Overview
Mingus Ranch is a cabin where guests can step back in time and feel like they're staying on an early 20th century homestead. The cabin was built in 1908 and was operated by the same family for six decades before it became a Forest Service property.
In collaboration with the Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway and the Colorado State Historical Society, the cabin and neighboring barn have been renovated to match their original appearance and filled with period-specific furniture and antiques. Electricity is provided and a horse corral is onsite.
Recreation
Hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, off-road vehicle riding, hunting and wildlife viewing are all enjoyable activities here. An extensive network of hiking trails and roads for biking are nearby.
Facilities
The modest two-story ranch building is an example of a typical high country ranch. The cabin sleeps six and conveniences include electric heat, an electric stove and minimal electric lighting. A vault toilet, picnic table and campfire ring are located outside, as well as a horse corral. Furnishings consist of one bunk bed, two single beds, a queen sized bed, a kitchen sink not equipped with running water, table and chairs and some cooking pots and utensils. No drinking water is available so it's important to bring plenty. Other items to bring include bedding, food, garbage bags, dish soap, sunscreen and other basic camping gear. There are minimal lights at the facility, so visitors please bring additional light sources. The outhouse is several hundred feet from the cabin. Please leave the cabin as clean as you have enjoyed for the next visitor.
Natural Features
The cabin is perched in a sprawling meadow at an elevation of 9,400 feet near the base of Round Top Mountain in the heart of the Wet Mountains. Surrounding the meadow are spruce and other mixed conifers. The scenic Greenhorn Mountain is due south.
Nearby Attractions
Westcliffe, a mountain town is 26 miles northwest of the cabin. The town has grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, banking, a medical clinic, and other amenities. From Mingus Ranch cabin take State Hwy 165 north for 9 miles to the junction of State Highway 96. Then take SH 96 west for 17 miles into Westcliffe. Colorado City, 29 miles south of the cabin on SH 165 has a grocery store, gas stations, and a public golf course.
The description, directions and fees are the Forest Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
US Forest Service (USFS)
National Park Service (NPS)
US Fish and Wildlife (USFW)
Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
Department Of Defense (DOD)
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
Other Federal
State
Local
Alaska Native Lands (Patented or Interim Conveyed)
Alaska Native Allotment
Road
Primitive Road
Road
Primitive Road
Trail
Roads open to all Vehicles, Yearlong
Roads open to all Vehicles, Seasonal
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Yearlong
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Seasonal
Special Designation, Yearlong
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails open to all vehicles, Yearlong
Trails open to all vehicles, Seasonal
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Yearlong
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Seasonal
Trails open to motorcycles, Yearlong
Trails open to motorcycles, Seasonal
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" in Width, Yearlong
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" or Less in Width, Seasonal
Wilderness Area
Wilderness Study Area