Jasper, Colorado · Rio Grande National Forest

Where theElk Roam Free.

A hand built log cabin at over 9,000 feet in the San Juan Mountains. National forest on every side and a long dirt road in.

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9,000+Ft Elevation
315Forest Road
SolarOff-Grid Power
4-SeasonColorado Rockies
COJasper
Colorado
The Lost Elk Lodge

Built for theMountains.

The Lost Elk Lodge is a hand built log cabin at over 9,000 feet, in an aspen grove at the end of Forest Road 250. Jasper is a small mountain community in the Rio Grande National Forest, above the San Luis Valley. National forest surrounds you on every side.

Deer graze past the solar panels. The Conejos River and Platoro Reservoir are about ten miles out, and they make a good day trip if you are not in a hurry. The road is slow, rough and scenic, so allow more time than the distance suggests. Wide open country, and a warm log cabin at the end of the day.

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Lodge through aspensTucked in the Aspens
Upper deck viewsUpper Deck Views
Aerial drone viewOff-Grid Solar Living
Get Out There

Adventures in EveryDirection.

Conejos River fishing
May – November

CONEJOS RIVER
TROUT FISHING

The Conejos River is one of Colorado's top gold-medal fly fishing streams. Platoro Reservoir is about ten miles out and holds rainbow and brown trout. The water stays cold well into summer, so bring waders.

  • Conejos River: designated Wild Trout water, gold-medal sections nearby
  • Platoro Reservoir: rainbow, brown trout & kokanee salmon
  • Sky Line Lodge in Platoro: full tackle, licenses & guided trips
  • A canoe is stored at the lodge for lake fishing
  • Colorado license required — cpw.state.co.us
Cherokee TP Outfitters hunting
Fall Season

ELK & DEER
COUNTRY

This is long established elk and deer country. The area around Jasper, Platoro and the Rio Grande National Forest has been hunted for generations. The Colorado Elk Camp sign inside came with the cabin.

  • GMU 80/81 elk and deer hunting — check CPW for current seasons & tags
  • Cherokee TP Outfitters: guided hunts & pack trips — cherokeetpoutfitters.com
  • Deer walk past the solar panels at sunrise, and elk move through the country around the cabin
  • Snowshoes at the lodge for late-season tracking in fresh snow
  • Game processing resources in Alamosa and South Fork
Waterfall near Platoro
Year Round

TRAILS &
WATERFALLS

Rio Grande National Forest surrounds the lodge with hundreds of miles of trail, from easy meadow walks to alpine scrambles above treeline, plus waterfalls in the canyon walls nearby.

  • Spectacle Lake, Tobacco Lake, and South San Juan Wilderness accessible
  • Stunner Pass Loop: fall color above 10,000 feet
  • Conejos Canyon: riverside trail with old mining works along it
  • Platoro Reservoir: easy lake walk with aspen and mountain views
  • Snowshoes and trail maps provided at the lodge
Rocky OHV terrain
Summer / Fall

OHV & DIRT
BIKE TRAILS

Forest roads and designated OHV routes through Rio Grande National Forest give you hundreds of miles of off-road riding. Forest Road 250 itself is the kind of road that makes you glad you have 4WD.

  • Extensive OHV network throughout Rio Grande NF
  • Summitville area: high-alpine roads with sweeping valley views
  • Terrain from easy forest road cruising to technical rocky trail
  • Trailers and large rigs welcome — parking available on-site
  • Check RGNF motor vehicle use map: fs.usda.gov/riogrande
Jasper Colorado mountain setting
Summer / Fall

GOLD PANNING
& MINING HISTORY

You're in historic Colorado mining country. Summitville just over the ridge was one of Colorado's most famous gold camps. The creeks and rivers here carried placer gold for early miners — and still do.

  • Summitville ghost town: accessible by 4WD road, fascinating history
  • Platoro area: old mines and ruins throughout the surrounding mountains
  • Conejos River gravel bars: pan for placer gold on public land
  • Recreational panning allowed on most National Forest land in Colorado
  • Iron-rich red rocks and geology tell the full mining story
Lodge at dusk in the aspens
All Seasons

JUST
DISAPPEAR.

Jasper, Colorado sits above 9,000 feet at the end of a long forest road with no cell service. For a lot of guests that is the entire point. The cabin covers the rest.

  • No cell service — satellite WiFi available if needed, but you probably won't
  • Guitar, board games, and a leather chair you may never want to leave
  • Dark skies: at 9,000+ ft with zero light pollution, the Milky Way is incredible
  • Platoro is one of Colorado's last truly remote mountain communities
  • Gold Nugget Café in Platoro serves breakfast, lunch & dinner
Wildlife

Who ElseLives Here.

The photo on the left was taken in the front yard. Deer come through often. This part of the Rio Grande National Forest has animals moving across it in every season.

The Lodge

Rustic Comfort,Real Character.

🪵
Hand-Built Log Cabin
Real log construction with exposed beams and tongue-and-groove pine throughout. A Colorado Elk Camp sign, cowhide rugs and snowshoes on the wall. None of it is reproduction.
☀️
Off-Grid Solar Power
The lodge runs on its own solar array. Satellite WiFi is there if you need it, and there is no cell service if you would rather not be reachable.
🛶
Canoe Included
A Coleman canoe is stored under the deck and available for guests. Paddle Platoro Reservoir, explore the beaver ponds, or float a quiet stretch of the Conejos. Paddles included.
🍳
Full Country Kitchen
Vintage white gas stove, full-size fridge, dishwasher, and a full spice rack. Enough room to cook for a full camp, and a window to drink your coffee in front of.
🧺
Washer & Dryer
Stackable washer and dryer in the cabin, so a week of waders, base layers and muddy gear does not have to go back to town.
🎸
Music and Games
A guitar in the corner, board games, snowshoes and a leather chair by the stove. Plenty of evenings end with a fire going and nobody moving.
Inside the Lodge

Warm Wood,Real Home.

Living room and staircase
Open Living Area
Kitchen and dining
Country Kitchen
Sitting area
Sitting Room
Character corner
Colorado Character
Loft bedrooms
Loft Bedrooms
Private bedroom deck
Private Bedroom
Bathroom
Full Bathroom
Reservations

Book Your Stayon VRBO.

Check live availability, browse the full photo library, read guest reviews, and lock in your dates securely through our VRBO listing.

🏡vrbo.com/483807
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Real-time availability — see exactly which dates are open
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Guest Reviews
Read what previous guests say about their stay
Guest Reviews

What PeopleAre Saying.

10/10
Exceptional
Average of 74 guest reviews on VRBO
Read all 74 reviews on VRBO
★★★★★
Off-grid living

This beautifully appointed and well equipped cabin provides the best of off-grid living. The roads in may be a bit rough and you will want to be mindful of your use of electricity, but the return on investment is peace and solitude in stunningly lovely surroundings.

Joseph C. 3 nights, September 2025 · Verified review on VRBO
★★★★★
Hunting trip

Spent a week hunting the area - what a great cabin and area. Dara was great to work with as well as the local contact - Kevin. It was a perfect week - we will be back soon.

Barry P. 8 nights, September 2024 · Verified review on VRBO
★★★★★
Great place to stay

The little cabin was perfect for our friend get together. Everything we needed was supplied and the water and solar system for electricity is a real bonus in Jasper where you are totally secluded from the outside world! The view from the front porch was beautiful and so relaxing. We would certainly do it again!

Karla J. 3 nights, July 2023 · Verified review on VRBO
Good Questions

Before YouLoad Up.

Where exactly is Jasper, Colorado?+
Jasper is a small mountain community in Rio Grande National Forest, Rio Grande County, Colorado, about 30 miles from Monte Vista and about 40 miles from Alamosa. It sits at over 9,000 feet in a valley surrounded by national forest. The drive on FR 250 is part of the experience.
Do I need a 4WD vehicle?+
High-clearance AWD or 4WD is strongly recommended, especially fall through spring. Forest Road 250 is unpaved and can be rough after storms. In winter, 4WD with snow tires is essential. Full road condition notes are provided with booking confirmation.
Is there cell service?+
There is no cell service in Jasper. Most guests consider that a feature. Satellite WiFi is available at the lodge if needed. For backcountry emergencies, a satellite communicator is recommended. Nearest reliable cell service is back down the valley toward Monte Vista.
Can I bring an ATV or dirt bike?+
Yes. The property accommodates trailers and rigs, and Rio Grande NF has extensive OHV routes. Check the Motor Vehicle Use Map at fs.usda.gov/riogrande for current open routes and seasonal restrictions before you go.
What fishing licenses do I need?+
A Colorado fishing license is required for ages 16+. Purchase online at cpw.state.co.us or in Alamosa at sporting goods stores. Sky Line Lodge in Platoro also sells licenses and tackle. The Conejos River has special regulations. Review the current CPW fishing regulations for specific sections.
When is elk hunting season?+
CPW manages elk seasons. Archery, muzzleloader and rifle seasons typically run August through November depending on the unit. The lodge area is in GMU 80/81 territory. Tags are drawn through CPW's draw system. Cherokee TP Outfitters (cherokeetpoutfitters.com) offers guided hunts.
How do I make a reservation?+
The Lost Elk Lodge is booked exclusively through VRBO at vrbo.com/483807. You can check live availability, view all photos, read guest reviews, and complete secure payment through the VRBO platform. Peak fall dates book months in advance.
Are pets allowed?+
Well-behaved dogs are welcome. With elk, deer, and bear in the area, dogs should be supervised and under control outside. Bear-aware practices apply to pet food as well. Check the VRBO listing for the current pet policy and any fees.
Getting Here

Find YourWay In.

Jasper, Colorado is at the end of Forest Road 250. The red Jasper sign on the left is your landmark. It is a long backcountry drive and the road is the slow part.

  • 🚗
    From Monte Vista: about 30 miles, roughly 45 minutes. The nearest town, and the last place to stop for fuel and groceries.
  • 🚗
    From Alamosa: about 40 miles, roughly an hour. Alamosa has the widest choice of supplies and the regional airport.
  • ✈️
    By Air: Alamosa (ALS) is the closest airport. Colorado Springs or Denver for larger hubs. Rent something with clearance, since the last stretch in is unpaved forest road.
  • ⛽
    Fill up before you head up. There is no gas in Jasper. Monte Vista and Alamosa are the practical places to stock up.
  • 🏔️
    Address: 315 Alamosa Ave, FR 250, Jasper, Colorado. Exact directions and any gate info provided in your VRBO booking confirmation.
📍 37.4° N, 106.5° W · Jasper, CO · Rio Grande NF

The AspensAre Turning.

Peak fall dates book months ahead. Book The Lost Elk Lodge on VRBO today.

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