5★ The Retreat @Starry Ridge. Ice Castles Nearby, Trails & Mueller Park | House in Florissant
1 Bedroom House in Florissant
ESCAPE SKI RESORT CHAOS – DISCOVER COLORADO'S HIDDEN WINTER GEM
Why pay $300+/night for crowded Breckenridge lodging when you can experience authentic Colorado mountain living for a fraction of the price? Starry Ridge offers private snowshoe trails, rescued mustang encounters, and world-class stargazing—20 minutes from Cripple Creek Ice Castles (Dec-Feb) and 30 minutes from Mueller State Park's 90+ miles of winter trails.
WINTER AT STARRY RIDGE
Experience Colorado winter the way it's meant to be:
FREE Winter Trail Equipment: Snowshoes (adult sizes), microspikes, trekking poles, gaiters
Private Trails: 1.5 miles through pine forests, aspen groves & wildflower meadows
Mueller State Park: 30 min to 90+ miles of year-round trails & ranger programs
Rescued Mustangs: Meet our gentle horses (guided experiences available)
Dark Sky Stargazing: 15 min from Florissant Fossil Beds International Dark Sky Park
Peaceful & Affordable: 1/3 the price of ski resort lodging, zero crowds
Real Colorado—not tourist Colorado
YOUR MOUNTAIN SUITE
Western-inspired cozy retreat with private entrance (sleeps 4):
BEDROOM
- Queen bed + 2 twin XL beds
- Desk/workspace for remote work or journaling
- Mountain views & goat-watching from your window!
- Private en suite bathroom: walk-in shower, dual sinks
KITCHENETTE (Fully Equipped)
- Breville convection oven/air fryer/toaster combo
- Single-burner induction cooktop, microwave, crockpot
- Mid-size fridge/freezer, coffee maker, electric tea kettle
- Blender, food processor, hand mixer, spiralizer
- Cooking basics provided: oils, vinegar, salt, pepper, variety of spices
- Fresh herbs in pots when in season
LIVING AREA
- Comfortable L-shaped sofa for lounging
- Dining table seats 4
- Thoughtfully curated western décor
Private suite with excellent soundproofing, attached to the main home. Guests consistently praise the space as “the most peaceful stay imaginable.”
64 ACRES OF ADVENTURE
EXPANSIVE DECK (1,000 sq ft with Pikes Peak views)
- Two 6-burner Weber grills (we'll light them for you!)
- 4+ outdoor dining areas (seating for 4-8 each)
- Cozy lounge area with reclining loungers
- Ping-pong table
- Propane fire pit for evening warmth
- Shared only with your hosts (no other guests)
THE PROPERTY
- Private marked trails with hidden picnic spots & 360° views
- Mountaintop walking meditation labyrinth
- High meadows: badminton, croquet, Viking chess, soccer
- Granite outcroppings & wildflower meadows
- Wildlife viewing: elk, deer, mountain birds
- Historic 19th-century Bear Trap Ranch artifacts
MUSTANG WISDOM EXPERIENCES
Our on-site equine and nature-based wellness program offers:
- Equine-assisted coaching sessions (communication, presence, leadership, connection)
- "Executive Digital Detox" weekend retreats
- Family-friendly animal encounters
Perfect for individuals, couples, families, or small groups seeking meaningful connection with nature and themselves. Additional fee applies. Exclusive VRBO guest discounts available—just ask!
WHY FAMILIES LOVE STARRY RIDGE
✓ Kids safely explore 64 acres under wide-open skies
✓ Meet rescued mustangs and friendly goats
✓ Lawn games for all ages: croquet, badminton, Viking chess
✓ Real outdoor adventure (not screens or tourist traps)
✓ Educational: wildlife spotting, nature, horsemanship
✓ Screen-free environment, plus games, puzzles & books encourages family connection
✓ Affordable compared to ski resort family lodging
NEARBY WINTER ACTIVITIES & YEAR-ROUND ATTRACTIONS
WINTER (15-120 min away)
- Cripple Creek Ice Castles: 20 min (December-February seasonal attraction)
- Mueller State Park: 30 min (90+ miles winter trails, ranger programs)
- Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument: 15 min (cross-country skiing, Dark Sky stargazing, fossils)
- Breckenridge ski resort: 90 min
- Monarch Mountain: 2 hours
YEAR-ROUND
- Pikes Peak: 30 min (iconic 14er summit, year-round access)
- Eleven Mile Canyon: 30 min (world-class fly fishing)
- Cripple Creek: 20 min (historic mining town, casinos, live theater)
- Colorado Springs: 1 hour (Garden of the Gods, restaurants, shopping, attractions)
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
ALTITUDE & WINTER ACCESS
- Elevation: 8,000-8,500 feet above sea level
- Stay well hydrated! If altitude-sensitive, spend 1-2 days in Colorado Springs (6,000 ft) first to adjust
- October-March: 4-WHEEL DRIVE REQUIRED with snow or all-season tires (non-negotiable for safety)
- Gravel mountain roads
PROPERTY DETAILS
- Working ranch: 4 acres near arena occasionally reserved for coaching clients (60+ acres always available to guests)
- No laundry facilities due to sensitive mountain septic system—please pack sufficient clothing for the duration of your stay
- No smoking outside vehicles (extreme wildfire risk—Colorado state law)
- No pets to protect our livestock and guardian dogs
- Service animals welcome per ADA guidelines—please notify us in advance
- Bedroom casement windows open wide—not safe for young children (close supervision required)
AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE (Convenience Items)
- Hand warmers: $8/pair
- Foot warmers: $8/pair
- Bundle: $25 for 4 pairs (saves $7!)
