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Sawatch Base Camp

98%
·
· Leadville, Lake, Colorado
10 acres hosted by Bryce E.
2 lodging sites
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Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
Bryce is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
Romantic
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is romantic.
Off-leash friendly
Pets can be off-leash at this Hipcamp.
Completely surrounded by National Forest in the heart of the Rockies at 10,600 feet in elevation, Sawatch Base Camp is one of a kind property at the site of an old turquoise mine with accessible yet private backcountry lodging. Located 6 miles northwest of Leadville, Colorado and 1 mile north of Turquoise Lake, Sawatch Base Camp is perched on a hill overlooking the Arkansas Headwaters, Leadville and the Mosquito Range including 14er Mt. Sherman. This prime location gives quick access to all the best outdoor recreation of the High Rockies, while also being removed enough to provide solitude and quality time with friends and family. In summer and fall (May through November), the property has vehicle access by Forest Service Road 103- known by many other names depending on mapping service including County Road 9A, Turquoise Chief Rd, and St. Kevin Rd. This segment of road is part of the famous Leadville 100 MTB race, lying at roughly Mile 8/Mile 95. In winter months (December through April), the camp is accessible by snowmobile, ski or snowshoe on groomed multi-use winter trails open to the public. The trek in is approximately 4.4 miles from the Leadville Junction Parking Lot, with an elevation gain of roughly 800 feet. The terrain around the yurt provides backcountry skiing through trees with occasional glades. Our backcountry lodging is designed to have minimal impact on the landscape, intentionally rustic while also providing amenities like a wood stove, solar lighting, plush beds and a roomy indoor space to gather. Firewood and propane for the camp stove are provided. The restroom is an outhouse a few yards from the yurt stocked with toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Sawatch Base Camp operates under Lake County CUPs 21-10 and 23-33.
Activities
Biking
Boating
Fishing
Hiking
Natural features
Forest
Mountainous
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98%
65 ratings · 53 reviews
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Ella H.
1 month on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2025
Bryce’s yurt is gorgeous! The view is amazing and the yurt is beautiful. We had a great time skiing up, cooking, and stargazing. Bryce is a great host - very kind and attentive!
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Cindy C.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· December 2024
Pass it on!
Group trip ·
We just returned from an awesome 3-night adventure at turquoise chief yurt. It's beautifully situated and well-supplied. We enjoyed the fresh powder ski loops and spectacular sunsets, along with playing games and cooking meals in the cozy space. Just a reminder to others that stocking the wood, cleaning out ashes and splitting some kindling will be greatly appreciated by subsequent guests. We came it late and needed to stock, clean and split for ourselves. We taught our kids to leave places better than they found them so they did the above and left a nice kindling teepee built in the stove, ready for the next guest to light. Hopefully others will pass it on! 😃
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Annie S.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2024
We had an awesome stay! The yurt is thoughtfully stocked and located in a beautiful, quiet area of Leadville. Bryce was quick to respond to our messages and made the trip easy to book. The yurt also stayed incredibly warm - we are excited to come back in the winter. Thank you Bryce!
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Maddie M.
10 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2024
Perfect Weekend Trip
My friend and I went to this yurt and absolutely loved it! The views are amazing and the yurt has great amenities. I would definitely stay there again and recommend to a friend!
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Drew P.
9 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2024
The perfect mountain getaway!
This yurt has it all! We had everything we needed for a cozy weekend getaway! We loved how it was very secluded yet still had phone signal and was close to downtown Leadville. The stars were incredible at night and the yurt stayed super warm with the fireplace inside. It’s clear a lot of thought and planning went into making this a great place to stay!
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Brittany R.
7 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2024
With pets ·
It was such a great spot for camping next time we will stay longer! Our son loved it!
Location
Leadville, Lake, Colorado, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Bryce E.

Joined in August 2022
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