Sawatch Base Camp

99%

55 reviews

· Leadville, Lake, Colorado

10 acres hosted by Bryce E.

2 lodging sites

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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Reviews

99% Recommend68 ratings · 55 reviews

Bryce's yurt is a well-loved retreat for campers seeking a peaceful and scenic escape. The yurt is praised for its cozy atmosphere, warmth from the wood stove, and stunning views, making it a comfortable haven even in cold weather. Visitors appreciate the yurt's thoughtful amenities and its beautiful, secluded location in Leadville. Some guests noted the challenging trek in and occasional issues with the propane tank, but overall, the yurt offers a memorable experience with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like skiing and stargazing.

Summary AI-generated from real reviews

Chelsea J.

3 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2025

Fun winter stay!

Turquoise Chief Yurt

Beautiful winter hike to this cozy yurt! It was easy to find, a great size, very well stocked and had a comfy bed. Bryce sent excellent written directions that we accidentally ignored…taking the longer Tennessee Creek trail instead of the Turquoise Lake trail. It honestly worked out though as it at least felt like a more gradual hike up and then we essentially made it a loop enjoying the Turquoise Lake trail coming back down with the beautiful views in front of us. The trail was groomed and easy to follow, but glad we brought snowshoes as it snowed a couple inches.

Clare H.

3 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· February 2025

Camping in the Snow

With pets ·

St. Kevin Yurt

Bryce's yurt was fantastic. It's about a 4.5 mile trek in, mostly uphill, with snowmobilers driving by occasionally but it's not too bad and really pretty! The yurt was great, everything i needed and the wood stove stayed super warm. It snowed about 2 inches and was down around 0 degrees at night but I just needed a rumpl blanket and felt really comfortable. Great experience, really peaceful and beautiful, would definitely stay again

Ella H.

4 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· January 2025

Turquoise Chief Yurt

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!

Cindy C.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· December 2024

Pass it on!

Group trip ·

Turquoise Chief Yurt

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! 😃

Annie S.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2024

St. Kevin Yurt

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!

Maddie M.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2024

Perfect Weekend Trip

Turquoise Chief Yurt

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!

Location

Leadville, Lake, Colorado, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) First Nations according to

Native Land Digital.

To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking