2 sites · Lodging10 acres · Leadville, COCompletely 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.
