Mingus Ranch
4.2029 reviewsSAN CARLOS RANGER DISTRICT, 3028 EAST MAIN STREET, CANON CITY, CO 81212, USA
Mingus Ranch
$75.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fee is $75 per night for the cabin during the peak season (May 1 - November 29). Discounts for pass holders do not apply to cabin reservations. Additional fees apply for cancellations, late cancellations, or changes.
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Recreation.govProvider
FOR RESERVATIONS, CALL (877) 444-6777, FOR OTHER INFORMATION CALL (719) 489-3370 OR (719) 269-8500.
About this campground
Step back in time at Mingus Ranch, where a lovingly restored 1908 homestead cabin invites you to experience the authentic spirit of Colorado's pioneering past. Nestled in the heart of the Wet Mountains, this historic retreat combines rustic charm with modern comforts, featuring electric heat for chilly mountain nights and an electric stove for preparing hearty meals. The cabin's period-specific furnishings transport you to a simpler era while accommodating up to six guests in cozy comfort. Outside, gather around the crackling firepit under star-filled skies, let horses graze in the provided corral, or enjoy meals at the picnic table with sweeping mountain views. While the experience remains authentically rustic with vault toilet facilities and no running water, the cabin offers a perfect balance of historic ambiance and practical amenities.
Mingus Ranch exclusively offers cabin lodging with no options for primitive, RV, or tent camping.
Historical SignificanceFor six remarkable decades, the Mingus family called this mountain cabin home, carving out a life in the rugged Colorado wilderness beginning in 1908. Their legacy lives on through careful restoration that honors the cabin's authentic character, from the hand-hewn logs to the thoughtfully curated period furniture that fills each room. Every weathered board and vintage furnishing tells a story of determination, self-sufficiency, and the enduring appeal of mountain living that continues to captivate visitors more than a century later.
Weather and SeasonsMountain magic unfolds across every season at this high-altitude retreat, where summer days bring warm sunshine followed by refreshingly cool evenings that call for cozy sweaters and campfire stories. Winter transforms the landscape into a dramatic wonderland, with fierce winds sculpting snow drifts and temperatures that demand warm layers and hot cocoa by the wood stove. The remarkable clarity of the mountain air, with minimal cloud cover throughout much of the year, creates some of Colorado's most spectacular stargazing conditions, turning each night into a celestial showcase.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 9,400 feet above sea level, Mingus Ranch offers the rare air and expansive vistas that define Colorado's high country experience. This elevation brings crisp, pine-scented breezes, naturally cooler temperatures that provide relief from summer heat, and panoramic views that stretch for miles across the surrounding peaks. The thin mountain air adds an extra sparkle to sunny days and creates those brilliantly clear nights that make every star seem close enough to touch.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to panoramic views across a wildflower-dotted meadow, where morning mist clings to towering spruce and mixed conifers that frame your mountain sanctuary. The majestic profiles of Greenhorn Mountain to the south and Round Top Mountain create a dramatic backdrop for daily adventures, while the expansive meadow serves as nature's amphitheater. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in frequent visits from curious deer grazing at dawn, playful chipmunks darting among the trees, jewel-toned hummingbirds hovering near wildflowers, and the haunting evening songs of coyotes echoing across the valley.
Geological RegionMingus Ranch claims a privileged position within the Wet Mountains, a lesser-known gem of Colorado's diverse mountain ranges. At 9,400 feet elevation near the base of Round Top Mountain, the cabin sits at the perfect intersection of alpine meadow and montane forest ecosystems. Expansive meadows flow like green rivers between stands of stately spruce and mixed conifers, creating diverse habitats and stunning visual contrasts. The commanding presence of Greenhorn Mountain to the south anchors the landscape, its peaks serving as both landmark and weather gauge for those who learn to read the mountain's moods.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were mentioned in the provided information.
Sites SizeThe cabin can accommodate up to six individuals with a mix of large and small beds (bunk beds, twin beds, and a full bed).
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is situated in a large meadow offering partial privacy; however, visitors noted visibility of a nearby ranch. "It does feel a little less secluded but we never saw anyone and enjoyed watching their horses in the pasture."
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGuests recommend bringing additional bedding for comfort, flashlights or headlamps for night use, and securing food to avoid attracting mice.
Best CampsitesN/A (Single cabin site).
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in by 3 PM.
Check-out
Check-out by 11 AM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights during a visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The cabin accommodates up to 6 guests.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cabin site in a meadow.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 1 to November 29.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityAdvanced reservations are required. Walk-ups are not available.
Cancellation PolicyStandard cancellation fee is $10. Late cancellations within 14 days of arrival forfeit the first night’s fee. No-show fee is $20.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Mingus Ranch provides opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, off-road vehicle riding, hunting, and wildlife viewing. Nearby attractions include Lake Isabel and Bishop's Castle. "There are numerous trails and unpaved roads for exploring."
