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Secluded Riverfront Retreat w/hot tub & private river access

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Recharge your life & create a memorable vacation on the river.
Easy entry/exit to river with sandy river bottom, great for swimming & fishing
View of the Sangre de Cristo mountains from the lower level
Welcome to The River Rock Retreat...let your vacation begin!
Large deck to hot tub w/gorgeous views, maximum privacy, & sounds of the river

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 7161.7 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Howard, CO
  • Riverside Park
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Visitor Center
    ‪19 min drive‬
  • SteamPlant Theater and Event Center
    ‪19 min drive‬
  • Salida, CO (SLT-Harriet Alexander Field)
    ‪24 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 7)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Futon, 1 Single Bed and 1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed and 1 Single Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Secluded Riverfront Retreat w/hot tub & private river access

Welcome to The River Rock Retreat, where you’ll recharge your life & create a memorable vacation on the river!

Located in the picturesque town of Howard, Colorado, The River Rock Retreat offers world class fishing on the gold medal Arkansas River, with a 1,000 feet of private river frontage, stunning Sangre de Cristo mountain peak views, endless exploration on public land adjacent to the home, and lush landscape with old growth trees on a two tier setting - a nature lovers paradise!

Bright and spacious open floor plan home with 2 oversized bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sleeps 7 comfortably with room to spare. Views in every direction + easy access to the lively town of Salida, Colorado and all the area has to offer.

Only 14 miles east of Salida, with art, festivals, shopping, hiking, swimming, concerts, bars and restaurants, theatre, golf, ATV/UTV rentals, and more nearby. A gorgeous 41.6 mile drive down river to enjoy the adventures at The Royal Gorge, and 46.4 miles to Canon City with its rich history, festivals, and even more shopping and dining opportunities.

The River Rock Retreat offers…

>2+ acre 2 tier setting with old-growth shade trees and native landscape with ~1,000 feet of private Arkansas River Access. Private guest access only, no public access (steps take you down to the river).

>Clean and spacious 1970's home with 1,740 sq. ft., open floorpan, views from every window, and designer furnishings, finishes, appliances, and linens (home is on the upper tier of the property).

>2 oversized bedrooms with one king bed and one twin bed in each (and a twin cot in one of the bedrooms for additional sleeping), private glass slider (entry/exit) out to front patio, views of rock outcroppings and garden, and large closets.

>Wrap around deck with views of the Arkansas River, Sangre de Cristo mountain range, BLM rock/cliff outcroppings, garden, and wildlife (depending on the fullness of the trees, you may not be able to see the river from the deck).

>AIR CONDITIONING. Excellent A/C swamp cooler cools entire home.

>Fully stocked kitchen with eat-in island & granite counter tops.

>Large dining room with windows to take in the river and mountains views, connected to the wrap around deck and hot tub.

>Full-Size Washer & Dryer. Large laundry room with door to deck overlooking river and in-ground fire pit.

>Sunken living room with 65" HDTV flat screen TV & satellite channels and marble surround wood burning fireplace.

>Free internet. Free WiFi.

>Hot Springs Spa Therapeutic Hot Tub. Listen to sounds of the river in your private spa. Cleaned and sanitized by a spa professional prior to each guest upon arrival.

>Propane grill to cook your favorite meals while enjoying the lush landscape.

>Fire Pit with a view. In-ground fire pit to enjoy views in every direction (firewood NOT provided, can be purchased at your nearest convenience store).

>Multiple outdoor seating areas that take advantage of the outstanding views, peaceful setting, and sounds of nature.

>1,000’s of acres to explore directly from property onto BLM (public land); hiking, mountain biking, dirt biking, ATV/UTVing, and more.

>Secluded and quiet location. The river is between property and highway, the trees provide a feeling of privacy and seclusion (neighbors can be seen across the river while at the river and when near the house, depending on the fullness of the trees, you may not be able to see the river).

>Certified Wildlife Habitat from the National Wildlife Foundation. The lower tier, adjacent to the river, is a Certified Wildlife Habitat. This distinction states that the property has food, water, cover, and places to raise young, along with sustainable practices to ensure soil, air, and water stay healthy and clean.

>Vacation Ready! Well-appointed kitchen, towels, linens, soaps, toilet paper, trash bags, and coffee, everything you need (aside from a swim suit and food) to make you feel at home and get the most out of your vacation.

