Alta Lakes Observatory; Rustic Mountain Cabin outside Telluride
Telluride, Colorado
3
Bed
3
Bath
Cabin
Property Type
12
Max Sleeps
2 nights
Min Stay
Alta Lakes Observatory was hand built in the early 70's by some of the earliest 'settlers' of Telluride's Ski Resort town, Jim and Salli Russell. It is constructed of local timber and stone, stained glass windows, a huge fireplace, hot tub, decks, and an ambience that settles the soul.
The Observatory. Extremely. Comfortable. Backcountry.
SUMMER TIME: Alta Lakes Observatory is located 13 miles from Telluride, 5 miles off the highway, on a mountain dirt road, accessible by 2
Features
Map
Rates & Availability
Review
Features
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SKI
Ski-in/ski-out Access Snowboarding And Cross-country Skiing Nearby -
PETS
2 Total Pets Pet Friendly Welcoming Dogs Only -
DINING
Dining Table -
SAFETY
Carbon Monoxide Detector Not Reported (host Has Not Indicated Whether There Is A Carbon Monoxide Detector On The Property; Consider Bringing A Portable Detector) Deadbolt Lock Fire Extinguisher First Aid Kit Smoke Detector Installed (host Has Indicated There Is A Smoke Detector On The Property) -
BEDROOM
3 Bedrooms Bed Sheets Provided -
GENERAL
Unit Size: 2400 Sq Ft (223 Sq M) -
KITCHEN
Coffee/tea Maker Cookware/dishes/utensils Dishwasher Electric Kettle Kitchen Island Microwave Oven Refrigerator Stovetop -
LAUNDRY
Laundry Facilities Washing Machine And Dryer -
PARKING
Onsite Parking -
INTERNET
Free WiFi -
OUTDOORS
Balcony Barbecue Grill Firepit -
POOL/SPA
Hot Tub -
BATHROOMS
3 Bathrooms Hair Dryer Shampoo Shower Soap Toilet Paper Towels Provided -
LANGS SPOKEN
English -
THINGS TO DO
Fishing Nearby Hiking Nearby Hiking/biking Trails Nearby Kayak On Site Kayaking Nearby Mountain Biking Nearby Mountain Climbing Nearby Sledding Nearby Snow Sports Gear Snowmobiling Nearby Water Sports Equipment Wildlife And Game Walks Nearby -
ENTERTAINMENT
Books DVD Player Games Stereo Video Library TV With Cable/satellite Service -
LIVING SPACES
Fireplace -
CLIMATE CONTROL
Heating -
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Children's Games -
LOCATION HIGHLIGHTS
In A Rural Location On The Lake -
SERVICES AND CONVENIENCES
Phone -
SUITABILITY/ACCESSIBILITY
Area Rugs In Public Areas Hardwood Flooring In Public Areas If You Have Requests For Specific Accessibility Needs, Please Contact The Property Using The Information On The Reservation Confirmation Received After Booking. No Elevators Smoke-free Property Upper Floors Accessible By Stairs Only
Check-in : 04:00 PM
Check-out : 11:00 AM
No Wheelchair
No smoking
No pets
Children allowed
Max occupancy : 12
Map
Rates & Availability
Review
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Matt W.
Submitted Jan 7, 2026
Stayed Dec 27, 2025Great stay, great host in Mattie. Really enjoyed our time and the cabin
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Jasmine L.
Submitted Oct 18, 2023
Stayed Oct 12, 2023My husband and I never got to have a wedding when we got married back in 2020 and finally decided to celebrate with friends and family. The Observatory was more stunning than any place we could have chosen to spend our special day. Our photographer did an amazing job finding the venue for us. Mountain Top Catering catered a beautiful, delicious dinner for us and knew the Observatory well. The lodge was stunning and cozy. The location was like a fairy tale backdrop for our elopement photos. Mattie and Nicole were a pleasure to work and plan with and had great communication while we planned the perfect weekend. We hope that we can return to the Observatory again someday. The memories we made there are truly unforgettable.
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Olivia G.
Submitted Jul 24, 2023
Stayed Jul 19, 2023The house and the hosts were extremely impressive. The property is unique and has a ton of character and story to tell. Our stay was more than we hoped for - thank you for a tremendous experience!
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Jason K.
Submitted Aug 21, 2022
Stayed Aug 8, 2022Such a great place to hit the reset button with my family…. Bring your hiking boots and your bikes…. So much to explore and see. Loved the fireside nights and constellation viewing.. If you need anything Mattie will be there..
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Briana T.
Submitted Jun 30, 2022
Stayed Jun 14, 2022There are no words to describe how magical this property is. We are already planning our return!
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Michael P.
Submitted Mar 2, 2022
Stayed Feb 26, 2022Location could not be more amazing! This is a very special place. Thank you Mattie and family for making it available for us to enjoy.
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Gayle H.
Submitted Oct 7, 2021
Stayed Aug 10, 2021This uniquely special spot is a treasure! The surrounding majestic mountains envelop you as you look onto your own pristine lake...heaven on earth!! Whether we were canoeing in solitude with the mountains reflecting on the still waters, looking up at endless starry skies and spotting meteors, sitting around the campfire, preparing delicious meals together in the well-equipped kitchen, or taking in the stunning sunsets right out the back door, Alta Lakes Observatory was truly a treasured spot for our family to share a magical time together...one that will always hold a bright place in our hearts and minds!! AND, what a treat to make new friends, Mattie and the pine martin!!!
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Jake C.
Submitted Oct 12, 2020
Stayed Sep 29, 2020I can't even describe how perfect this place is!
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Joshua M.
Submitted Sep 1, 2020
Stayed Dec 31, 1969Exquisite.
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Ryan B.
Submitted Jan 2, 2020
Stayed Dec 28, 2019No words can describe the experience at the Observatory. The snowmobile rides, sledding in the meadow, crackling fire, secluded cabin, amazing host (Mattie)...oh, and snowmobiling into a world class ski mountain. It's more than you could ever dream.
