Escape to our award-winning luxury A-frame retreat, celebrated in San Diego Magazine as the Rustic Home of the Year. Perched high above the valley, the Dark Moon Chalet offers unforgettable sunset views and a tranquil space to unwind, recharge, and reconnect. This stunning, newly renovated cabin perfectly blends modern design with natural beauty. Designed and curated by Salt and Sky Lodging Co.
We are here for you - please let us know what you need or if there are any issues/questions no matter what time of day.
Our chalet is tucked away in a quiet mountain neighborhood overlooking beautiful Lake Cuyamaca, offering a true escape just an hour east of San Diego. We are located only 15 minutes from the historic town of Julian, famous for its apple pies, charming shops, and its status as a certified Dark Sky Community.
Nearby Highlights:
-Lake Cuyamaca: 4-minute drive
-The Pub at Lake Cuyamaca: 4-minute drive
-Hiking: Multiple trailheads, including Los Vaqueros, Stonewall Peak, and the Pacific Crest Trail, are just 6-10 minutes away.
-Julian: 15-minute drive to the historic town center.
-California Wolf Center: 10-minute drive
You will have private and exclusive access to the entire chalet, including the game room, expansive deck, and surrounding property. Make yourself completely at home.
If you drive 1 hour east of San Diego, there is a gorgeous lake called Lake Cuyamaca where you feel transported outside of Southern California. The cabin is tucked away in a quiet mountain neighborhood overlooking Lake Cuyamaca, only 15 minutes outside of Julian, famous for their apple pies and certified Dark Sky Community.
The iconic A-frame architecture features soaring ceilings and panoramic windows that flood the open-concept living space with light. Cozy up by the wood-burning fireplace on designer furnishings, or prepare a gourmet meal in the fully stocked modern kitchen, complete with a Terra Kaffe espresso machine and non-toxic cookware. The spa-style bathrooms invite relaxation, with one featuring a luxurious rainfall shower.
*Multi-unit mini split A/C & heat system*
✨ The Space
-Iconic A-frame architecture with soaring ceilings and panoramic windows
-Stylish open-concept living + dining with wood-burning fireplace 🔥
-Designer furnishings, high-end finishes, and thoughtful local touches
-Fully stocked modern kitchen (plus Terra Kaffe espresso machine!)
-Spa-style bathroom with luxury rainfall shower
-Multiple areas for lounging, sipping coffee, or watching sunsets
-Cedar hot tub that is toxic free, that is right we don't use chemicals!
🌲 Outdoor Magic
-Expansive private deck with jaw-dropping views
-Outdoor seating for morning coffee or sunset cocktails
-Fire pit area for stargazing nights with a telescope!
-Walking trails and nature right outside your door
🧳 Extras You’ll Love
-Fast Starlink Wi-Fi
-2 Smart TVs for cozy movie nights
-Heating and A/C for year-round comfort
-Private driveway parking
-EV charging port (cable not included)
-Basement game room with pool table
👨👩👧 Family-Friendly Touches
While our chalet is a dream getaway for couples, it’s also thoughtfully equipped for small families:
-Fun extra loft perfect for kids
-Bunk room
-2 pack n plays
-2 high chairs
-Baby gate for stairs
-Children’s dinnerware and utensils for easy meals
-Family-friendly board games for cozy nights by the fire
-2 large washer and dryers
-Easy drives to kid-friendly hikes, apple picking (in season!), and outdoor adventures
Create lasting family memories — from stargazing to cozy movie nights under the A-frame beams. 🌙✨
🐾 Dog-Friendly Mountain Escape
We know vacations are even better with your best friend by your side! 🐶
Our A-frame is dog-friendly and welcomes well-behaved pups to join the adventure.
-Spacious outdoor areas for sniffing, exploring, and lounging
-Dog bowls, dog blankets, dog bowls and toys provided
-Miles of nearby dog-friendly hiking trails
We simply ask that furry guests stay off the furniture without a dog blanket and are supervised outdoors. 🐾✨
Bring your pup along and make it a true family getaway!
🌿 Eco-Conscious Luxury
We believe the best stays are beautiful and thoughtful. 🌎✨
Our cabin was designed with sustainability and small luxuries in mind to make your stay feel extra special:
-Eco-friendly cleaning products used throughout the home
-We only use recycled or bamboo paper products and we stay away from single use plastics
-Organic coffee and tea stocked for your mornings
-Non toxic cookware, stainless steel and cast iron pots
-Unscented eco friendly laundry detergent
-High-end, eco-conscious linens and plush towels
-Natural, non-toxic bath amenities provided
-Energy-efficient appliances
-Solar powered home
-Luxe Parachute linens for all of the beds with Helix mattresses
Here, luxury feels lighter — connected to the landscape, designed with intention, and made for slowing down.
Breathe easy, sleep deeply, and savor every moment. 🌿✨
📍 Location Highlights
-15 minutes to historic downtown Julian (shops, restaurants, and famous pie!) 🥧
-Short drive to wineries, cideries, and Volcan Mountain hiking trails
-15 minutes to Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
-Perfect home base for snow days in winter ❄️ or golden hiking days year-round
👩❤️👨 Perfect For:
-Romantic escapes
-Couples retreats
-Small family getaways
-Writers, artists, and dreamers seeking inspiration
-Anniversary, engagement, or birthday trips
-Dog lovers
-Solo recharge trip
BEDROOMS:
-1 King bed in master loft
-1 Queen bed on main floor bedroom
-4 twin beds (bunk beds) on main floor bedroom
-1 queen pull out sofa bed in basement / gameroom
BATHROOMS:
-1 full bathroom with rain shower attached to master loft
-1 full bathroom on main floor with tub / shower
-1/2 bath in the basement laundry room
LAYOUT:
-Driveway with 2 entrances, steep stairs or a gradual pathway to a small set of stairs
-Entrance at ground level to the game room / laundry room / half bathroom
-Set of stairs leads up to main level with living room, kitchen, dining room, 2 bedrooms, full bathroom, and wrap around deck
-Master suite loft is overlooking living room with full bathroom and a reading loft
A vehicle is essential for exploring the area. The property features a private driveway with two entrances and dedicated parking. For your convenience, an EV charging port is available; please remember to bring your own charging cable.
Pet-friendly: Two dogs maximum! If you bring a dog you are required to pay a $150 pet fee. We love dogs and have two furry children of our own. We please ask you respect our home if you bring your dog. Don't allow your dog to chew on our furniture or scratch the leather couches. Please clean up after your dog before you leave, including excessive pet hair. Dogs are not allowed to stay in the home unattended unless they are in a crate (please bring your own crate).
Family-Friendly: We welcome small families and provide two pack 'n plays, two high chairs, a baby gate for the stairs, children's dinnerware, and board games.
Eco-Conscious Luxury: Our home is solar-powered and thoughtfully designed with sustainability in mind. We use eco-friendly cleaning products, non-toxic cookware, recycled paper goods, and provide organic bath amenities, Parachute linens, and Helix mattresses.
Seasonal Decor: To make your stay more festive, holiday decorations will be displayed from the end of November through mid-January.
Property Layout: Please be aware that access to the main entrance involves either a set of steep stairs or a gradual pathway with a few steps. The ground level provides entry to the game room, laundry room, and half bathroom.
Traveling with a Larger Group? Our sister property, Wild Moon Ranch, is located just down the road and can be booked for larger gatherings needing two separate homes.
Security: For your safety and security, the property is monitored by exterior security cameras.