Endless adventures in the surrounding area including, rock climbing, UTV/ATVing, hiking, horseback riding, hot springs, swimming, golfing, rafting, fishing, stand up paddle boarding, shopping, festivals, The Royal Gorge, Canon City, The Great Sand Dunes, Browns Canyon, Buena Vista, Leadville, stunning drives over Independence Pass, day trips to Crested Butte and other mountain towns, and so much more.

THE most level/grassy/shaded ARKANSAS RIVERFRONT vacation rental in the area (no public access), at the end of a private drive. Gold Medal Fishing. Fish from your own private island. BLM on 2 sides. Hike, bike, fish, swim, raft, float, ride, directly from property. Far enough away to escape the crowds, yet close enough to experience adventures in every direction. Year round easy and level access.

Your retreat awaits, book today!




All guests are responsible for following the House Rules and Check Out Instructions and accepting the terms of the Rental Policies prior to check-in. Owner has security cameras in place, on the exterior of the home, tampering with, adjusting, or messing with cameras is not permitted. NO PETS. Over occupancy of guests and unauthorized pets will result in $150 fee being charged to credit card on file. Failure to follow House Rules, including but not limited to, driving a MAXIMUM SPEED of 10 MPH on Mustang Trail, will result in cancellation at full cost to the guest.

This home is rented for personal vacation use only. Any other use including large gatherings or parties is not allowed UNLESS PRIOR APPROVAL is given. Renters must abide by all rental terms and policies, as well as all local applicable property covenants, restrictions, regulations and laws. Any evidence of smoking, use of firearms, driving ATV's/UTV's/dirt bikes/etc. in the driveway or on the private road, unapproved over-occupancy, unauthorized pets, damage resulting from violation of rental policies, and/or excessive mess may result in charges up to $3,000.00 to the Guest's credit card on file, as authorized by Guest's approval of the terms of the House Rules, Check Out Instructions, and all other rental Information.

No refunds will be issued due to weather conditions.

Property manager

Lora & Mary
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
PRIOR approval & additional fees WILL APPLY
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
10 MPH ON MUSTANG TRAIL. No off-road vehicles on Private Drive, trailer your toys to your destination - please respect the neighbors, DRIVE SLOW!
No loud noises of any kind after 9 PM. The home is very peaceful and in a quiet location, please keep it that way.
No fireworks of any kind. No unauthorized guests. No unauthorized pets on the property. YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR ANY RULES/INSTRUCTIONS NOT FOLLOWED

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 20
Note from host: PRIOR approval & additional fees WILL APPLY
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Howard

Located in Howard, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Art Matters Gallery & Studio and SteamPlant Theater and Event Center are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Wood's High Mountain Distillery and Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Visitor Center. Rocky Mountain Mini Golf and Mt. Shavano Fish Hatchery are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Howard, CO

What's nearby

  • Riverside Park - 18 min drive - 20.9 km
  • Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Visitor Center - 19 min drive - 21.2 km
  • SteamPlant Theater and Event Center - 19 min drive - 21.2 km
  • Salida Golf Club - 20 min drive - 22.5 km
  • Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center - 21 min drive - 23.0 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Riverside Cafe - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Susie's Out West Cafe Howard - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Susie's Out-West Cafe & Steakhouse - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Prickly Pear Lounge - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Secluded Riverfront Retreat w/hot tub & private river access pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Secluded Riverfront Retreat w/hot tub & private river access?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Secluded Riverfront Retreat w/hot tub & private river access?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Secluded Riverfront Retreat w/hot tub & private river access located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is steps away from Arkansas River and Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. Cotopaxi City Park and Riverside Park are also within 16 miles (25 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 111 out of 131 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 16 out of 131 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 131 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 131 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 131 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Daria M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect place to stay!

Our friends enjoyed this beautiful house and the property! Was perfect for a weekend getaway
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ideal for a Monarch ski weekend!

Beautiful location and home! Perfect for a couple ski days at Monarch, exploring Salida, and relaxing by the river. Would gladly stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jessica C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic Everything!!

