Entire cabin

EXPLORATION CABIN - This Mountain Life Extraordinary Mountaintown Guesthouse #2

Escape to this charming mountain guesthouse for an unforgettable getaway. Enjoy scenic views of Little Prospect Mountain or stroll along the riverbank before exploring historic downtown.

Photo gallery for EXPLORATION CABIN - This Mountain Life Extraordinary Mountaintown Guesthouse #2

Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
2 bedrooms, free WiFi, bed sheets
Interior
Exterior detail
Miscellaneous

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire cabin

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 479 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Outdoor Space
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Fireplace
  • Free WiFi

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire cabin to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

EXPLORATION CABIN - This Mountain Life Extraordinary Mountaintown Guesthouse #2

EXPLORATION CABIN is a historic mountain guesthouse created and administered by Rick & Cheryl via This Mountain Life. License #3236

Exploration Cabin is perfect for 4 persons. If you are looking for something smaller, REFLECTION CABIN is designed for 1 or 2. REDEMPTION CABIN sleeps 3/4.

- We are normally booked solid from 5.15 -10.15, weekends and holidays. So book early.
- Guests say the property is sparkling clean, in an idyllic setting with a perfect location.
- We have 2 - 4 night minimums and 30-day no hassle cancellation options. Extended stays are welcome.
- Situated between Little Prospect Mountain and the Big Thompson River, 2 blocks from downtown.
Free front door parking and wifi.

This Mountain Life consists of three extraordinary mountain guesthouses. All are a 2 minute walk to downtown Estes and a 2 mile drive to Rocky Mountain National Park. All have been restored to perfection.
REDEMPTION CABIN is the frontiers mountainside log cabin (#1, Circa 1914)
EXPLORATION CABIN is the craftsman riverside cottage (#2, Circa 1928)
REFLECTION CABIN is the minimalist fireside studio (#3, Circa 1936).
All have been restored with thoughtful historical elegance. Each has a unique personality, character and idiosyncratic charm. Each share This Mountain Life values and are excellent in every detail. All are listed on VRBO.

Each guesthouse is designed for special occasions and celebrations, active go-getting walkers-hikers-climbers-mountaineers, bikers, urban explorers-festival goers, and serious professionals on reflective sabbatical or temporary remote learning-working.

Cabins are immaculate, eco-friendly, and smoke-free. Guests are expected to return their guesthouse on departure like they found it on arrival.

Rick and Cheryl will take good care of you. They are trustworthy super hosts and very knowledgable local guides. See ThisMountain.Life for more of the story. Experience a dream vacation home you’ll always remember.

WHAT'S INCLUDED: The Cabin is fully stocked for your vacation needs. We provide pantry supplies, kitchen condiments, teas and coffee, towels & linens, and first class finishes throughout. We also share our collection of navigational maps, hiking guides and adventure books, grill, and top area picks when requested. Some fly fishing gear and “townie” bikes may be available; ask if you’re interested. Some items require reasonable advanced notice.

MORE ON THE AREA: Exploration Cabin is in a picture perfect natural setting. Bright sunny mornings, moonlit evenings. The cabin is sheltered under the crags and cliffs of Little Prospect Mountain just upstream of the convergence of two snow-fed mountain rivers. Exploration is on the east side the Big Thompson River as it enters historic downtown to meet Fall River. An open treed riverbank is just across a narrow street. The road is used by pedestrians, bikers, horse carriages, motor vehicles, and buses; and the river is used by fishermen by fly and lure, (and when at peak flow) tube, and kayak.

IDEAL WALKABLE LOCATION: At This Mountain Life, you get a great walkable location. Getting to Historic Downtown is a simple downstream stroll along a cabin filled lane. There you will find the best of Estes Park's local attractions, festivals, restaurants, coffee houses, wineries, craft beer breweries, retail shopping, green parks, outdoor concerts, riverwalks, hiking paths, and other exciting places to be active or quiet. The Historic Clatworthy Studio, and Eagles Landing Restaurant are upstream to our immediate South. Piccadilly Square, Rock Cut Tap House, Estes Angler, Hunan’s Chinese Restaurant, Day Salon, Fun City, Sweet Basilico Italian Restaurant, Rock Climbing School, Estes Park Microbrewery, and Open Air Adventure Park are a short walk around the river's bend. Entrance into Rocky Mountain National Park, its wilderness, alpine lakes, trails and spectacular scenery is just a 2 mile drive west.

