You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
1st Chair Chalet - Monarch/Garfield - Creek Side Mountain Getaway
Come stay in our Monarch/Garfield/Salida Colorado mountain home/house/cabin. View lots of pictures. Search 1st Chair Chalet on Facebook. Enjoy a getaway in this quaint and private mountain home surrounded by Aspens next to a roaring creek. Nestled high in the Rockies in the historic town-site of Garfield, The 1st Chair Chalet is just 3 miles to Monarch Mountain Skiing, 16 miles to historic downtown Salida, and walking distance to Monarch Lodge's amenities. This cozy 2 story, 2 bedroom, 2 bath chalet sits by the the South Fork of the Arkansas River with private fishing access. The creek cascades and eddies through the back yard creating a mesmerizing visual and sonic landscape enjoyable from the redwood deck. Sleeps up to 4 with 1 queen in an upstairs bedroom and 1 full and 1 twin in another upstairs bedroom. Garfield, CO (also known as Monarch), elevation 9500', is six miles east of the Continental Divide surrounded by the San Isabel National Forest. Garfield originated as a mining town in the early 1800's. In the latter part of the century a fire swept through town leaving only 3 original buildings. Scattered throughout the area you will find foundations of original mining cabins from 200 years ago.
Property manager
Bruce Hayes
Add dates for prices
Property amenities
Ski
Close to skiing
Internet
Available in the accommodation: Free WiFi
Parking and transportation
Parking on site
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee grinder
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Electric kettle
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Stovetop
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
2 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
1.5 bathrooms
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Living room
Wood stove
Entertainment
Books
DVD player
Games
Music library
Stereo
TV
Video library
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Firepit
Patio
Yard
Laundry
Laundromat nearby
Comfort
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
2 pets total
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Note from host: no smoking indoors.
Location highlights
In the mountains
Near a hospital
On the waterfront
Things to do
Snow sports gear
Birdwatching nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Hunting nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Mountain climbing nearby
Rafting nearby
Sledding nearby
Water tubing nearby
Winery tours nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
General
Unit size: 880 square feet
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Cozy Mountain Cabin Retreat - 5 Mins from Ski Monarch~ Welcome to RockyTop Cabin!
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Pets
Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
2 total pets
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: No pets on bedding. No pets left unattended.
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property is also known as
1st Chair Chalet Monarch/garfield Creek Side Mountain Getaway
1st Chair Monarch/garfield Creek Side Mountain Getaway Salida
1st Chair Monarch/garfield Creek Side Mountain Getaway
1st Chair Chalet Monarch/garfield Creek Side Mountain Getaway
1st Chair Chalet Monarch/garfield Creek Side Mountain Getaway
1st Chair Monarch/garfield Creek Side Mountain Getaway Salida
1st Chair Chalet Monarch/garfield Creek Side Mountain Getaway
1st Chair Monarch/garfield Creek Side Mountain Getaway Salida
1st Chair Monarch/garfield Creek Side Mountain Getaway
About the neighborhood
Salida, CO
What's nearby
San Isabel National Forest - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
Monarch Ski Area - 5 min drive - 6.3 km
Orcs - 10 min drive - 5.8 km
Mt. Princeton - 64 min drive - 57.9 km
St. Elmo - 70 min drive - 69.6 km
Getting around
Gunnison, CO (GUC-Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional) - 60 min drive
Restaurants
Cliffhangers - 5 min walk
Monarch Dog Sled Rides - 6 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is 1st Chair Chalet - Monarch/Garfield - Creek Side Mountain Getaway pet-friendly?
Yes, this chalet allows pets (limit 2 total).
What time is check-in at 1st Chair Chalet - Monarch/Garfield - Creek Side Mountain Getaway?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at 1st Chair Chalet - Monarch/Garfield - Creek Side Mountain Getaway?
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Where is 1st Chair Chalet - Monarch/Garfield - Creek Side Mountain Getaway located?
Situated on the waterfront, this chalet is steps from San Isabel National Forest, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Orcs and Mirkwood Bowl. Elation Ridge and East Trees are also within 6 mi (10 km).
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1st Chair Chalet - Monarch/Garfield - Creek Side Mountain Getaway Reviews
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
We stayed here in June when the river was at its peak raging flow. It was a magnificent setting in a beautiful aspen grove that glowed brilliantly in the rain while soaking in the hot tub. Absolutely wonderful. The cabin was just right for four of us - only suggestion would be to add a nice table and chairs for 4-6 on the deck for outdoor dining.
