From the late nineteenth through the early twentieth centuries, this comfortable Victorian served as the region's Ranger Station. Today it is rejuvenated and furnished to reflect its past as a gathering place for locals and visitors eager to hike, hunt and fish among Pikes Peak's legendary forested slopes. Your stay at the Ranger Station will open the door to an earlier time when folks came up Ute Pass to relax among the aspen, mountain spruce and ponderosa, away from the heat and bustle of flatland city life.
The Station's spacious kitchen welcomes you into a real connection with great-grandma, sitting at the table over coffee or tea, chatting and keeping hands busy helping with dinner chores. The dining table invites your family to eat the old-fashioned way--together, enjoying meals with the honest hunger that fresh air and exercise bring on. Food will never taste so good, nor sleep seem so deep and sweet, as in the embrace of this generous old house. In the livingroom, the 100+ year-old fireplace still works, reminding us that summer is only one of Colorado’s mountain moods.
The Station is completely furnished with everything you need to be comfortable on your vacation. The kitchen is set up with refrigerator, oven-stove, microwave, dishes, flatware, toaster -- we've tried to think of all that a good cook needs; there's a barbecue grill and picnic table outside too. Inside, you can relax with a good book or watch a movie from Prime movies and shows, a DVD or, if you must, access your email with hi-speed wireless.
The master bedroom has a queen bed and connects to the main bath.
Upstairs, the America Bunkroom has a bunk with a twin upper and a double lower. If needed, there's also room for a queen airbed.
The Forest Bunkroom has a bunk with a twin upper and double lower. The Campfire Room connects from it with a twin bed. Total sleeping space in the main house is 9. A half-bath serves immediate needs upstairs. A laundry room has a washer and dryer.
At last, you're at your Colorado home-away-from-home, furnished and decorated to awaken in you that feeling described by Gonzo’s song in 'The Muppet Movie':
This looks familiar -- vaguely familiar,
Almost unreal, yet, -- it's too soon to feel yet;
So close to home, and yet so far away--
I’m going to go back there someday...
CONFIGURATION:
Master bedrm: queen bed (sleeps 2)
Upstairs: America bedrm: bunk with twin upper, double l lower (sleeps 3); queen air bed available (2)
Forest bedrm: bunk with twin upper, double
lower (sleeps 3); Campfire room: twin bed (1)
These entries from the Guestbook speak for themselves:
'What a wonderful cozy cottage – Everything was so comfortable for us. So perfect for exploring this incredible area – centrally located to explore the local sites: Garden of the Gods, Cave of the Winds, Cliff Dwellings and Pikes Peak – also close enough for day trips to the Arkansas River rafting, Royal Gorge and Red Rocks concerts. Our stayed was blessed and we thank you for being humble hosts.' Lise & Dave L.
“We really enjoyed the cabin. It has a lot of charm. The location is great. Thank you for all your hard work.” Jodie & John Day, New Orleans, LA
'Our family was truly blessed to have chanced upon this wonderful cottage! Our son’s Air Force Academy Graduation was even more special by the comfort and unbelievable hospitality and amenities so graciously shared by Happy Trails. The location was ideal for sightseeing yet close enough to the Academy for the week’s events. The memories for the week will include the family barbeques, nightly card games and the beautiful view our family was able to share. Thank you' Mark & Sue R
'We truly enjoyed our stay. Being at a home with everything here already was truly a blessing. Knowing that we all share the hope and love of Jesus was a special perk. The house was comfy, private, a great relaxation 'base of operations' for our family vacation. Staying here put a real nice bow on the top. In Him, Joel, for all the Miles Family'
'Our final night in Colorado - it's been quite a trip! We attended a family wedding, went white-water rafting, and saw some sights we didn't get to see ten years ago when we were here last. It was a comfort to come back to this cozy cottage - all the comforts of home! Thank you for your hospitality - for calling and checking up on us - most likely we will return again. Until then, a warm thankyou from the Walter Family for providing us a safe, lovely place to rest.'
'We have enjoyed staying at your home. It was very comfortable and you have provided all the things we needed. This area is beautiful and we have enjoyed all the sights. It was wonderful to explore during the day and catch up with our friends at night. We were excited to see a bear wandering past the house one morning. We also enjoyed the baby birds in the bird house on the porch. Thanks again for providing such a nice place to stay.' Steve, Marian, Ruth, Rhonda, Dennis & Marie from England, Minnesota & Tennessee
'The house was a great relaxing respite for us during our stay. We are here to have a family vacation while Justin reports to the USAFA Prep School - a bittersweet combination as our first leaves the family nest. We've had a great time seeing the Garden of the Gods, the Academy, Molly Kathleen Mine, Arkansas River white-water rafting, fishing at 11-Mile Reservoir and visiting the hot springs in Buena Vista. We have been busy! We had a great time and have many memories of this week... We'll be back!' The Smith's, Rose's & Walter's
'Thank you so much! We had such a great time!! We had our whole family here and had an AMAZING time! The house was beautiful. We loved all the wildlife. Thanks again' The Fletchers, Skagens, Valentines & Kasseths
'Thank you, we had a lovely time here. The house is wonderful and has a great location. We spent many mornings on the porch reading and enjoying the mountains.' The Giers - Overland Park, KS
'Happy Trails' to you ... until we meet again. The Fagues loved your cozy and adorable home. We all would stay here again. Thank you and God bless!' Fague Family - Petaluma, CA
'Thank you for the charming and cozy place to stay during our wonderful week here. May God bless you and those who follow behind.' The Siffords - Mesquite, TX
