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The Retreat at Empire Gulch

Hosted by Lee · Leadville, Colorado
100%
·
3 reviews
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The Retreat The Retreat is a modest log cabin located on Long & Derry Hill overlooking Empire Gulch. The cabin sleeps four comfortably. We welcome snowmobiles in the winter and athletes and vacationers during the summer season. The area is filled with old growth forest and a few scars on the land, the only remaining evidence of the once popular mining economy. Our southern exposure gives us sunny afternoons and a view of Mt. Hope Elevation 13,939. The area is very quiet. The few sounds you may hear are passing ATV’s and snowmobiles or dog sled teams. The property includes both mature pine and aspen forest. The cabin features modern plumbing and electricity via a cistern and a solar array. You should interpret this to mean that while we do have running water and electricity, it is all in limited supply since the cabin is completely off grid. We do have Dish TV and limited satellite internet service. We do also have a gas stove and oven and a microwave for cooking. The cabin is heated only by a wood stove. We do run a generator on the property about six hours a day to charge the solar batteries and to do general chores. Should you need additional generator run time it can be arranged for an additional fee. The Retreat is located seven miles south of Leadville, within the Paddock State Wildlife Area which is about 1300 acres. There are several 14,000 ft peaks nearby. Mt. Sherman is the closest. There are many miles of mining, forestry and county roads both for the extreme athlete and the snowmobile or ATV enthusiast. In addition, there are many bike and foot trails. During snow season, many miles of trails are groomed for cross country skiing or snowmobile riding. No matter what time of year, this is a beautiful place. The elevation is near 11,000 feet above sea level. Altitude sickness is not uncommon for persons from lower elevations. Due to geographic location, please be aware: “ALPINE CONDITIONS EXIST All Year Long Including Large Predators”! During snow season, hazards always exist under the snow. Snow can happen any day of the year. Slippery, uneven surfaces are the norm. Please come prepared with proper foot wear and trail gear.
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    Reviews

    100% Recommend5 ratings · 3 reviews
    Recommends
    · January 2020
    Perfect weekend in the mountains
    The Retreat at Empire Gulch
    Our stay at the Retreat was everything we had hoped for. The hike in is beautiful and very clearly marked, and we arrived to find the cabin immaculately clean, with a cozy fire waiting for us in the wood stove. We spent a really great weekend snowshoeing in the Paddock State Wildlife area, and warming up inside with movies and games. The cabin has everything you could want for a cozy getaway- maps of the nearby hiking trails, hot running water, wifi and Netflix, and an extensive game library. Our Host kept us stocked up on firewood and drinking water, and gave us great tips on where to hike for views of Colorado's highest peaks, and where to get a delicious breakfast in Leadville on our way out (check out the Silver Llama!) There are incredible views of Mount Hope off the back porch, and with clear night skies there was great stargazing. We can't wait to come back next year!
    Avatar
    Maeve A.
    13 reviews
    Recommends
    · February 2019
    Great back country cabin!
    The Retreat at Empire Gulch
    We stayed a few nights at the retreat during February 2019. We needed to snow shoe in to make it to the cabin but made it within a couple of hours. Overall the cabin was well kept, had all of the basics you would need and the host was friendly and accommodating. They made sure the batteries were charged, we had hot water and had plenty of fire wood to keep the cabin warm. The property is remote with some nice trails close by that make it an excellent place to enjoy nature while still having to rough it. It was easy to find the property and the host was fast and clear in all of their communication. I would definitely stay here again.
    Avatar
    Brandon D.
    7 years on Hipcamp
    Recommends
    · February 2018
    Group trip ·
    The Retreat at Empire Gulch
    This place was absolutely incredible to stay at. Highly recommend for anybody who loves an adventure but also enjoys the comfort of a cabin. The camp host Lee was a huge help. Welcomed us with fresh made cookies! What a treat. He gave us easy to follow directions and made sure there was blue marked signs on our way up. The trail was a county road and provided a wide path to follow. Aspen trees lined our way. The cabin was easy to find and a joy to be in. He greeted us upon arrival and told us the ins and outs of the cabin. Upon arrival the cabin was in tip top shape. Very clean and cozy. They had a fire started for us and blankets out to warm up in. The cabin was stocked full of any kitchen item you may need. Extra blankets, chairs outside and inside, tiki torches on the porch, and cozy beds. The bathroom had plenty of toilet paper and towels. They brought up potable water and had cold tap water for dishes. The property was connected to a bunch of trails and endless areas to explore. We adventured to see the beautiful sunset by a old ghost mining cabin. Again this cabin was amazing to stay in and we will definitely be back.
    Avatar
    Alexandria S.
    8 years on Hipcamp

    Location

    Leadville, Lake, Colorado, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
    Avatar

    Hosted by Lee T.

    Joined in January 2018

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