Frequently Asked Questions

Our main season typically runs from May 1st to October 31st, allowing you to bask in the best of our offerings during this beautiful time of the year. Occasionally, we extend our services to accommodate special local events such as hunting season in November or music events at Big B’s in April. In the off-season, we have a minimum 30-day rental policy for our apartments, ensuring you have ample time to embrace the tranquility of our venue. If you’re interested in booking during the off-season, kindly reach out to us at (719) 338-4146, and we’ll be delighted to discuss availability and help plan your exceptional experience.

Fort Austin can comfortably accommodate up to 80 guests for events. The maximum guest capacity breakdown includes:

• Two full-service bathrooms: 80 guests
• Food service kiosk: 80 guests
• Pavilion: 80 guests
• Fire pit area: 10 guests
• Log porch at the lodge: 20 guests
• Kitchen at the main lodge for food prep for up to 20 guests
• Parking areas for approximately 30 cars.

The maximum guest capacity for overnight stays at Fort Austin varies based on accommodation types:

• 1 glamping tent: Accommodating 2 guests.
• 4 cabins: Each cabin accommodates 2 guests.
• 3 deluxe apartments: Each apartment accommodates 2 guests.

Overall, Fort Austin can accommodate a total of 16 overnight guests across its various accommodations.

Amenities Available:

• Two full-service bathrooms
• EV charging station
• WIFI
• Grill
• Food service kiosk (must supply your own food or contract with food vendor)
• Pavilion
• Fire pit
• Expansive acreage (4 acres)
• Dog waste station

Coming Summer 2024:

• Fully-equipped kitchen
• Billiards
• Foosball
• Blackstone griddle
• Orchard

While we can comfortably accommodate up to 14 guests at Fort Austin, we understand that you may have additional guests joining your event. For their convenience, there are various accommodations available in Paonia. To explore nearby hotels, motels, and bed & breakfast options, please visit the following Google link, which provides a comprehensive list of nearby lodging choices to ensure a comfortable stay for your additional guests.

Link to nearby guest lodging

Given that Paonia is nestled in a beautiful rural area, public transportation options may be limited. We recommend checking with ride-sharing services like Uber to explore the most convenient transportation solutions in this idyllic, rural setting. They can provide real-time options to help you navigate the peaceful surroundings and ensure you have reliable travel to and from our venue.

Our property offers high-speed internet to keep you connected. In our Fort Austin area, you can access both 2G and 5G connections for seamless connectivity. In our apartments and cabins, you can expect a minimum internet speed of 50mbps, ensuring fast and reliable browsing. Even in our glamping tents, we provide a minimum speed of 40mbps, ensuring you stay connected while enjoying the great outdoors. Whether you’re in our apartments, cabins, or glamping tents, we’ve got your internet needs covered.

• From Glenwood Springs, Colorado, head southeast on CO-82 E for approximately 15 miles. Then, turn right onto CO-133 S and continue for about 55 miles until you reach the destination on your right.
• From Grand Junction, Colorado, take US-50 E and continue for about 45 miles. Then, turn left onto CO-92 E and follow for approximately 20 miles. Turn left onto CO-133 and continue for about 10 miles to reach the destination on your left.
• If you’re coming from Delta, Colorado, take CO-92 E for around 20 miles. Then, turn left onto CO-133 and continue for about 10 miles until you reach the destination on your left.
• If you’re traveling from Gunnison, Colorado, take US-50 W for approximately 20 miles. Then, turn right onto CO-92 N and continue for about 42 miles. Then, turn right on CO-133 for approximately 10 miles until you reach the destination on your left.

Once you arrive at 41339 CO-133, Paonia, CO 81428, you’ll have reached Fort Austin. 

Here’s a link for Google Maps

Fort Austin warmly welcomes well-behaved pets, aiming to provide them with a vacation experience too. We offer amenities like dog beds, blankets, water bowls, and a pet waste station. Fort Austin is designed to foster peace, relaxation, and tranquility. Therefore, we respectfully ask that pets displaying rudeness, aggression, or disruptive behavior not be brought onto the property, as it conflicts with our intended atmosphere.
Requests and restrictions:

• Dogs must be leashed and controlled at all times.
• Dogs are to be kept off furniture.
• Dogs should not be left unattended, particularly when guests are off the property.
• Our accommodations are best suited for pups under 80 lbs.; larger dogs are not recommended.
• Responsible waste disposal is required.
• Barking, scratching, digging, and howling are not permissible.
• Store pet food in sealed containers.
• Limit of 2 pets per tent, cabin, or apartment.
• For cats, any potential risk of scratching or urinating requires them to be kenneled. Please note that a resident cat lives on the property.
• A pet fee of $50 per visit is applicable.
• Service animals are welcome. Owners of service animals can choose whether to pay the pet fee or not. If the fee is declined, please provide a copy of the official service animal registration certificate for our records.
• In accordance with our insurance policy, certain breeds including Pit bulls, Dobermans, German Shepherds, Wolf hybrids, and Rottweilers unfortunately cannot be hosted.

Pet fee: $50 per pet.

We offer a wide range of services to make your event truly exceptional. Whether you require party rental items such as tents, tables, chairs, linens, table service, a dance floor, or a wedding arch, or need assistance with hiring outside contractors like an event planner for preparation, management, and day-of support, florists, a security contractor (especially if alcohol is being served), an officiant, audio/visual setup and management, lighting and electronics experts, photographers, or DJ/musicians, we’re here to ensure that every aspect of your event is taken care of. Your vision is our priority, and we’ll work with you to provide the services you need to create a seamless and unforgettable experience.

• Black Canyon National Park – North rim is spectacular, remote, uncrowded, 30 minutes away.
• Grand Mesa – Incredible views, 200 lakes, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, 45 minutes away.
• Kebler Pass – Beautiful aspens, snow capped peaks, hiking, trail rides, fishing, climbing, waterfall, 45 minutes away.
• Crested Butte – Mountain town, great restaurants, world record elk, trails, hiking, wild flowers, 4 wheeling, lakes,  1 hour 15 mins away.
• Overland Reservoir – Mountain vistas, remote, SUP, fishing, kayaking, 45 minutes away.
• Marble – Mountain town, looks like Swiss Alps, remote, great food, jeep tours, hunting, fishing, 45 minutes away.
• Aspen – Ski town, spendy, great restaurants, airport, galleries, celebrities, fishing, 4 wheeling, sight seeing, 1 hour 30 mins away.
• Montrose – San Juan Mountains, Horsefly brewing, Ridgway, Telluride and airport.

In addition to the list of nearby attractions and activities, be sure to visit our local activities page, featuring a visual feast of images that showcase the beauty and experiences that Paonia and the surrounding area have to offer. These captivating visuals will provide you with a glimpse of the incredible adventures and sights that await you during your stay. Start your journey of exploration and discovery by visiting our local activities page filled with inspiring images. It’s the perfect way to get a taste of what’s in store for you.

Absolutely! We understand that organizing an event involves a range of elements to create the perfect ambiance. Whether you require party rental items such as tents, tables, chairs, linens, table service, a dance floor, or a wedding arch, or need assistance with hiring outside contractors like an event planner for preparation, management, and day-of support, florists, a security contractor (especially if alcohol is being served), an officiant, audio/visual setup and management, lighting and electronics experts, photographers, or DJ/musicians, we’re here to help make your event as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Feel free to bring in your preferred vendors or rely on our team to assist you in coordinating these crucial elements.

Absolutely! We welcome the sounds of music to enhance your event. Whether you have a DJ spinning tracks or a live band playing your favorite tunes, our spacious venue has the flexibility to accommodate your musical preferences. We understand that the right music can set the perfect atmosphere for your celebration, and we’re here to ensure that space is never an issue when it comes to creating the ambiance you desire.

Of course! We want you to personalize your event to your heart’s content. You’re welcome to bring your own decorations to create a unique and memorable ambiance that reflects your style and vision. Whether it’s flowers, centerpieces, banners, or any other decor items, feel free to infuse your personal touch into the venue. We’re here to support your creativity and ensure your event is exactly as you imagine it.

Absolutely! We want you to feel comfortable and have the freedom to arrange the space to suit your event’s needs and your vision. Whether it’s repositioning furniture, setting up a stage, or customizing the layout to create the perfect atmosphere, you have the flexibility to rearrange the space as you see fit. Your event should reflect your unique style, and we’re here to help make it happen.