(Nearest store is 45 minutes away—we keep them stocked for your convenience)
YOUR HOSTS
We live on-site and are happy to help with grills, local restaurant tips, trail recommendations, or arranging horse experiences—but we're completely respectful of your privacy and space. Think of us as your built-in mountain concierge for authentic Colorado experiences.
WHAT TO BRING
WINTER ESSENTIALS (We provide trail equipment, but not clothing)
- Sturdy waterproof winter boots (insulated)
- Waterproof gloves & warm hat
- Warm layers (temperatures can drop below 0°F at night)
- Closed-toe shoes for horse activities
- Sufficient clothing for your entire stay (no laundry available)
ALWAYS BRING
- Sunscreen & sunglasses (high-altitude sun is surprisingly intense!)
- Camera for Pikes Peak sunrises, wildlife, and starry skies
- Reusable water bottle (hydration is key at altitude)
Book your affordable Colorado mountain escape today—where peace, adventure, and authenticity meet!
5★ The Retreat @Starry Ridge Ice Castles Nearby, Trails & Mueller Park is located in Florissant. 5★ The Retreat @Starry Ridge Ice Castles Nearby, Trails & Mueller Park provides accommodation, featuring Bedding/Linens, Entertainment, Internet, among other amenities. This House features Bedding/Linens, Entertainment, Internet, to make your stay a comfortable one.
5★ The Retreat @Starry Ridge Ice Castles Nearby, Trails & Mueller Park 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 rated it 1, 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 Florissant has interesting places to visit. If you want to learn more about the House in Florissant, such as places to visit and things to do nearby, you can check below to learn more.
This Property is OneKey Eligible
Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible vacation rentals, villas, cottages, cabins, and more when you book on Vrbo.
Amenities
Facility Overview
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Heating
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Towels provided
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Hair dryer
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Toilet paper
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Soap
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Shower/tub combination
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Shampoo
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1 bedroom
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Bed sheets provided
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Dining table
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Living room
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Coffee grinder
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Stovetop
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Coffee/tea maker
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Electric kettle
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Microwave
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Refrigerator
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Oven
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Toaster
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Cookware/dishes/utensils
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Beach sun loungers
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Onsite parking
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No pets allowed
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Smoke-free property
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Handrails in stairways
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If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
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Area rugs in public areas
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No elevators
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Smooth flooring in public areas
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Tile flooring in public areas
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Upper floors accessible by stairs only
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Stairway handrail height (inches): 36
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4 stairs to reach property
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Mountain biking nearby
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Mountain climbing nearby
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Sledding nearby
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Snowmobiling nearby
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Birdwatching nearby
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Hiking nearby
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Hunting nearby
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Casino nearby
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Rock climbing nearby
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Books
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Games
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Table tennis
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Local culture & ecosystem education
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Local artist showcase
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Unit size: 950 sq ft (88 sq m)
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Eco-friendly cleaning products provided
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Double-glazed windows
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At least 80% lighting from LEDs
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English
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In the mountains
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Near a health or beauty spa
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In a rural location
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Desk
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Desk chair
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Children's books
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Playground
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Children's games
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Local meal delivery service
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Change of bedsheets (on request)
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Concierge services
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Phone
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Change of towels (on request)
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Free WiFi
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Patio
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Outdoor furniture
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Garden
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Barbecue grill
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Firepit
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Deadbolt lock
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Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
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First aid kit
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Fire extinguisher
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Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
Policies
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 host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed 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 this property uses solar energy, plus eco-friendly cleaning products
Reviews
