Moose Haven Cabin @ 22 West
Adventure to Walden, Colorado’s self-proclaimed moose capital, for a cabin stay like no other. You’ll be tucked away among trees — 9,000 feet up, to be exact — with rugged Rocky Mountain scenery all around you.
If you’re looking for an off-the-grid mountain getaway, Moose Haven Cabin @ 22 West is your answer. This solar-powered, barebones-in-a-good-way A-frame will tickle your minimalist fancy. Visiting in winter? We’d consider this place ski-in, ski-out if you bring some Nordic skis.
Pro tips: Arrive before nightfall to better situate yourself and get to know your surroundings — the cabin is really up there and away from it all. Also, bring portable chargers and your own pillow for extra comfort. If you’re coming in winter, you’ll need a 4x4 vehicle to get here.
What makes it special?
Did we mention this cabin’s off the grid? Oh yeah … we did! Solar power lights it up at night. There’s an outdoor gas grill to cook your food. You’ll also need to stoke the wood-burning stove day and night, especially in winter, for heat.
The most Colorado thing about this place
We’d place bets that you’re going to see some gargantuan moose while you’re up here, so the cabin’s name rings true. Just remember that moose are best seen at a distance. They are not nice up close, so please no selfies!
Quirkiest thing to expect
Expect to use a compost toilet and shower house about 20 feet from the cabin. There’s no running water inside, though well water is provided by the hosts. Plan to bring your own cooler of food. Guests flying in from out of town can request use of a cooler.
Top sensory encounter you’ll experience
These top-of-the-world sunsets are something to plan your day around. Post up with a craft beer and watch the light fade from tangerine hues to a glittering starry night.
Our favorite traveler review
“Just beyond amazing. We had our mini-moon here, and it was so amazing and relaxing. The views, the cabins, the wilderness — all beyond expectations! I will say it was wildly cold while were there (but we were expecting that and had plenty of clothes and they provided tons of blankets), and we had to use a lot of wood to keep the cabin warm. Overnight probably every two to three hours we had to restock the stove. But they did provide plenty of wood whenever we ran out! And we just brought our skillet to cook atop the stove (we also brought a small camp stove as well). It was so gorgeous and a wonderful place to make great memories and relax. And see some moose! Definitely go and definitely stay more than one night!! Magical.” — Charity, airbnb
Things to see & do nearby
The nearby Elk Run Trail is ideal for hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing depending on your preference and time of year. In summer, there’s a trail called Narnia that’ll take you to two waterfalls that merge as monarch butterflies flutter overhead (end of May through first week of July, approximately).
Drive Buffalo Pass (open seasonally) for a summer day trip to Strawberry Park Hot Springs in Steamboat Springs — the views alone will knock your socks off. Tip: 4x4 vehicles are recommended for this drive, too.
Photos courtesy of airbnb
