Base of Mt Elden Nest—Trails & Downtown Access

Summary:

Wake up at the foot of Mt Elden in our cozy one-bed “Bird’s Nest”. Step onto hiking, cross-country ski & snowshoe trails; drive 10 min to downtown Flagstaff, 20 min to Arizona Snowbowl and 90 min to the Grand Canyon.



Private suite in a two-story home with fast Wi-Fi, full kitchen overlooking the greenhouse. After adventure, stream shows on the TV or unwind on the starlit patio.



Book your mountain getaway today!



The Space:

The space is located in a two-story home with a greenhouse and a separate office/studio space on the ground level. Guests have private access to the large master bedroom and bath upstairs as well as a large kitchen and living area. The upstairs looks out over a beautifully maintained greenhouse on one side and the national forest on the other. Please note that guests are welcome to be in the greenhouse, but it is a shared space as we have to take care of the plants and do work in the greenhouse and back yard. Guests do not have access to the office/studio. We do not rent this out, but we do have a bed down there for visiting family to stay and may occasionally be occupied. The space has its own private entrance.



We take great pride in our property and want every detail of our guests’ experience to be amazing. Our home is professionally cleaned between each guest ensuring a spotless environment in which to relax. We provide kitchen essentials. We aim to make both the home and grounds an oasis for our guests to relax and have fun.



While this listing is categorized as an “Entire Home” per Airbnb’s limited listing options, we want to be fully transparent about the layout and use of the property. There is a lower-level suite that is occasionally used by visiting family members (not employees or strangers). This space has its own separate entrance and does not share any indoor areas with guests. Use of the suite is rare and always limited to quiet, respectful family visits. Guests have full and private access to all the listed areas of the home, and we do our best to communicate any potential overlap in advance. If absolute exclusivity of the entire structure is essential, please reach out before booking so we can ensure the setup works for your needs.



Guest Access:

Guests will enjoy easy, private access to the home through their own dedicated entrance. You’ll be able to come and go as you please with a secure smart lock for self check-in.



Please note that garage access is not included with this rental, but there is ample free parking available on the driveway or street for your convenience.



The Neighborhood:

Nestled along the base of Mount Elden and surrounded by towering ponderosa pines, the Shadow Mountain neighborhood offers a peaceful forest retreat while still keeping you close to all of Flagstaff’s best attractions. This quiet, tree-lined community is beloved for its natural beauty, scenic views, and unbeatable access to the outdoors.



Located just a few miles northeast of downtown, Shadow Mountain feels tucked away yet conveniently close to everything—restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, and local breweries are all just a short drive away. NAU, historic Route 66, and Flagstaff’s vibrant downtown are also easy to reach.



Outdoor lovers will especially appreciate the neighborhood’s proximity to the Coconino National Forest and miles of hiking and biking trails. Popular paths like Fatman’s Loop, Elden Lookout, and Buffalo Park are right around the corner, perfect for morning runs, scenic hikes, or sunset strolls.



The area is known for its peaceful residential vibe, quiet streets, and beautiful mountain scenery. It’s an ideal spot for guests looking to relax in a serene setting while staying close to Flagstaff’s adventure, charm, and culture. Whether you’re here to explore the outdoors, visit local attractions, or simply unwind under the pines, Shadow Mountain is the perfect home base.



Getting Around:

The best way to explore Flagstaff and the surrounding Northern Arizona attractions is by car. While Flagstaff does have public transit and ride-share options, many of the area’s highlights—such as the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Snowbowl, Walnut Canyon, and countless hiking trails—are easiest to reach when you have your own vehicle. A car allows you to enjoy the flexibility of mountain drives, day trips, and exploring at your own pace. Streets are easy to navigate, and most destinations offer convenient parking.



Other Things to Note:

✅ This property has special local compliance requirements which include a signed rental agreement, ID verification, and a security hold of $1000 (which is not a traditional security deposit, just a pending transaction). As an optional alternative to the security hold, you may opt in to purchase a non-refundable damage waiver provided by a third-party insurance company. The optional damage waiver is $45 for stays up to 10 nights, with an additional $2 per day for stays longer than 10 nights. Damage waiver purchases are optional.



