5★ The Retreat @Starry Ridge. Ice Castles Nearby, Trails & Mueller Park

Florissant, Colorado
$210 avg/night Minimum Stay 2 Nights
Bed 1

Bed

Bath 1

Bath

Home Private Vacation Home

Property Type

Sleep 4

Max Sleeps

Night 2 nights

Min Stay

ESCAPE SKI RESORT CHAOS – DISCOVER COLORADO'S HIDDEN WINTER GEM

Why pay $300+/night for crowded Breckenridge lodging when you can experience authentic Colorado mountain living for a fraction of the price Starry Ridge offers private snowshoe trails, rescued mustang encounters, and world-class stargazing—20 minutes from Cripple Creek Ice Castles (Dec-Feb) and 30 minutes from Mueller State Park's 90+ miles of winter trails.

WINTER AT STARRY RIDGE

Experience Colorado winter the way it's meant to be:

FREE Winter Trail Equipment: Snowshoes (adult sizes), microspikes, trekking poles, gaiters
Private Trails: 1.5 miles through pine forests, aspen groves & wildflower meadows
Mueller State Park: 30 min to 90+ miles of year-round trails & ranger programs
Rescued Mustangs: Meet our gentle horses (guided experiences available)
Dark Sky Stargazing: 15 min from Florissant Fossil Beds International Dark Sky Park
Peaceful & Affordable: 1/3 the price of ski resort lodging, zero crowds
Real Colorado—not tourist Colorado

YOUR MOUNTAIN SUITE

Western-inspired cozy retreat with private entrance (sleeps 4):

BEDROOM
- Queen bed + 2 twin XL beds
- Desk/workspace for remote work or journaling
- Mountain views & goat-watching from your window!
- Private en suite bathroom: walk-in shower, dual sinks

KITCHENETTE (Fully Equipped)
- Breville convection oven/air fryer/toaster combo
- Single-burner induction cooktop, microwave, crockpot
- Mid-size fridge/freezer, coffee maker, electric tea kettle
- Blender, food processor, hand mixer, spiralizer
- Cooking basics provided: oils, vinegar, salt, pepper, variety of spices
- Fresh herbs in pots when in season

LIVING AREA
- Comfortable L-shaped sofa for lounging
- Dining table seats 4
- Thoughtfully curated western décor

Private suite with excellent soundproofing, attached to the main home. Guests consistently praise the space as “the most peaceful stay imaginable.”

64 ACRES OF ADVENTURE

EXPANSIVE DECK (1,000 sq ft with Pikes Peak views)
- Two 6-burner Weber grills (we'll light them for you!)
- 4+ outdoor dining areas (seating for 4-8 each)
- Cozy lounge area with reclining loungers
- Ping-pong table
- Propane fire pit for evening warmth
- Shared only with your hosts (no other guests)

THE PROPERTY
- Private marked trails with hidden picnic spots & 360° views
- Mountaintop walking meditation labyrinth
- High meadows: badminton, croquet, Viking chess, soccer
- Granite outcroppings & wildflower meadows
- Wildlife viewing: elk, deer, mountain birds
- Historic 19th-century Bear Trap Ranch artifacts

MUSTANG WISDOM EXPERIENCES

Our on-site equine and nature-based wellness program offers:
- Equine-assisted coaching sessions (communication, presence, leadership, connection)
- Executive Digital Detox weekend retreats
- Family-friendly animal encounters

Perfect for individuals, couples, families, or small groups seeking meaningful connection with nature and themselves. Additional fee applies. Exclusive VRBO guest discounts available—just ask!

WHY FAMILIES LOVE STARRY RIDGE

✓ Kids safely explore 64 acres under wide-open skies
✓ Meet rescued mustangs and friendly goats
✓ Lawn games for all ages: croquet, badminton, Viking chess
✓ Real outdoor adventure (not screens or tourist traps)
✓ Educational: wildlife spotting, nature, horsemanship
✓ Screen-free environment, plus games, puzzles & books encourages family connection
✓ Affordable compared to ski resort family lodging

NEARBY WINTER ACTIVITIES & YEAR-ROUND ATTRACTIONS

WINTER (15-120 min away)
- Cripple Creek Ice Castles: 20 min (December-February seasonal attraction)
- Mueller State Park: 30 min (90+ miles winter trails, ranger programs)
- Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument: 15 min (cross-country skiing, Dark Sky stargazing, fossils)
- Breckenridge ski resort: 90 min
- Monarch Mountain: 2 hours

