4WD Required | Views of Continental Divide | Off the Grid | House in Idaho Springs

Breathe in crisp mountain air, watch the aspen leaves turn golden, and escape to total peace at The Little Divide, a cozy mountainside cabin nestled on five private acres. Perfect for leaf peepers, couples, solo travelers, and small groups, this secluded retreat offers the ultimate fall getaway with panoramic views, direct access to National Forest trails, and a warm, inviting cabin to return to after a day of exploring.
Located just down the ridge from The Big Divide, this is a true Colorado mountain experience. The road to The Little Divide at Switchback Basecamp is steep, rocky, and narrow, with sharp switchbacks and dramatic drop-offs. It’s unmaintained year-round and can be challenging for even the most experienced mountain drivers.
You will need a high-clearance 4WD or AWD vehicle at all times. Chains are mandatory from October through May. If you love the journey as much as the destination and aren’t afraid of a rugged climb, you’ll be rewarded with total solitude, stunning scenery, and skies full of stars.
The Space
Step inside and instantly feel at home. The lower level is an open-concept space designed for connection. Cook a hearty meal on the gas range while friends or family gather around the island, stream a movie on the smart TV, or sip wine on the back deck as the autumn leaves swirl around you.
Upstairs, a king suite offers a peaceful retreat with sunrise views of the Continental Divide and its very own private deck—perfect for morning coffee wrapped in a blanket while admiring the fall colors. A small desk with mountain views makes it easy to sneak in some remote work if needed.
The pullout sofa in the living area provides extra sleeping space, while a half bath and full laundry room make longer stays a breeze.
What You’ll Love Inside
-1 bedroom (king bed in upstairs loft)
-1.5 bathrooms
-Fully stocked kitchen with gas range, oven, Keurig, and ice maker
-Dining area + kitchen island seating
-Queen pullout sofa in living room
-Smart TVs in bedroom and living room
-Washer/dryer
-Work desk with mountain views
-Starlink WiFi
-Baseboard radiant heat (no A/C needed—the cool mountain air keeps it comfortable even in summer)
What You’ll Love Outside
-Private deck off the master loft with Adirondack chairs for fall leaf viewing
-Back porch with swing and outdoor dining table
-Secluded forest surroundings filled with aspen and pine
-Direct access to National Forest hiking trails
-Golden aspen views and crisp mountain air in fall
-Star-filled skies perfect for stargazing
Fall at The Little Divide
Fall in the Colorado foothills is truly magical. The forest surrounding the cabin explodes with brilliant gold, orange, and crimson leaves, and the crisp air makes hiking, photography, and cozy cabin nights even better. Whether you’re here for a romantic weekend, a leaf-peeping adventure, or a peaceful solo escape, The Little Divide is the perfect basecamp.
Nearby scenic drives like Guanella Pass and Kenosha Pass offer world-class fall foliage views, and when you return to the cabin, you’ll be surrounded by the very same beauty—without the crowds.
Added Perks for Your Stay
-BabyQuip Partnership: Rent cribs, strollers, car seats, and more at a discounted rate. Gear is delivered straight to the cabin or even the airport.
-CookinGenie Chef Experience: Skip cooking and let a local chef prepare a delicious meal right in your kitchen. SkyRun guests get $50 off their first CookinGenie order of $200 or more.
Ask your host or check your guest portal after booking for details!
Other Things to Note
-This is not a drive-up-and-plug-in cabin. It’s a true mountain adventure.
4WD or AWD with high clearance required year-round
-Chains required October–May
-Last half mile of road is steep, rocky, and narrow
-Plan to arrive before dark in winter months
-No trailers or off-road vehicles (no room to turn around)
-Elevation is over 8,000 ft — no A/C needed, even in summer
-Wildlife sightings are common—deer, foxes, elk, and more
-Strong WiFi, but cell service can be spotty
-Exterior security cameras monitor driveways and entrances only
-No parties or events—quiet hours strictly enforced
-Pet-friendly: $200 non-refundable fee (2 dogs max)
-Parking for up to 2 vehicles
-A larger cabin sits ~100 yards away and may be occupied during your stay
Guest Access
The Little Divide is part of Switchback Basecamp, a private mountainside retreat with two separate cabins. The larger home, The Big Divide, has its own driveway and entrance and can be rented separately. If you’re traveling with a bigger group, consider booking both cabins for the ultimate getaway!
Clear Creek County STR License #STR25-089

4WD Required | Views of Continental Divide | Off the Grid is located in Idaho Springs. 4WD Required | Views of Continental Divide | Off the Grid provides accommodation, featuring Balcony/Terrace, Child Friendly, Kitchen, among other amenities. This House features Balcony/Terrace, Child Friendly, Kitchen, to make your stay a comfortable one.

4WD Required | Views of Continental Divide | Off the Grid has 1 Bedroom , 1 Bathroom, and max occupancy of 4 people. The minimum rental for this property is 1 nights, but this can change depending on the season you plan on staying. Previous guests have given good rated it, and VRBO labeled it a top-rated House because of the excellent services rendered by the owner or manager of this House, and has consistently provided great experiences for their guests. Most families or guests that use it recommend it to their friends and some of them are repeat guests. House has a friendly neighborhood, and the Idaho Springs has interesting places to visit. If you want to learn more about the House in Idaho Springs, such as places to visit and things to do nearby, you can check below to learn more.