Set amidst a breathtaking landscape of old-growth aspens and ponderosa pines, this exceptional Durango residence offers a rare combination of seclusion, natural beauty, and comfortable mountain living. The lush surroundings create a private retreat ideal for those seeking adventure and escape in one of Colorado’s most desirable locations. Located 16 miles from historic downtown Durango, Colorado. This home features 3 bedrooms, a flex room, finished walk out basement, loft area and three bathrooms. The kitchen includes a granite slab countertop, Knotty Pine cabinetry, stainless appliances and an eat-in kitchen dining area with a spectacular view! A wall of windows facing south brings the colors and textures inside the home…blue Colorado skies, golden Aspens and green tall Pines. The dining area flows into the great room living area accented by a corner slate tile gas fireplace and decks off of two sides. Two bedrooms and a bathroom complete this main level of the home. UPPER LEVEL: The entire upper level is a private master suite including a loft with “see-forever” views, vaulted ceilings, additional storage and a luxury 5-piece master bath. WALKOUT BASEMENT: Really a WOW factor in this home…the walkout basement offers a second living area, a giant bunk/media room, a flex room that could be used an office, two storage rooms, a bathroom and a sliding glass door that leads to the backyard fire pit. Incredible attention to detail with the finishing of the walkout with mine industrial style light fixtures and tasteful furnishings. UPGRADES: The roof and furnace were replaced in 2025 and the well pump was replaced in 2024. Great care was taken to remove trees, improve grades and add landscape updates in 2025. On the main level, new Oak flooring and a new sliding glass door were installed. Recent kitchen updates include: a new dishwasher, new cooktop, new range hood, new backsplash, new cabinet hardware, and new flooring. Upstairs the Sellers have updated the carpet and added a new ceiling fan. LOCATION: Situated within the Wilderness Lake Mountain Estates subdivision, this mountain retreat is just minutes from the north end of Lemon Reservoir and the Florida River. Helen's Country Store is about 20 minutes away and the Town of Bayfield is only 40 minutes. The subdivision is bounded to the North and East by U.S. Forest Service lands. Recreation on public lands in the area plays a large role in the community: fishing, boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, hunting, hiking, camping, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and star gazing! According to a report published by the Greater Lemon Reservoir Community Wildfire Protection Plan Committee June 2017, the San Juan Sledders Club grooms several miles of snowmobiling trails during the winter as the area serves as a gateway to the San Juan Mountains where opportunities to enjoy the outdoors abound. The public land stakeholders are the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the U.S Geological Survey, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the Colorado Division of Water Resources, and the Florida River Water Conservancy District water interests. A little HISTORY OF LEMON DAM AND RESERVOIR: The Florida Water Conservancy District was established in 1948 under Colorado state statutes as a political subdivision for the Florida Watershed with the task of creating water storage for the watershed. Lemon Dam was built between 1948 – 1963 and is owned by the Bureau of Reclamation (U.S. Department of the Interior). Water is released from the Reservoir as needed and conveyed in the natural river channel to the heads of the various downstream canals and ditches that divert the flow and distribute the water to project lands. A slice of heaven in the San Juans!