For the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of spending part of my year in one of the most serene and beautiful places I’ve ever known. From May to October, I live off-grid in a cabin provided by the ranch I work at, located between Kremmling and Steamboat, Colorado. While it may not be my property, I am incredibly grateful for the peace and simplicity this place offers me. At 67, I truly feel blessed to have the opportunity to live in such a remote, tranquil setting.
My cabin, though simple, is everything I need for a comfortable and fulfilling off-grid lifestyle. The heart of the cabin is the wood stove, which provides warmth during chilly mornings and evenings. There’s something incredibly peaceful about chopping wood, tending the fire, and knowing that this small effort is what keeps me warm. It’s not just practical; it’s a way of life that connects me to the land and the natural rhythms of the seasons.
Cooking is done on a propane stove, which is reliable and efficient. I’ve learned to appreciate the simplicity of cooking with propane, and there’s a certain satisfaction in preparing meals with the bare necessities. It’s a reminder that you don’t need much to make something delicious—just good ingredients and the right tools.
One of the features I’m most grateful for is the solar power system that provides electricity for lights. It’s not a lot, but it’s enough for my needs. Having solar lights in the cabin means I don’t have to rely on candles or lanterns, though I do enjoy the warm glow they provide on occasion. The solar system has allowed me to keep my cabin cozy, even as the sun sets earlier in the evenings. Living off-grid has made me more mindful of energy consumption and the environment, which is something I’ve come to cherish.
The cabin is also equipped with an outhouse, just a short walk away. While it’s a bit of a hike in the winter months, it’s part of the off-grid charm. The simplicity of having to step outside to take care of things grounds me, and the quiet moments spent walking to the outhouse give me time to reflect on the beauty around me. There’s no rush, just the rhythm of nature and the sounds of the Colorado wilderness.
Living here, in such a quiet and remote area, is both humbling and deeply fulfilling. It’s a lifestyle that forces you to slow down, appreciate the small things, and live in harmony with nature. Even though this cabin isn’t mine, it feels like home. The ranch provides this space for me because of the work I do, but I’ve come to consider it a sacred place—a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the world. I look forward to each year when I can return and enjoy the peace it offers.
At 67, I feel incredibly fortunate to have this opportunity. There are days when I think about the possibility of having my own year-round off-grid place, somewhere I can settle into permanently. It’s a dream that might someday become a reality, but for now, I’m content with the beauty and simplicity of my seasonal retreat. I’ve learned to live with what I have and to appreciate the moments of peace and solitude that this place provides.
Thank you to this group for being such an inspiration, and for reminding me that this simple, off-grid life is something many of us value deeply. Wishing everyone a great day, and I hope you find your own peaceful retreat, wherever that may be.
