So peaceful and relaxing! We took a short day hike to Cleveland Lake about 1 mile from the cabin, so nice just enjoying the sun and quiet! I’m sure this changes based on the people who stay, but there is left behind propane tanks to use, extra snacks, mugs, pots, pans, cook utensils! It’s so was perfect little get away!
M
Morgan D.
9 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2024
High Alpine Cabin
Super cool, cute place with amazing views. The cabin was surprisingly well-equipped.
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Keller M.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2024
Happy Place
Modern Alpine Cabin - Work Stay
Genuinely my favorite place in the world. Love what Ben has been able to do with it. This is somewhere I’ll be going for the rest of my life! If you ever have a chance to stay here, do not pass it up!
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Justin P.
9 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2023
High Alpine Cabin
We had a wonderful time at cabin 2! The host was super helpful with directions to the cabin, answering any of our questions, and even gifted us a welcome drink when we got to the cabin. We especially loved the view from the campfire spot and Cleveland Lake nearby! We will definitely be staying at this cabin again!!
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Josie P.
2 reviews
Recommends
· July 2023
High Alpine Cabin
This was the most charming little cabin/setting! We stayed in the newer cabin (first guests!) and it was modern, gorgeous views, and thoughtfully decorated. Ben was there working on the property and was the most gracious host. The hike up was fairly easy and stream crossing refreshing and fun. Note that most of the hike up is on a jeep road which is kind of a bummer, but not a huge deal. We are excited to go back without our baby so we can really explore the area!
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Christin R.
10 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2023
High Alpine Cabin
This was the best Hipcamp adventure I have been on yet! We had recently gotten off of a cruise and this was a very welcome change with NO PEOPLE! The hike up took us about 3 hours and we were pushing dark and a wet from crossing the stream. So we were happy to get in the cabin and start a fire. There are instructions for the stove in the HCR notebook. The cabin has a lot of helpful items, utensils, spices and a one burner propane stove which we used to cook. Don’t forget your wag bags and there is a portable potty that you can have an amazing view from! It was our first experience with them and was very easy to use. Be prepared to carry in all your food and out all your trash! The only thing I wish was different about the cabin was the construction litter that was just haphazardly strewn behind the cabin. Other than that, our stay amazing. Getting there, we got a little turned around at the Holy Cross City following another review and the camp directions. When you get to the sign for the city you will not go toward the structures. Keep going straight. The yellow webbing indicated it hard to see after dark. I’m attaching a picture to help hopefully! The next day I hiked over to view Hunky Dory and Cleveland lake from above. I did not even have the energy to try to find my way down to them. I had downloaded maps from all trails to help navigate. On our hike out we saw a moose! That was an exciting. I would love to go back in the Fall!
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Lisa C.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2023
Fun and rustic mountain adventure
High Alpine Cabin
Absolutely beautiful, rewarding hike and adorable little cabin overlooking the mountains. Lots of supplies so no issues there. There was lots of construction trash around the cabin due to construction at the other site which was a bit of a bummer, and the wood burning stove was not functioning (chimney pipe needs to be cleaned as smoke would fill the room making it impossible to have a fire). Even so, I would still 100% recommend staying here, you won’t regret it. Thanks!
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Molly H.
2 reviews
Recommends
· July 2023
11/10
High Alpine Cabin
The hike in wasn’t easy but it was full of amazing views that made it absolutely worth it! The cabin had everything we needed to enjoy our stay. Wish we could’ve stayed longer, but we’ll definitely be back!
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Lucy T.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2023
High Alpine Cabin
My partner and I stayed here for two nights in late June. We parked a 2WD vehicle at the parking area/intersection of 727/759 and walked about 2.75 miles to the cabin. The river crossing was a bit of a challenge and it was a relatively snowy hike but doable. We were very impressed with all the gear and amenities present at the cabin - water filtration, lighting, cookware, an axe/saw for firewood, and a comfortable bed. We brought our own food, water, and bedding as well and I would recommend future visitors do that as well. The site host was very helpful and responsive via text. The site faces east so we got great sunrises, and the nights were chock full of stars. There is a fire pit and somewhat-flat spot in front of the cabin for stargazing. Wildlife around the cabin included a Pika near the rubble pile and a snowshoe hare that enjoyed nibbling on cardboard. The site does have construction material spread about while the second cabin is being built, as well as three ski-gondolas nearby that, according to an ideas book at the cabin, will be a really cool hanging lounge area. My other complaint/concern is the wood-stove, which we were unable to utilize because it got quite smoky. These did take a little magic away from the area but I would not hesitate to recommend this site to a friend. It's a beautiful spot with the right mix of glamping amenities, challenging terrain, isolation, and natural beauty.
