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Dawson Cabin provides campers with a rustic, remote getaway in the beautiful Clear Creek Canyon. The Clear Creek Historical District offers visitors a taste of mining history from the mid-19th Century, when people came far and wide looking for gold, silver and other precious minerals. By the 1890s, about 50,000 residents lived in the valley, in search of great fortune.
Off-road vehicle trails and hiking trails are nearby. Some hiking trails lead into the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness, which is named for the numerous 14,000 ft. peaks named after colleges, such as Yale, Harvard and Princeton.
Collegiate Peaks is the headwaters for the Arkansas, Gunnison, and Roaring Fork Rivers. The landscape is composed of alpine tundra, high lake basins and glacial river valleys.
The cabin comfortably fits up to four guests, but two additional guests may fit. Camping outside is permitted as well. Furnishings include a wood burning stove and an indoor picnic table. Guests should bring cots to sleep on, or at least bring a pad to sleep on the floor.
No water or electricity is available. Guests should bring plenty of water. Creek water may be boiled and treated for consumption. Other items to pack include bedding, food, lanterns, matches, cooking utensils, dish soap and a first aid kit. ([Click here for more cabin details.](http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/psicc/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=12464&actid=101))
Dawson Cabin is nestled at the base of Ervin Peak in Clear Creek Canyon, at an elevation of about 9,600 feet. It is on the outskirts of the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains. Clear Creek passes near the cabin.
The cabin is located in the Leadville Ranger District, which is home to the Sawatch Range, the highest mountain range in Colorado. These rugged, glaciated mountains form the crest of the Continental Divide. Mount Elbert, at 14,443 feet, is Colorado's highest peak and one of ten "fourteeners" located in the District.
The historic town of Winfield is about 5 miles farther up the valley. The nearest place for pay phones and a grocery store is in Buena Vista, about a 45 minute drive.
Visitors can head to Clear Creek Reservoir, about 5 miles east, for fishing and boating. Fish species include brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, and tiger muskie. A few miles further is the Arkansas River, where whitewater rafting is a big hit.
From Buena Vista, Colorado, go about 15 miles north on Highway 24 towards Leadville. Turn left on County Road 390 at Clear Creek Reservoir. Go about 6 miles west on County Road 390, then turn right (north) onto the cabin driveway. The cabin is about 100 yards from the County Road. From Leadville, Colorado, go about 18 miles south on Highway 24 towards Buena Vista. Turn right on County Road 390 toward Clear Creek Reservoir. Go about 6 miles west on County Rpad 390, then turn right (north) onto the cabin driveway. The cabin is about 100 yards from the road.
We love the school. Our kids are very happy and engaged. Love the community of teachers, parents and students. The students have many opportunities to travel and explore their passion. Sports program is getting stronger.
We have four kids at Dawson. My two boys in Upper School love that they can play varsity sports as freshman, participate in language immersion trips and tour colleges during Winterm. They also realize the importance of having caring hands on teachers that really want them to do their personal best and are always accessible for help. My middle schooler has gained academic and personal strength and confidence each year she has been in the middle school. The teachers in the MS really "get" kids and help them develop socially and academically. My lower schooler is not sure what she really likes. Dawson gives her the safe and encouraging environment to climb out of her comfort zone and explore things she did not think she would enjoy. Dawson is a school that is continually striving to adapt to this ever-changing world. They implement new and important teaching strategies each year. I am confidant that what my kids are learning at Dawson will stay with them long after they graduate.
Dawson has been terrific for my 3 children. The high quality faculty were both engaging and supportive. The leadership opportunities encouraged my kids to step up and challenge themselves. My kids are all different and they each found their own interests to excel in including kayaking, golf and speech and debate. The College Counselors were invaluable assisting my kids through the stressful college application process. The rigorous academic curriculum enabled my kids to transition easily to college. My kids continue to have strong friendships with other students and teachers after graduation. I am very grateful to Dawson!
