Wanted-- local, old cabin location

Howdy folks!

Well, my wife has an assignment coming up for school (Art Inst. of Colorado), and her concept involves shooting an image of a model looking out the window of an older looking log cabin, or mining type building. Obviously, Colorado is filled with places like this, but at this time of year, most are still snowed in and fairly inaccessible. So, wondering if you all have any ideas for something like this, say within an hour or two drive of Denver, no snow left, etc., not too long of a hike in since they will have costumes and photo equipment to carry. Oh, and she needs the model be able to get inside the structure (legally ) to look out the window.

Seems like there is something like that in one of the local Open Space parks, but for the life of me, I can't remember.

Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!

Here's a link to a shot Jesse took up in Mayflower Gulch: old cabin window. Looking for something like this, but no snow :)

How about the barn at White Ranch? Park at the top parkling lot and hike down about 1/2 mile. This time of year the cheatgrass won't even stick to your socks - if you're lucky.

There's also some old roadhouse cabins in Golden Gate Park......

Good Luck,

Dave Showalter

Mohawk Lake's cabins would be great, but I'd think the upper ones are totally burried in snow and the lower ones are a very small maybe with the amount of snow they got this year. You can get into them legally.

There's a a couple of old barn buildings at the Big Dry Creek Open Space, just south of 128th between Huron and Zuni. They're about a 1/4 mile walk, and visible, from the parking lot. They might have something you could work with. And its close enough to scout before-hand.

I rode my bike past them last weekend and was thinking that I should come back with my camera...

Awesome guys, good stuff. Keep the suggestions coming!

Darren, have you seen my wife's website? HillarySage.com. I think that explains the whole costume thing, doesn't it?! And besides, don't be too harsh on her, or you won't get any of those great cookies again next time you come over!!! I happen to know she bought the stuff for them a few days ago!!

I think the Golden Gate cabins are all closed off as far as getting inside them, or I'd recommend them. You're looking for something with a window. Hmm...

What about the former Neversummer Ranch on the west side of RMNP? Although it might not be open yet for the season... Another historical site would be at Florissant, but again I'm not sure about access.

You can always ask the above places if they'll allow special access for a photo shoot.

If you were near Aspen I'd say git yer Butt to Ashcroft and shoot there!

James - are there any standing cabins left in Jones Park (Cheyene Canyon)? Might not be the best option, but I also seem to recall a little cabin structure in the park in Old Colorado City...??

There are old homestead cabins on national forest land reachable from the Lion's Gulch trailhead 8 miles south of Estes Park on US 36. However, it's 2.8 miles out and 1300' up one-way from the trailhead to the meadows where the cabins are located, so it may not be workable. The snow, however, should be gone from that area at this time of year.

National Forest trail page

About 10 or 12 miles south of Franktown on Hwy 83 there is an old abandoned 2 story ranch house with open windows and door about 200 yards off the road in the middle of a pasture. It would require gaining access from the landowner who's home is directly east across 83 but there is a gate and a road that runs right up to the old place. It's the old weathered grey/brown wood kind of structure and would possibly be what you're looking for. When does your wife need the place? I can e-mail you a pic tomorrow evening if you like. (didn't have the camera in the truck today when I read your post)

I think this is the place Bill is talking about south of Franktown near the Greenland turnoff: House on 83 . The house now has an ugly metal fence very close around it's perimiter.

That's exactly the one, Renee. I drive past the thing twice a day and don't pay much attention. Never noticed the fence!

Perhaps somewhere like this?

This is near Tarryall Reservoir in South Park, but I'd have to give you specific directions since it's not off any major road and fairly well hidden.

Here's a different perspective that adds nothing to the discussion but is being posted simply because it's one of my favorite shots

That first shot was taken a couple weeks ago, but the snow was fresh from the previous night. This time of year I'd be very surprised if any snow remains. Access is very easy, as there's a road within 100 yards. Getting permission to shoot inside the structure(s) might be a bit tricky. I really wouldn't even know where to begin finding out who actually owns these buildings...perhaps the local real estate people can hook you up with a name.

Hey - nice to see some new 'faces' here. Kurt, Mark - Welcome!

Brent - doesn't Roxborough Park have one or two homestead cabins or buildings? Not sure about access though.

Ya, there are some old structures right off the trail South of the Roxborough Visitor's Center. You'd probably have to get a permit, though. I'm pretty sure the rangers would consider that type of thing a commercial shoot...

As for the cabins in Jones Park (above Cheyenne Canyon), it's been a while since I've been up there, and seem to remember that what ever was left wasn't much... Plus it's quite a long hke up there, if you go up the Seven Bridges Trail (there may be another way up, but thats the way I go).
As for the old cabin type building in the park in Old Colorado City, it's always closed up, except during Territory Days or some similar event. You might check with Colorado Springs Parks about gaining access otherwise.

Thanks so much for all the great info and ideas everyone! Lots of good stuff. so far all she's been able to check out are the ones Scott Bacon mentioned, at 120th. Cool place, but sadly no windows left! She's headed down to the Lost Creek Wilderness area his weekend to camp with the a friend, and will look for the one Mark Aultman mentioned. Mark, I'm going to send you an e-mail through this site, so be on the lookout.

Thanks again, and we'll let you know when she gets the assignment done.

FWIW, and a bit late, I did see an old barn in an Open Space Park on the West side of 36, this past weekend. It's somewhere between 104th and Flatiorns... I think...