Barbara F.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Lauren Q.
27 January 2017
Perfect little cabin in the woods!
Perfect little cabin in the woods. Kitchen was stocked with EVERYTHING we needed. Hot tub was AWESOME after our ski day at Monarch. We were 2 couples with 2 babies. Only a few minutes drive to Monarch for a great day on the hill. Snow conditions were excellent! Thanks for a great couple days away!
Lauren Q.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Raelene H.
11 January 2016
Perfect Ski Getaway
1st Chair Chalet was a wonderful getaway for our family. The cabin is nicely appointed and equipped with all that we needed for our ski vacation. It was clean and well-maintained; cozy but comfortable for our family of 5. The area had received over 4 feet of snow in the 5 days preceding our visit, yet they had cleared it from the parking area, front entrance and deck. We would highly recommend 1st Chair Chalet and wouldn't hesitate to stay there again. Thank you for opening up your retreat to us!
We expected a special stay and it was. We never were able to get the Hot Tub hot, but not sure if it was our fault or the tubs, but no big deal!
David H.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Beth M., Colorado Springs, CO
11 January 2012
Perfect!!
The 1st Chair Chalet was perfect! We loved it. It was so comfortable and so well thought out from the linens to the kitchen. We cooked many meals and had everything we needed to put out a spread. There was more than enough space and we were so happy we could bring the dogs.
We skied two days and were so thankful to be so close to Monarch and to get back after a day of skiing and get in the hot tub!
The area is beautiful and the cabin is right on the river and we loved listening to it at night. Just perfect.
Beth M.
8/10 Good
Mike R., Birmingham, USA
28 August 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, listing accuracy
Disliked: Communication
Great Clean getaway
the cabin was a perfect small and very clean place and had everything that I needed. Everything worked and I felt I had access to everything I wanted.
It would have been nice to have some steps to the creek/river as it may be hard for an older person or a non-athletic person. for me it was fine, but you had to hold onto trees and carefully navigate the short walk to the water. Too many trees to fish, but the sound took care of being close to the highway. Salida was the closest town and was really a treat to go downtown to the river.
Bruce was a great host. We pulled into the cabin area just as Monarch Mountain was closed for Coronavirus precaution. Bruce called and checked on us and offered us a refund if we felt we needed to leave. However, his cabin was a perfect place to isolate ourselves from virus exposure and enjoy the mountain air and snow to play in. We were able to rest, connect as a family, and prepare ourselves for next steps. The house was comfortable and clean with a lovely mountain side view next to the gentle river. We look forward to returning under different circumstances.
Cabin is in our favorite little area. It fit our needs for our family of four. It was stocked with every thing we needed. Hot tub was nice to sit in after hiking, fishing, rafting, etc.... and the deck is right on the South Ark. We slept with the windows open each night to the sound of the rushing water just below. It was great.
One thing to note is that laundry must be done at the lodge, the machines only take quarters, and the lodge does not make change.
We enjoyed our stay very much in this cabin and made some great memories. The only thing we might change would be the futon. The padding is pretty thin making it a bit uncomfortable.
We would definitely book again.
Blake C.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022
10/10 Excellent
Annie M., Dodge City, KS
27 February 2018
Perfect for Our Family!
This cabin in the charming little community of Garfield was just perfect for our family's ski vacation! In the past, we've always stayed down in town, but with three young skiers, we wanted to be a bit closer to Monarch---in case we needed to take a break (or a nap for the littlest one!). Other than being close to the ski resort, some of my favorite things about the cabin are: the wood burning stove, the babbling creek in the back, the beautiful forest, the great supply of movies, the coziness on a snowy night, the fact that you can bring your furry friend along! My boys favorite things: all the beautiful space to explore, the hot tub on the deck, the snow shovels and sleds (yes, they love to shovel snow!), and the fun trail up into the mountains. We got "snowed in" the last night of our stay, with 14 inches of snow falling. This cabin was the perfect place to be---with the snowing falling outside and our fire roaring inside. Bruce was an excellent host and very great to communicate with. I highly recommend staying here!
