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Sawatch Base Camp

99%

56 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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Lodging

2 sites

Instant book

Turquoise Chief Yurt

98% (50)

Yurt · Sleeps 6

Come stay with family and friends in this spacious yurt completely surrounded by the National Forest in all directions. Make a pot of coffee and cozy up next to the wood stove, have a cookout at the firepit area, or go backcountry skiing out the front door. With an incredible vista looking across the headwaters valley of the Arkansas River towards Leadville and the Mosquito Range including 14er Mt. Sherman, the Turquoise Chief Yurt at Sawatch Base Camp is the ideal place to soak in the High Rockies. Make a pot of coffee and cozy up next to the wood stove, have a camp cookout at the firepit area, or go backcountry skiing out your front door. Sawatch Base Camp provides self-service backcountry lodging. Our owner-operators are dedicated to providing a unique rustic experience, ensuring the yurts remain a haven for nature lovers. The yurt has one full bed, a futon that folds out into a full size bed, two extra large cots with sleeping pads and pillows for room for up to six; guests will need to bring their own sleeping bags or blankets. Firewood, propane canisters, toilet paper and cleaning materials are provided. We check up on the camp at least once a week to clean and resupply, but guests are asked to uphold backcountry hut etiquette by cleaning up after themselves and leaving the yurt in the same condition they found it. We love furry friends and dogs are more than welcome, but please keep them on voice-command or a leash and pick up any poo and pet hair. You’re adventure begins at Sawatch Base Camp! *WINTER ACCESS INFORMATION* From December until early May, Sawatch Base Camp is accessible by ski, snowshoe or snowmobile via a 4.4 miles of winter trail. The trail is groomed and well marked. Overnight parking is at the Leadville Junction parking lot/winter trailhead. Vehicle access returns by mid-May.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

No showers

Picnic table

from

$159

/ night

for NaN guests

Instant book

St. Kevin Yurt

100% (19)

Yurt · Sleeps 4

Get cozy with loved ones in this private and secluded yurt. Tucked away in the forest with a wood stove and a kitchen in addition to a recliner and full bed, this yurt as everything you need to be comfortable on your next backcountry adventure. Looking for an alternative to a hut trip where you get the hut all to yourselves? With backcountry skiing right out the door in winter and trails of all kinds nearby in summer, the St. Kevin Yurt at Sawatch Base Camp is the ultimate mountain getaway. Sawatch Base Camp provides self-service backcountry lodging. Our owner-operators are dedicated to providing a unique rustic experience, ensuring the yurts remain a haven for nature lovers. The yurt has one full bed, four pillows and two cots for room for up to four; guests will need to bring their own sleeping bags or blankets. Firewood, propane canisters, toilet paper and cleaning materials are provided. We check up on the camp at least once a week to clean and resupply, but guests are asked to uphold backcountry hut etiquette by cleaning up after themselves and leaving the yurt in the same condition they found it. We love furry friends and dogs are more than welcome, but please keep them on voice-command or a leash and pick up any poo and pet hair. You’re adventure begins at Sawatch Base Camp! *WINTER ACCESS INFORMATION* From December until early May, Sawatch Base Camp is accessible by ski, snowshoe or snowmobile via a 4.4 miles of winter trail. The trail is groomed and well marked. Overnight parking is at the Leadville Junction parking lot/winter trailhead. Vehicle access returns by mid-May.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

No potable water

Pets allowed

No showers

Picnic table

from

$149

/ night

for NaN guests

Reviews

99% Recommend70 ratings · 56 reviews

Recommends

· June 2025

St. Kevin Yurt

We loved staying at the yurt! This was our second time back and it was as lovely as the first. The wood stove kept us plenty warm and the stars were unmatched. The kitchen was well equipped and check-in was easy. We can’t wait to stay again!

Heidi Y.

2 reviews

Recommends

· March 2025

Fun winter stay!

Sawatch Base Camp

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Lodging

Turquoise Chief Yurt

St. Kevin Yurt

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Location

Hosted by Bryce E.

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