Hiking
Extensive hiking trails are located nearby, catering to varying skill levels. "We hiked a few trails in the area I hadn't ever hiked before."Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available at nearby Lake Isabel, located approximately 20 minutes away. "We brought our kayak and paddleboard and enjoyed Lake San Isabel."Biking
Mountain biking is a popular activity, with multiple unpaved roads and trails available. "We brought our mountain bikes and enjoyed riding straight from the cabin on the less traveled roads and trails."Boating
Boating activities are possible at Lake Isabel, which is a short drive from Mingus Ranch. "We brought our kayak and paddleboard and enjoyed Lake San Isabel."Wildlife viewing
Wildlife commonly seen includes deer, chipmunks, hummingbirds, field mice, wild turkeys, and coyotes. "We did hear coyotes at night... cool (since we were safely inside)."Winter Activities
Potential winter activities include snowshoeing, given the availability of dirt roads and trails during colder months.Water Sports
Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular activities at nearby Lake Isabel.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fires are restricted to propane fire bowls during bans. Outdoor fire ring available when fire bans are not in effect.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include exposure to wildlife such as mice and coyotes. The vault toilet is distant from the cabin, requiring night lighting.
Active alertsFire bans are often in effect due to Colorado's fire restrictions, limiting the use of the outdoor firepit.
Weather forecast
55
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 87%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 7.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Medical clinic in Westcliffe (26 miles northwest). For emergencies, Canon City has major facilities, including a hospital.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 - November 29
Trash and recyclingTrash removal is required by campers, and no recycling facilities are explicitly mentioned. "Please remove trash and garbage."
Proximity to water featuresLake Isabel is 10 minutes away, offering kayaking and paddleboarding opportunities.
Common complaintsSome reviews mention flies and mice in the cabin, the lack of seclusion, and the outhouse’s distance from the cabin.
HostNo host information provided.
Campground Map
SAN CARLOS RANGER DISTRICT, 3028 EAST MAIN STREET, CANON CITY, CO 81212, USA
Driving directionsFrom Pueblo, CO take State Highway 96 approximately 30 miles to the junction of State Highway 165. Travel south on SH 165 for 9 miles. Turn left (east) onto Forest Service Road 383 (Ditch Creek Rd.) and continue 1.5 miles. The two-story cabin is on the right. From Interstate 25 south of Pueblo, CO take Exit 74 onto State Highway 165. Travel on SH 165 north for approximately 29 miles. Turn right (east) onto Forest Service Road 383 (Ditch Creek Road). Go 1.5 miles to the two-story cabin which is on the right.
The cabin is accessible via paved roads to Highway 165, followed by 1.5 miles on Forest Service Road 383 (Ditch Creek Road), a dirt road that is moderately steep but well-maintained.Nearby places
Westcliffe (26 miles northwest), Colorado City (29 miles south), Pueblo (approximately 30 miles).
Nearby supplies
Colorado City (29 miles south) has grocery stores, gas stations, and a public golf course. Westcliffe (26 miles northwest) offers grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, banking, and other amenities.
Camper Reviews
4.2
29 reviews
Mingus Ranch is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Mingus Ranch are largely positive, with an average sentiment of 4.0 for campground-specific experiences. Visitors appreciated the rustic charm, wildlife sightings, and proximity to attractions but noted issues such as mice, flies, and lack of seclusion.
Review Summaries
Based on 29 reviews
What Campers Love
Highlights include the peaceful and historical ambiance, wildlife sightings, and opportunities for hiking, biking, and off-roading. "Amazing period piece. Beautiful location. Special opportunity."
Based on 29 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints involved the presence of mice, flies, and lack of running water. "The cooler weather has brought the mice in... don't let them bother you."
Based on 29 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring flashlights, bedding, potable water, and food stored securely to avoid attracting mice. "Bring your bottle opener, a spatula, and your bedding, and you should be fine."
Based on 29 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer months are popular, although visitors reported issues with flies and warm evenings. Winter camping may be less ideal due to strong winds and cooler temperatures but offers peaceful solitude.
Based on 29 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "The vault toilet was mostly clean but the cool morning air and the warm ground caused the smell... revolting." 2. "No other weird sounds/noises. A total of about a dozen cars traveled past... no...
Based on 29 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campsite 01 (Loop: MINR) was generally well-reviewed but noted for mice presence, rustic amenities, and occasional issues with cleanliness. "The exterminator comes once a month, and he came while we...
Based on 29 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews provided by users regarding accessibility features.
Based on 29 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are not allowed at Mingus Ranch. "No pets allowed."
Based on 29 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025