YEAR-ROUND
- Pikes Peak: 30 min (iconic 14er summit, year-round access)
- Eleven Mile Canyon: 30 min (world-class fly fishing)
- Cripple Creek: 20 min (historic mining town, casinos, live theater)
- Colorado Springs: 1 hour (Garden of the Gods, restaurants, shopping, attractions)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

ALTITUDE & WINTER ACCESS
- Elevation: 8,000-8,500 feet above sea level
- Stay well hydrated! If altitude-sensitive, spend 1-2 days in Colorado Springs (6,000 ft) first to adjust
- October-March: 4-WHEEL DRIVE REQUIRED with snow or all-season tires (non-negotiable for safety)
- Gravel mountain roads

PROPERTY DETAILS
- Working ranch: 4 acres near arena occasionally reserved for coaching clients (60+ acres always available to guests)
- No laundry facilities due to sensitive mountain septic system—please pack sufficient clothing for the duration of your stay
- No smoking outside vehicles (extreme wildfire risk—Colorado state law)
- No pets to protect our livestock and guardian dogs
- Service animals welcome per ADA guidelines—please notify us in advance
- Bedroom casement windows open wide—not safe for young children (close supervision required)

AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE (Convenience Items)
- Hand warmers: $8/pair
- Foot warmers: $8/pair
- Bundle: $25 for 4 pairs (saves $7!)
(Nearest store is 45 minutes away—we keep them stocked for your convenience)

YOUR HOSTS

We live on-site and are happy to help with grills, local restaurant tips, trail recommendations, or arranging horse experiences—but we're completely respectful of your privacy and space. Think of us as your built-in mountain concierge for authentic Colorado experiences.

WHAT TO BRING

WINTER ESSENTIALS (We provide trail equipment, but not clothing)
- Sturdy waterproof winter boots (insulated)
- Waterproof gloves & warm hat
- Warm layers (temperatures can drop below 0°F at night)
- Closed-toe shoes for horse activities
- Sufficient clothing for your entire stay (no laundry available)

ALWAYS BRING
- Sunscreen & sunglasses (high-altitude sun is surprisingly intense!)
- Camera for Pikes Peak sunrises, wildlife, and starry skies
- Reusable water bottle (hydration is key at altitude)

Book your affordable Colorado mountain escape today—where peace, adventure, and authenticity meet!

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  • Feature Features
  • Map Map
  • School District Availability
  • Review Review

Feature Features

  • PETS

    No Pets Allowed
  • BEACH

    Beach Sun Loungers
  • DINING

    Dining Table
  • SAFETY

    Carbon Monoxide Detector Installed (host Has Indicated There Is A Carbon Monoxide Detector On The Property) Deadbolt Lock Fire Extinguisher First Aid Kit Smoke Detector Installed (host Has Indicated There Is A Smoke Detector On The Property)
  • BEDROOM

    1 Bedroom Bed Sheets Provided
  • GENERAL

    Double-glazed Windows Eco-friendly Cleaning Products Provided Local Artist Showcase Local Culture & Ecosystem Education Unit Size: 950 Sq Ft (88 Sq M) Uses Some LED Lighting
  • KITCHEN

    Coffee Grinder Coffee/tea Maker Cookware/dishes/utensils Microwave Oven Paper Towels Refrigerator Stovetop Toaster
  • PARKING

    Onsite Parking
  • INTERNET

    Free WiFi
  • OUTDOORS

    Barbecue Grill Firepit Garden Outdoor Furniture Patio
  • BATHROOMS

    Hair Dryer Shampoo Shower/tub Combination Soap Toilet Paper Towels Provided
  • WORKSPACES

    Desk Desk Chair
  • LANGS SPOKEN

    English
  • THINGS TO DO

    Birdwatching Nearby Casino Nearby Hiking/biking Trails Nearby Hunting Nearby Kayaking Nearby Mountain Climbing Nearby Rock Climbing Nearby Sledding Nearby Wildlife And Game Walks Nearby
  • ENTERTAINMENT

    Books Games Table Tennis
  • LIVING SPACES

    Living Room
  • CLIMATE CONTROL

    Heating
  • FAMILY FRIENDLY

    Children's Books Children's Games Playground
  • LOCATION HIGHLIGHTS

    In A Rural Location In The Mountains Near A Health Or Beauty Spa
  • SERVICES AND CONVENIENCES

    Change Of Bedsheets (on Request) Change Of Towels (on Request) Concierge Services Local Meal Delivery Service Phone
  • SUITABILITY/ACCESSIBILITY

    4 Stairs To Reach Property Area Rugs In Public Areas Handrails In Stairways 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 Smooth Flooring In Public Areas Stairway Handrail Height (inches): 36 Tile Flooring In Public Areas Upper Floors Accessible By Stairs Only

CheckIn Check-in : 03:00 PM CheckOut Check-out : 12:00 PM
No Wheelchair No smoking No pets Children allowed
Occupancy Max occupancy : 4

Map Map

School District Availability

Review Review

  • Marlene Q.

    Submitted Jul 11, 2025

    Stayed Jul 4, 2025

    We were pleasantly impressed with the location (disconnected from hustle but yet close enough), the home (loved the decor, the attention to detail, all the extra items that were available, the spacious sleeping quarters), the animals/pets and ofcourse… the views!!Erika and John were so attentive starting from the time I booked, to helping me locate a tire shop that was open (they called ahead of my arrival to make sure it was open) to teaching me how to work my manual gears in my own car (first time in the mountains) and providing a list of local events and activities. We truly enjoyed our short stay at The Retreat and would return if ever we plan to go back to Colorado.

  • Kyle S.

    Submitted Jan 7, 2022

    Stayed Dec 21, 2021

    The host did a excellent job of communicating with us and extending our stay at last minute with ease.

  • Michelle A.

    Submitted Nov 8, 2021

    Stayed Oct 20, 2021

    We had a great time staying with our college age twins for a few days together. The house was very clean and the area was beautiful. We all had plenty of room and privacy. We missed not having a television for about one day then quickly got over it. We were gone daily to Pikes Peak, The Royal Gorge Bridge, or Garden of the Gods. We cooked at night and had a great time being together.

  • Shayna W.

    Submitted Nov 8, 2021

    Stayed Oct 30, 2021

    Let me start by saying, If I could give Erika more than 5 stars, I would! I brought my parents on this trip, once we arrived, my Mom was having a terrible time breathing. To the point we considered leaving and I reached out to Erika, she was so kind and willing to help in any way that she could. My parents left and my husband and I ended up staying. The house was amazing, the view and birds were nothing short of stellar! The only thing I will mention to take note of when booking, there are no TV’s in the house.

  • Submitted Oct 28, 2021

    Stayed Oct 14, 2021

    Great location with plenty to do both on and off the property.

  • Greg L.

    Submitted Sep 29, 2021

    Stayed Sep 8, 2021

    We had no idea how being in this special place helped. us turn down the noise in our life. The property is so beautiful, well taken care for, comfortable. The view, the stars, the wildlife, the presence of beauty, all exist here. The pics does not do this property justice. Several fun little towns with history and special events are nearby. Our recommendation is to have an extended stay and take it all in.

  • Lyssa J.

    Submitted Sep 20, 2021

    Stayed Sep 16, 2021

    Beautiful, clean property with a luxurious feel. Our family was able to spend some quality time together and connect through playing games and reading a variety of books at the cabin. Our kids loved the surrounding outdoors; all the beautiful views, hikes and birds to see. The cabin had so many thoughtful touches and details that it made our stay simple and enjoyable. (Flashlights, coffee and tea, great cookware to make meals together.) The deck has stunning views and was our favorite place to rest together. Overall it was a great place to relax and reconnect with my family. Thank you for the great stay!

  • Charlotte B.

    Submitted Aug 2, 2021

    Stayed Jul 24, 2021

    Kids and adults loved hiking in the backyard and nearby state parks. When not hiking we relaxed on the deck with breathtaking views. Fully stocked kitchen for cooking. We enjoyed games, local books and puzzles. Would definitely go again.

  • Heath B.

    Submitted Jul 24, 2021

    Stayed Jul 15, 2021

    This was just the second time we had used VRBO and it was very smooth. We didnt need to ask a lot of queations but when we did, our host did a great job letting us know what was going on and how to gets ready!

  • Lindsay D.

    Submitted Jul 11, 2021

    Stayed Jul 3, 2021

    We had an amazing experience staying at this property. We had 8 people with us, including 4 teenagers, and 2 elderly. The house had everything you could ever need or want! Waking up every morning having a cup of coffee or a glass of in the evening on the deck, couldn’t have been any more gorgeous! Would absolutely recommend this house!!!

Your dates are Available!

Total

Includes taxes and fees
$210+
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