4WD Required | Exceptional Views | Pet Friendly | Off the Grid | House in Idaho Springs, CO

A high-altitude hideout for the bold, the brave, and anyone ready to tackle a wild mountain road.
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 don’t 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 sudden turns. When you arrive, there are no neighbors, no traffic, no noise. Only fresh mountain air, towering pines, and views that stretch for miles. Earn your peace and quiet at The Big Divide!
Inside, The Big Divide delivers comfort with character: vaulted ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, exposed brick, and two king bedrooms (plus a third with twin beds) spread across over 4,300 square feet. Gather around the fire, throw something on the grill, or sink into a deck chair and watch the sky shift color behind the peaks. On Summer nights, light up the fire pit and battle your friends in Giant Connect 4 or cornhole. In the Winter, after navigating your snowy climb, cozy up indoors with a hot drink and a good movie.
Out here, you're not just staying in the mountains — you’re living in them. Hike straight from the property into National Forest trails. Soak at Indian Hot Springs downtown. Chase powder at Echo or Loveland. Or don’t go anywhere at all. That’s the beauty of this place — it’s both a launchpad and a retreat.
What You’ll 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 + breakfast bar
-2 Smart TVs
-Foosball table
-Fireplace
-Washer/dryer
-Starlink WiFi
What You’ll Find Outside
-Large deck with a grill, dining space, and swing
-Fire pit + seating area
-Cornhole and Giant Connect 4
-Secluded forest surroundings
-Big views, star-filled skies, and serious peace and quiet
Traveling with little ones but don’t want to haul all the gear? We’ve partnered with BabyQuip to offer discounted rentals on cribs, strollers, car seats, and more—delivered straight to your vacation home (or even the airport)!
SkyRun has also 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. It’s perfect for family dinners, romantic nights in, or special occasions. As a SkyRun guest, you’ll get $50 off your first CookinGenie order of $200 or more!
Ask your host or check your SkyRun guest portal upon booking your reservation for more details.
**What to Know Before You Book**
This isn’t a drive-up-and-plug-in kind of cabin. The road is steep, rocky, and unpaved — especially the last half mile. You’ll need a 4WD or AWD vehicle with high clearance year-round, and in winter, chains may be required. If you’re not comfortable with rough mountain roads, this might not be your spot — but if that sounds like part of the fun, you’re going to love it up here.
Other Things to Note
-You will need the right vehicle. A high-clearance 4WD or AWD is required to reach the property. The last half mile is steep, rocky, and more like a forest service road. If you’re not used to mountain driving, plan accordingly.
-Winter access can be tricky. From late October through early May, snow and ice are likely. Chains are required during winter months.
-Plan to arrive before dark in Winter months.
-There is no air conditioning. Luckily, you’re over 8,000 feet in elevation. Even in summer, open windows and mountain air keep things cool.
-No trailers or off-road vehicles. The road is narrow with tight turns, and there’s no space to park or turn trailers around.
-You’re in the woods. Expect wildlife, bugs, and starry skies. You may see deer, foxes, or the occasional elk. Cell service can be hit or miss, though WiFi is strong.
-There are exterior security cameras. They monitor the driveway and entrances for safety but don’t record interior spaces or private areas.
-Smoking indoors is strictly forbidden and will result in a minimum fine of $500. Guests are welcome to smoke outside.
-This is a quiet zone. No parties or events allowed. Sound travels far in the mountains, and neighbors value their peace and space.
-A smaller home sits on the same property, roughly 100 yards away, and may be occupied during your stay.
-We do not provide refunds regarding discomfort, unwillingness, or being unable to travel the road due to not having 4WD or chains when required.
-There is a non-refundable pet fee of $100/reservation (2 dogs max)
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, but both spaces have their own driveways and entrances. You’ll have total privacy, but if you’re traveling with a larger group, consider booking both!
Clear Creek County STR License #STR25-089

4WD Required | Exceptional Views | Pet Friendly | Off the Grid is located in Idaho Springs. 4WD Required | Exceptional Views | Pet Friendly | Off the Grid provides accommodation, featuring Sports/Activities, Wellness Facilities, Entertainment, among other amenities. This House features Sports/Activities, Wellness Facilities, Entertainment, to make your stay a comfortable one.

4WD Required | Exceptional Views | Pet Friendly | Off the Grid has 3 Bedrooms , 2 Bathrooms, and max occupancy of 8 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.