Our trip began with my minivan getting stuck in the snow near the cabin. I turned too sharp. Lol. Luckily the owner was dropping by and helped me out! Bruce was very kind and helpful. We went to Walmart and bought me chains. Handy needed them before, but had tons of snow my van needed the extra help. The cabin by the river was amazing. Had every amenity you need for the stay. Loved waking up to the sound of the rushing river. Hot tub was amazing after a day on the slopes. The wood stove was so nice to have to keep the downstairs warm. There is heat but we live a fire. Kids used sleds and played on hills nearby the Chalet. We were there 7 nights. Be prepared to live out of suitcase bc dresser was full of movies. Not a big deal bc it was fun watching the movies provided. Just mentioning that in case u were needing drawer space. A few hangars in closet, so if you have lots to hang up, bring your own. We had a wonderful time and enjoyed this adorable cabin. Great place to I wind and spend time with family and friends. I will miss waking up to beautiful snow, the rushing river, and surrounding landscape. Loved 1st Chair Chalet!!!
Very nice cabin. It was exceptionally clean and the beds super comfortable with fresh and good quality linens and towels available.
The cabin makes for a nice home base. It was cool enough that we enjoyed coming home from our adventures every day and building a fire in the woodstove (thanks for having so much firewood and kindling available) after relaxing on the deck by the beautiful creek that runs behind the cabin. The stars were amazing! We also enjoyed meeting Harry, the sweet neighborhood dog who visited regularly to hang out with us on the deck. The dogs (and even the humans) in the area were friendly but not intrusive.
We tried the hot tub once, but it died about 10 minutes into the soak. It was back on the next night but the jets weren't very strong so we opted to skip it, though it is a nice amenity to have available and it's in a great spot to enjoy the scenery.
We've learned after only two VRBO experiences that the VRBO definition of "private" is very different from ours, so we were a little surprised and disappointed that there were houses so close. Thankfully, they were mostly unoccupied while we were there so we only had to get used to the vehicles on the close local roads and the highway above Garfield. We live in a rural setting far away from roads and neighbors, so we tend to prefer that on vacation, so most folks would probably be ok with the Garfield experience. Turns out it was a very quiet area so our concern upon arriving was never a real problem, just not our personal preference kind of location.
My only suggestion would be to replace the hard as a rock futon with something more comfy. Though there are plenty of seating options, most aren't conducive to sitting by the fireplace or curling up with a good book. We had bag chairs with us so that helped to provide better seating inside and on the deck and we never used the TV/DVD set up (though the DVD/VHS library is impressive!) so we didn't need to use seating facing that direction.
The spiral staircase was solid and perfect for the cabin and just a fun and unique feature that reminding me of The Monkees TV show every time I came down it, so that was fun.
Great time, great trip - thanks for sharing your cozy cabin.
This is a great cozy little cabin at 9500 feet in the small town of Garfield. Perfect to get away from the big city life. The mountain stream behind cabin is beautiful. Bruce was nice. A great musician who plays in the town of Salida on occasion. This place was close to everything we needed. Would book again. Enjoyed the week we stayed here.
We loved this chalet. We felt very comfortable and loved opening the sliding door to let the sounds of the river come through. The kitchen has everything you will need to cook meals. The back deck is large and we spent a lot of time out there. We will definitely be back!
The cabin is a wonderful stay nestled in Garfield, just a short drive in town to Salida. You can’t beat the rushing creek out back and the toasty hot tub on a chilly night. Our two girls (8.5&7) loved exploring around the cabin and playing the board games provided ! Great location for all levels of hiking and mountain biking near by. And close to Mt. Princeton hot springs for a relaxing day! Highly recommend staying here for a great getaway with breathtaking views all around!
My two friends and I thoroughly enjoyed our four-night stay in this little cabin in Garfield. At 9,500 ft. elevation just below Monarch Pass, it was cool all the time. A lovely creek is only about 20 ft from the back deck where we spent most of our leisure time in the hot tub, sitting in chairs, or cooking on the grill. So peaceful and quiet in the area, yet we felt it was very convenient to go rafting near Salida, tour ghost towns, and enjoy the mountain scenery. The cabin had everything we needed and it was spotless. Communication with Bruce, the owner, was simple and quick. Beds upstairs and down, same with bathrooms. No complaints whatsoever. I would happily stay here again.