Quick FactsOverview
About Merrifield Homestead Cabins
Merrifield Homestead Cabins, Colorado is a private hot springs cabin resort located on Cottonwood Creek in the Gunnison National Forest, approximately 5.5 miles west of Buena Vista in Chaffee County. The property features two restored mining cabins, known as the Merrifield Cabin and the Holloway Cabin, each equipped with a private outdoor hot springs pool fed by the same geothermal water source that supplies the adjacent Charlotte Hot Springs and Botanical Gardens public resort.
The Merrifield Cabin is the larger of the two, originally built in the 1920s and renovated with modern amenities including a full kitchen, a wood-burning stove, and a full bathroom. The Holloway Cabin is smaller, dating to the late 1800s, and was deeded to the Merrifield family by Wilbur Holloway. Both cabins have been restored to blend original character with contemporary comforts, including gourmet kitchen appliances, surround sound audio, and comfortable furnishings.
The geothermal water runs through each cabin's private pool from the same underground source, connecting the property to the broader Buena Vista hot springs corridor. For visitors exploring hot springs in Colorado along the upper Arkansas Valley, Merrifield offers a private, immersive stay in a historical property close to town.
Location & Access
Getting to Merrifield Homestead Cabins
Merrifield Homestead Cabins is located at 19320 County Road 306, approximately 5.5 miles west of downtown Buena Vista. Guests drive west from Buena Vista on the road toward Cottonwood Pass, following County Road 306 until the property, which sits on the banks of Cottonwood Creek beside the adjacent Merrifield Greenhouses. The access road is well-traveled and passable by standard vehicles in most conditions. No hiking, off-road driving, or special clearance is needed.
Buena Vista is reached from Denver via US-285 South in approximately 2 hours, or from Colorado Springs via US-24 West in under 2 hours. The resort is in the Gunnison National Forest corridor along Cottonwood Creek, which provides a scenic approach through mountain terrain. Guests should arrange full arrival details with the property before traveling, including any gate codes or check-in instructions, as the cabins are a private rental rather than a front-desk hotel.
For travelers looking for hot springs near Buena Vista with complete privacy, Merrifield is the most secluded private-cabin option close to the town center. The neighboring Charlotte Hot Springs and Botanical Gardens public resort is immediately adjacent and available to day visitors separately. The area along County Road 306 forms a small hot springs cluster within a short drive of Buena Vista's restaurants and shops, making it well suited for guests who want mountain seclusion with town access close by.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Can Visit Merrifield Homestead Cabins
Merrifield Homestead Cabins suits couples, small families, and small groups looking for a private overnight hot springs experience in a historic setting. The property is exclusively for overnight guests; there is no public day-use access to the hot springs pools. Reservations are mandatory and should be made well in advance, particularly for weekends and summer months. The experience is oriented toward guests who value seclusion, a natural creek setting, and a high degree of independence during their stay.
The cabins are family friendly and pet friendly, which sets Merrifield apart from hot springs resorts in Colorado that restrict dogs or children. Each cabin functions as a self-contained unit with a full kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping areas, meaning stays are self-catered rather than hotel-style. Hot spring access is private and clothing optional within the fenced pool area of each cabin, giving guests complete freedom during their soak.
The terrain around the cabins involves walking on natural ground and some slope near the creek bank, and there is no documented ADA infrastructure for the pools or cabin approaches. Guests with specific mobility requirements should contact the property directly before booking to assess current conditions. The Merrifield Cabin accommodates slightly larger groups, while the Holloway Cabin is better suited for a couple or two-person stay given its smaller footprint and original layout.
Safety & Etiquette
Merrifield Homestead Cabins Safety Tips
Merrifield Homestead Cabins is generally safe for guests, with private geothermal pools that are drained, cleaned, and refilled by the property owners between each stay. Visitors should still observe standard hot spring safety practices: drink water before and during soaking, limit prolonged immersion in the hotter water, and exit the pool immediately if feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or overheated. The elevation in the Cottonwood Creek corridor is approximately 8,000 feet, where dehydration develops faster than at lower altitudes and sun intensity is higher.
The pools are private and located within the cabin's fenced outdoor area, so guests manage their own soaking without staff oversight. Children should be supervised at all times near the pool and beside Cottonwood Creek, which runs adjacent to the property. Creek levels and currents can vary with season, and young children should not access the creek unaccompanied.
Each cabin is a self-contained unit, and guests are responsible for the condition of the property during their stay. The property asks guests to treat the historic cabins and their contents with care. Complimentary items such as pool floaties and robes are provided; guests should ensure these are returned and the property is left in good condition for the next visitors.
Pets are welcome at Merrifield Homestead, though guests should keep dogs under control near the creek and out of the pool area. It is advisable to confirm current pet policies directly with the owners when booking. Guests should also check with the property about any seasonal fire restrictions that may apply, particularly in dry summer months when fire risk in the Gunnison National Forest area can be elevated.
