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Historic Griggs Cottage Built 1914, Sleeps 10, YMCA Pool & Stables, 3 mi to RMNP

Photo gallery for Historic Griggs Cottage Built 1914, Sleeps 10, YMCA Pool & Stables, 3 mi to RMNP

Exterior
Aerial view
Exterior
Exterior
Exterior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
5 bedrooms3+ bathroomsSleeps 10167.2 sq m

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
Estes Park, CO
  • The Stanley Hotel
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Sprague Lake
    ‪24 min drive‬
  • Bear Lake Trailhead
    ‪34 min drive‬
  • Boulder, CO (WBU-Boulder Municipal)
    ‪65 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Blue Room

1 Double Bed

Orange Room

1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bed

Orange Room

1 Double Bed

Red Bedroom

1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bed

Yellow Room

1 Single Bed

3 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 4

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area

About this property

Historic Griggs Cottage Built 1914, Sleeps 10, YMCA Pool & Stables, 3 mi to RMNP

A perfect place for families of all ages. A privately owned cabin located on the grounds of the YMCA of the Rockies. Set away from any roads and perched on a hillside with mountain views, this quiet, comfortable cottage is a family's beloved vacation spot for five generations and counting.

The large living room/dining room with stone fireplace and piano has been featured in Country Living Magazine. The cottage was built in 1914. The original ice house and clothes washing sink remain in the basement. The remodeled kitchen has all the conveniences of a modern kitchen including a ceramic top electric stove and oven, microwave oven, refrigerator-freezer, dishwasher, garbage disposal and lots of counter space. The cast iron wood-burning oven & stove is a reminder of how we used to cook but is non-operational now. Many mornings and evenings you will look out the kitchen window to watch the elk bedded down under the nearby trees, the deer meandering across the property, or the turkeys flocking up and down the back slope.

The single bedroom is next to the main bathroom. The middle bedroom across the hall from the main bathroom is more spacious with a double bed and a comfortable chair. The first bedroom at the back of the cottage has a double bed, an attached bathroom and the original lavatory. The second back bedroom has two beds - a double and a single, and an attached bathroom. The attached bathrooms were added in 1995 and each has a toilet, a shower stall, a lavatory and a closet. All bathrooms have electric heaters. The front bedroom has two beds - a double and a single, two dressers, lavatory, toilet and a large closet. With a total of seven beds, four double and three single, the cottage can sleep eleven.

The property is situated 3 miles from the entrance to the Rocky Mountain National Park. The Cottage is within walking distance of the Big Thompson River, stables for guided horse back riding, wildlife watching, and short local hikes. The Big Thompson river offers surprisingly good fishing. The early morning sun on the front porch is where we have the first cup of coffee. Guided hikes, evening concerts and presentations, mini golf, disc golf, tennis, athletic rental equipment, dining, snack counters, children's playground, arts and crafts building, children's day camp, small convenience store and the memorable stuffed mountain lion looking down from his ledge in the historic hall of the YMCA of the Rockies. All activities offered by the YMCA are available to our guests.

Views of 14,000 ft. Long's Peak have inspired many guests to try for the summit. You'll see original 1930-1940s photographs of the Griggs family on the famous peaks of RMNP framed and mounted throughout the cottage. The cottage is used by the family for much of the season but we love sharing it with families looking for an authentic, rustic, and cozy retreat in the Rockies.

Go to GOOGLE maps for directions to the cottage under "Griggs Cottage".

Property manager

Gwinn Brown

Languages

English

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Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space

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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
The YMCA offers many day camps for young children.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
The key to the front door is in a lock box to the left of the door. Gwinn will send the combination to the lock box before you arrive.
At the end of your visit, please leave the key in the lock box for the next visitor.

