The Rusty Butterfly

Area

We couldn't be more excited to share our little Durango houses with friends and family! We have had the time of our lives collaborating on this project and putting our personal touches into them both. We hope you enjoy and love them as much as we do.

Here are a couple of things to keep in mind:

  • Because we love our little houses we are only offering them to friends and family.
  • Close friends and family are offered special pricing.
  • The minimum stay is 5 days.
  • Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. Hailey: 215.850.5378  Darcy: 215.219.9594 or RustyButterflyDRO@gmail.com.
  • Please contact us directly regarding availability. Each house is rented separately.
  • It's a beautiful place in the winter but you MUST have a 4-wheel or AWD vehicle. We recommend bringing chains as well. Please know that if you need someone to pull you out of a ditch, the cost will be $100 payable directly to the rescuer.
  • These are smart houses. Alexa is in control. Instructions and commands available in the houses.
  • There are no cameras in the interiors, but there are three outside cameras watching the driveway, the back of the house and down the hill to The Cocoon. The main purpose for these cameras is to watch for wildlife.
  • The elevation at the houses is about 8,000 feet.

Tips for dealing with high altitude:

  • First and foremost, stay hydrated! This is the most important element to battling altitude sickness. Drink twice the amount of water you normally consume.
  • Limit your intake of alcohol, tea, coffee, salt or other diuretics, which may contribute to dehydration for the first few days of your trip.
  • At the first sign of a headache, or right before your arrival, as a preventative measure, take ibuprofen, 400-600 milligrams.
  • Protect yourself from the sun; wear a higher SPF sunscreen than usual and apply regularly. Wear sunglasses, a hat, or other protective clothing.
  • Avoid overexerting yourself for the first 24 hours or exercising mid-day.
  • Mild symptoms are common and include headache, nausea, trouble sleeping, and dizziness. Symptoms usually subside within the first 24 hrs.
  • Seek treatment if symptoms are severe or last more than 24-48 hrs.
  • Wear sunblock!
  • Pets are welcomed. There is a fee per pet. A dog bed is provided. There are patios at both houses and a good-sized dog pen. We kindly ask that you do not allow animals on the sofas or beds. If you must, there is a cowhide dog blanket (tag says PAWS) available at the main house and a dog quilt at the little house.
  • Both houses are SHOES OFF houses. Please leave shoes/boots in the foyer at the main house and on the mat to the right of the little house doors.
  • Both houses are also SMOKE FREE houses.
  • There are internet connections at both houses. Cellphones do not work well. Connecting them to WiFi Calling helps. There is a TV at the main house, but no cable connection. An HDMI cable is provided to connect to your computer.
  • The houses have their own septic systems. We ask that NOTHING be flushed, except septic-friendly toilet paper.
  • The houses have their own cisterns for water. In other words, water is delivered by trucks. We ask that you be VERY MINDFUL of your use of water. Water is precious.
  • The speed limit in Aspen Trails is 15 mph. Please watch carefully for children, dogs and people walking.
  • More information about your stay is provided at the house.
  • Last but not least, ENJOY DURANGO!

About Durango, Colorado

https://www.durango.org/blog/post/8-things-durango-is-famous-for/

Durango is a small city in southwestern Colorado, near the New Mexico border. While most people visit Durango for its excellent hiking, mountain biking and skiing, the former mining town also has a charming historic center to explore. It's top attraction, however, is the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, one of the most scenic train journeys in the States. https://www.durangotrain.com/

Elevation: 6,522'
Area: 17.1 mi
Population: 19,223 (2021)
Weather: Winter low is 12 degrees. Summer high's 85 degrees. Average annual precipitation: 19.33"
University: Fort Lewis College

Things to do in Durango, Colorado
https://www.durango.org/

Historic Downtown Durango
https://www.downtowndurango.org/

Jeep Tours, Whitewater Rafting and more
There are several companies in Durango that offer adventures. Take a trip on the wild side.

https://www.coloradooutbackadventures.com/
https://mild2wildrafting.com/
https://southwestraftandjeep.com/
https://www.durangorivertrippers.com/

What kind of adventure are you into? A zip-line adventure? Axe throwing? Mountain biking? Tower climbing?

There's a little of everything in Durango.

https://durangoadventures.com/
https://durangoziplinetours.com/
https://soaringcolorado.com/

Private Fishing Experiences

https://duranglers.com/
https://headsupflyfishing.com/
https://www.rioepic.com/

Water Tubing Experience in Animas River

https://southwestraftandjeep.com/tour-item/river-tube-rentals/
https://mild2wildrafting.com/more-fun/tubing.html

Hiking Trips

Several of the adventure companies listed above offer guided tours of the area. Visit the San Juan National Forest. Tour the LaPlata Mountains. Visiting Mesa Verde National Park is a must. There's even a make-your-own-chocolate experience offered in Pagosa Springs at the gourmet shop called The Choke Cherry Tree.

Animas River Trail
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/animas-river-trail-675

The Snowbike Experience
https://durangosnowbike.com

Durango Hot Springs
https://durangohotspringsresortandspa.com/

Restaurants

There are dozens of wonderful places to eat in Durango. Here are a few favorites:

El Moro Tavern: https://elmorotavern.com/
Chimayo Stone Fired Kitchen: https://www.chimayodurango.com/
Eolus: https://www.eolusdurango.com/
Derailed Pour House: https://www.derailedpourhouse.com/
Steamworks Brewing Co.: https://steamworksbrewing.com/
James Ranch: https://jamesranch.net/grill
Carver Brewing: https://carverbrewing.com/
Ska Brewing Co.: https://skabrewing.com/
Highway 3 Roadhouse & Oyster Bar: https://www.highway3roadhouse.com/
Diamond Belle Saloon: https://skabrewing.com/

Breakfast & Lunch:

Oscar's Cafe: https://oscarscafedurango.com/
Rupert's: https://www.eatatruperts.com/ruperts-durango