J
Jonathan J.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2023
Modern Alpine Cabin - Work Stay
I always love returning to Holy Cross Refugio! Amazing views, sparkling stars, deep sleep.
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Hannah S.
5 reviews
Recommends
· June 2023
Excellent views! Awesome hut!
Modern Alpine Cabin - Work Stay
Only good things to say about this place - love this area and Ben’s hut is so cute! Great basecamp to check out this area. I love packing lighter (no tent, sleeping bag, etc.). Definitely recommend. I already want to go back!
M
Marley S.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2023
High Alpine Cabin
We stayed at the Cabin June 1st, still a lot of snowpack. We loved the cabin so much, but getting there was a tough hike (with snowshoes). I really appreciated the host's detailed communication without which we would have been lost and unprepared! Make sure you get clear directions from Holy Cross to the cabin, and be prepared for a lot of uphill! Thanks for an amazing adventure!!
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Rachel D.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2023
Incredible spot when not too cold
High Alpine Cabin
Really a beautiful spot but do not underestimate the skin to get there! My partner and I went in after a snowstorm so we had to break trail in shin to knee deep snow the whole way. It took about 11 hours and we are both fit and active people. The description is a bit unclear about the stove situation. There is only a single pocket rocket style stove in the hut. Not a big issue if just using it to cook, but you also have to use it to melt snow for water since the wood stove isn't big enough for that. Bring enough fuel, an extra stove, and an extra pot. The biggest thing to note is that I would be a little concerned with being there if it was truly cold, which is definitely not out of the ordinary at 11.5k feet. We were lucky in that it only got down to maybe the teens at night. The front door is pretty drafty but we leaned a backpack against it and hunt a coat over it to keep the cold air out. The wood stove was efficient but it's still pretty small and it takes a while to warm the hut and the fire burn itself totally out after about an hour. This meant that adding wood through the night required fully restarting the fire and the hut would get very cold without a fire burning most of the night. There also isn't a good place to split wood, which I had to do a lot of to make small enough pieces to fit the stove. Honestly, I think it is a bit absurd to make guests carry firewood all that way. Just keep a stash of properly sized wood in the hut and refill as needed via sled.
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Lucas O.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· December 2022
High Alpine Cabin
This little hut is a slice of winter paradise. The trek in is no easy feat skinning 11 miles from the car but it's 100 percent worth it when you reach the cabin. It's so cozy inside - comfy bed, a tiny wood stove, cookware, games, books, string lights, amazing views. The hut also has a saw and hatchet (we had brought our own unknowingly). The wood stove will keep you warm enough as long as you keep it going. We spent 2 nights up there, and I wish we had added one more. Less than 1 mile from the hut is Cleveland Lake which is a stunning basin with lots of terrain to explore would definitely recommend visiting. Hope to return in the future!!
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Jenna M.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2022
High Alpine Cabin
Absolutely gorgeous and well worth the 2.5+ mile hike to the top. Packed in our own fire wood but forgot the wood for the little stove—definitely would bring next time!
M
Madeline B.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2022
High Alpine Cabin
Incredible land! Very remote at the moment since everyone is stopping at the aspens. I did see SIX black bears on the trail in the morning back to the main loop so don’t forget your bear spray!
A
Aims B.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2022
Quiet mountain retreat
High Alpine Cabin
Amazing gem of a place! Close to tons of water, simple but cozy, and fun!! Incredible views, and don’t forget to check out the antique gondola car.
T
Taylor R.
2 reviews
Recommends
· September 2022
High Alpine Cabin
Beautiful views! Our boys had a great time! Thank you :)
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Molly F.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2022
Beautiful stay with great friends!
