Staunton State Park sits off US-285 at Shaffers Crossing, and most people see it as a day trip out of Denver. It is a better park than that. Elk Falls is a long day on its feet, the climbing closures run for months at a time, and the Track-Chair program takes planning. All of it goes easier if you are already up the canyon when the gate opens rather than an hour down the hill. The North Pine Overlook is a mountain cabin above Bailey, on the same stretch of 285, and it is open for stays.
What the cabin is
Three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and a maximum of six overnight guests. It sits in the pines above Bailey with a deck to sit on at the end of a long day on the trail. Pets are welcome. Check-in begins at 3:00 PM and check-out is by 10:00 AM. Two nights is the usual minimum, though single nights sometimes open up for close-in dates and some high-demand weekends carry a three-night minimum.
We do not publish a nightly rate or a public calendar. Every stay is quoted by email, with the full price and every fee itemized in writing before you are asked to pay anything. The rates and availability page has the current booking terms, minimum-stay rules, and cancellation policy in full.
Getting to the park from here
Colorado Parks and Wildlife directs drivers from US-285 at Shaffers Crossing north onto Elk Creek Road, then about 1.5 miles to the park entrance. From the cabin that means dropping down to 285 and heading northeast up the corridor. We do not publish a drive time, because the honest answer depends on the season, the weather, and what 285 is doing that morning; use a current mapping service the day you go. Our directions page covers the route up from Denver and the mountain-driving notes that go with it.
What you are going up there for
CPW lists the shortest Elk Falls Waterfall route as 12 miles round trip, typically four to five hours, with about 1,200 feet of total elevation change. Davis Ponds Trail is the easy one at 2.3 miles, hiking only, with ponds CPW says are stocked with rainbow trout monthly from May through September. There are more than 400 climbing routes, seasonal closures from March through July at Lion's Head and Rough Neck, a 17-lane archery range, and a Track-Chair program that needs a reservation and a vehicle pass. Our Staunton State Park guide goes through all of it with the CPW sources, and the official CPW park page carries current hours, fees, closures, and reservation requirements.
Making a weekend of it
Staunton is the anchor, but it is not the only reason to be up here. The North Fork of the South Platte runs through Platte Canyon just below Bailey, and the fishing page covers the public water close by. There is more walking on the hiking page, winter options on the skiing page, and the rest of the area on things to do. If you are picking dates around something local, the events page tracks what is on in Platte Canyon.
Before you book
This property is not wheelchair accessible and requires steps to reach both the upper and lower level of the home. The garage is the only spot that does not require stairs. If you have an access need, ask before booking and we will tell you honestly whether the cabin will work for you. The what to bring page covers the packing side, which matters more at this elevation than most visitors expect.
Staunton's entrance fees vary by plate and pass type, and entry may already be covered by a valid Colorado state-parks vehicle pass, so check CPW's current fee table rather than assuming. The Lazy V lot can fill early on busy weekends, and parking there is not something anyone can promise you. Dogs must stay on a hand-held leash no longer than six feet in the park, and owners must remove waste.