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As a recently-transplanted California native, I hope you’ll listen closely when I tell you this: Colorado freaking rules.
From its world-class mountain biking and rust-tinted sandstone of the Western slope, to its snaggle-toothed 14ers and steamy hot springs, there’s no shortage of epic natural wonders in this land-locked state.
Sure, you could post up at one of the state’s boutique hotels or ultra-luxe resorts after a day of adventuring in the Rocky Mountains. But in my opinion, the best way to bed down (and fully immerse yourself) in the Centennial State is to rent yerself a gosh darn cabin.
Ranging in amenities and price from bougie, view-filled retreats to affordable, family-friendly hideouts, there’s a whole host of different homes for rent in every nook and cranny of Colorado. We’ve done the hard work for you and selected our favorite cabin rentals in every area of the state. Read on for a top-down look at the best vacation cabins in Colorado.
The Best Cabin Rentals Near Denver
Not only is Denver the site of a major international airport, it’s also the most populous city in Colorado. If you’re flying in or live in the state, chances are good that you’ll be passing through this metropolitan area. Luckily, this metropolis is close to the breathtaking Rocky Mountains, the ski area of Vail, and the striking red rocks at Garden of the Gods. There’s no shortage of cabin rentals close to Denver, even if you’re only looking for a short one- or two-night staycation.
Riverfront Cabin in Lyons
Searching for a great cabin close to Denver? This three-bedroom riverfront gem offers the perfect blend of indoor-outdoor living. Hear the rush of moving water as you grill outdoors and dine al fresco at the picnic table, underneath twinkling lights. Or, if the weather outside is frightful, enjoy the full kitchen, L’Occitane bath products, and wood-burning fireplace. No matter what, you’re sure to be super-duper cozy and feel a million miles away from the big city.
A-frame Getaway near Breckenridge
Breckenridge is known for its quality mountain town vibes, and this unique A-frame cabin is full of natural light and forest views. High ceilings, an eat-in kitchen, and a gas fireplace turn the vibe up to maximum cozy downstairs, while a spacious full bedroom and bathroom awaits upstairs (the entire property is three bedrooms, two bathrooms). Traveling with youngsters or want to stretch your legs? An easy stroll brings you to Robert A. Theobald Memorial Park, which has a wonderful, tree-lined playground.
Secluded Cabin near Buena Vista
Okay, okay, we know that Buena Vista isn’t that close to Denver, but with its world-class river access, great hiking, and soak-worthy hot springs, we couldn’t not include it on our list of top Colorado cabins. Set just over two hours from the big metropolis, this comfortable log cabin is close to twelve (yes, twelve!) 14ers, a short drive from Cottonwood Hot Springs, and offers quick access to fly fishing on the Arkansas River. Clean neutrals offer a modern feel inside the home, with a wood-burning stove, full kitchen, and outdoor hot tub keeping you comfy, no matter what season you visit.
Log Cabin with Pikes Peak Views
Sometimes, you just want to get away from it all, and the only suitable accommodation is a secluded cabin in the Rocky Mountains. Set on ten private acres with vistas of treetops and Pikes Peak, this ranch-style log cabin simply oozes woodsy mountain energy (think wagon wheel chandeliers, Southwest textiles, and wood furniture). Its three bedrooms and two bathrooms make it a great option for families or groups of friends, and a spacious deck, hot tub, and al fresco dining area will make it hard to ever want to leave and explore Woodland Park.
Front Range A-frame with Hot Tub
Classic, stylish, and brimming with modern amenities. That’s the vibe at this secluded A-frame cabin near Bailey, which is a mere 60 minutes from Denver. Exposed hardwood beams and rustic flooring exude that quintessential log cabin aesthetic, while stainless steel kitchen appliances and a wall-mounted flatscreen keep creature comforts close at hand. When you aren’t sipping a cup of Joe and admiring the dappled sunlight from the property’s porch, soak your tired bones in the idyllic outdoor cedar hot tub.
The Best Cabin Rentals on the Western Slope
In my opinion, the Western Slope is one of the most underrated areas of Colorado — though that’s changing quickly. It’s now booming thanks to the wild popularity of Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley, Grand Junction and its wineries, excellent mountain biking, river access, and fresh produce. Plus, mountain towns along the Million Dollar Highway (which stretches from Silverton to Ouray) are great base camps for hiking and leaf peeping. Oh, and did I mention the prevalence of Utah-style red rock views, minus the national park crowds?
Redstone Cabin on the River
Bring Fido and his friends along at this pet-friendly cabin that’s set along the banks of the Crystal River. Not only is this house a fly fisherman’s dream (seriously, just walk out the door and cast), it’s also a beacon of idyllic indoor-outdoor living, with a grill, a patio dining area, and a full kitchen brimming with stainless steel appliances. If the weather turns sour, curl up by the wood-burning stove or plop down with a good book in the enormous jacuzzi tub.
Roaring Fork River Cabin
It can be tough to find a halfway affordable cabin rental near Aspen, so this rustic gem on the edge of the Roaring Fork River is a relative steal. Not only can you immerse yourself in all the vibey 1970s wood paneling your little heart can muster, you can also fly fish and dine outdoors to a stunning view of the surrounding mountains. Inside, a full kitchen and bathroom ensure you’ll have all the creature comforts you need in between your Snowmass adventures.
Historic Log Cabin near Ouray
Famous for its big mountain proximity and wintertime ice climbing park, Ouray, Colorado is a paradise for those who like to go big outdoors. This circa-1879 log cabin has plenty of space for you and your crew to relax and unwind after a day in the hills, with a full kitchen, plush leather couch, and two spacious bedrooms. Grill up a feast on the outdoor deck (complete with epic views of the amphitheater) or head into downtown Ouray and hit up a local restaurant–it’s a stone’s throw away.
