The Blue Elk: Private Retreat : Breathtaking Mountain Views - Excellent Access - Custer County

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Entire home

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 4148.6 sq m

Popular amenities

Parking available
Dryer
Washer
Barbecue grill
Fireplace
Free WiFi

Explore the area

Westcliffe, CO

Hermit Park
‪18 min drive‬
Smokey Jack Observatory
‪20 min drive‬
Silver Cliff Museum
‪21 min drive‬
Canon City, CO (CNE-Fremont County)
‪69 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Full bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Shower only

Full Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio

Porch or lanai

Kitchen

Balcony

Dining area

About this property

The Blue Elk: Private Retreat : Breathtaking Mountain Views - Excellent Access

The Blue Elk Mountain Home sits on 10 beautiful, peaceful private acres, at an elevation of 8500 feet. Low Humidity, clean air, and fresh Mountain Breezes await!

Walk out your back door and see the incredible, stunning views of the Sangre De Cristo Mountain Front Range, and her fourteen thousand foot peaks! Walk out your front door, with views of the Wet Mountains! The breathtaking views and the peace here are second to none.

The location is perfect. Only 7-1/2 mile to the Historic Town of Westcliffe, Colorado, which features plenty of dining and shopping, including Antique Shops, Boutiques, Art Galleries, Coffee Shops, and a full service Grocery Store.
Year round access on County Maintained Roads., and Private Roads.
Westcliffe offers many family fun filled events throughout the year.

Westcliffe is a designated Dark Sky Community. Check out the observatory and the amazing stargazing! Enjoy the telescope and check out the Milky Way , planets, constellations and stars.

Minutes from the Sangre De Cristo Mountains, and the San Isabel National Forest, where you have many accesses and options for hiking, fishing and nature exploring.

Fly fishing, trout fishing, horseback riding, Llama trekking, are close by, as well.

The Blue Elk Mountain Home is fully stocked, and offers a Washer/Dryer.

Please Note: The Blue Elk is a short term rental property approved by Custer County.
The guest limit per Custer County is 4 guest including children.
We do have security cameras on the exterior of The Blue Elk for security purposes only.
Please message me with any questions! And enjoy your stay!
Thank you !
Tracy Gullet

Property manager

Tracy Gullet

Premier Host

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

Outdoor space

Parking available

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Pet-friendly
Parking available
Laundry
Microwave

House Rules

Check in after 12:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 12:00 PM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Food and drink in kitchen please

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

* Maximum guest limit 4. * No Hunting * No Firearms or shooting of any kind * No open burning or firepits * No pets * No parties * No smoking

* Please dispose of trash in bear proof trash container. * Clean grill after each use (Bear Preventative) * We do not rent to Companies/Contractors

* All guest must read the instruction manual, which has important instructions for arrival and departure

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

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 and a first aid kit

About the area

Westcliffe

Located in Westcliffe, this holiday home is in the mountains. Silver Cliff Museum and The Historic Beckwith Ranch are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Hermit Park and Music Pass Trailhead. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Westcliffe, CO

What's nearby

Hermit Park - 18 min drive - 15.8 km
Smokey Jack Observatory - 20 min drive - 16.8 km
Silver Cliff Museum - 21 min drive - 17.8 km
Bishop Castle - 53 min drive - 48.1 km
Royal Gorge Bridge - 80 min drive - 90.0 km

Restaurants

‪Letter Drop Inn - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Blue Elk: Private Retreat : Breathtaking Mountain Views - Excellent Access pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Blue Elk: Private Retreat : Breathtaking Mountain Views - Excellent Access?

Check-in begins at 12:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Blue Elk: Private Retreat : Breathtaking Mountain Views - Excellent Access?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is The Blue Elk: Private Retreat : Breathtaking Mountain Views - Excellent Access located?

Situated in the mountains, this holiday home is within 12 miles (20 km) of Hermit Park, Smokey Jack Observatory and Silver Cliff Museum. Dundee Dog Park is 11.3 mi (18.2 km) away.

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

james t.

16 November 2024

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

Awesome spot!

Really great cabin in the middle of nowhere!

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gregory A.

7 June 2024

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

Mountain views

The Blue Elk was a very cozy cabin with awesome Mountain View’s. Everything went smoothly and we enjoyed our stay ad would love to stay there again.

Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jake L.

19 August 2024

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

Fun

Extremely nice

Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Evan B.

3 September 2024

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

Beautiful home and views. Fantastic hosts

The property was on a great vantage point overlooking the valley and had a very claer view of the entire night sky in all directions for excellent stargazing. With the low humidity and elevation the night sky was among the best I've ever seen in the entire US. Easily a top 3 pick while still being very close to modern conveniences such as a grocery store and pharmecy.

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Megan C.

6 September 2023

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

Amazing Propert!

We stayed 5 nights and loved every second. The town is so sweet and majestic. The house itself is magical and beautiful. We look forward to coming back many times!

Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Heidi P.

12 January 2024

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

Blue Elk Beauty

The Blue Elk is a lovely place to stay to get away from the city. So quiet and easy to walk right into with everything you need for a relaxing stay already provided. We hope to become repeaters!

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

15 July 2023

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

Amazing Views!

This property was everything advertised and more. All the little touches, like hooks in the bathrooms to hang clothes, we’re greatly appreciated. The views were phenomenal. We absolutely loved it.

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Robert N.

14 August 2023

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

Blue Elk Best View in the Valley

As usual, the cabin was clean and welcoming. We love the views on every side. The deer and swallows and bluebirds are just an added bonus!

Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Teri L., Hull, Texas

4 January 2021

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

Beautiful!

This place was amazing! The views from the house are spectacular. We had the best time here and we can't wait to come back and stay. The house was so comfortable and had everything. Thank you Tracy for sharing your home!!

Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Tara K.

28 December 2024

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

As Advertised...and more!

From the posting to the reviews - on Vrbo and in the living room Guestbook - this stay was what we had searched for. It was interesting staying in an A-frame. There was a family of deer just beyond the patio. The pantry and fridge stock was a pleasant surprise. The main street was better than any we saw the whole way up from ATX. And how fun that Westcliffe is also the 9th International Dark Sky City! We loved learning all about and using the telescope. The book even had tips to increase one's "night vision." We also loved how close it was to the trailheads and that while we didnt have much snow on the property, we went 15min down the road to the trailheads and enjoyed being on the mountains you see from the property and sledding! Overall though, it was my 9yo boy saying "this is my favorite rental so far. Let's do this one again." And after just 1 night.

Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Allison M.

28 May 2023

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

Relaxing getaway

With so much to do within any direction this house was a perfect fit for us. There are restaurant options and a small grocery store in town, most places close at 8. I do wish that the bedroom upstairs had blinds/tint or something on the skylights. If you want to sleep in, that isn’t the room for you, it also gets pretty warm up there compared to the rest of the house. We got to watch deer daily in the morning and evenings and it was an very quiet area. The house was well stocked with all necessities and check in/out was a breeze!

Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

17 July 2021

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

Great house with amazing views

This is a very special property. First of all, it was super clean, with plenty of towels and the kitchen was well stocked with pots and pans and everything you need. Second, it was one of the most quiet places I’ve been in a long time and the stars were so plentiful. The setting is very dramatic with sweeping views of the mountains in the distance. Tracy, the host, was super easy to communicate with and very responsive. Such an interesting and comfortable place to spend some time. Highly highly recommend. Thank you Tracy!

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jason B., Waxahachie, TX

28 November 2022

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

Incredible Views

Absolutely loved the property. The pictures don't do the views justice. Tracy communicated well and it was stocked with everything you need. Highly recommend.

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

stephanie b., Colorado

17 September 2022

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

Peace and Beauty

Nice old cabin on a beautiful piece of property. Gorgeous view of the Sangre de Cristos and the night sky is dreamy. So quiet you can hear the bees in the meadow. A welcome recharge, thank you!

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Laurie Z.

5 July 2022

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

A real get-away

Very clean and well kept, with gorgeous views and lots of bluebirds. Wonderfully quiet! Check with the owners wrt the best way into the subdivision—we relied on our GPS and didn’t find the best way until our last day. Oh, well!

Stayed 11 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sandy W.

30 May 2022

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

Great

The cabin was very clean and comfortable. The view was amazing. We had a great time

Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Amy H., Wylie, TX

13 March 2022

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

A great view from every window

The Blue Elk was perfect for our stay. The cabin is well stocked, cozy and comfortable. It was great for our family of 3 with room to spare. The best part, by far, is the view of the Sangres. We would definitely stay here again!

Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

John H.

27 February 2022

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

Spectacular

The views are unparalleled. We’ve traveled the Rockies from Glacier National Park down through Idaho, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Jackson Hole & we’ve never stayed at a place with a better view. The Blue Elk is cozy, charming, warm & welcoming. The communication from the owner was fantastic. Very well stocked kitchen, everything you could need. The only things you need to be aware of is if you’re going & there’s a chance of snow you’ll need a 4x4. And the beds aren’t the most comfortable. But otherwise it’s fantastic. 5 stars! Highly recommended!

Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mica N.

6 February 2022

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

Cozy view

The views are beautiful, the silence golden. The fireplace kept us warm while we drank wine and binged Netflix in the evenings. The loft bed was so cozy. We enjoyed being snuggled in while we watched the sun hit the mountain view in the morning while sipping our coffee. It is a short drive to several trailheads

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jabon M.

29 December 2021

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

Beautiful mountain escape

An ideal place to escape and enjoy the Colorado mountains. The house is very comfortable and the fireplace made the chilly nights extra cozy inside. You have everything you need to cook, relax and unwind. Many excellent hiking trails in the Sangre de Cristos are nearby and the view across the valley is amazing. You feel like your on top of the world at this wonderful location. Really enjoyed the beautiful sunsets, dark skies and plentiful shooting star sightings.

Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

27 November 2021

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

Fantastic Views

Super cozy, well stocked. Incredible views. Will certainly return.

Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Terry S.

26 November 2021

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

Colorado Mountains

Very nice, love the view.

Stayed 12 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Randy M.

22 October 2021

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

Trip

Nice.

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Robert N.

11 September 2021

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

Magnificent view.

The view of the mountains was magnificent. Blue Elk was better than advertised. It was very comfortable and functional and enabled us to experience the mountains without distraction. We enjoyed the vIsits of deer and were amazed by the number of bluebirds around the property. We will plan a return visit for sure!

Stayed 17 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Chere A.

18 August 2021

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

Cabin with awesome views

This cabin is cute, comfy, and clean with an awesome view of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range.

Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2021

About the host

Hosted by Tracy Gullet

My Husband and I purchased the Blue Elk in July of 2019. We stumbled upon the town of Westcliffe, CO , and fell in love. Westcliffe is at the base of the Sangre De Cristo Mountain Range to the West and The Wet Mountains to the East. This little town with galleries, coffee shops, shopping and a grocery is special. We are Blessed to have found this gem of a town and this awesome property.
Year round access, and excellent location !

Why they chose this property

The minute we pulled up in the driveway of this property, we knew we had found our mountain home. The views are absolutely amazing. The Sangre's and Wet Mountain Valley are literally in your back yard!

The home is light and airy, and perfect for relaxation and tranquility, yet close to town.
Easy access and a well maintained and immaculate home, this property is by far the best we have seen in Southern Colorado.

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests

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The Blue Elk: Private Retreat : Breathtaking Mountain Views - Excellent Access

Photo gallery for The Blue Elk: Private Retreat : Breathtaking Mountain Views - Excellent Access

Reviews

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 2

Bedroom 3

Master Bedroom

2 bathrooms

Full bathroom

Full Bathroom 2

Spaces

About this property

The Blue Elk: Private Retreat : Breathtaking Mountain Views - Excellent Access

Property manager

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Have a question?

Similar properties

Colorado's Best Kept Secret

Colorado's Best Kept Secret

House Rules

Children

Events

Pets

Smoking

Important information

You need to know

About the area

Westcliffe

What's nearby

Restaurants

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

Exceptional

10/10

10/10

10/10

10/10

10/10

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

james t.

Awesome spot!

james t.

10/10 Excellent

Gregory A.

Mountain views

Gregory A.

10/10 Excellent

Jake L.

Fun

Jake L.

10/10 Excellent

Evan B.

Beautiful home and views. Fantastic hosts

Evan B.

10/10 Excellent

Megan C.

Amazing Propert!

Megan C.

10/10 Excellent

Heidi P.

Blue Elk Beauty

Heidi P.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Amazing Views!

Verified traveller

10/10 Excellent

Robert N.

Blue Elk Best View in the Valley

Robert N.

10/10 Excellent

Teri L., Hull, Texas

Beautiful!

Teri L.

10/10 Excellent