The Wapiti Retreat @ 22 West

The Wapiti is a 7 BR, 3 1/2 bath log home built in 1983-84 by Horace & Dorothy Marrs. Hiking, biking, xc ski and snowshoe in the Elk Run Trail right from your door. 4wd preferred travel in winter. Views from the front windows are spectacular, with Rabbit Ears Peak to the south and the Park Range stretching away to the north. To the east, the Medicine Bow Mountains which includes both the Rawah and Never Summer ranges. The Wapiti Retreat offers in seven bedrooms and 3 ½ bathrooms. With six twin, three queen, and one king bed, plus a queen sleeper couch in the family room, the Lodge can accommodate up to 16 guests. Details are as follows: The Deer Bedroom, in the loft, is arranged with 2 twin beds and offers commanding views both to the east and west. This sleeping area occupies the entire loft and overlooks the living room on the main floor. The Elk Bedroom with its adjacent bathroom and two closets, occupies the south wing of the main floor. It provides the advantages of a king-size bed and an amazing view to the southwest via a huge picture window. The Fox bedroom, in the north wing of the main floor, has a queen bed and affords spectacular views to the west. Across the hall in the north wing is the Bear Bedroom, also equipped with a queen bed. The Bear and Fox bedroom share a bath, but also have ready access to the ½ bath around the corner. The Duck room in the southwest corner of the lower floor doubles as a library and reading area; but with its queen-size futon, can accommodate two overnight. An enormous picture window provides occupants ample opportunity to enjoy scenery and wildlife in a restful setting. The Moose room offers matched twin XL beds and is adjacent to the downstairs shower. The Beaver room, with its twin bunk bed, is an ideal sleeping area for two younger guests, but can be readily re-arranged as a pair of twin beds. Amenities on the main floor include a full kitchen and two dining areas. The kitchen is fully equipped with gas range, dishwasher, refrigerator, small appliances, cookware and utensils. The main floor dining/living area offers panoramic views of the valley, beaver ponds, and mountains that lie just west of the lodge. The foothills of the Park Range rise just 300 yards away along the west side of the valley. The view stretches from the Mountains of the Zirkel wilderness on the northwest to Rabbit ears peak to the south. The central part of the lower floor encompasses a large Family/Recreation Room which serves well as a staging area for hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing excursions; but the area is also suitable for social gatherings. A comfortable sitting area is equipped with a pool table, 42-inch TV with Bluetooth-capable DVD player. This can be used as a movie theater, a game center, or even a sleeping area if one takes advantage of the queen-size sleeper couch. Non-motorized access to the forest of the 270-acre Wapiti Lodge property is an additional benefit. Guests at Wapiti Lodge (and other local properties managed by Deb, Eli, and Pat) are encouraged to enjoy excursions into this area and to the public lands beyond so long as they respect fences and avoid undo disturbance to livestock and wildlife. Elk Run is a great trail on-site for xc skiing and snowshoeing adventures in the winter on packed trails and hiking, horseback or biking in the summer. Elk Run is a private trail that takes you into Routt National Forest. Routt National Forest and the Mount Zirkel Wilderness access as well as the Rainbow Lakes Trailhead is a short hike or ride. There are over 60 trails and 70 lakes in the Zirkel Wilderness. In the summer check out our Narnia Trail which takes you to where two waterfalls merge on the Roaring Ditch which runs from about the end of May until about the first week of July. Deb, Eli and Pat are always available as the wildlife rehabilitation facility is near. If you need advice about a trail or fishing or about the wildlife just let us know. You step out your door and you are "there". The Lodge is about an hour and 15 minutes from Steamboat utilizing the County Road 9 shortcut. You will love the remoteness and the views. Wildlife abound. Moose, elk, deer, fox, marmot, raccoon, squirrel and many species of birdfrom the hummingbirds of summer to the rosy finches of winter. Check for wildlife before letting your dog outside. Thank-you for respecting the creatures here. Please consider mountain conditions in the winter. Travel from Walden can be difficult in a snow storm so check weather conditions. Please call for more details. Before checkin and after checkout separate parking is provided for recreational use. Please pickup after your furry friends. We are adjacent to Routt National Forest and the Zirkel Wilderness. Many species of wildlife call this home, moose, deer, elk, pronghorn, wolf, coyote, fox, raccoon, bobcat and many species of bird share this land so please keep your furry companions close..