A private wilderness retreat -- an incredible setting with onsite fishing

Almont, Colorado
$735 avg/night Minimum Stay 4 Nights
Bed 4

Bed

Bath 3

Bath

Home Private Vacation Home

Property Type

Sleep 12

Max Sleeps

Night 4 nights

Min Stay

MOUTAINLAIR on SPRING CREEK -- Nothing quite like it!

A MAGICAL SETTING -- within a canyon in the mountains...a flowing stream...pines and aspen...rocks and palisades...the bluest skies above

A COMMON SENSE HOME -- great floor plan...privacy for all four bedrooms...three full bathrooms...three inside gathering areas...three outside gathering areas...windows with wilderness views...a well equipped kitchen...welcoming, comfortable, homey

-- Ten miles north of Gunnison, isthe resort community of Almont where the Taylor River conjoins with the East River and becomes the Gunnison River. Turning east onto County Road 742, travel 7 scenic miles up the Taylor Canyon with its towering palisades as it follows the Taylor River towards the high elevation Taylor Park Reservoir resting below the Sawatch Mountain Range to the northeast and the Elk Mountains to the northwest.

-- Just past Mile Marker 7 (with the mountain resort of Harmels on the Taylor on your right, where Spring Creek flows into the Taylor River), is a north turn for those daring to step yet further into the wild west. You have now entered the Spring Creek Canyon on County Road 744.

-- From this point and proceeding north for two miles is the Spring Creek community of private homes on both sides of this perfect mountain stream. Continuing on County Road 744 beyond these homes is the Gunnison National Forest. Since the 1930s (when the federal government allowed private ownership of this Spring Creek land), residents of the southern plains (such as Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, and even Colorado's hotter regions) began escaping the summertime their summertime heat in exchange for the perfect temps and wilderness atmosphere of the Spring Creek canyon.

-- Far from the madding crowd of autos and pedestrians, the Spring Creek community is picturesque, friendly, with a down-home, backwoods character, and it just feels right. For those with the good fortune of discovering and connecting with the enchantment of Spring Creek, it is a treasured experience with the continuing hope of many future shared visits with family and friends.

ARRIVING AT MOUNTAINLAIR

-- One mile north from the CR 742/744 junction, you commit to another significant step away from earthly concerns and towards a heavenly promise. This right turn onto “Broncos Drive” at Eubanks Acres is a commencement into another world, — likened, perhaps, to Dorothy’s travel to Oz in “The Wizard of Oz,” for, during her journey, there was a critical realization when, in Dorothy's bewilderment, she turns to her canine companion and says, “Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.

-- And, now, you creep down a one-lane trail, slowly over the bumps, tightly between the aspen, past the pines, through the field, across the quaint, wood, one-lane bridge, then, to the right, down the private access road, to the end-of-the-road at your retreat, ... Mountainlair on Spring Creek.

-- BEST OF ALL, this perfectly-sized creek (not too big, not too small) flows right through the property.

-- The cabin overlooks the creek and is just up the gentle slope among the evergreens and aspen, and rests against the canyon's forested and boulder-filled, eastern slope.

-- Mountainlair is smack-dab in the middle of a special wilderness environment where you will be ... undisturbed / private / peaceful / refreshed / inspired.

-- Mountainlair provides its guests an awesome mountain atmosphere created by this incredible canyon setting offering forest, rock, stream, blue skies, and sun and shade.

SUMMERTIME OVERVIEW

-- An elevation of 8500' to help ensure summer coolness
-- Trees for summer shade and the aesthetics of a softened landscape
-- A mountain wilderness with immediate, out-your-front-door hiking
-- A safe, friendly, private, refreshing, and inspiring environment
-- Quick access to Crested Butte and Gunnison for dining, shopping, events, entertainment, recreation, and services
-- The perfect stream to view, hear, wade, and inspire

MOUNTAINLAIR'S FLOOR PLAN

-- The indoor living space includes 2,600 square feet.

-- The attached garage on the south end of the home includes an additional 400 sq ft (19' x 21).

-- The home's entry is on the west side, and you enter the home on its mid-level. Moving south from the entry and also on this mid-level is the kitchen, a dining area and sitting room, and the utility room.

-- To the north of the entry, you ascend 7 steps to the upper level living room. This living area includes an additional dining area (the antique, harvest table accommodates 12) and an L-shaped couch in front of the wood burning fireplace with a 65 flat screen TV above. Adjoining this room is a large outdoor wood deck balcony facing the creek to the west.

-- This upper level also includes the master suite with its king bed, fireplace, and master bathroom with his and her separate vanity sinks and 6' tub/shower combination. The master bedroom also has access to the extra-large outdoor wood deck and courtyard on the back side/east side of the home.

-- Going back to the entry on the mid-level, you can also go north and down 7 steps to the lower level living area with its fireplace and seating area including two sofas. This lower level also includes access to an outdoor patio area located directly below the upper level balcony, and also facing the creek to the west.

-- This lower level has two bedrooms (one with a queen bed, and one with a double bed). These bedrooms are also quite private being separated by a shared full bathroom with a shower.

-- Going back to the entry/mid-level and moving to the south through the kitchen and the sitting and dining area next to the kitchen, and then past the utility room, pantry, and access door to the garage, you can now go up 8 steps to a landing. To your left is the third full bathroom with its tub/shower combination. Straight ahead is the fourth bedroom with a queen bed and four twin beds.

-- Your home takes further advantage of its setting by providing all three inside living areas (the kitchen's sitting and dining area, as well as the upper and lower level living rooms) with window views of the surrounding outdoors and the creek to the west.

-- Besides the expansive grounds, there are the previously mentioned three outdoor living areas where there is always the opportunity for sun or shade: (1) the front wood deck balcony off of the upper level living area, (2) the fully-enclosed back courtyard extending the full length of the back of the home, and (3) the front patio area next to the front entry and just outside the lower level living area.

A QUICK MENTION OF SOME LOCAL ACTIVITIES

-- Yes, hiking is just out the front door. But, hiking is everywhere throughout this region. You need only pick up the local trail maps to immerse yourself in these awesome ventures. (See additional information.)

-- The same goes for mountain biking. Crested Butte is the birthplace of the mountain bike. For the past 50 years the area has developed over 750 miles of mountain bike single-track. Bikes are available for rental.

-- Fly fishing, also, is just out the front door on Spring Creek. The purity of the water is excellent allowing even brook trout to thrive. There is also a good population of brown trout and rainbows, and the deeper holes or pools are your best opportunities. We never keep our fish, but immediately return them unharmed back to their waters to ensure that there are always fish to catch. And, fishing opportunities abound off-site on the upper stretches of Spring Creek, as well as with the Taylor River, the East River, and the Gunnison River which are all close by. The local fly shops in Almont, Crested Butte, and Gunnison can provide further help with available water and guide services.

-- Mountainlair is easily accessible to the famous Taylor Park and its Taylor Reservoir by continuing to travel up County Road 742 in the Taylor River Canyon for 14 miles to the Reservoir, and, then, into Taylor Park. This area is an enormous, picturesque playground to camp, boat, and ride ATVs. There are miles of dirt roads and trails for these motor-recreationers to play upon.

-- Regarding music, the Crested Butte Music Festival has events all summer long, and Alpenglow hosts a free weekly concert on Monday evenings. The local joints are good about offering live music. (See additional information.)

-- Crested Butte has the distinction as the Wildflower Capital of Colorado. There are some 200 events offered throughout the summer. (See additional information.)

-- Gunnison is also the home of Western State Colorado University. There are various educational programs available to the public throughout the summer at Western State.

-- A quick mention of other activities: rafting; horseback riding; SUP (stand-up-paddle boarding), art workshops, historical walking tours, a farmers market.

A COUPLE MORE HOME FEATURES WORTH MENTIONING

-- There is plenty of parking, including a space for a travel trailer, motor home, or boat.

-- Because you are at the end-of-the-road, there are no concerns of dust from passing traffic.

WHAT ABOUT THE WINTER SPORTS SEASON

-- If downhill skiing or snowboarding is high on the list, don't forget that, at the end of the day, you will retreat to the magic of a Thomas Kincade-like mountain-cabin-in-the-winter-woods scene of serenity and solitude.

-- If you are game for a cold-weather hike on packed snow, or strapping on snowshoes to pound the powder, or cross-country skiing, then you too have a Mountainlair mind-set.

-- And, if a crackling fire, a home-cooked meal, and a good book have an appeal, you are also ready for Mountainlair in the wintertime.

To CLEANSE your CORE ... it's Mountainlair on Spring Creek

Escape to the wilderness.
Immerse your soul in her enchantment.
Succumb to her fresh, pure, flowing waters.
Allow this sanctuary to heal and regenerate your spirit.
And, emerge triumphant, ready to once again take on the world.

