Take advantage of a firepit, a playground and an arcade/games room at Grinning Bear Lodge at Twin Lakes offers beautiful mountain views. In addition to laundry facilities, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi, with a speed of 500+ Mbps (good for 6+ people or 10+ devices).
Reviews
9.89.8 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire cabin
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 4214 sq m
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free Wi-Fi
Outdoor space
Add dates for prices
About this property
Grinning Bear Lodge at Twin Lakes offers beautiful mountain views
Lake County Sales Tax License #2026-111 The 'Grinning Bear Lodge' sits on 6 private acres of forest land. It is a luxurious non-smoking 3 story open-design log home with Starlink high speed WiFi. Located at the base of the Collegiate Peaks (series of 14'ers), the house offers plenty of privacy and absolutely amazing views. The property is in a prime area for hiking the Colorado Trail or numerous other trails, climbing 14'ers, fishing, biking, rafting, paddle boarding, horseback riding, snowmobiling in the winter, and much more. Take a drive in the summer over Independence Pass and drop down into Aspen, Colorado for a day of viewing art galleries, shopping, and dining. For relaxation, soak in one of the nearby hot springs.
Leadville is 20 miles to the north and Buena Vista is 25 miles to the south. You can shop for groceries and supplies on your way to the property, as you pass through one of these nearby towns.
More about the Lodge - Starlink Wi-Fi (super fast service)
Lower level: Walk out basement with bunk bed, pool table, foosball, flat screen TV with games for kids, DVD player, plus two car garage.
Main level: Open floor plan with large windows from floor to ceiling: *Living area with couches, flat screen smart television, blu-ray player, iPod radio hook-up, and wood burning stove. *Dining area with seating for six at the 'lazy-susan' table plus additional seating for up to 5 at the counter. *Kitchen with pot rack and lighting above stove, microwave, full refrigerator/freezer with ice maker, dishwasher. *Main bath with old fashioned claw-foot tub. *Private bedroom with Queen size bed and Aspen four-poster frame. *Separate laundry room with front-load washer and dryer. *Two separate doors opening to wrap around deck.
Loft: Open log staircase takes you to the 800 square foot loft with a King size bed framed in Aspen, two walk-in closets, double vanity, slate shower with bench, separate water closet, bunk bed, smart flat screen television and DVD player, small table for 2, and two separate balconies (one facing north and one facing south).
Exterior Features: *Main level wrap around deck: Deck has gas grill, and is covered on the north side. The deck offers incredible views of the Mosquito Mountain Range.
Pets - We only allow dogs, and have a food and water bowl in the laundry room. Sorry no other pets are allowed. If you are bringing a dog you must disclose this prior to your visit. The pet fee is $150 for up to two (2) dogs max. Pets strictly not allowed in the loft or on beds. Additional fines on top of the pet fee will be assessed for those who don't comply.
Storms/Winter Driving Conditions (Nov.-April) -
Mountain roads are maintained and plowed but the weather is unpredictable and delays or road closures are possible. We highly recommend a AWD/4WD vehicle in the winter months, as the driveway is somewhat steep. The last mile to the Lodge is a gravel road that is plowed when 4 or more inches of snow falls. The driveway will also be plowed when 4 or more inches of snow falls. Please plan accordingly and be sure to pay attention to the local and regional weather. We will not be held responsible for any delays, cancellations or lack of access due to road conditions and/or weather related delays, which are beyond our control. Please check road conditions prior to traveling.
**Please note that there are security cameras above the three exterior entrances facing out into the property. These are located above the garage, main and side entrances, and are for outdoor monitoring and security purposes**
Property amenities
Ski
Cross-country skiing nearby
Snowboarding nearby
Internet
Available in the cabin: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Onsite parking options include a garage
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee grinder
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Hob
Ice maker
Kitchen island
Lobster/crab pot
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
3 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
2 bathrooms
Bathtub
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Living room
Wood stove
Entertainment
Books
DVD player
Games
Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
Stereo
Video games
Video library
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Firepit
Gas grill
Outdoor furniture
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Welcoming dogs only
Up to 23 kg per pet
Suitability/Accessibility
No lift
Smoke-free property
Location highlights
In a rural location
In the mountains
Near a hospital
Things to do
Arcade/game room
Billiards/pool table
Foosball table
Birdwatching nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Hunting nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Mountain climbing nearby
Rafting nearby
Rock climbing nearby
Sailing nearby
Sledding nearby
Snowmobiling nearby
Water skiing nearby
Water tubing nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Please adhere to written check-out procedures sent as an attachment along with your access information and directions to the email address on file, in order to avoid any additional fees.
Thank you.
Linens and towels:
All used sheets, pillow cases and towels go in the laundry room (leave blankets, mattress covers and shams and bedspreads by beds)
Start one load of towels in the washer
Doors, Windows, Ceiling Fans and Lights, Trash:
Close all Doors (Lock all exterior doors)
Close all windows
Turn off all ceiling fans and all lights
Put all trash in basement receptacles.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Rules
NO smoking of any type (cigarette/cigars/pipes/vape pens/Cannabis) is allowed inside the home at any time. Smoking may result in an additional fee.
Keep ALL exterior doors shut except for immediate use.
Check-out Instructions MUST be followed, or an additional fee will be incurred.
ALL outdoor wood burning fires (including firepit) are prohibited for short-term rentals per Lake County. Evidence of fire may result in fines.
Pets
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total (up to 23 kg per pet)
Note from host: Addl $150 fee; all dogs must be fully house broken
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
About the area
Located in Twin Lakes, this cabin is in a rural area and in the mountains. Temple Israel Synagogue and Museum and Tabor Opera House are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include David May Monument and Healy House Museum & Dexter Cabin. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, or try out other outdoor activities such as snowmobiling and sledging. Visit our Twin Lakes travel guide
Is Grinning Bear Lodge at Twin Lakes offers beautiful mountain views pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.
How much is parking at Grinning Bear Lodge at Twin Lakes offers beautiful mountain views?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Grinning Bear Lodge at Twin Lakes offers beautiful mountain views?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Grinning Bear Lodge at Twin Lakes offers beautiful mountain views?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Grinning Bear Lodge at Twin Lakes offers beautiful mountain views located?
This family-friendly Twin Lakes cabin is located in the mountains, within 3 mi (5 km) of Twin Lakes Reservoir and Interlaken Trail. Arkansas River and Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area are also within 6 miles (10 km).
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All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
We came to this cabin and was instantly blown away by everything. The views from the spectacular cabin itself was all amazing. The pictures just don’t do justice on how wonderful this property is. Very well stocked and taken care of. We can’t wait to visit again! 10/10!
Grinning Bear Lodge was wonderful! My favorite thing about it is the setting. It is nestled in the evergreen trees with abundant birds and wildlife. A Stellar's Jay visited the deck every morning and occasionally in the afternoon. Many nuthatches visited the feeder on the deck. And the hummingbirds were as thick as flies. They would regularly hover a few feet from my face, as if they were saying hi. We even had a grey jay visit the deck once. It's a great place if you are a bird nerd, but we also had fun playing pool and hanging out by the fire pit. The location is also ideal if you want to hike the many trails around Twin Lakes and Leadville.
We came with our young adult children and had a great stay. The property was super clean and well taken care of. Beds were very comfy and cozy. It’s important to note that there are no window coverings so the morning light really shines right in to the loft space. It’s a very nice house with a great deck and views. They filled the hummingbird feeders and regular bird feeder and we all really enjoyed watching all the birds. The deck does have a like a rodent repellent beeper (I think that’s what it was) that emits a high pitch beep frequently. It didn’t bother my husband and I ( older ears) but it drove our kids nuts. We bought our dog and that worked out nicely. Dogs are allowed on the main floor only and that worked out just fine. All in all it was a great stay and we would definitely book this property again!
Property was as advertised and the host has meticulously taken the time to ensure everything that could be needed was there, could not be happier with our choice in bookings.Awesome view and an Awesome Stay!!
Host was wonderful; left very detailed notes about everything, which was very helpful. It was nice to have plenty of extra supplies available. It was also very nice to have access to a washer and dryer. We will definitely be staying here again!
The description on the internet is very accurate and the quality of the property and the support through the whole process from the owner was exceptional.