The Best Cabin Rentals in Northern Colorado
As I mentioned earlier, no corner of Colorado is boring, by any stretch of the imagination. The northern expanse of the Centennial State sits on the border with Wyoming and Utah, and is home to adrenaline-boosting ski slopes at Steamboat Springs and Loveland, superb fly fishing, and the myriad of high peaks, hiking trails, and alpine lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Interested in wildlife viewing? Go in early October for the annual elk rut in Estes Park.
Mountain Village at Lake Estes
No matter what time of year you’re visiting Estes Park and its delightful cabins (and nearby Rocky Mountain National Park), there’s no reason not to book one of these luxurious and well-priced cabins on the shore of Lake Estes. Not only will you and your crew have access to the paved, four-mile walking path around the lake itself (I took my pup Marla here every morning), but most of the cabins on the property are pet-friendly and feature bubbling hot tubs on their decks, which my partner and I absolutely loved for lavish, post-hike soaks. Inside, you’ll enjoy posh amenities, like flatscreen TVs, floor-to-ceiling windows, lofted roofs, and crackling fireplaces.
Hot Tub Cabin near Rocky Mountain National Park
It’s rare that you can rent a cabin that actually enables you to walk into a national park from the front door, but you have that and more at this adorable cabin with a cozy hot tub. Sure, the décor is a smidge sparse, but the amenities offered at this Estes Park haven offer everything you need — full kitchen, indoor fireplace, and a gigantic deck, complete with a burbling hot tub. After a day of hiking in the Rockies, head over to The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern for a cold beer and some excellent live music.
Affordable Cabins at Snow Mountain Ranch
Wanna visit Rocky Mountain National Park, but don’t want to suffer the Estes Park crowds? Get thee to the Grand Lake side of the park, which oozes with mountain town charm, while offering cheaper rentals and fewer humans clad in Patagonia. I finally got out to this less-traveled hamlet last summer and stayed at a quaint 1970s-style wooden cabin at Snow Mountain Ranch, with my dog and boyfriend. The amenities weren’t fancy (and neither was the price tag), but we had everything we needed to jam out on guitar, chow down on buffet-style dinners, and cozy up in front of the fireplace when we weren’t exploring new trails.
Dancing Pines Hot Tub Cabin in Estes Park
Hip decor? Check. Near the national park? Check. Chic décor, an outdoor patio, and river views? Check, check, and check. This three-bedroom, three-bath hot tub cabin in Estes Park is the definition of luxe living, and at only $392 a night, it’s a great deal for families or groups of friends who want to spend several days hiking and escaping the city. Plan a game night in the open-plan living room, watch the sunset while grilling on the deck, or stretch out on the seasoned leather sofas when you aren’t crushing it in the mountains.
The Best Cabin Rentals in Southern Colorado
Sparsely populated and bordering New Mexico, southern Colorado lends itself to a decidedly more southwestern vibe than the rest of the state. It’s home to some fabulous natural hot springs, less-crowded national parks like Great Sand Dunes and Mesa Verde, and skiing-sans-Denver-crowds at Durango’s Purgatory Resort. Rock climbers take note: Durango and the Four Corners region boast some seriously epic bouldering and sport climbing. Go ahead: shred that gnar.
Pet-friendly Pagosa Springs Lookout
As only one of three cabins on a 72-acre property, this stylish site is certainly secluded. So, no matter when you visit, you’ll feel a million miles away from the big city while perched on a panoramic viewpoint outside of Pagosa Springs. Outrageously airy with floor-to-ceiling windows (hello, morning coffee views), this rental also boasts a modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a full bathroom, a cozy bedroom, and a sleeping loft for the kiddos. A mere five-minute drive away is Hippy Dip Hot Spring, for when you’d rather soak than shred.
Designer Purgatory Cabin with Sauna and Hot Tub
Listen, as a savvy pet owner, it’s important for me to travel to dog-friendly vacation rentals when I’m out and about. Oftentimes, they can look a bit shoddy in photos, compared to their non-pupper counterparts, but this cabin in Purgatory breaks that stereotype. This pretty, petite one-bedroom cabin is a true designer ski shack, with a kitchen, sleeping area, small porch, and a bathroom with a hot shower to freshen up. The best part? Down a short boardwalk path, the property has a Nordic-style barrel sauna.
The Nest Cozy Cottage
Proximity to Garden of the Gods, Cave of the Winds, and Red Rock Canyon makes Manitou Springs an ideal getaway hub, just outside of Denver. This tranquil, forested oasis in the heart of town is the ideal base camp for wherever your adventures take you. With a Zen-like feel of clean whites and neutral tones inside, you’ll surely be able to relax and shake off your city stressors while enjoying amenities like a kitchen, a walk-in shower, and a plush memory foam mattress.
Modern Mountain Escape near Colorado Springs
Where I’m from, Colorado Springs can get a bad rap, but its proximity to striking red rock canyons and 14ers like Pikes Peak make it a fantastic outdoorsy getaway for nature lovers of all ages. This sleek, modern home is practically overflowing with panoramic views and is well-appointed with amenities like a huge eat-in kitchen, multiple living rooms, and three ample bedrooms. With so many jaw-dropping mountain views at this rental, you’ll have a hard time leaving to explore the surrounding area.
More Colorado Cabin Getaways
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Seen in: Cabins, Colorado, Rockies, West, Where to Stay, Where to Stay in Colorado