A few reminders for 2024 Summer guests …
Make sure to get your RMNP Timed Entry permits for access the park between 9am - 2pm. For more info, go to https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086910.
A a few days before your arrival date we will be sending you Arrival & Access Instructions that will guide you to your cabin and help you to get settled in.

Property manager

Rick and Cheryl Grigsby

Languages

English, French, Spanish

Property amenities

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing and snowboarding nearby

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking
  • Car not required

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 1 bathroom
  • Shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV
  • Books
  • Games
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden

Laundry

  • Near laundromat

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: May smoke outside.

Location highlights

  • On the river
  • In the city center
  • In the mountains
  • Near a health or beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • In a village

Things to do

  • Fitness facilities nearby
  • Golfing on site
  • Sledding nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Wildlife and game walks nearby
  • Golf nearby
  • Horse riding nearby
  • Ice skating nearby
  • Swimming nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Unit size: 850 sq ft (79 sq m)

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 28

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is not required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Exploration Stunning Mountain River Attributes 3 Min DT Rmnp
Mountainside Exploration Cabin Stunning Attributes 3 Min DT Rmnp
orp5b30f06x
Mountainside Exploration Stunning Attributes 3 Min DT Rmnp

About the neighborhood

Map
Estes Park, CO

What's nearby

  • Estes Park Aerial Tramway - 1 min walk
  • Historic Estes Park - 6 min walk
  • Lake Estes - 18 min walk
  • The Stanley Hotel - 20 min walk
  • Stanley Park - 3 min drive

Getting around

  • Fort Collins, CO (FNL-Fort Collins-Loveland Municipal) - 59 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Claire's Restaurant and Bar - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Coffee on the Rocks - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Estes Park Pie Shop & Bakery - ‬15 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is EXPLORATION CABIN - This Mountain Life Extraordinary Mountaintown Guesthouse #2 pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at EXPLORATION CABIN - This Mountain Life Extraordinary Mountaintown Guesthouse #2?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at EXPLORATION CABIN - This Mountain Life Extraordinary Mountaintown Guesthouse #2?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is EXPLORATION CABIN - This Mountain Life Extraordinary Mountaintown Guesthouse #2 located?

Located in Downtown Estes Park, this cabin is within 1 mi (2 km) of Estes Park Aerial Tramway and The Stanley Hotel. Rocky Mountain National Park is 1.5 mi (2.4 km) away.

EXPLORATION CABIN - This Mountain Life Extraordinary Mountaintown Guesthouse #2 Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 119 out of 122 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 122 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 122 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 122 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 122 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tina H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Charming Cabin, great location!
Charming, clean cabin. Easy walk to town. Highly recommend, will stay again!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Andrea B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect vacation home
The cabin was perfect, clean, cozy and charming. After a day of hiking and exploring RMNP, the cabin was the perfect place to unwind, make dinner, and share stories about our adventures that day.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rene R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Estes Park Cabin
The location of the cabin is perfect for wandering around town and getting to Rocky Mountain National Park. It was very comfortable and the beds were great. We love Estes Park and we will stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Bonnie B., arkansas

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Exploration canin
Nice clean and easy walking distance to town. Very well redone cabin
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Laura B., Overland Park, KS

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Charming rustic cabin
We absolutely loved the mountain feel of this cabin, and so close to the river and downtown. Our young grandson was just enchanted by it. We would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carol J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Spring Break
Property was amazing! Cheryl and Rick so helpful and accommodating!
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Valerie A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful, cozy cabin!
My family and I had a wonderful time at Expedition Cabin. The hosts are very responsive and greeted us at check-in. The cabin is very comfortable with modern appliances. The proximity to RMNP and the town is very convenient. Highly recommend a stay here!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Angela W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great rustic getaway
So much thought was put into every detail of this cabin! We had everything we needed and the hosts were incredibly nice and quick to respond to any questions. Highly recommend!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing cabin
We stayed here for a week. The cabin was beautiful and close to town. Everything was in perfect order. The owners were great to communicate with and so helpful.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amber G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
First Family Vacation to Rockies
Amazing! This cabin is perfection and the hosts are so helpful and responsive. Would for sure book again and tell everyone we know headed this way, this is THE cabin!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ronald K., Loudon, TN. USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cute cozy cabin
We were charmed with the unique appointments of the cabin. It’s location couldn’t have been more convenient, and it fit us perfectly!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful Cabin and hosts
This cabin was so charming and the owners have paid such great attention to every detail. The location was a quiet street but close enough to walk to town, and also convenient to RMNP, and the owners were delightful. We will be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Daci R., Sulphur Springs, TX

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Location
Rick and Cheryl were the best hosts. They both were attentive to our needs during our stay. Their cabin is so quaint and cozy. Location is perfect and within a short walking distance of downtown. Our family had the best vacation. We will definitely be back to visit Estes Park.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christian J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
RMNP
Cheryl greeted us and brought water bottles for the kids - which they loved. Very great communication and helpful tips for hikes with the young ones. A great place to stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Charming cabin in Estes Park
Wonderful little cabin and so charming with many quaint “little touches”. Our check in process was easy, owners were extremely helpful and communicative. The cabin was well stocked with everyday items and very clean. We loved being able to walk everywhere in town and still have a such a short drive to Rocky Mountain National Park. Great city and great place to stay, highly recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Andreea C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This Mountain Life is Beautiful!
Our family of four had the most wonderful time here. The cabin, the town, the surroundings wowed us at every turn. Cheryl and Rick thought of so many details that we kept discovering every day. Only superlative words to describe Estes Park and Exploration Cabin!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jennie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great little cabin
My husband and his friend stayed at the Exploration Cabin over a long weekend trip. It was perfect for them and a good location for them to get to anywhere. They were excited they could even fish right across the road! It was fully stocked and had everything they needed for a comfortable stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Leah S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Exploration Cabin
The cabin was very clean and had everything you need from making a cup of coffee to nice plush towels including makeup towels too. The bedding was nice and comfortable. We really enjoyed walking across the street to the stream and listening to the river. In the evening you can walk to the Estes Visitor Center and see Elk every evening. Great location and easy walking distance to shops.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Labor Day Getaway
5 minute walk from downtown and 15 minutes drive to park entrance, Old rustic cabin with all the modern conveniences without losing any charm. Well kept garden in front with bee balm and russian sage with hummingbirds visiting frequently. We would definitely stay here again or at any of the other cabins next door that are part of the same group.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly H., Columbia

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Stay at Exporation Cabin
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Exploration Cabin - it was comfortable and had everything we needed - plus the history and uniqueness of it. We enjoyed being able to walk into town - be sure to do the River Walk to Lake Estes - and the proximity to the park. What a fun surprise to have our cabin one morning surrounded by elk. The owner went above and beyond on our last day when we had an issue with our car - it was very much appreciated. We would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jean P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Modern convenience while enjoying a taste of history
This remodeled cabin has a lot of historic character. It was decorated with a theme. It provides a very unique experience. The owners communication by text was stellar. They were very responsive and accommodating of our requests. The location is great. It's within walking distance of the busy center of town. And yet, it is away from the main streets.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Olena O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A relaxing getaway
The location was perfect, walking distance to downtown and quick drive to Rocky Mountain National Park. The cottage was nice and clean with rustic decor. The kitchen was well-equipped, and the bedroom was comfortable with clean linens. The host was friendly and attentive. The only minor drawback was the presence of occasional ants, but it did not significantly affect our experience. Overall, it was a peaceful and enjoyable stay, ideal for those seeking a relaxing getaway in Estes Park.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Anna B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Cabin, Perfect Location
We loved our recent stay in Estes, largely in part to this fabulous cabin. The owners have lovingly added gorgeous details, from the amenities to the antique decor. We have never had a VRBO owner meet us at the property - meeting Rick and Cheryl was a treat. They are so kind and helpful. The location is ideal - we walked into town each day of our stay. It was wonderful to stroll into the busy shopping area and not have to worry about parking! We were minutes from RMNP, where we spent tons of time. I highly recommend staying at any of the "This Mountain Life" cabins!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin E., Franklin, TN, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic Cabin for RMNP Adventure
From booking to checkout, Rick & Cheryl made everything a breeze. Not only was the cabin immaculate and well-equipped (and exactly as advertised), but Rick & Cheryl went above and beyond to make our vacation great. They emailed us in advance to make sure we knew to reserve timed entry permits into the park, they were very accommodating of our late arrival, and Cheryl even went so far as to leave cupcakes for our daughter's birthday! We had a wonderful family vacation and would eagerly return to the hospitality and respite of Exploration cabin. Would HIGHLY recommend!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jim W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A Must Do Rental
It all started with Rick and Cheryl meeting us at the house to welcome us. Never happened to us before. Everything was First Class-everything to the smallest detail. Very well appointed. Loved the location; a quick walk downtown and not far to the RMNP entrance. Exceptionally clean. They made 'rustic' comfortable.Will definitely rent again if return to Estes Park. Thank you Rick and Cheryl!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023