The Grinning Bear Lodge was an amazing spot for our family in preparation for the Leadville 100 MTB. The “cabin” (more like a large beautiful oasis in the woods) was amazingly appointed and comfortable, with breathtaking views. Nancy was an attentive host. And the hummingbirds were welcome guests!We look forward to returning!
We really enjoyed our white Christmas and New Years Eve away from home. The cabin is beautiful and peaceful. It perfectly fits two families with children comfortably. The fire place was very much enjoyed!
This is a beautiful property with gorgeous views. Inside was lovely and clean. The owner thought of everything we might need. The outside has a great deck with incredible views of the mountains. Peaceful and quiet. The pool table and Foosball table were an added bonus of fun for our family and friends. I would definitely stay here again.
This Log Home had it all. Quiet, private neighborhood, with easy access to Leadville and Twin Lakes General store. Open, well stocked kitchen/living room, with gorgeous views of surrounding mountains through big picture Windows. Comfortable outdoor furniture to enjoy the panoramic outdoors and bird watching. Wi-Fi is fast and accessible. Laundry room is spacious with new washer/dryer and double pocket doors. Very comfortable and clean.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review
8/10 Good
Melissa D.
21 Jan 2018
Beautiful property!
The cabin was absolutely beautiful. Was disappointed about the fire ban but that's not under anyone's control. Some things were not stocked; towels in closet seemed to have just been washed and were still a little damp and therefore a little stinky when we used them. TV in main room was black & white? Strange but we watched our Harry Potter movies just fine. Overall, the place was breathtaking - wonderful views and very clean! Thank you!!!
Beautiful house, however there were lots of issues. The entire bottom floor smelled of gasoline so you couldn’t use the pool tables or bunk beds without getting sick. I let the host know and she accused my family of turning on her 4 wheelers to cause the fumes. There is a rat that lives in the house and it leaves droppings on the couches, so have fun relaxing on those. We also spent our entire stay cleaning up dead birds that flew into her windows which were lured to her home by several bird feeders placed all around the windows. Have fun crying about that. I let her know about the other things and she told me she had no comment. So fun!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Karol
3 Jan 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
La habitacio eataba en perfectas condiciones
Mi tiempo en la estadía fue de lo mas agradable
Gorgeous cabin with breathtaking views and privacy
We absolutely LOVED the Grinning Bear Lodge! It was the perfect pet-friendly cabin for me and my wife, accompanied by our Aussiedoodle pup. From the beginning, Nancy was very punctual to our initial inquiries regarding the rental and check-in was flawless and the directions which were provided by her were perfect.
The cabin was absolutely beautiful and we found it to be meticulously clean and exceptionally maintained. The spacious kitchen was well stocked including ample seasonings and condiments as well as a nearly fully stocked refrigerator.
The high vaulted ceilings with huge windows afforded beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and allowed ample sunlight to enter the spacious cabin.
The lodge was beautifully decorated with a classic “bear motif”- hence the name Grinning Bear Lodge.
All of the linens were crisp, clean and extremely comfortable and the closets were stocked with additional comfy bed coverings for those cool nights. We loved the fact that all of the windows included screens and could easily be opened, in order to allow the cool clean mountain air enter the cabin. The upstairs loft bedroom included a private balcony which was absolutely perfect for nighttime stargazing.
The lodge was also perfect for our pet and even included food and water bowls in the laundry room which also included some pet toys.
The washer and dryer were full sized, performed flawlessly and even included a generous supply of laundry detergent and dryer sheets.
There is a large wrap around deck on the main level , which was perfect for morning coffee and afforded gorgeous mountain views in every direction.
We enjoyed grilling on the clean and well maintained BBQ grill which is also conveniently situated on the deck, hence easily accessible.
During our stay we utilized the awesome adjacent fire-pit where there is an abundant supply of wood on the wood rack as well as additional wood located in the garage.
During our stay we had absolutely no issues with the property and we are already hoping to return next year.
It was absolutely perfect and exceeded our expectations!
Thank you Nancy for sharing your beautiful cabin with us-
Sincerely,
Allen, Anjelica and Douglas Fir
We had a wonderful time staying at Grinning Bear Lodge! The house was beautifully furnished and all the amenities, including condiments in the fridge were included!