Modern Alpine Cabin - Work Stay
Such a beautiful place! Loved it!
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Hillary S.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2022
Alpine glamping paradise!
With pets ·
High Alpine Cabin
We love it here! The cabin is cozy and stocked with thoughtful tools and pieces of gear to make it an extremely comfortable glamping experience. The location is amazing - perched on a hillside overlooking the tenmile range (I think) with the most stunning sunrises and sunsets. There is an endless number of gorgeous (and sparsely visited) alpine lakes in the surrounding area with lots to offer for anyone who loves the outdoors (everything from a brief 1-mile hike away to a big day trip's worth of adventure).
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Katie B.
2 reviews
Recommends
· August 2022
Stunning views
High Alpine Cabin
Beautiful hike and views! We parked and began walking the Jeep trail at the 759 and 727 intersection. I definitely recommend having 4wd to drive there. We live at sea level so the approximately 3 mile hike took 3.5 hrs on the way up and 1.5 down. The cabin had everything we needed. It was definitely cold at night for us since we’re used to hot weather year round so next time we will plan better for that but the indoor wood burning stove helped. We still can’t get over how beautiful the hike was and the view from the cabin!
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Isabela R.
2 reviews
Recommends
· August 2022
With pets ·
High Alpine Cabin
This was a great escape for the weekend!! The hike in is very doable (we used Gaia and had no issues with the directions given). Since it’s on the 4x4 Jeep Road (which we enjoyed watching some folks crawl up the features), it’s quite rocky - regretted my trail runners and would definitely bring something with ankle support. For our visit, the cabin did have a camp chair inside which was nice! The pillows inside were pretty flat and I’d bring your own if that’s a thing you may find hard on your neck. The hike up to Cleveland Lake was so conveniently close (~30min). We were able to catch some cutthroat trout, and we had the whole lake area to ourselves on both of our hikes. For August, would definitely recommend to not forget the bug spray! We had a nice little adventure a d loved our stay - I would recommend this to anyone looking to get an off-the-grid secluded backpacker vibe, but don’t want to work too too hard for it.
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Julie E.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2022
Gorgeous views!
High Alpine Cabin
The gorgeous views and solitude of little blue are well worth the climb! Although we brought all our own gear, the cabin was well-stocked with cooking utensils, sleeping bags and various items left behind by others. We loved our time here and will definitely be making a trip back again someday.
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Danielle S.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2022
With pets ·
High Alpine Cabin
So much fun! Mosquitos pretty bad right now but other than that had a great stay!!! Such a cozy little cabin in a beautiful place. Highly recommend! I used Gaia app to find the cabin via the Fancy Lake Trail and had no issues finding it. Happy camping!
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Bridget H.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2022
With pets ·
High Alpine Cabin
This was the most beautiful and fun place to stay! The sunrise was so insane and the hut had everything you could need and was so cozy. I will definitely be back here with my friends :)
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Shealyn B.
6 reviews
Recommends
· July 2022
Group trip ·
Modern Alpine Cabin - Work Stay
This place only gets better!
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Hannah S.
5 reviews
Recommends
· July 2022
High Alpine Cabin
Truly spectacular! We had a fantastic experience. Loved going to Cleveland Lake. The cabin is cozy and has incredible views.
E
Elizabeth S.
5 reviews
Recommends
· June 2022
With kids ·
Modern Alpine Cabin - Work Stay
The spot is perfect for a cabin. Just above the Holy Cross City ghost camp cabins, but out of sight. Amazing that the builders found a flat spot. If friends/family were to come join I am not sure where a tent would go ? So many trails and basins to explore.
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Kate Z.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2022
A Backpackers Dream
With pets ·
Modern Alpine Cabin - Work Stay
WOW! This spot was a absolutely amazing! This is definitely one of the coolest places we’ve stayed and an awesome experience. The road in was closed so it made for a long hike but the views and serenity atop the mountain was worth it! The cabin had everything you could need and served as a great base camp for further exploration and relaxation. We will be returning later this summer and hopefully again in the winter!
M
Mason E.
3 years on Hipcamp

Location

Red Cliff, Eagle, Colorado, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Gondola V.

Joined in August 2015
Response rate: 100%

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