Imagine: Centering your next getaway among Colorado's 14,000 foot peaks.

Imagine: Easy access to trails, fishing, rafting, mountain bike trails, back-country cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Imagine: Watching the sun wash mountain peaks with pink at the start of each day.

Imagine: Snowflakes falling softly on your face while you soothe away your cares in the steamy warmth of our hot tub.

Imagine: A crackling campfire on a river beach, gazing up at more stars than you thought possible.

Imagine: Sitting by a cozy fireplace while outside snow is softly falling.

Imagine: Exploring Aspen's summer splendor and Leadville's mining past.

Imagine: Looking out across the world from the highest peak in Colorado.

Imagine: Mount Elbert Lodge where these dreams are reality.

Mt. Elbert Lodge began as a base camp for a miner with gold claims on Black Cloud Creek, back in the heyday of Colorado's mining boom. Today we are a quiet get-away nestled in San Isabel National Forest at the base of Colorado's highest peak. Step out of today's often-hectic world into an earlier time at Mt. Elbert Lodge. We have few TVs, radios or phones in our comfortable, well-kept B&B and housekeeping cabins. What we do have is a front row seat to the grandeur of the Colorado Rockies. Gaze out any window at mountains that rise to protect our beautiful high valley and we are sure you'll be entranced. Then step out the door and decide -- is today for hiking to the peaks, wandering the mountain meadows, pursuing your passions for technical rock climbing, mountain biking, river rafting, fishing high mountain lakes and streams, exploring the old mining towns, or just sitting on the porch soaking up the glorious Colorado sun. In the winter, well the spot is the same but you trade your boots for cross-country skis, snowshoes, and ice fishing gear. Please note our access to Aspen Colorado is not available in the winter.

Our B&B is located in the original log cabin the miners used for bunking down and storing supplies before they pack up the mules and head up the steep trail to their mines. Much more comfortable now, our lodge has three rooms with private baths (two of which have jetted tubs for 2) and two rooms that share a bath. All rooms are upstairs and share a common living and dining room on the main floor. Limited kitchen access also available for B&B guests. Room prices range from $70-$105 a night double occupancy. Our cabins are scattered around our property, giving each its own sense of privacy and great views of the mountains. Inside, the cabins are comfortably furnished each having separate bedroom(s), 1 or more baths and a kitchen-dining-living room. Cabins are equipped with basic pots and pans, table service, towels and linens for the number that the cabin sleeps. Cabin rates range from $79-$140 a night for 1 bedroom, $95-$164 for 2 bedrooms, $125-$185 for the 4 bedroom Barn cabin, and $140-$364 a night for the 5 bedroom Lodge cabin or 3 bedroom Elk cabin. Rates are for double occupancy, additional people sharing a cabin add $10/person/night.

Your hosts, Scott and Laura are always eager to share their love of Colorado with you to help insure you have the kind of vacation you're looking for at the top of the Rockies. So look around, check out our Web site or for a real voice call us. Just be sure your trip to the mountains includes a visit to Mt. Elbert Lodge where you step into a quieter, more peaceful time the moment you walk in our door.

SNOWSHOES FOR RENT HERE

On Highway 82, 4 miles above Twin Lakes. PO Box 40, Twin Lakes, Colorado 81251; 800-381-4433; 719-486-0594; fax 719-486-2236.