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

Feature Features

  • SKI

    Close To Skiing
  • PETS

    No Pets Allowed
  • DINING

    Dining Table
  • SAFETY

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

    4 Bedrooms Bed Sheets Provided
  • GENERAL

    Double-glazed Windows Recycling Unit Size: 2600 Sq Ft (242 Sq M)
  • KITCHEN

    Blender Dishwasher Electric Kettle Microwave Oven Paper Towels Refrigerator Stovetop Toaster
  • LAUNDRY

    Laundry Facilities Washing Machine And Dryer
  • PARKING

    Onsite Parking Onsite Parking Options Include A Garage
  • INTERNET

    Free WiFi
  • OUTDOORS

    Balcony Barbecue Grill Outdoor Furniture
  • BATHROOMS

    3 Bathrooms Bathtub Or Shower Bidet Hair Dryer Shampoo Soap Toilet Paper Towels Provided
  • LANGS SPOKEN

    English
  • THINGS TO DO

    Birdwatching Nearby Hiking/biking Trails Nearby Horse Riding Nearby Mountain Biking Nearby Mountain Climbing Nearby Power Boating Nearby Rafting Nearby Rock Climbing Nearby Sledding Nearby
  • ENTERTAINMENT

    Arcade/game Room Books Games Table Tennis Smart TV With Cable/satellite Service
  • LIVING SPACES

    Fireplace Living Room
  • CLIMATE CONTROL

    Heating
  • FAMILY FRIENDLY

    Playground
  • LOCATION HIGHLIGHTS

    In The Mountains On The River On The Waterfront
  • SERVICES AND CONVENIENCES

    Iron/ironing Board Phone
  • SUITABILITY/ACCESSIBILITY

    Smoke-free Property

CheckIn Check-in : 05:00 PM CheckOut Check-out : 10:00 AM
No Wheelchair No smoking No pets Children allowed
Occupancy Max occupancy : 12

Map Map

School District Rates & Availability

Review Review

  • José E.

    Submitted Jan 1, 2026

    Stayed Dec 26, 2025

    It was amazing vacation time I love the place

  • Jarrod C.

    Submitted Aug 29, 2025

    Stayed Aug 15, 2025

    Wonderful home. Beautiful scenery. The owner was easy to communicate with. Would stay again.

  • Bill D.

    Submitted Aug 29, 2024

    Stayed Aug 24, 2024

    A group of six men stayed at this property and it was EXCEPTIONAL. Over the years we have stayed at several places but this is our favorite. Excellent location secluded but easy to get to, lots of room, well appointed, comfortable beds, well stocked kitchen, fire pit, great outside decks, the beautiful Spring creek out the front door, and a terrific owner who has all the right answers. We highly recommend d this wonderful property.

  • bart p.

    Submitted Aug 14, 2024

    Stayed Aug 7, 2024

    The house is a bit dated, but cozy. Kitchen appliances could use some updating. It is located off the beaten path, a little tough to find initially. It is about a 30 min drive from Crested Butte. The property has a nice stream running through the front of the property. The trash disposal routine is atypical and a little burdensome for guests. Dale (property manager) is very friendly and easy to get ahold of. Overall we did enjoy our stay.

  • William K.

    Submitted Nov 21, 2023

    Stayed Nov 9, 2023

    Beautiful location. Private. Lots of room. The range was a litte difficult to figure out at first. Really enjoyed the stay.

  • Rita M.

    Submitted Sep 5, 2023

    Stayed Aug 31, 2023

    We had a wonderful stay. The creek was so relaxing while resting in the hammock! Really enjoyed the night fires as well. The house was spacious with plenty of room for our group.

  • Stephen K.

    Submitted Aug 3, 2023

    Stayed Jul 15, 2023

    We had 4 retired couples, all cousins. Plenty of room and great outdoor spaces. We had several meals on the back patio. Dale was very easy to communicate with and made us feel at ease and at home. The place was clean and well kept.

  • Susan L.

    Submitted Jun 26, 2023

    Stayed Jun 17, 2023

    We loved this property. It’s in a beautiful location with a creek in front. We were a group of 8 and this house was perfect. The teenagers all shared a room that had several beds and their own bathroom. It was really like they had their own wing of the house. The house is multi-level which was perfect for everyone to have their own space. The top level deck was our favorite. We could sit and listen/watch the creek as well as the hummingbirds. The owners were great to work with. They were very helpful when we had questions and got back to us right away. We would definitely stay here again.

  • Kirk S.

    Submitted Sep 10, 2022

    Stayed Sep 3, 2022

    Great location for riding OHV in Taylor Park and Crested Butte. The house is located halfway between Gunnison and Crested Butte. We had several deer came by the house one afternoon.

  • Kathi h.

    Submitted Aug 26, 2022

    Stayed Aug 11, 2022

    Although there are neighbors, the neighborhood was very quiet and felt private. Good layout of the house for 3 couples or two families, the bedrooms all have their own baths and 2 have full living areas, so it was nice to be able to maintain some privacy within the house among us (two couples) and the kids. House was very well stocked and had lots of outdoor sitting areas. Fishing was slow in the creek but a few good fishing spots to drive to nearby. Although we were warned, the front step sizes are off, we had a fall and a couple of trips. A reminder sign next to the steps might help.

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Total

Includes taxes and fees
$735+
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