Mountain cabins in the pines at the top of the Western Divide Highway.
What to expect
A small mountain community at about 7,200 feet, tucked among tall pines along the Western Divide Highway. Ponderosa is a cozy place to stay in a cabin and wake up close to the trails and sequoia groves. In winter, it turns into a snowy mountain retreat.
Know before you go
- Lodging is private cabin rentals. The historic Ponderosa Lodge burned in 2023, so there’s no restaurant or store here for now.
- Book ahead in summer and on holiday weekends.
- The Western Divide Highway south of Ponderosa usually closes about November to May. In winter, Ponderosa is the end of the road.
- Chains may be required on Highway 190 after storms. Bring groceries and fill up on gas in Springville.
Getting there
Highway 190 ends at the Western Divide Highway near Quaking Aspen. Ponderosa is about two miles farther south.