To make this process easy for you, we use a secure and very simple, app-free platform called Happy Guest. It is not an app, and you do not have to sign up for an account - it’s a safe and secure website. It also gives you a guest portal with all the info about the home and all of my favorite local spots.



Your guest portal includes advertisements with third-party upgrades that you may want to enhance your stay. These upgrades are optional and include:

Early Check-in - $15/hr



Pet Policy: We welcome well-behaved pets! A $75 per pet, per stay fee applies. Please clean up after your pet and keep them off furniture.



Early check-in is subject to availability at the sole discretion of the host.

Early check-in availability is determined on the day of arrival.



Late Check-Out Policy

We kindly ask all guests to adhere to our check-out time as we are unable to accommodate late check-outs. This allows us sufficient time to prepare the property for the next guests and maintain our high standards of cleanliness and readiness. Guests who stay beyond our standard check-out time of 10:00 AM will incur a fee of $50 per hour. This charge helps offset the disruption to our cleaning schedule, ensuring the property is ready and welcoming for incoming guests.





Snow & Winter Weather Policy



Flagstaff experiences significant winter weather, and we want to ensure our guests are well-prepared for snow-related conditions. Please read this policy carefully, as it outlines what is covered and what is not regarding cancellations, travel disruptions, and snow management during your stay.



What IS Covered (Eligible for Refunds/Rescheduling)



The following events qualify for cancellation or rescheduling outside of our standard cancellation policy:



1. Government-Mandated Travel Restrictions

✅ If a government agency issues a mandatory road closure or evacuation order that prevents access to the property.

✅ This must be an official order, not just a recommendation or travel advisory.



2. Large-Scale Utility Outages

✅ If a prolonged power, water, or heating outage occurs due to winter storms, impacting the majority of homes in the area.

✅ Minor disruptions or short-term outages that are common during storms do not qualify.

If one of these covered events occurs, guests may be eligible for a refund, rescheduling, or a credit for a future stay, at our discretion.



What is NOT Covered (Standard Cancellation Policy Applies)



The following situations are not covered by this policy, meaning refunds or rescheduling will not be granted unless they fall under our normal cancellation policy:



1. Personal Travel Issues Due to Weather

❌ If snow or ice makes it difficult for you to drive but roads remain open.

❌ Flight delays, cancellations, or rental car unavailability due to weather.

❌ Choosing not to travel because of a snowstorm or potential bad weather.



2. Lack of Proper Vehicle Equipment

❌ Guests are responsible for ensuring they have a 4WD/AWD vehicle and snow chains (when required).

❌ If you are unable to reach the property due to inadequate vehicle preparation, this will not be grounds for a refund.



3. Local Snow Accumulation or Plowing Delays

❌ Our team will ensure the driveway and main pathways are cleared before check-in. However, additional snowfall during your stay is not a covered event.

❌ Plowing schedules are subject to weather conditions, and delays in plowing are not eligible for refunds.



Guest Responsibilities



Travel with a 4WD/AWD vehicle and carry snow chains if required.

Check weather and road conditions before departing for your trip.

Be prepared to shovel walkways or vehicles if snow falls during your stay (shovels are provided).

Contact us if you experience any issues so we can assist with local resources.



Final Notes



Landscaping, trash pickup, and spa maintenance (if applicable) may take place during your stay. These routine services help keep the property in top condition and should not cause any disruption.



By booking, guests acknowledge and accept this Snow & Winter Weather Policy and understand that refunds outside of our cancellation policy are at the host's discretion.

If you have any questions or concerns before or during your stay, please reach out.



Interaction with Guests:

We live behind this property and are around to answer any questions and help. There are lots of gardens around the home, so you can expect to see us around keeping the grounds and working in the greenhouse. As Flagstaff natives we have plenty of tips for your trips!