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Feel like you’re in Switzerland without spending a ton of money on plane tickets.
Situated in the middle of Uncompahgre National Forest and along the Million Dollar Highway, Ouray is filled with wonder and enchantment. It’s easily one of the best places to visit in the Centennial State and shouldn’t be missed just because it’s a five and a half-hour drive from Denver.
Whether you stay a week or just a weekend, Ouray is full of adventures and relaxation. There are high-thrill options like climbing Telluride’s Via Ferrata or easy walking like the Ouray Perimeter Trail. You can avoid the hiking trails completely and opt for dipping in the hot springs right in town.
Regardless of your plans while in town, make sure to stay at one of the following cabin rentals and fully immerse yourself in mountain culture.
Related Read: 9 Natural Hot Springs in Colorado for Soaking Away Your Troubles
1. Historic Cottage
Why you should stay: no need to figure out a dogsitter since this place is pet-friendly.
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $193/night
Travel back in time while staying in this quaint and historic cabin in the heart of downtown. The home has all the feels of a rustic cabin in the woods despite its central location. The real wood logs that make up the bones of the house still have the beetle larvae trails etched in the grain. The sleeping loft overlooks the elk skull looming over the living area.
Its location provides ample opportunities for various outdoor activities. For those who like to walk, hike the Ouray Perimeter Trail which you can grab straight from this rental. If soaking in some hot springs is more your style, look no further than Ouray Hot Springs pool. Or if unique wildlife is what you’re after, the black swifts that nest in Box Cañon Falls is perfect for the birding enthusiast! But if none of that entertains you, there are dozens of books and movies throughout the home for the more introverted types.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 11 Outstanding Cabin Rentals Near Pagosa Springs, Colorado
2. Mount Hayden Backcountry Lodge
Why you should stay: relax in the cedar hot tub after a day of recreating just outside the lodge.
- Sleeps: 17
- Minimum Stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $120/night
For a truly unique high-altitude experience, head to the newly-built Mount Hayden Backcountry Lodge and bring your friends and family! Breathing in fresh air has a whole new meaning when you’re sleeping at just over 11,000 feet. The lodge sits near the summit of Imogene Pass which is a popular off-road Jeep trail and one of the most stunning roads to drive in all of Colorado. This also means that the mountains are at your doorstep when you stay here! Simply walk out the front door and hike, snowshoe, ski, or simply sunbathe on the deck. The options are endless.
To get to this alpine retreat, you’ll need an off-road, high clearance, four-wheel drive vehicle. If you don’t have a vehicle that meets all those specifications, you’ll need to either hike or bike in. No need to bring too much food since the lodge’s chefs provide both breakfast and dinner which is included in the price of your stay.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 9 Woodsy Cabin Rentals Near Durango, Colorado
3. Mountainside Cabin
Why you should stay: the wrap-around porch is the perfect place to sip your morning cup of coffee.
- Sleeps: 8
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $179/night
Tucked in the oak and spruce trees in the valley just north of Ouray, this secluded home blends right into the surrounding landscape. The ample floor-to-ceiling windows provide enough immersion into nature even if you don’t want to relax on the wrap-around porch.
This mountain retreat is an ideal basecamp no matter your outdoor endeavor. It sits between several cities in the southwest corner of the state. Hike in Telluride, relax in the hot springs of Ouray, or fish in Ridgway — or perhaps do all three!
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 13 Adventurous Things To Do in Telluride, Colorado
4. Cannon Creek Cabin
Why you should stay: hands down, the best view from a hot tub I’ve ever seen.
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $225/night
It’s worth noting twice that this cool house is worth the nightly fee simply for the views seen from the hot tub. It doesn’t get much better than that. If you’re lucky, you might be driving up the road to the cabin in late September when the aspens are on fire! Hopefully they won’t literally be on fire but you never know in Colorado — wildfires are prevalent in the state.
The way that the home is perched on the mountainside makes it feel as if you’re staying in a treehouse. Large ponderosa pines tower over the back porch as you take in the sweeping views. You can even walk down to the small creek that is on the property and bask in your own private waterfall!
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 10 Unique Places to Stay in Colorado for a Memorable Vacation
5. Rustic Log Cabin
Why you should stay: more outdoor relaxing areas than you can count!
- Sleeps: 10
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $479/night
Plan the ultimate relaxing vacation by staying in this classic log cabin right on the banks of the Uncompahgre River. Grab a fresh cup of coffee and watch the water cascading down into town while sitting on the front porch. You might even catch a glimpse of a black-chinned or broad-tailed hummingbird – the only two hummingbird species that nest in the county.
The home has all the comforts of a good ol’ log cabin with hunting accents and mountain home décor. There are plenty of beds to bring the whole family while also having enough space for everyone to have some “me” time. If you need a break, the downtown shops and restaurants are only a short 15-minute walk.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 11 Beautiful National Forests in Colorado for Outdoor Recreation
6. San Juan Mountain Retreat
Why you should stay: check out one of the largest aspen groves from your front porch.
- Sleeps: 8
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $365/night
It might take a little extra time to get to this mountain retreat, but the views are well worth the added mileage. Don’t fret over the semi-steep driveway when you arrive. How else are you going to get those unbeatable views if you aren’t up high enough? With large floor-to-ceiling windows in the living area, you can enjoy the sweeping vistas from the comfort of the couch even on the coldest of days.
Kids will especially love this comforting home with a beautiful playroom in the loft area complete with a tipi fort and real-life horse’s saddle! Grown ups can enjoy sipping their favorite cocktails on the large porch while watching the wildlife pass through the property. Make sure to bring in all your food though – bears are known to hang out in the area!
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 8 Small Towns in Colorado for Outdoor Enthusiasts
7. Luxury Mountain Home
Why you should stay: there will be no arguments over who gets to control the remote since there are TVs in all of the bedrooms.
- Sleeps: 9
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $328/night
If you’re vacationing with multiple families, look no further than this large, modern home in the heart of Ouray. There are two master suites perfect for the parents who are coming to southwestern Colorado for a little relaxation. The other bedrooms have bunk beds that are ideal for little bodies that might not want to go to bed.
The kids will enjoy the backyard with the amphitheater-like steps. The stone patio at the bottom of them are perfect to put on a play. And, bonus — parents can enjoy their drink of choice while cheering their kiddos on. For a more formal theatre experience, you can always head to the Wright Opera House and let the professionals do it.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 10 Adventurous Things To Do in Colorado in the Fall
8. Riverside Cabin #4
Why you should stay: the perfect escape for those wanting a more economical option.
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $73/night
Who needs a 2,000 square foot home with four bedrooms to make a comforting vacation? Not me! Which is why these quaint cabins by the Uncompahgre River are ideal for those not needing a whole lot of space and would rather spend their money on the adventures to be had!
And the adventures are a‘plenty throughout the Uncompahgre and San Juan National Forests that surround the area. After a day of romping around the wilderness, you can unwind in one of the two (that’s right, two!) hot tubs on the property or grab a snack or two at the Trading Post.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 10 Best Hikes in Colorado for Getting Out into Nature
9. Modern Valley Cabin
Why you should stay: both open valley and majestic mountain views from the wrap-around porch.
- Sleeps: 7
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $175/night
You wouldn’t think that “rustic log cabin” and “industrial chic” would go together, but you’d be wrong! This secluded and luxurious home is the perfect combination of the two design choices. With its lamp lights overhanging the sliding barn doors and Edison lightbulbs throughout the home, you’ll feel as if you’re in 18th century Appalachia rather than southwestern Colorado.
The corrugated steel in the master bedroom is reminiscent of an upscale apartment in the middle of Brooklyn. Although you won’t find any cranky New Yorkers here. You might, however, find some nosy deer or bear neighbors that love to put on a show for guests.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 14 Pros and Cons of Living in Colorado
10. The Rustic
Why you should stay: there’s a huge hill on the property perfect for sledding in the winter and rolling down in the summer.
- Sleeps: 8
- Minimum Stay: 3 nights
- Rates from: $319/night
If you looked up “classic mountain cabin in Colorado”, more than likely there would be a photo of The Rustic. The exposed beams, oversized leather couch, live-edge coffee table, and southwestern-style rugs are just some of the brilliant touches throughout the home.
River rock is a common theme and farmhouse sinks are found in the kitchen and bathrooms. Every piece of décor was purposefully picked to make this home feel as though you’re in the middle of the southwestern United States about ready to go on a cattle drive. Don’t worry, knowing how to ride a horse is not a requirement to stay at this cabin.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 11 Easiest 14ers in Colorado for Newbies to the High Peaks
Plan Your Trip to Ouray, Colorado
Make sure you make the most of your stay in Ouray and focus on these must-see recommendations.
- Hike the Ice Lakes Basin — there’s a reason it’s so popular. If that’s too hard, though, try one of the many other hikes in the area.
- Hike one of the via ferratas in the area including one in Ouray and Telluride.
- Mix up some potions at the Ouray Alchemist Pharmacy Museum.
- Take a high-altitude adventure and drive the Alpine Loop which follows the roads that were first used by miners from the 1800s (a 4WD, high-clearance vehicle is required).
- Visit the town in winter and try your hand at ice climbing or, better yet, visit in late January to watch the world-renowned ice climbing festival.
- Grab a drink from one of the multiple restaurants in town. For beer, try Red Mountain Brewing.
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Seen in: Cabins, Colorado, Rockies, West, Where to Stay, Where to Stay in Colorado