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
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

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Estes Park

Located in YMCA of the Rockies, a neighbourhood in Estes Park, this cottage is in a rural area and in the mountains. The Stanley Hotel and Backbone Adventures are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those in the mood for shopping can visit Historic Estes Park and Stanley Village. Tiny Town Miniature Golf and Trout Haven Fishing Pond are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Estes Park, CO

What's nearby

  • Historic Estes Park - 11 min drive - 7.4 km
  • Beaver Meadows Entrance Station - 11 min drive - 7.9 km
  • The Stanley Hotel - 13 min drive - 8.8 km
  • Sprague Lake - 24 min drive - 18.1 km
  • Bear Lake Trailhead - 34 min drive - 23.4 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Coffee on the Rocks - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Smokin' Dave's BBQ & Taphouse - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪The Barrel - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Rock Cut Brewing Company - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Himalayan Curry & Kebob - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Historic Griggs Cottage Built 1914, Sleeps 10, YMCA Pool & Stables, 3 mi to RMNP have a pool?

Yes, this property has an indoor pool.

Is Historic Griggs Cottage Built 1914, Sleeps 10, YMCA Pool & Stables, 3 mi to RMNP pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Historic Griggs Cottage Built 1914, Sleeps 10, YMCA Pool & Stables, 3 mi to RMNP?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Historic Griggs Cottage Built 1914, Sleeps 10, YMCA Pool & Stables, 3 mi to RMNP?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Historic Griggs Cottage Built 1914, Sleeps 10, YMCA Pool & Stables, 3 mi to RMNP located?

Located in YMCA of the Rockies, this cottage is 0.4 mi (0.6 km) from Murphey's Mountain Park and within 3 miles (5 km) of Moraine Park Museum and Sprague Lake. Cub Lake Trail and Beaver Meadows Visitor Center are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

10

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. 41 out of 44 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 44 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 44 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 44 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 44 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location
Great cabin for a family vacation!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rick V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cabin in Mountains
Cozy cabin to accommodate my family of ten people comfortably. Great location!!! Well stocked kitchen. Plenty of things to do on YMCA property. Hope we can get back another time.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Judy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Magical place
This Cottage is such a wonderful place. It’s huge and sleeps and lives the 11 people so gracefully. Wonderful kitchen with all the supplies and amenities. Lots of bathrooms and what a porch! And of course the location just can’t be beat. Owners are wonderful and responsive and it’s Super clean. It has so much character and charm.
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tim R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great spot in the high country!
Loved the Griggs cottage! We visited Estes Park for a week of family fishing and enjoyed every minute! It was great coming home to a beautiful cabin after a long day of fishing in RMNP. The home is well stocked and very comfortable. The history is fascinating and the atmosphere of staying in such a historical place couldn’t be beat. Just sitting on the porch watching the hummingbirds was enough, but there was so much more to offer. We will be coming back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Judy S.

such a peaceful magical place for family with plenty of room and bathrooms
This is an amazing place. So authentic and comfortable. Fabulous location. Our family loves staying here
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Katie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay
We enjoyed our stay! The kitchen was well stocked. We cooked all our meals at night. They had everything you needed plus more for a big family. My husband loved reading all the history on the place. It is in a great location. We loved our stay!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bill D.

Family gathering
This cottage is the best place in the world to have our family gatherings.
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Richard M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
excellent cabin in a fantastic setting
This cabin exceeded our expectations with a very comfortable space for large families. The rooms are comfortable and there are plenty of bathrooms and a good kitchen area. The porch is just heavenly and one is tempted to simply stay there all day!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wedding HQ9
A family favorite for decades, now site of memorable reunions.
Stayed 10 nights in May 2019
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Ken G.

perfect family cabin
this was such a great time for my family, there were eight of us the youngest 16, we were very comfortable and had plenty of room, the cabin it self kept its appeal with being over 100 years old but completely up dated for todays luxury's, the owner was great to deal with and had no problems , would stay there again .
Stayed 7 nights in May 2016

10/10 Excellent

Tanya L.

Family vacation
This cabin was perfect for 3 families, 9 ppl total. Plenty of space and beautiful view. The cabin is complete with everything you need for a fun, relaxing vacation. A lot to enjoy right on the YMCA grounds as well as all the activities in and around Estes Park.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Richard N.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely week at Griggs Cottage
We greatly enjoyed our stay at the beautiful Griggs Cottage. The views were excellent, the evening fireplace fires were cozy, and the cabin was very comfortably furnished. The historical aspects of the cabin and all the old photographs by Mr. Griggs that were on the walls were very interesting and enjoyable.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Mike T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Estes 2023
Great trip with family, hikes , golf, cooking, games etc. love cabin and location especially the deck in the am and pm watching the hummingbirds go wild
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Ken G.

great family cabin
this our second time at the cabin, there are 10 adults in my family, ( 5 couples ) each had there own room, it was great there were4 bathrooms, this cabin has everything you need to cook , plenty of room for all of us in the living room and dinning table, very well kept and updated for being 100 plus years old, great views from the large deck and a gas grill, this cabin is very affordable, I would recommend this to any large group or family,
Stayed 7 nights in May 2017

10/10 Excellent

Robert and Elizabeth K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful location and views
The house is a classic camp home. Unfortunately, that means the beds are also old and somewhat uncomfortable for older persons.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Dustin W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing cabin at the gateway to RMNP
Our family truly enjoyed our week at the Griggs’ cottage. The location on the YMCA property can’t be beat. We were able to hike from the cabin into Rocky Mountain National Park and enjoy the many activities at the Y including an indoor swimming pool, the incredible arts and craft center and tons of kids programs. The kitchen was well stocked and there was plenty of space for our group which included three kids and six adults. Highly recommended for families looking for a rustic getaway in the mountains!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ann B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Reunion of childhood friends
The post Labor Day stay was quiet, with warm weather and overlapped with the Long's Peak Scottish Highland's Festival in Estes Park. The jousting event was as real as it gets. And the music was thrilling and loud.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

kyle h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Time In The Rockies
We loved our stay. Owner was responsive on all questions. YMCA amenities were perfect for the kiddos. Proximity to RMNP was great for the hikers and scenic drivers in the group. Had the fireplace going every night. Utilized the washing machine, and laundry line! Had turkeys and elk coming by the cabin on all days. The internet worked well enough for some work video calls. Its an old cabin, and an acts as you would expect an old cabin to, but for us that was part of the charm. Would definitely go back.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Juliana S.

Charming
We all simply loved this home. it had everything that we needed. The beds were comfy. The pillows were nice and fluffy. The water was hot and we had everything we needed to be able to cook all our meals there with ease. What we liked most about this home is all of the heritage. There are lovely pictures up all over, taken by generations before. We all just felt honored that we were able to stay in such a lovely cabin that clearly had a rich history of family love. Can't wait to go back.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2016

10/10 Excellent

Paul B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful cottage, captivating history
Don't expect things like quartz countertops, Subzero appliances and trendy furnishings. Do expect a spotless, authentic cottage with purposeful, vintage appointments that are comfortable and remind you of the history of this place. It's obvious that the family and owners have cared for and loved this place for a long time. It makes you want to respect the space and feel privileged to be there. But it's also very welcoming. Coffee and cocktails with the hummingbirds on that porch were a favorite for our family. I especially loved the xeroxed history brochure and photography.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Larry L B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Summer vacation at Griggs Cabin 2022
Needed a/c. One shower door broken at arrival. Sent photos. Toilet float rusted and came off. Returned key to box as instructed. All out by 10 am. Much family fun. Best cause on Y grounds and all did projects. Will rent again. Thank you.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Vikas P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful retreat
This is a lovely property with a beautiful setting, plenty of space and all amenities you need. We stayed with my extended family of 6 adults and 2 kids and it was perfect. The home is spacious, clean and set in nature. The kitchen is stocked and there are games and puzzles for the kids. The only downside was the WiFi did not work at all our week despite efforts by the owner to help us troubleshoot. Only a minor issue as we could walk a bit down the hill and get WiFi from the YMCA. You may also have poor cell service. Overall lovely and we would return.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

8/10 Good

Penny R.

Liked: Cleanliness, location
Disliked: Check-in, communication
Great property, poor service
The property itself was lovely. The check in was not. Map didn’t download on computer and the one on the app was inaccurate and not detailed enough. Using map program to find address worked on only one of two map programs. I contacted the owner 3 times for directions and he never did get back to me. We had to drive around looking for a house that looked like the picture. Then the key would only open one of the 2 deadbolts on the front door. We finally got in through a totally unsecured door. Main front door required a key (not provided) outside and inside, so it remained permanently locked. Finally we did discover that the key opened the back door. This all should have been explained. I also messaged through the vrbo app, and no one there got back to me either. Only one key for a property likely to accommodate multiple families is inadequate; we were constantly afraid of getting locked out. Between owner and vrbo office never getting back to me, for all they know we may have never gotten in the house. If these problems can be fixed, it would be a wonderful and comfortable location.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Marcia L.

Perfect for a large group!
We loved our stay at the Griggs Cottage! The cabin is beautifully maintained and well supplied with everything you would need for a large group. We had 8 in our group with a combination of 3 couples and 2 singles, so everyone had their own room. The shared bath is large with a bathtub/shower and large vanity. The 2 private baths off of the back 2 bedrooms have a shower. Really nice! There is a toilet and sink in the front bedroom. I loved the old iron beds, which must be original. They are truly double and twin beds -- no queens here but the mattresses are comfy. The dining room table seats 10 and if you need a high chair there is an adorable antique one. If you are a history buff you will love reading the History of the Griggs Cottage". The cottage is filled with pictures taken by Arthur Griggs in the 1930's. Staying here you felt like you were staying in a friend's cabin. The kitchen has all the pots, pans, dinnerware, etc you would ever need. The gas grill is conveniently located right off the back porch. In the basement is a new washing machine and where you turn on the hose to water the flower pots. If you want to step back in time you could wash your clothes in the big tin-lined wooden sink complete with a wringer! There is no dryer but with the dry mountain air your clothes dry quickly. There is a clothes line off the back porch and another on the side of the house. We loved sitting on the deep front porch for our coffee in the morning then sharing our beverages of choice in the evening. Hummingbirds abound. And in the late afternoon a flock of turkeys would slowly make their way up the mountain by the cottage. Wifi is slow, but hey....you are on vacation. We had no cell service, which is common in the area. In the evenings we would enjoy sitting around the fireplace. There is plenty of wood for your use. We will definitely return to the Griggs Cottage. And in doing so it will feel like we are coming home to an old friend. Our thanks to the Griggs for sharing your cottage -- what a gem it is! The Lanes
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2017

10/10 Excellent

Patrick B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful time!
We love staying here. Been back many times. Love the location and the property.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

About the host

Hosted by Gwinn Brown

Host profile image
The Griggs Family has owned the cottage for four generations. Our grand parents purchased the cottage as a retreat for the family of 5 children from the Iowa summer heat. For the last 60 years the cottage was used primarily by family and friends and rented when it was not being used by family. Now many in the family live in Colorado and vacation elsewhere.

Why they chose this property

This historic Cottage has been loved and cared for by 4 generations and maintains the look and feel of a well worn mountain cottage. The spacious front stone steps welcomes us to enter into a space of many happy warm memories.

What makes this property unique

What I love about the cottage is that it is a place where there is enough space for many people to feel comfortable doing what they want. Spotting wildlife nearby is a thrill. Most of us spend long periods together on the porch talking, laughing, telling stories and simply catching up. We all agreed to eliminate TV reception so the children would use their creativity to entertain themselves. Getting away from some of the modern intrusions to our lives makes space for coming together, playing and renewing relationships. The Park's hiking trails can be enjoyed by every age and physical ability. If hiking isn't in your plans, the drive up Trail Ridge Road to the Continental Divide is a thrill and takes you to areas where small and large animals can be viewed from the car or on one of the short trails over the tundra. Most of all it's the memories created at the Cottage worth retelling over and over.

Languages:

English