Guidelines and info for your stay:
At this time we allow kids on a case by case basis for a few reasons . We have a concern for their safety since rattlesnakes, cougars, bobcats and coyotes are seen regularly and Birdsong backs up to 1000's of acres of BLM land and if children are not sufficiently supervised, they could be at risk. The second reason is that we guarantee our guests privacy and quiet and kids naturally want to explore and make noise so sadly those things don't always go together. When booking, you will need to reassure us that the children you bring will be supervised, respectful of other guests and cautious when exploring.
Dogs
For everyone’s safety, the following equestrian policies exist at Birdsong:
Non motorized trail bikes may be allowed by permission only and depends on who else is staying on the property. If horses are using the trails the days you want to book, we/you will need to make arrangements with those guests as to who will be using the trails and when since the two do not go well together. If no horses are on the property at the time then it should not be a issue but please ask so everyone can be safely accommodated .
Hot Tub
Terms and Liability Waiver
Birdsong is a primitive, naturally forested environment with unimproved access roads and facilities. As the principal renter, you are responsible for the safety and behavior of everyone in your party, and assume personal responsibility to inform everyone in your party of the following information. By confirming this reservation you acknowledge that you have read and understand the following terms notices, and have read, understand and agree to abide by the following terms & conditions.
- Birdsong is a non-smoking property.
- The responsible party renting any of the cabins must be 25 years or older. This will be verified at time of booking and checkin.
- Birdsong is a private retreat property. We are not open to the public and only registered guests allowed.
- Click here to see a map of Bluebird Backcountry Retreat now.
- Acoustical music is welcome, but amplified music, unless played at low volume, is not appropriate. Quiet nights are of particular value here and sound carries exceeding well.
- Generators are not allowed due to noise level and if you need power, please ask if we can provide you access to any nearby power.
At this time we allow kids on a case by case basis for a few reasons . We have a concern for their safety since rattlesnakes, cougars, bobcats and coyotes are seen regularly and Birdsong backs up to 1000's of acres of BLM land and if children are not sufficiently supervised, they could be at risk. The second reason is that we guarantee our guests privacy and quiet and kids naturally want to explore and make noise so sadly those things don't always go together. When booking, you will need to reassure us that the children you bring will be supervised, respectful of other guests and cautious when exploring.
Dogs
- Dogs must be kept on leash outside of their yards. Rattlesnakes, cougars, bobcats and coyotes are seen regularly and we cannot guarantee their safety off leash .
- We have neighbors with livestock and any strange dogs entering another's property and or threatening livestock risk being injured or shot.
- Noisy or aggressive dogs are not permitted at Birdsong and will be asked to leave the property promptly.
- There is no additional fee to bring your dog(s) with you when staying at Birdsong.
- The nearest vet is approx. 30 minutes away and nearest after hour vet is 40 minutes away in Temecula. Each refridgerator posts contact info on door.
For everyone’s safety, the following equestrian policies exist at Birdsong:
- Horses and Riders have the right of way on trails and roads. If you see a horse and rider on the road , stop, give them a wide berth and stand off to side if hiking on trail.
- Dogs must be leashed up in the presence of horses they/you are unfamiliar with.
- Quiet yourselves and dogs (if you have them) as they pass.
Non motorized trail bikes may be allowed by permission only and depends on who else is staying on the property. If horses are using the trails the days you want to book, we/you will need to make arrangements with those guests as to who will be using the trails and when since the two do not go well together. If no horses are on the property at the time then it should not be a issue but please ask so everyone can be safely accommodated .
Hot Tub
- Accommodations with hot tub are only for their use private and available 24 hours a day.
- No glass is allowed in the hot tub for safety reasons. Please keep beverages on side table when entering and exiting hot tub
- If you have questions about hot tub controls, please contact your host.
- No campfires or wood burning fires allowed, other than in designated fire pits and only at certain times of year. You will be told prior to check in if they will be allowed. To protect our native trees, plants and shrubs, out of area firewood is prohibited and wood collecting is prohibited. For fire safety and spark prevention, we ask you bring your choice of spark free Presto type logs.
- If there is wind, fires are prohibited.
- Fire screen must be used at all times.
- Use only spark free presto type logs.
- All fires must be doused when unattended. Hose and shovel provided.
- Firearms, slingshots, fireworks prohibited
- Park vehicles, horse trailers, RVs and campers in designated areas only. Speed limit inside the property is 5 miles per hour. Vehicles are not allowed past the bunkhouse. If you are a guest at Bluebird, please do not drive into the Bunkhouse or group area.
- No motorcycles allowed on property (due to noise level).
- No vehicles allowed off road. Please stay on designated roads.
- Do not drive or park in open meadow in front or rear of Bunkhouse. These areas are under restoration. The two designated camp sites near Bunkhouse are only available to those in same party as Bunkhouse.
- Road conditions during winter months may require 4x4 or AWD or help to get to cabins.
- Generators are not allowed due to noise and pollution restrictions at Birdsong.
- Please keep your accommodation site neat & clean at all times.
- Place garbage in cans assigned to your accommodation site only.
- Recycling and Garbage cans are made available at each site for guests.
- Clean Kitchen
- Dishes should be washed and put away or if using dishwasher, please load dishes, add detergent and start cycle.