Absolutely! We understand the importance of receiving shipments and deliveries in advance to ensure a smooth setup for your event. You’re welcome to have items delivered to the venue up to one week prior to your booked date. This allows you to have everything in place and ready for your special day, helping you focus on the finer details of your event with peace of mind.

The staff included in your rental can be tailored to meet your specific event requirements. The presence and expertise of our staff members can vary based on factors such as the number of attendees and the services you need. To determine the exact staff configuration and associated costs for your event, please reach out to us through our contact page. We’ll work closely with you to understand your needs, provide a detailed quote, and ensure that your event is supported by the right professionals to make it a success.

Fort Austin is rented by the day, unless a custom quote is requested. Rental time starts at noon and ends at noon. Vendors may start setting up at noon on the first day of an event and will have until noon the day after the event to remove equipment, furniture, fixtures, refuse and other accoutrements used for the event. We ask that vendors leave the property as they found it.

At Fort Austin we hate unpleasant surprises. We do our best to include everything needed for your event. With our up-front pricing and custom quotes, we itemize what is included and what is excluded. For instance, the following will generally be included in our rental quotes: parking, firewood, EV charging, utilities, cleaning, pet fees or accessories.

• We can accommodate up to 18 people for overnight stays
• We have ample parking for more than 30 vehicles
• Capacity of porch at the main lodge is 25 people at a time

• Pets must be on leash and under control at all times.
• No aggressive pets
• No pets on furniture
• Do no leave pets on the property for any reason while you are away.
• Our insurance company does not allow us to host guests with aggressive pets, wolf hybrids, pit bulls, german shepherds, rottweilers, or dobermans 

• Pet owners must pick up and dispose of pet waste

• Ambient noise and amplified music and voice not to exceed 85db total
• Stage is equipped with outlets supplying 15 amps
• No amplified music or voice past 9pm

• Please respect our neighbors with respect to noise, trash, pets, offensive light, trespassing, and by not feeding their livestock 

• Fires in fire pits only
• State and local fire bans govern our use of campfires and open flames

• Client is responsible for behavior of all their guests
• Drunk and disorderly behavior will not be tolerated
• Client is responsible to ensure no excessive alcohol consumption

• Client is responsible to provide designated drivers for those who have consumed alcohol over the legal limit

• Client is responsible to ensure no underage alcohol consumption.

• Smoking is not allowed indoors for any reason
• Client is responsible to ensure no use of illegal drugs or excessive use of legal drugs

• Client is responsible to ensure no underage use of drugs and must provide designated drivers for those whose ability is impaired

• Absolutely no grease washed out in commercial sink
• Property must be left as you found it

• Parents must supervise and ensure their children’s safety at all times
• Stairs, drop-offs, fires, insects, animals, rock falls, sharps, dust, smoke, allergens, food allergens, tools, nails, equipment, and many more hazards may be present.

• All children under 18 years old must be supervised at all times and not be allowed to roam the property

• Sauna is wood-fired
• Guests are responsible for building their own sauna fires
• Please drain cowboy plunge tank after every use
• Limit sauna use to 15 minute sessions at a time
• Sauna use restricted to adults 21 and older

• Cabins are equipped with swamp coolers, microwave ovens, coffee 
• makers, mini fridges, lights and outlets.
• Electrical breakers may trip if all appliances are operating at once

•  Violence, drunkenness, fighting, verbal abuse, property damage, vandalism and aggressive behavior will not be tolerated.
• Fort Austin staff reserves the right to evict Clients and all guests from the property if any of the above occurs
• Local law enforcement will be summoned if any of the above occur
• Client agrees to pay for repair or replacement of any and all damage due to violence, drunkenness, negligence, neglect, vandalism, intentional damage or any other cause.

• Booking deposit is non-refundable.
• Damage deposit is refundable within 10 days after the event, if no damage.
• In case of inclement weather, we do our best to accommodate activities in the lodge.
• Within 30 days of event, payments are not refundable

• To schedule your event, a 50% non-refundable booking deposit is required.  
• The balance must be paid 30 days prior to event 
• A 10% damage deposit will be due 30 days prior to event
• The damage deposit will be refunded within 10 days of event conclusion, if no damage