Notes from the host
A True Escape
***We are 18 miles from Lake City***
***Please read the full description below***
At 10,500 feet, this cabin is located in a remote part of southwest Colorado (between Creede and Lake City) and surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery the Rocky Mountains have to offer. It is secluded, offers privacy, and breathtaking views with comfortable accommodations. It’s built overlooking a beautiful valley. The cabin water is drawn directly out of the mountain it’s built upon. Propane gas runs appliances, lights and heats water for the kitchen and bathroom. Electricity is neither needed nor available, and we do enforce a no generator policy. Anything which needs to be plugged in will not be of use and you will not miss the electricity. You are truly "off the grid" at this cabin, and your mind and body will thank you for it. Don't worry, technology, electricity, restaurants and other conveniences are just a short beautiful drive over Slumgullion Pass into Lake City if need be. The cabin is pet friendly as well.
Recreational activities around the cabin include miles and miles of scenic trails for mountain hiking/climbing, photography, fishing, or just relaxing. Moose and Elk are often seen and several kinds of hummingbirds are always around the feeders. The colorful wildflowers in summer, the wind blowing through the Aspens, and the spectacular fall foliage are nature at its best. Five stocked ponds and 1.5 miles of streams provide guests with private fishing, so beginners to avid fly fishermen will have ample opportunity to wet their lines. Peace and quiet is not something you have to seek out... the wind blowing through the Aspens will be the only thing you'll hear while reading your book on the deck. There is zero light pollution at night so stargazing is one of the most incredible things you will ever witness. Also, look no further than the area to escape the heat of the summer. Even in the dog days of summer, the average temperature during the day is 70 and nights can drop below freezing. Day trip opportunities "off the ranch" are abundant- anything from climbing one of the seven area 14K mountains, fishing the Rio Grande river, hiking the Continental Divide Trail, renting a jeep in Lake City and driving over Engineer Pass, as well as something as simple as having an ice cream cone, sitting on a Lake City bench. There is so much to see and do in one of the most beautiful areas of the Rockies. Thank you for taking a look at our cabin and we hope to see you there soon enjoying the simple life!
***There is no cell or internet which allows you to totally relax and not worry about looking at your phone 100 times a day. Reading a book becomes possible again. It is an amazing feeling for sure***
Location: Oleo is located off of Highway 149 north of Creede between mile marker 56 and 57. The entrance will be before the start of Slumgullion Pass and Rambouillet Creek. As you turn in you will need to drive a mile or so before you will see the ranch. You will see the Oleo Ranch sign from the highway.
Miles From:
Lake City, CO – 17
Creede, CO – 36
Gunnison, CO – 72
Denver, CO – 272
Albuquerque, NM – 303
Weather: Average temps are around 70 day and 30 at night. Short rain storms can roll in almost every day, but it is usually just a quick storm
Altitude: Oleo is at 10,500 feet. It may take a day to get acclimated to the altitude. Try to drink plenty of water before coming up and continue when at the ranch. Also water boils at a lower temperature at this altitude compared to sea level. This can alter cooking times for some dishes (pasta)
Electricity: There is no electricity at the ranch. Everything runs off of propane. Each cabin has a full stove with 4 cook top burners, a refrigerator (not full size), and hot water
Water: The water for the ranch comes directly from a mountain spring and is tested each year
Hot water: Each cabin has a standard water heater, just like you find in most homes
TV/Internet/Cell Phones: None of these items can work off of propane (thankfully) so no to all
Generators: we do not allow generators to be run at any time. This is to keep the noise down
Lights: The lights work off of propane and are turned on by a lever and using a match. Very simple operation. If you plan on reading at night you should bring a book light
Heater: There is a wall heater in each cabin, but the cabins retain heat well and you may not need the heater
Kitchen: The kitchen has a stove, refrigerator, and full size sink
Utensils, pots/pans, glasses and dishes: Each cabin has everything you need. You may want to bring some sturdy paper plates as it is all hand washing/drying
Bathroom: The bathrooms have walk in showers, sink and a toilet
Bath and dish towels, paper towels, and toilet paper: all are provided
Cleaning supplies: dishwashing soap, garbage bags are provided
Coffee: Coffee is brewed using a percolator.
Fireplace and wood: each cabin has a fireplace and there will be wood provided on your deck. If splitting is needed, each cabin will have an ax and chopping block
Dogs:
$20 per dog, per night. Limit of 2 dogs per cabin. Dogs over 75 lbs. must have approval of management at time of reservation. You must bring a plastic or metal dog kennel for your dog when you are away from cabin. Pets must ALWAYS be secured inside the kennel when the cabin is unoccupied.
If your dog is one that barks at anything that moves, flies or walks, they will not be accepted.
Dogs must be kept under control at all times. When your dog is around others, it is expected to be on a leash. If management asks you to have your dog on a leash, it is expected for you to do so promptly. We have extra leashes on site at the managers cabin.
Dispose of dog poop properly.
KEEP ALL DOGS OFF FURNITURE AND BEDS
Renter is expected to clean cabin of all dog hair before leaving.
When registering at check in, the pet owner agrees to abide by the Oleo Ranch Pet Policy. You are responsible for any damage or injury caused by your pet and must absolve Oleo Limited of any liability resulting from your pets actions.
Food: You will need to bring in all your food. Access to the nearest grocery stores is Lake City (17 miles) and Creede (36 miles). There is a small store at Freemons Ranch (over Spring Creek pass on the way to Creede) as well, but not a large selection.
Grocery stores: Alamosa will have a couple large grocery stores with good prices. Also pick up your beer, wine and liquor there. If not, Creede will have a grocery store, but higher prices and a more limited choice. Lake City has a grocery store as well, but with the same situation as Creede
Grills: Each cabin has a gas grill on the deck
How does food stay cool: There is a fridge in each cabin, but it is smaller than normal. If your stay is only a couple days you will be just fine. If you have a big party and staying longer, then we suggest bringing in some coolers and ice. The ice will stay frozen if the coolers are kept outside
Good Meals: Pretty much everything will taste good up there, but here are a few suggestions that always seem to work well
Breakfast – eggs, sausage, blueberry pancakes, cereal, etc.
Lunch – sandwiches, etc.
Dinner – steaks, grilled chicken, spaghetti, baked potatoes, chili, corn bread, etc. Food taste pretty darn good up there so plenty of options.
Suggested Clothes: normal cool weather clothes. Bring some rain gear as well. It can get very cold in evenings and will be in morning. Expect 30’s even in July. Bring some mud boots if you plan to fly fish in river.
Other suggested items: batteries, flash light, binoculars, camera, lightweight fishing gear, sunscreen, lip balm, books and magazines. Without the internet it is possible to finish a book so bring that one you been planning on reading for some time now.
Fishing on the Ranch: There are 5 ponds on the ranch that will provide great fishing by either using a fly rod or a basic rod/reel set up. There is a worm farm by the old corral next to the Willows cabin, if you choose to use a hook. We urge “catch and release” but keeping a few for dinner is always ok. Fly or spin fishing is also available in the small Cebolla Creek that runs through the ranch. Many streams and lakes are in the area nearby as well.
ATV’s: We do not allow ATV’s to be driven on the ranch property. You can park your trailer in the barn area, and trailer them to the many trailheads in the area.