We had fun renovating the cabin with new paint on the walls and cabinets, new stainless kitchen appliances, new light fixtures, new slate and wood floors throughout, new bathrooms, rustic decor and furniture. You will enjoy all the comforts of home in the open living area that will comfortably seat 7 and include satellite & internet while experiencing the feel of the outdoors with the cedar interior walls and ceiling, log furniture and wood-burning fireplace (wood provided) in the living area. Open from the living area, the log dining table will overlook the creek and seat eight (possibly ten if seating children on the benches) with two more at the bar. From the dining area, you will walk onto a spacious deck overlooking Vallecito Creek where you will enjoy the peaceful flow of the rushing water while enjoying a cup of coffee or a cold beverage. The kitchen is fully stocked with pots, pans, dishes, utensils, coffee pot, microwave, stove, oven, refrigerator and dishwasher. Upstairs, you will find a loft area, three bedrooms and two full baths. The master bedroom overlooks the creek, has a queen bed and nightstand made from copper and wood and access to a full bath. The other two bedrooms and loft share a slightly bigger full bath in the hall. The front bedroom has a view of the San Juan mountains, a log queen bed, nightstand, and a television. The smaller bedroom has a view of the creek and a full log bed. The loft area overlooks the living area and holds a log daybed and trundle. So, including the daybed and trundle, the cabin sleeps ten in beds including a sleeper in the sofa. And the mattresses are very comfortable. Of course, if you need to sleep 13, we will provide a quality queen air mattress and a single cot. All sheets, pillows, blankets and towels are provided. You are welcome to use the 2 car garage with functioning garage door opener. There is also a washer and dryer, iron and ironing board available if needed. The road in front of the cabin is not busy since it dead ends into the campground about 1/2 mile up the mountain so it is safe and easy to take a stroll, run, ride or rollerblade if you feel compelled to exercise. I run it often when I'm there and it is very peaceful. We also have horseshoes, washer boards, board games, cards, dominoes and video games including Xbox and Kinect available. Most of the activities, attractions and services listed are within 5-20 miles of the cabin, either in Vallecito or Bayfield including horseback riding at Elkpoint Lodge and boating on Lake Vallecito, both which I have personally experienced and highly recommend. Lake Vallecito has great bass, pike, trout and salmon fishing. And, Doc's Marina offers boat rentals including pontoons, canoes and paddle boats. There are numerous trails to explore while birdwatching and viewing wildlife, including chipmunks, rabbits and yes, sometimes bears (oh my!). I could spend a whole vacation never leaving Vallecito and would go home feeling fulfilled and relaxed. However, there are many more adventures within 30 minutes in Durango including everything from white water rafting (Mild to Wild) in the summer to downhill skiing (Durango Mountain Resort) in the winter. Experience the infamous, awe-inspiring train ride from Durango to Silverton and, from Nov 23-Jan 4, enjoy the unique Polar Express train ride located in downtown Durango. The shopping in Durango is endless from the charming boutiques downtown to the shopping mall. If your passion is jeeping, you have to experience the jeep trails, from mild to off-road heart pounding adventure, from Durango (LaPlata Canyon) to Ouray (Yankee Boy Basin), Silverton and Telluride (Imogene Pass/Black Bear). Being from Texas I was amazed to see snow on the mountaintops in July. The sights are breathtaking including closeup views of historic mines and multiple dramatic waterfalls (literally breathtaking in some areas, especially when you can look out the window and see nothing but straight down several thousand feet). It's quite exhilarating but can be dangerous so experienced off-roaders only please! Jeep tours and rentals are available in Durango, Silverton and Ouray. If off-roading is not your cup of tea, a trip to the picturesque Ouray and Silverton is certainly worth the drive down the 'Million Dollar Highway'. From Ouray you could travel to Ridgeway, a small town known mainly for the fact that the John Wayne movie 'True Grit' was filmed in the area. From there, you might as well go into Telluride, ski and enjoy the shops and possibly see a movie star. Who knows? Historic museums, including the Strater Hotel in Durango, are within walking distance of the downtown shops. If you are a thrill seeker, you will love the Soaring Tree Top Adventure zipline over Durango's beautiful rivers and forests. Bathe in the healing waters of hot springs and visit the antiquated town of Pagosa Springs only about an hour away from your cabin. Durango fly fishing guides from Duranglers offer trips for the San Juan, Animas and private waters. Vallecito Lake Outfitters offers hunting trips for elk, deer and bear and will take you up Vallecito Creek, Middle Mountain and Miller Mountain. The Dalton Ranch Golf Club has been called 'The Sparkling Jewel' of the Four Corners with a spectacular setting of the Animas River Valley providing a wonderful setting for a round of golf. Bar D Chuckwagon is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day located under the majestic red cliffs in the Animas Valley a few miles north of Durango offering a live stage show and chuckwagon supper. The show lasts nearly an hour and is fun for the whole family. Mountain and road biking in the San Juan mountains is spectacular. If you're not a cyclist, there are plenty of hiking trails. Or, of course, mountain climbing is always an option. A novice, but have always wanted to try it? Seek out a reputable guide. They offer expert guidance and provide all the equipment you will need. The winter months and early spring bring plenty of snow. Whether you just want to observe the winter wonderland or participate in skiing, sledding, snowmobiling or simply building a snowman, you will no doubt be in awe of the magnificent snow-topped mountains. San Juan Back Country provides rental for ATV's, dirt bikes, jeeps, motorcycles and guided snowmobile tours. Experience Christmas in Vallecito mid-December with a Pancake Breakfast, Festival of Trees Home tour, Kids Christmas Party/movie, Dog Sled Rides, Live Nativity Scene, Ice Sculpting, Christmas Caroling and Sleigh Rides. Vallecito Nordic Ski Club provides a groomed recreational trail system for non-motorized use including cross-country skiing. Ski equipment rentals are available in Durango. Also, the famous jump scene from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid was filmed on the Animas River in Durango, just upstream from Baker's Bridge. For kids in the area, a bridge jump is a ceremonial rite of passage. But, beware, my son jumped in July and it was so cold, he was walking on water. It's really cool to visit though. I could go on and on. There is something for everyone in this little piece of Heaven on Earth! You'll love it!
