Sawatch Base Camp

4WD recommended.

Completely surrounded by National Forest in the heart of the Rockies at 10,600 feet in elevation, Sawatch Base Camp is one of a kind 10-acre former turquoise claim offering environmentally-friendly, accessible yet private backcountry glamping lodging.

About a two hour drive from Denver, Sawatch Base Camp is located 6 miles northwest of Leadville, Colorado and 1 mile north of Turquoise Lake. The property is perched on a hill overlooking the Arkansas Headwaters Valley, historic City of Leadville and the Mosquito Range with 14er Mt. Sherman beyond. This prime location gives quick access to all the best outdoor recreation of the High Rockies. Trailheads, fishing areas, 14ers and much more are all just minutes from the front door.

Sawatch Base Camp lies along County Road 9A (Turquoise Chief Rd) that provides 4WD/AWD vehicle access in dry months. The road doubles as part of the Leadville 100 MTB course and is popular with mountain bikers throughout the summer months for training and recreation.

In winter months (roughly Thanksgiving to mid-May), the camp is accessible by snowmobile, ski and snowshoe via public multi-use winter trails, providing year-round access to the camp.

Our backcountry lodging is designed to have minimal impact on the landscape, intentionally rustic while also providing glamping amenities like a wood stove, solar lighting, plush beds and a roomy indoor space to gather family and friends.