Special Instructions & Warnings
We feel the more informed you are the better prepared you will be.
We want everyone that comes to the cabin to have a great time and consequently we offer the following points that you should consider in your planning.
First and foremost is the WEATHER.
The cabin sits at 7300 feet elevation and has a different weather pattern than Moab down on the valley floor.
April and November are months that the cabin is open but susceptible to Winter storms. 4X4 vehicles are recommended during April and November
Snow in and of itself is not a deal breaker but when it melts the private lane becomes muddy and difficult to navigate. This is difficult on both the road and the guest. So when you reserve dates during April and November you should plan on having a four wheel drive vehicle. Most years these two months have been beautiful and the odds are with you but on certain years it can snow and promptly melt.
The Drive up to the cabin.
1. The most common route is via Slick Rock recreation area. This route takes the SandFlats road through Slick rock, winds up the red rock desert floor, through the red rock Hoodoo formations, through the Aspen LaSal forest. From the center of town, actually from City Market, it is exactly 15 miles to the cabin. From the guard gate at slick rock it is 13 miles exactly to the private lane turn off and we recommend you set your odometer to zero at the guard shack to help find the lane turnoff. The route is only 15 miles long but that is deceptive because that 15 miles takes a minimum of 40 minutes to travel. It will be some of the most beautiful scenery you will ever experience but you should plan on 40-45 minutes to town via this route. See the “Map of the Area” from the home page to see directions and maps.
2. The second most common route is via the LaSal mountain loop road, which is about twice as far but takes the same 40-45 minutes to travel. It is mostly paved and winds through the scenic LaSal mountains, with beautiful views. Once again plan on 40-45 minutes.
3. The Drive through Castle Valley This route is the longest of the approaches and is generally used by guests coming from the East, Denver, Grand Junction etc. It will require over an hour but the views and vistas are so incredible that everyone should drive it while visiting because it is unique terrain. You will switchback through the LaSal aspen forests, drive by the giant red rock formations of Castle Valley and follow the river into Moab.
The Drive through Castle Valley
This route is the longest of the approaches and is generally used by guests coming from the East, Denver, Grand Junction etc. It will require over an hour but the views and vistas are so incredible that everyone should drive it while visiting because it is unique terrain. You will switchback through the LaSal aspen forests, drive by the giant red rock formations of Castle Valley and follow the river into Moab.
Guest Etiquette
The area is shared with seasonal cabin owners and we enforce strict “good neighbor” policies.
You should treat the lane with as much care as possible. We improve/maintain the lane every other year but it is prone to ruts when wet and you should take care not to create or worsen any ruts. The lane is only a ½ mile long with the first ¼ mile being bed rock and the last ¼ mile being dirt.
There is to be no loud off roading noises made on the lane. You cannot see the neighbors because their cabins are hidden behind forest vegetation but your sounds will be heard. I have made a commitment to each of my neighbors that our guests will honor the solitude of the area by not racing up and down the lane in any off road vehicles, I.e. dirt bikes, side by sides etc.
*Extra Guests:
Extra guests, If you reserve space for 4 but 5 come you will be charged for the extra guest per the nightly rate.
Heating the cabin
The cabin is equipped with propane heaters in two bedrooms and a main heater in the main room. There is also a fireplace and chopped wood is available free of charge. It is stacked nearby the cabin next to the shed or on the deck.
When starting a fire, the flue and air adjustments need to be balanced for a fire to start. It is difficult to get the chimney to pull, so you must get a starter fire going and wait for the chimney to get hot enough to draft and pull up the air from the fire you are making. Get a good hot starter fire going before throwing on a log, in order to draft properly. When you are not in the cabin, the propane heaters should be turned off. Do not leave them going unattended. Propane is super expensive and the cabin is not insulated so most of the heat you generate should only be used while you are in the room with the heater.
Pets
We have yet to hear a pet owner say their pet is anything other than well behaved. We are sure that is true when they are in their home environment, but things change when they get out in the wild and smell the various irresistible odors of the great outdoors.
They do not obey like their owners expect them too when at the cabin, and often end up marking/staining inside the cabin. We are committed to a clean experience for each and every guest and consequently have implemented a $150.00 pet fee. If any stains or spots are found we will have them professionally cleaned.
It is recommended that your pet be kept on a leash while outdoors because the temptation to explore is often times just too great for the pet.
Some years ago, we had an owner bring a mid sized dog that was considered well trained and obedient. The owner let the dog out of the truck while they unloaded their suitcases and never saw the dog again. He called and wanted to know what I was going to do. I asked him “what can I do? I have no ability to find your dog.” The pet owner thought that was unfair but seriously...there was nothing I could do. Keep your pet on a leash because he/she will be in unfamiliar yet stimulating terrain.
*Guests that bring pets pay an extra fee (cleaning) and consequently need to announce a pet in the reservation making process. Guests that do not pre-qualify pets and associated fees will be charged from their deposit to cover the fee.