Surrounded by towering ponderosa pines in a neck of the woods all its own, The Butterfly in Stonewall (30 miles west of Trinidad) is a historical cabin full of stories to tell. Get out and explore the rolling foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains or post up on the porch to watch the deer gently grazing in the open meadows.
Built in 1905, The Butterfly is an ode to the simplicity of mountain living. As you approach this tucked-away gem, you might catch a glimpse of sunlight as it graces the ruddy-bonnet roof and stately stone chimney. The entryway is embellished with a nostalgic vintage sign and an ornate floral doorknob characteristic of the cabin’s turn-of-the-century origins. Then there’s the creaky wraparound porch, which is furnished with cozy wicker chairs and a picnic table where you can enjoy all your homemade meals.
Don’t be intimidated by the cabin’s age — The Butterfly is loaded with the amenities you’ll need to stay comfortable all year long. Conveniences include running water and electricity, a refrigerator, stove, microwave, coffee maker, toiletries, Wi-Fi and a TV. Bring the whole family (including the dog) because this cabin accommodates up to eight guests.
Every square inch of this cabin oozes with charm, from its butterfly-themed murals and pillows to its comfy rooms.
Out here, wildlife is plentiful. Keep an eye out for curious critters who may cross your pass like bushy-tailed deer, chipmunks and songbirds casting out melodious tunes.
The whole property is loaded with stunning views, but we’ve got to give it to the bathroom (of all places). While you freshen up each morning, you’ll be met with a painted canvas of early-morning light flooding over Stone Wall (the rock structure from which the town derives its name).
Curl up around the fireplace after a long day and let the faint crackle and dancing embers lull you into a worry-free trance.
“We'll be back! We'd never been to this part of Colorado before. The setting was rustic, peaceful and beautiful; snow gently fell one morning and landed on the branches of the pines nearby. Deer walk through the yard regularly as if it's their home, too. If you are wanting a place to relax and get away, but still have things like electricity and indoor plumbing, this really fits the bill.” — John, airbnb
Stonewall is one of several towns along the Highway of Legends scenic and historic byway, running 82 miles between Trinidad and Walsenburg. From The Butterfly, you can head east toward Trinidad and its excellent art district or north alongside the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to scout out some of the stunning sandstone-rock formations that make up the Dakota Wall. Stop off at North Lake State Wildlife Area for 840 acres of immaculate fishing and kayaking waters. Or head north through Cuchara where you’ll find the otherworldly Devil’s Stairsteps. These perfectly sculpted geological formations jut out from the side of a mountain as if to offer the world’s tallest residents an easy route up.
Photos courtesy of airbnb
