We enjoyed being transported back in history here with our family. Our good and bad takeaways: Bring a foam matress pad in your gear for the full bed upstairs (if you prefer a softer mattress), the bed was very HARD to sleep on literally. The cooler weather has brought the mice in, but don't let them bother you. If you keep your food secured in tubs, they won't be as bothersome. We moved the matress from the downstairs bedroom for our 22 year old-daughter since she couldn't handle the mouse movement sounds downstairs and felt more comfortable with her brothers and us upstairs. The mice stay downstairs for the most part, but did come up the first night to see if we brought food up (so keep them downstairs and DO NOT LEAVE FOOD LAYING ABOUT). We brought our mountain bikes and enjoyed riding straight from the cabin on the less traveled roads and trails. We brought our kayak and paddleboard and enjoyed Lake San Isabel which is only 20 minutes away. Bishop's Castle is only 10 min away too, so don't miss it. It was very cool to sit at the table and play games (bring them) and read about the Mingus family and the history of the Ranch (there is an info binder there).

As you enjoy your morning coffee out on the porch or on the picnic table, you can imagine the homesteaders out cultivating their land in the meadow in front of you. We also stayed during a full moon, which was amazing. We wished we could have had a fire in the outdoor firepit but the Statewide ban kept us from enjoying the experience. The outhouse is a good walk away so make sure you have headlamps or flashlights. The outhouse is one of the best we have ever used with a light both inside and outside. There is a house/ranch building in the same valley (that you pass on the way in and can see from the cabin) so it does feel a little less secluded but we never saw anyone and enjoyed watching their horses in the pasture. As far as it being haunted, If there is a spiritual presence, it was welcoming and not scary. Old places make noises plain and simple.