The Shabin
A Shed Cabin
It's a start. The Shabin was constructed in 2019 by father and son and will stand for hopefully a decade. For me, it's a start to building a kind of home away from home and is as much a shed for storing tools as it is a nice place to spend a couple nights. For you, its a start to an adventure, an access point to a gorgeous valley and basin pinched between three 13ers: James, Mt. Bancroft, and Perry Peak. Hike to the top for a grand and harsh alpine tour or stay down low for a colorful and wet picnic in the meadows.
Downstairs
A wood stove to heat us up, a shelf for all our food, a rug for our conversations, and small sink. Only the essentials. Oh, and a hammock!
Upstairs
Two full size mattress toppers, 3" thick. Can comfortably fit up to 4 sleepyheads. You'll have to climb a ladder to get up here.
The Hike
There is no motorized access! This is the challenge and the value of a trip to the Shabin. The hike takes about 2.5 hours with breaks and casual hiking. The first half is on old county road and leads to a wide open clearing, a perfect pitstop. At this point you've covered a lot of distance in about 45 minutes.
Once you are back on the trail it won't take long before the forest falls apart around you. What was a mellow shaded stroll is now a steep exposed wasteland. A derecho in September 2020 toppled 9/10 trees for miles across the valley. The trail has been cleared so keep on keeping on.
About 45 minutes later you'll come to your first waterfall. Choose your own adventure, will you detour to the east and follow a winding game trail, or will you set your course toward the water using old roots as handholds when the hike turns into a climb? You're in the final chapter as you peer down over the first waterfall.
There's some steep parts left but if you made it this far, nothing will stop you. Next you'll come across the second waterfall with a pool for wading, or maybe just toes. Its not long now as the trail thins and curves until finally it disappears as the forest opens in a spectacular reveal and you get the first glimpse of the Shabin perched between a tumbling river and soggy meadow. Try to keep your feet dry.
The hike to the Shabin is approximately 3.5mi with 1,400ft of elevation gain and typically takes 2.5 hours of casual hiking with breaks. The Shabin sits at about 10,800ft. Please contact the host if you would like a guide for the hike. Check out the map here!
The Second Waterfall
For all the seriousness, these are the sunsets you're here for.
Seriousness
Safety
Far out bruh... really far out. It took you over two hours to get here and the nearest hospital is in Granby (one is under construction in Winter Park). I sometimes like to hike barefoot but I always remind myself one stubbed toe and the fun is over. Same goes for ankles, knees, cuts, and dehydration. You have to be on your A game to play in these big mountains. At least you're not alone, there is spotty cell service and we'll be here to help you, but its on each of us to take one careful step after the other so we can come home as successful explorers.
Hygiene
Just across the meadow towers a composting treehouse outhouse. Its an experiment in natural building and a much needed amenity for those visiting the Shabin. The clear cold creek offers refreshment, baths, and maybe a little magic healing. Try not to think about hot showers.
A look into what it would take to build more here using the materials available.
Hear from the guinea pigs, Click for quotes!
"One of the craziest, coziest cabins I've been in and surrounded by world class adventure" -Seth Wang
"As a Colorado native who grew up in an outdoorsy family, I've seen a lot of our state's most beautiful backcountry. Nothing quite compares to the experience of spending a night in Olof's cabin. It's a cozy sanctuary amidst one of the most remote and beautiful mountain valleys I've ever seen. 10/10, I highly recommend it! -Ryan Ford
"Olof's shabin is the perfect getaway! It's tucked into a remote valley surrounded by breathtaking views of mountains, lakes, and wildlife. We hiked to an abandoned mineshaft, climbed up a dry waterfall, made food by the fire, and attempted to swim in a nearby pond. The cabin itself is cozy and surprisingly spacious. From hanging out with friends around the wood stove to waking up and peaking out the little upstairs window, the shabin met all our needs. I definitely recommend it for anyone looking to get away from the hustle and bustle or go on memorable adventures!" -Taylor Carpenter
"A place of peace and solitude immersed in the best nature in the state." -Michael Sliger
"Talk about off the beaten path! I'm impressed Olof was able to build the cabin where it is- we didn't pass by a single other dwelling for the entire 3-hour hike from Winter Park. If you want to camp in one of the most secluded and gorgeous areas of Colorado and still want the comfort of a roof over your head, look no further." -Tad Sellers
"The cabin is a fun place to get away from the city if you need a break from people" -Bryan Sellers
"It's always fun backcountry skiing with a group of good friends. Having a tasty meal and a warm, comfortable place to lay your head at the end of the day is spectacular. Thank you Olof for the great weekend." -Grady Boomer
"I fell in love with the views from the cabin window right away." -Kennedy Polovich
"It's an amazing location and a wonderful experience. The feeling of being surrounded by the natural beauty of the place is impossible to beat." -David Sundsted
Your Host
Want to see this place for yourself? I'll lead you there. My name is Olof Wood, I built this place. I'm a parkour athlete and coach, I play competitive tag, and I love it out here. Since 2019 I've been guiding friends and family into the woods. We usually enjoy music, a fire, and maybe some drinks as we watch the sunset and relax from all the exertion.
For me this is a philosophical project as much as a physical challenge. How can I live well? Connection to nature is part of it. How much do I want to change? A little at a time, but a lot before I die. Where do I fit in? This vast valley seems to have room for a few tourists, lets try no to crowd out those that really live here: marmots, picas, moose, black bears, trees, flowers, moss, and fungi. What happens next? When I break routine and find myself tensioned between the extreme effort to build something so remote and the fantastic dreams of what life could be like here I usually come home with a clearer idea of what I'm looking for next in life.
The Next Step
Now that you have all the vital info, if this sounds like something for you send me an email, olofwood@gmail.com; I'd be delighted to invite you to the Shabin.
I recommend staying two nights, less and you don't quite shake off the everyday world but stay too long and you might run out of gumption.
Join for our annual camp out for the full experience.
