4WD Required | Views of Continental Divide | Off the Grid | House in Idaho Springs

Tucked into five private acres just down the ridge from The Big Divide, The Little Divide is a cozy mountainside cabin built for solo travelers, couples, or small groups craving real quiet and wild surroundings. The road to The Little Divide at Switchback Basecamp is steep, rocky, and narrow with multiple sharp switchbacks and drop-offs along the edge. It is unmaintained and can be challenging even for experienced mountain drivers.
You will absolutely need a high-clearance 4WD or AWD vehicle year-round. Chains are mandatory from October through May. If you are not comfortable navigating tight turns, loose gravel, and single-lane climbs with limited visibility, this might not be the right fit. But if you live for the climb and do, you will love it up here. Earn your peace and quiet at The Little Divide!
You will enter the property on the lower level into the open-concept kitchen, dining, and living thoughtfully designed for connection. Cook up a hearty meal on the gas range while your crew gathers around the island, stream a movie on the smart TV, or step out onto the back deck and let the trees swallow you up. A pullout sofa adds extra sleeping space, and a half bath and full laundry room make it easy to settle in. Upstairs, a lofted king suite offers a quiet retreat with its own sitting area, private deck, and sunrise views of the Continental Divide. There’s even a small work desk facing the windows if you need to sneak in a little remote work between hikes.
The road up to this property isn’t easy — and that’s the point. This is a true mountain experience, not a plug-and-play rental. Come prepared, and you’ll be rewarded with solitude, stillness, and a whole lot of sky.
What You’ll Find Inside
-1 bedroom (king bed in upstairs loft)
-1.5 bathrooms
-Fully stocked kitchen with gas range, oven, Keurig, and ice maker
-Dining area + kitchen island seating
-Queen pullout sofa in living room
-Smart TVs in bedroom and living room
-Washer/dryer
-Work desk with mountain views
-Starlink WiFi
-Baseboard radiant heat (no A/C — mountain air does the trick)
What You’ll Find Outside
-Private deck off the master loft with adirondack chairs
-Back porch with swing and outdoor dining table
-Secluded forest surroundings
-Direct access to National Forest trails
-Big views, endless trees, and mountain silence
Traveling with little ones but don’t want to haul all the gear?
We’ve partnered with BabyQuip to offer discounted rentals on cribs, strollers, car seats, and more—delivered straight to your vacation home (or even the airport)!
SkyRun has also partnered with CookinGenie to make your stay even better. Skip the grocery store, cooking, and cleanup—CookinGenie sends a local chef to your vacation rental to prepare a delicious meal, right in your kitchen. Perfect for family dinners, romantic nights in, or special occasions. As a SkyRun guest, you’ll get $50 off your first CookinGenie order of $200 or more!
Ask your host or check your SkyRun guest portal upon booking your reservation for more details.
**What to Know Before You Book**
This isn’t a drive-up-and-plug-in kind of cabin. The road is steep, rocky, and unpaved — especially the last half mile. You’ll need a 4WD or AWD vehicle with high clearance year-round, and in winter, chains may be required. If you’re not comfortable with rough mountain roads, this might not be your spot — but if that sounds like part of the fun, you’re going to love it up here.
Other Things to Note
-The upstairs bedroom is an open loft.
-You will need the right vehicle. A high-clearance 4WD or AWD is required to reach the property. The last half mile is steep, rocky, and more like a forest service road. If you’re not used to mountain driving, plan accordingly.
-Winter access can be tricky. From late October through early May, snow and ice are likely. Chains are required during Winter months.
-Plan to arrive before dark in Winter months.
-There is no air conditioning. Luckily, you’re over 8,000 feet in elevation. Even in summer, open windows and mountain air keep things cool.
-No trailers or off-road vehicles. The road is narrow with tight turns, and there’s no space to park or turn trailers around.
-You’re in the woods. Expect wildlife, bugs, and starry skies. You may see deer, foxes, or the occasional elk. Cell service can be hit or miss, though WiFi is strong.
-There are exterior security cameras. They monitor the driveway and entrances for safety but don’t record interior spaces or private areas.
-Smoking indoors is strictly forbidden and will result in a minimum fine of $500. Guests are welcome to smoke outside.
-This is a quiet zone. No parties or events allowed. Sound travels far in the mountains, and neighbors value their peace and space.
-Parking is available for 2 vehicles
-A larger home sits on the same property, roughly 100 yards away, and may be occupied during your stay.
-We do not provide refunds regarding discomfort, unwillingness, or being unable to travel the road due to not having 4WD or chains when required.
-There is a non-refundable pet fee of $100/reservation (2 dogs max)
Guest Access
The Little Divide is the carriage house at Switchback Basecamp, a private mountainside retreat with two separate cabins. The main cabin, The Big Divide, may be rented separately, but both spaces have their own driveways and entrances. You’ll have total privacy, but if you’re traveling with a larger group, consider booking both!
Clear Creek County STR License #STR25-089

4WD Required | Views of Continental Divide | Off the Grid is located in Idaho Springs. 4WD Required | Views of Continental Divide | Off the Grid provides accommodation, featuring Balcony/Terrace, Sports/Activities, Entertainment, among other amenities. This House features Balcony/Terrace, Sports/Activities, Entertainment, to make your stay a comfortable one.

4WD Required | Views of Continental Divide | Off the Grid has 1 Bedroom , 1 Bathroom, and max occupancy of 4 people. The minimum rental for this property is 1 nights, but this can change depending on the season you plan on staying. Previous guests have given good rated it, and VRBO labeled it a top-rated House because of the excellent services rendered by the owner or manager of this House, and has consistently provided great experiences for their guests. Most families or guests that use it recommend it to their friends and some of them are repeat guests. House has a friendly neighborhood, and the Idaho Springs has interesting places to visit. If you want to learn more about the House in Idaho Springs, such as places to visit and things to do nearby, you can check below to learn more.