- Please turn off heat completely
- Please turn off electric fireplace completely
- Please turn off electronics such as TV/DVD
- Please turn off appliances such as coffee maker, oven and stove.
- Please take trash and recycling outside to external cans.
- Checkout time is 11:00 unless otherwise noted by hosts
- Close and lock windows
- Leave house key on kitchen counter and leave door unlocked
- Use of ATV’s, mini-bikes prohibited.
- Golf carts, other than the hosts are not permitted
- Drone use is only allowed by host permission and time allowed may be restricted so as not to interfere with other guests enjoyment of Birdsong.
- Stage Coach Inn: Our closest restaurant, the Stage Coach Inn is a quintessential, old-fashioned roadside eatery with a full bar, great burgers, daily specials, and a 20 minute drive from Birdsong. The perfect place to mix with the locals, from ranchers to retirees and hikers to visitors, you are sure to feel right at home at the Stage Coach Inn.
- Our Region’s Beloved Wine Trail: These small family vineyards are a not only a off the beaten path treasure for tourists but are very popular with the locals. Their beautiful views, intimate low key tasting rooms, and friendly hosts are a refreshing contrast to the glitzy, large operations in Temecula. Most are pet friendly but call ahead to ask. We recommend Shadow Mountain, La Serenissima, Hawkwatch, Sierra Roble and Emerald Creek.
- Farmhouse 78 in Santa Ysabel is considered one of the best full service restaurants in the Backcountry. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner is a sparkling farmhouse dining room with stone fireplace or umbrella-topped patio, this tasty eatery has true gourmet farm to table meals with style. Farmhouse 78 offers a beautiful wine and beer menu with many local and nationally respected labels. From handcrafted soups and salads to 5-star prime rib on date night, this place is sure to offer a meal to remember. See the Farmhouse 78 menu here. Farmhouse 78 is located at the main crossroads of HWY 78 and HWY 79 in Santa Ysabel, just 30 minutes from Birdsong.
- Julian Pie Company in Santa Ysabel is a famous bakery owned by the local Smothers family and have been turning out delicious award winning pies of every variety since. Don't come home without a slice or you'll wish you had! For any last minute shopping, head into Don's Market right next store. They have a butcher counter and all the charms of a small town grocery store in the back country.
- The Sunshine Summit Market + Gas Station is a rural outpost for everything from hardware and supplies to frozen entrees, liquor, paper products and household essentials. They sell basics like eggs and milk but are not a full service grocer, and they do not offer fresh produce, meats or fish. To find Sunshine Summit Market + Gas Station: As you leave BIrdsong, turn Left out of the driveway onto Chihuahua Valley Rd. until it dead ends at Hwy 79. Then make a Left on HWY 79 (towards Santa Ysabel) Drive about 3 miles. You will see the sign and building with large parking lot on the right.
Terms and Liability Waiver
Birdsong is a primitive, naturally forested environment with unimproved access roads and facilities. As the principal renter, you are responsible for the safety and behavior of everyone in your party, and assume personal responsibility to inform everyone in your party of the following information. By confirming this reservation you acknowledge that you have read and understand the following terms notices, and have read, understand and agree to abide by the following terms & conditions.
- In the event of an emergency: CALL 911 using wifi service provided. If there is a power outage, you will need to drive down to base of Chihuahua Valley Rd and the Highway 79 intersection where there is cell service.
- Onsite Conditions Storms & Lightning - Storms are unpredictable and can be fatal. Should a storm strike while you are at Birdsong take refuge and stay in your car until it passes. Lighting storms are common in the warmer months, and can be deadly. Do not stand on high ground or under tall trees. Overhead - Birdsong is a natural and largely unimproved environment. Broken branches overhead occur frequently and can be dangerous.
- Roads, Trails, & Paths - The dirt roadways are largely unimproved and can be rocky, soft and otherwise not suitable for some vehicles. Determine the suitability of your vehicle for the roadway before driving it. Many cleared and frequently used areas have hazardous surface obstacles such as roots, rocks, or logs.
- Exploring - Look but do enter or touch.
- Absolutely no campfires anywhere except in designated fire pits using spark free presto type logs. No wood collecting and no wood importing. Fires must be thoroughly doused when unattended.
- Dogs must be on leash outside of their fenced area and owners understand that rattlesnakes, cougars, bobcats and coyotes are seen regularly and we cannot guarantee their safety if off leash.
- Flora and Fauna - Poisonous, infectious, or dangerous; animals, insects and plants are present at Baileys. Wildlife is abundant in the valley including mountain lion, deer, fox, coyote, bobcat, skunk, raccoon, wild turkey, pigeons, woodpeckers, crows, hawks, numerous song birds, rattle snakes, squirrels, pack rats, mice, black widow and brown recluse spiders, and many types of other biting insects. Should you encounter them, please do not attempt to feed or interact with them in any way. Don’t reach directly behind rocks or into a wood pile – use a stick to first determine if wildlife is present. Walk looking at the ground, and use a flashlight at night. If you encounter a snake of any kind, leave it alone. If you or your pet get bit, go to emergency immediately. We have posted a sticker with the vet's number on the refridgerators. And for your own safety, remember: - Never eat wild plants. - Never touch, feed, or disrupt wildlife. Keep all food stuffs in closed containers. - Never reach blindly behind rocks or into brush or wood piles - Always carry a flashlight at night.