The location is beautiful and relaxing. The beds are seriously the most comfortable we have ever slept in! So many thoughtful touches like toiletries and towels, and an amazingly well stocked kitchen. It’s just a short (and beautiful) drive outside of Salida … we loved it!!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Megan H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place on River

This property was so awesome! The views, the hot tub, the river right out the door. We had lots of room to move around! The beds were great as well!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carol B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

30th birthday

The photos don’t do the property justice, this was a really wonderful break, our boys and us really enjoyed our stay, everything was top notch. We will definitely return given the opportunity. Conveniently located for Salida but we had so much fun hot tubbing, skiing and fishing that we didn’t venture into Salida. Thank you so much for sharing your home. Carol & Ian
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ron Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

River Rock Retreat

Had a great time ,very relaxing time and good fishing on the Arkansas River.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ryan R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Rest for outdoor adventure

Stayed here after hiking a 14er and then went Mt biking in Salida. Wish we could have stayed longer at the beautiful location!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

RILEY H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Rustic getaway

Great location on the river.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lee M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great house and location

Staying here was quite possibly the most relaxing vacation I have had in a long time. The property and river frontage is amazing and we enjoyed the view from the deck. I recommend this property.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Carol R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing

Very nice place. Exceptionally clean. Communication with Lora was excellent.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amber W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Fun

We love staying here. The home is so peaceful and clean. We love the river access and proximity to fun activities. We will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

joseph m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic

This was great location a great home. Excellent owner, who is easy to communicate with peaceful clean everything you wanted on the river and great fly fishing for trout. I highly recommend and we will be back.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ray S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy River retreat

We absolutely loved this property
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great riverside retreat!

This was a great vacation. We were able to access a large section of the river.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laura S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We Can't Wait to Return!

This property was in the perfect location - love the privacy, peacefulness, grounds and close access to the river. It was a beautiful home with plenty of room for 6 adults (especially in the kitchen). The beds were comfortable and the house was very well-equipped with everything you might need. Loved the fresh flowers in the outdoor pots, made it feel extra homey and inviting. We can't wait to return! Owners were very responsive and nice to work with, too!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nathan R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay on the river

We really enjoyed our stay. Can't wait to come back in the summer
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Yasmin A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent stay!

The property was gorgeous along with the location. Would love to stay here again - thanks for everything!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kayleen P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Sibling Get Together

We stayed just one night but the home was so well stocked with convenient supplies and things a longer stay would have been fantastic.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anna V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Howard House on the Arkansas River

We all enjoyed the house very much. Wish we had a view of the river through the bushes! Needed assistance on how to use the televisions. Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amber W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful scenery

We stayed here to host a small wedding ceremony and it couldn’t have been more perfect. Lora was quick to respond and very accommodating. Staying in the canyon was a dream.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Evan

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Everything was in good driving distance. Skiing, snowmobiling and towns. Loved the area
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kelly D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing!

What an amazing property! The home and location are pristine. Get for any type of get away. The property managers were super easy to communicate. They were even kind enough to acknowledge my birthday! We will definitely be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Greg T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fun weekend

Had a great time hanging out in town and visiting with friends. Great private location!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

Chris B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great option near Salida

Great property near Salida with great views. House is older but well maintained and clean. It’s well stocked with accommodations. River front is great for fishing. Pictures appear as if the property is secluded but there are homes adjacent and on the other side of the river. Neighbors seem friendly.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Krystal P., Houston, TX USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay!

Great house, beautiful location. Had everything we needed. Thanks for letting us stay!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

About the host

Hosted by Lora & Mary

Host profile image
Welcome to The River Rock Retreat! We are mother daughter team Mary and Lora, born and raised in the small mountain town of Kremmling, Colorado.

Daughter and granddaughter to an accomplished brick layer and rancher we are no stranger to hard work and have decades of combined experience providing rental services, property management, cleaning, yard work, and ranch life.

We've got big dreams and even bigger hearts. We sincerely hope that every person who walks through our doors feels mountains of joy, rivers of abundance, and sunshine-like peace. Even though the home is older, we hope everyone feels like a king and queen with 5-star amenities, cleanliness, and comfort. We hope you leave your vacation feeling recharged, refueled, and ready for your next adventure.

Why they chose this property

We fell in love with the restful energy, lush scenery, and jaw-dropping views of The River Rock Retreat. Our family has rafted all over Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming, and Utah and couldn’t resist owning our own piece of riverfront paradise.

Howard is an unexpected gem and never disappoints.

We’re so happy to have you stay at our home, let your adventure begin!

What makes this property unique

THE most private level/grassy/shaded ARKANSAS RIVERFRONT vacation rental in the area (no public access), at the end of a private/dead end road. Gold Medal Fishing. Fish from your own private island. BLM on 3 sides. Hike, bike, fish, swim, raft, float, ride, directly from property. Far enough away to escape the crowds, yet close enough to experience adventures in every direction. Year round easy and level access.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests