Entire home

Ponderosa Cabin is just Minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park and Wild Basin

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Exterior
Exterior
Fireplace, tv, games, puzzles, books, views. And comfy couches for long naps
Living room
North-facing view of Twin Sisters from the living room.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8232.3 sq m

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
Allenspark, CO
  • Wild Basin Area
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Lily Lake
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • The Stanley Hotel
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • Boulder, CO (WBU-Boulder Municipal)
    ‪66 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

Den

1 Double Futon and 1 Double Bed

Office 1

1 Single Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Downstairs

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Main Level

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Office
Outdoor play area
Dining area

About this property

Ponderosa Cabin is just Minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park and Wild Basin

Perfect for multi-generational family gatherings. This four-bedroom, three-bathroom home offers additional expandable space that can easily accommodate 10 people. The top floor suite contains a bedroom with a queen size bed, a bathroom, and a small office that includes a small sofa bed. The main level, (which is accessible from the driveway by three steps), includes a kitchen, living room which opens onto a deck that offers great views and a hot tub, den (with a queen-size sofa bed), bathroom, bedroom (with a murphy bed, desk, and tv) as well as a laundry room. The lowest level has a bedroom with a queen-size bed, another with a king-size bed, and a full bath. The house is a great indoor/outdoor house. The lovely deck is perfect for watching elk, deer, chipmunks, moose, and even the occasional bobcat and the outdoor gas grill makes eating 'al fresco’ easy and a true pleasure. And the hot tub is awfully nice after a hike!

We completed a major renovation in 2022, installing new fire-resistant siding, converting the garage into an office/bedroom and a laundry room, removing what had been a quirky staircase to the third floor, and converting two bedrooms into a suite that includes a bedroom, bath, and office (with a sofa bed suitable for children. For families that have visited us before, we think you will find these changes have retained all the charm of the original house while improving its functionality.

This house has been a haven for our family, a place to introduce new generations to the joy of the outdoors, and a source of great family memories. It is a real pleasure to be able to share it with others.

Every room has views of the ponderosa pine and aspen. There are views of Meadow Mountain, and Twin Sisters, and now that we've been thinning the trees in the area, the magnificent Mt. Meeker in all its grandeur at 13,911ft.

On cool evenings, the living room's wood-burning stove is both warming and inviting.

The house has a fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, washer & dryer. WiFi and DirecTV included! Another improvement has been a shift to Starlink WIFI which offers unlimited data and streaming.

Two Bedrooms and a full (Just Remodeled) bath are situated on the lowest level. One has a king bed. Many guests enjoy the ability to be all together but also to have the separate spaces that the house affords.

The house is a half-mile walk to stables and a small grocery store at Meeker Park Lodge. In summer, the house is an easy drive to many National Park trails, although there are also many trails and easy walks that only require stepping outside the house. In fall, it is a great place to view the autumn foliage and in winter the area offers fantastic snow-shoeing. We are also about 45 minutes from the Eldora Ski area where all the Boulder regulars choose to ski.

Many guests enjoy the easy access to Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park but love the quiet that comes from being away from both. Some guests find that enrolling their children in the day camp at YMCA of the Rockies allows them to do strenuous hiking while their children are occupied.

Property manager

Susan Medak
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 26
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
We supply 1 Highchair & PackNPlay
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Events

No events allowed
FAMILY Events Allowed, House Parties are NOT
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Non smoking only

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
Note from host: FAMILY Events Allowed, House Parties are NOT
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
Property Registration Number VR-24-0033

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Allenspark

Located in Allenspark, this holiday home is in the mountains. The Stanley Hotel and Backbone Adventures are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Rocky Mountain National Park and Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. Travelling with kids? Consider Tiny Town Miniature Golf and Trout Haven Fishing Pond. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Allenspark, CO

What's nearby

  • Wild Basin Area - 4 min drive - 3.3 km
  • Lily Lake - 8 min drive - 8.1 km
  • The Stanley Hotel - 21 min drive - 20.0 km
  • Historic Estes Park - 22 min drive - 20.5 km
  • Bear Lake Trailhead - 46 min drive - 36.0 km

Getting around

  • Broomfield, CO (BJC-Rocky Mountain Metropolitan) - 79 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Twin Owls Steakhouse - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Baldpate Inn - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Rock Creek Tavern & Pizzeria - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Tapestry of Life Coffee - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Baldpate Inn Key Room Collection Estes Park - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Ponderosa Cabin is just Minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park and Wild Basin pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Ponderosa Cabin is just Minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park and Wild Basin?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Ponderosa Cabin is just Minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park and Wild Basin?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Ponderosa Cabin is just Minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park and Wild Basin located?

This family-friendly Allenspark holiday home is located in the mountains, 2.6 mi (4.2 km) from Eagle Plume's, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Rocky Mountain National Park and Wild Basin Area. Copeland Falls and Wild Basin Trailhead are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

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. 49 out of 56 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 56 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 56 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 56 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 56 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Julie M.

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

Relaxing retreat

Amazing location for our family to gather. We enjoyed spending time in this beautiful cabin.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stacey F.

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

Mountain stay...

The property was better than expected!! Extremely clean, well stocked, hot tub was wonderful!! And the local wildlife is abundant!!!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brandon R.

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

Wonderful getaway

The cabin has a private setting with large boulders nearby my kids enjoyed exploring. Close to Estes park and RMNP
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lynn S.

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

Wonderful family vacation!

This vacation home was perfect for our family. It has large enough areas for everyone to be together but also areas for solitude if needed. It has a lovely deck and hot tub which we enjoyed very much. There were a lot of books and some toys that the little ones really enjoyed. The scenery is beautiful. I highly recommend this vacation home!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kevin B.

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

Fantastic cabin for large group

We had 6 people and an infant stay here for a week. We had a great time, the cabin is amazing and secluded, the deck is huge and gets so much sun. The hot tub is great. The communication is great, basically have everything you'd expect at this price point. Highly recommend
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael S., lincoln, ne.

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

Family vacation

Nice location for hikes, easy access to parks and Estes Park. Home was perfect for large family of 8, we really enjoyed the home for our vacation.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brandi H.

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

Perfect family cabin

Big beautiful home in the woods pretty much exclusive with exception of one neighbor. Lots of room we had 6 people and didn’t use all the extra sleeping areas. Furnished with most of everything you could need. Hot tub was nice after long hikes to relax the muscles. Not too far from Estes Park. About 15 mins out. We will definitely stay again.
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Clark B.

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

Great cabin near Estes Park and RMNP

Unique property in the woods near Rocky Mountain National Park. Not right in town so very quiet but close enough to get into the park or town easily. Very comfortable and lots of sleeping options.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

april l.

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

Beautiful Stay at Ponderosa Cabin

We enjoyed our week at the Ponderosa Cabin. We love the proximity to Wild Basin, Lily Lake, and Estes Park. The views of Mt. Meeker were amazing as well! The house was well equipped with everything we needed and the kids loved the games and books! The Rocky Mountain National Park Guidebook was a gem and helped us discover the perfect trails and adventures for our family! A wonderful way to spend a week in Colorado!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2021

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

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

Rocky Mountain Magic

Great location if you’re looking for something slightly out of Estes, which we were on this trip. Very convenient to most major attractions. There was a slow draining tub issue, which we were made aware of several days before our visit-it needs to be fixed. We also had some unexpected visitors-MICE-which may be due to the season change-it also needs to be addressed. Otherwise very appropriate for our needs.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Jeanne K.

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

Wedding get away

As a rental property owner myself, I can tell that the property owners have put a lot of thought and effort into making Ponderosa Cabin a comfortable and accommodating vacation destination. We used and enjoyed the outdoor space as well as the indoors. Our daughter was getting married at Wild Basin Lodge located nearby Ponderosa Cabin which made it easy for my sister in law (florist) to prepare all the flowers so close to the venue. The kids loved the outdoor space (hillside and giant rocks) to climb around on. There were a couple things to be aware of(no AC -we were there during a heat wave and found it difficult to sleep in the upstairs room even with the box fan (and we’re from hot, humid Texas! We do know that the weather was not the norm). The bathroom windows on the 2nd & 3rd floor(located in the shower) were without shades or blinds and face the house next door which made us uncomfortable. Some frosted window film would take care of it. There is also a piece of equipment in the smaller downstairs bedroom that cycles loudly and often which makes that room and the sleeping space above it somewhat inconvenient to use. Overall we had a wonderful time and enjoyed our stay at Ponderosa Cabin. The drive to Estes was beautiful and we enjoyed cool mornings on the deck with the many area hummingbirds visiting! There was a lot to see in the area and Lily lake so close by made for many fun walks with the kids anytime you weren’t ready to do a big hike. Thanks!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sylvia K., Mesa

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

Perfect for our group of 6!

Overall, we really enjoyed our 10-night stay in this beautiful home. We loved the cozy feel. The weather was perfect to enjoy the balcony and view the surrounding forest. We saw elk and wild turkey! If you like a very well-stocked kitchen, then this house is for you! However, every single cabinet is full of stuff and there is no place to store your own groceries (crackers, chips, non-perishable items. We had to use the counter-space, which was at a premium and could make preparing meals challenging. It would be nice to have at least one side of a cabinet empty. The hot tub was a dream and we were able to get four of us in it comfortably, although it did lower the water level when we were done. :) They keep it nice and hot and it was very relaxing! The entry from the kitchen to the sitting room (not sure what to call it) is not for people over 6-feet tall. My husband is 6'6" and he had to crook his head to walk between the cabinets and the low ceiling on the other side. It wasn't that big of a deal and sometimes he went around to get to the sitting room, but he did bonk his head a couple of times. The beds were a little hard for all of us, but we got used to them and were sleeping well after the first couple of nights. Collin, the manager, was very responsive when we needed to reach out to him (which wasn't often). All in all, this is a well-loved house as evidenced by the cleanliness and care that has gone into it.
Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mike S.

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

Mountain Top Retreat

We had a combination of events that inspired us to book this house; Celebrating a milestone birthday with family, working remote, hiking in the mountains and being close to our kids. The house was perfect for all of this and Susan and Colin were very helpful throughout our month long stay.
Stayed 34 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Brandon R.

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

Wonderful getaway

This cabin was the perfect place for my family to unwind from the daily stresses. My kids were able to play on the rocks around the property and it’s very close to Estes for convenience.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Glenn T.

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

Great stay

The gas grill wasn’t safe as the propane “bridge” between the burners had deteriorated. The property manager Colin was contacted and he promptly replaced the grill with another one. He also brought a fan which was needed due the excessive heat this summer. The kitchen was the best equipped of any property we have stayed at. The only negative is the staircases to the different levels were steep and narrow which could cause an issue for some people. We loved having our dogs with us and they enjoyed exploring the property. The area is quiet and private. We have been coming to the Allenspark area for 40+ years and love it! We will be renting this cabin again!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ryan G.

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

Cant wait to go back!!!!

Cabin was awesome, slept my family of 5, parents and brother and sister in law with their child perfectly (had 5 rooms to sleep **including the oversized office). Enjoyed the hot tub and grilling out - the adults enjoyed waking up and drinking coffee on the porch - we saw several Mule deer around the house. I was initially concerned on the 20 min drive from the house to Estes however the drive not only is not bad but your right down the road from multiple different hikes, additionally each time we drove to or from Estes park we saw either Elk, Moose or Mule Deer - and you dont need to go into Estes park for great views, the drive from the house into the park was fantastic. We had a great time and are going to plan on coming back in a couple years. ***FYI their is a disclaimer the internet isnt that great, that's debatable, no its not 1Gig fiber and you shouldnt be downloading movies or streaming through the internet provided however - for light internet usage (ie. facebook, email, web surfing) it is perfectly fine - there is 0 cell service however at the house when connected to the internet I was able to place wifi calls without issues. ***To the owners - thank you for letting us stay, we are very thankful you let us enjoy your house - had a great time and made many memories - Thank you.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Wendy W.

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

Quiet and Relaxing

The Ponderosa Cabin is nestled nicely in the woods and we enjoyed a quiet and relaxing stay. The proximity to the Wild Basin area was great and it's just a short trip to Estes Park! Our family of 6 was very comfortable in this home.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lauren D.

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

Great Property!

This secluded cabin was perfect! Close to Estes and Rocky Mountain National Park but secluded in the woods for some nice privacy.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Larry B.

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

Family Getaway

We enjoyed the mountain getaway and this cabin worked out perfectly. A lot of time spent on the deck, drinking morning coffee, afternoon tea and evening cocktails. It was great having our pet with us, especially for morning walks. A very nice stay and quit time was had by all.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Bonnie M.

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

Family Reunion

We had a fabulous time at the cabin. It was perfect with 2 bedrooms upstairs and 2 bedrooms downstairs. We enjoyed the deck and hot tub daily. Beautiful wooded lot where deer came by in the evening ! We enjoyed having our extended family renting the cabin up the hill, so we could walk to visit each other. Prompt service when we needed more towels! Very friendly property management ! We would love to come go back sometime. Thank you so much!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Diane K.

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

Great family vacation!

This was our first two family (plus grandma) vacation and we could not have picked a better cabin and location. The cabin was comfortable and family friendly. I couldn’t believe how well stocked the kitchen was-better than mine at home! We were close enough to hike, horseback ride and easily go into town but still out far enough to see the stars at night and be able to enjoy the solitude-a moose even wandered through the yard the last evening we were there. Thanks for the hospitality-we will be back!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

DEBORAH S., Springfield IL USA

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

A Good Time Was Had By All

This cabin is conveniently located to Rocky Mountain Park and Estes Park. We enjoyed all the amenities that the cabin had to offer especially the hot tub! One problem that we had was taken care if immediately. Would recommend this place.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Holly N.

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

Had a lovely stay at this homey cabin.

Cabin is beautiful and had all the conveniences we needed. We cooked almost all of our meals and the kitchen had everything we needed. Beds were comfortable. Enjoyed the outdoor space as well, especially the hot tub!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

6/10 Okay

Holli D.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location

Cabin in Allen’s park, Co.

Well the website states that the house sleeps 10. It only can comfortably sleep 6 adults and a couple of small kids. . I think it is not stated correctly. The king bedroom downstairs had wet carpet so that our socks were soaked after walking on it. The management said they would have a carpet cleaning service come vacuum it up but they never showed up. I don’t think that would have solved the problem however. In their defense they did refund most of my money. They seemed to be aware that there was a problem before we arrived. I wish we had been informed when we still had time to find another place. That’s a very long way to drive from East Texas to be disappointed with our house.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Karen M.

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

Wonderful Wild Basin Wedding!

We brought our family from Virginia Beach to Allenspark for our son’s wedding at Wild Basin Lodge. The house was perfect for our stay, well appointed, and comfortable enough to host a family dinner and post wedding brunch. The owner was very attentive and the property manager was friendly and helpful. We’d gladly stay here again.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2021

About the host

Hosted by Susan Medak

Host profile image
Our parents bought this house when it was under construction in 1968 and it has been in our family ever since. For four generations we've been coming out here, bringing children and friends. We now live all over the country but we still come back here at least once a year. While our parents weren't serious hikers, each generation has become more adventuresome, moving from hiking the creek and stream trails to the lakes and then the Peaks. Nearby, Long's Peak, one of Colorado's famous 14,000 ft peaks is just down the road. Although we have finally succumbed to the technological demands of the 21st century and can watch TV and movies, or telecommute to work, what we all love the most is the ability to spend quiet time with each other just reading, looking out the windows, doing puzzles or just talking. Whether the sun is shining or there is rain or snow, this just always seems to be the place we want to be. And we've loved sharing it with others. Having traveled all over the world, we think the Rocky Mountains are among the most beautiful anywhere.

Why they chose this property

We first encountered this area when we took our family car trip from Chicago to Southern California. We stopped for a night in Estes Park and fell in love with these magnificent mountains. After renting cabins for ten years, we finally realized we wanted a little more solitude than Estes could offer and bought this house in the Meeker Park area. In 2001, we bought a second house up the hill from this one so that we could accommodate the sometimes 20 plus family members who all seemed to want to spend time with each other. Part of the attraction is the ability to simply walk across the road to be in the National Park, the ability to walk out the door and find a day hike in almost any direction. We have access to Estes without having to be in the middle of it all the time!

What makes this property unique

Over the years, we've improved the house so that it now has plenty of windows and new paneling that is reclaimed from the pine beetle devastation. The unique blue staining from those trees has only recently come to be seen for its beautiful decorative value. It gives the house a warm and distinctive interior. As we've gotten older we've seen the benefits of a 'quiet' room that is fully accessible and yet private, so having upgraded the kitchen a few years ago, this winter, we've added a family room. Behind the house is a rock formation that will keep your kids endlessly busy as they 'explore' the area within eyesight of the house. The house also happens to be just about 10 minutes from an excellent diner (great homemade bread!) for breakfast and lunch.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests