Switchback - Big Divide

Perched above Idaho Springs at the end of a long, rocky climb filled with tight switchbacks and steep drop-offs, The Big Divide is not your typical weekend retreat. You do not just drive here, you earn every mile behind the wheel. This is a place for high-clearance 4x4s and experienced drivers who are comfortable navigating narrow, unmaintained roads with loose gravel and sharp turns.

When you arrive, there are no neighbors, no traffic, no noise. Only crisp mountain air, towering pines, and views that stretch for miles. In fall, the mountains come alive with golden aspens and vibrant foliage. The Big Divide offers total privacy, stunning scenery, and a true Colorado mountain retreat experience.

Cozy Comfort Meets Mountain Adventure

Inside, The Big Divide delivers comfort with character. Vaulted ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, exposed brick, and two king bedrooms plus a third bedroom with twin beds are spread across 4,300 plus square feet. Gather around the fireplace with a blanket and a cup of hot cider, cook dinner in the fully stocked kitchen, or step out onto the deck to watch the sky shift color behind the peaks.

During fall, enjoy leaf-peeping right from your deck or nearby trails. On summer nights, light up the fire pit and play Giant Connect 4 or cornhole with friends. In winter, cozy up indoors after navigating snowy roads with a hot drink and a movie.

Endless Possibilities Outside Your Door

You are not just staying in the mountains, you are living in them. Hike straight from the property into National Forest trails surrounded by vibrant fall colors. Soak at Indian Hot Springs downtown. Chase early-season powder at Echo or Loveland ski areas. Or do nothing at all and simply enjoy the crisp mountain air and colorful aspen forests. The Big Divide is both a launchpad for adventure and a private retreat for rest.

What You Will Find Inside

• 3 bedrooms (2 king beds, 2 twin beds)
• 2 full bathrooms
• Fully stocked kitchen with stove, oven, Keurig, dishwasher, blender, and all the tools
• Dining area plus breakfast bar
• 2 Smart TVs
• Foosball table
• Fireplace
• Washer and dryer
• Starlink WiFi

What You Will Find Outside

• Large deck with a grill, dining space, and swing
• Fire pit and seating area
• Cornhole and Giant Connect 4
• Secluded forest surroundings with fall foliage views
• Big mountain views, star-filled skies, and total peace and quiet

Travel With Little Ones

We have partnered with BabyQuip to offer discounted rentals on cribs, strollers, car seats, and more. These items are delivered straight to your vacation home or even the airport.

SkyRun has partnered with CookinGenie to make your stay even better. Skip the grocery store, cooking, and cleanup. CookinGenie sends a local chef to your vacation rental to prepare a delicious meal right in your kitchen. This is perfect for family dinners, romantic nights in, or special occasions. SkyRun guests receive fifty dollars off their first CookinGenie order of two hundred dollars or more.

What to Know Before You Book

This is not a drive-up-and-plug-in cabin. The road is steep, rocky, and unpaved, especially the last half mile. You will need a 4WD or AWD vehicle with high clearance year-round. Chains may be required in winter.

Other things to note

• The last half mile is steep and rocky, similar to a forest service road. Plan accordingly if you are not used to mountain driving
• Winter access can be tricky. From late October through early May, snow and ice are likely. Chains are required
• Plan to arrive before dark in fall and winter
• There is no air conditioning. Open windows and mountain air keep the cabin cool even in summer
• No trailers or off-road vehicles. There is no space to park or turn trailers
• Expect wildlife, bugs, and starry skies. Deer, foxes, or elk are possible. Cell service can be spotty, but WiFi is strong
• Exterior security cameras monitor the driveway and entrances for safety
• No parties or events are allowed. Sound carries far in the mountains, and neighbors value their quiet
• The smaller cabin, The Little Divide, sits roughly 100 yards away and may be occupied during your stay
• Non-refundable pet fee is $200 per reservation, with a maximum of two dogs

Guest Access

The Big Divide is the main house at Switchback Basecamp, a private mountainside retreat with two separate cabins. The smaller cabin, The Little Divide, may be rented separately. Both spaces have their own driveways and entrances. You will have total privacy, but if you are traveling with a larger group, consider booking both cabins.

Clear Creek County STR License #STR25-089