Author
Claire Oswald, Ellen Eberhardt
Stretching from Canada to New Mexico, the Rocky Mountain range is beautiful, and massive. For visitors looking to explore the iconic range, Colorado should be front of mine. Home to many a legendary ski resort, climbing spot, bighorn sheep, and stunning alpine drive, Colorado's Rockies are a Holy Grail for many outdoor enthusiasts around the globe. Brewery-laden towns like Vail, Aspen, Colorado Springs, Estes Park, and Evergreen all pepper the region, but Colorado's capital of Denver, located east of the Rockie's Front Range, makes a great metropolitan base camp.
The city provides excellent food, drink, and attractions like the famed Red Rocks Amphitheater, with world-class nature for hiking, biking, skiing, climbing, and just about every other activity, all within a couple hour's drive. Basically, booking a cozy cabin or glamping site near Denver is a 50-in-one deal—you're guaranteed access to endless outdoor activities and the spoils of city life. Boo-ya.
To save you from hours of online searching, we dug through it all to identify the best vacation rentals for you to experience all the magic of and near Denver yourself. From mountain getaways nearby in the Rockies, A-frames in the foothills, and urban retreats in the heart of the city, these 18 unique getaways are the perfect spot to crash while exploring the greater Denver area and then some.
The 18 Best Rental Cabins in Denver & the Surrounding Mountains
Tiny Slice of Heaven — Denver, CO
Vibe: Cabin Life, Urban Living
Experience cabin-life in the city with a stay at this tiny container home in Denver. French doors lead into your own private yard, while a fully equipped kitchen, modest living space, and queen bed keep you cozy inside. For some urban exploring, check out nearby Tennyson Street, home to numerous restaurants, cafe's, shopping, and more.
Rate: $145/night
Cedar Mountain Lodge — Evergreen, CO
Vibe: Contemporary A-Frame
Tucked away in the mountains at 8,700 feet high, this cosmopolitan one-bedroom A features a spacious deck, sophisticated furnishings, and a hot tub. A 15-minute drive to the charming town of Evergreen and a 40-minute drive to downtown Denver, there's plenty to do in the surrounding area, or just cuddle up in front of the pellet stove for a relaxing weekend in.
Rate: $328/night
The Railroad Overall Laundry Building — Denver, CO
Vibe: Artsy Apartment
This inviting and eclectic apartment perfectly reflects its art-district setting in the heart of Denver. Close to public transport to the airport, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment, you can't beat the location, but a private backyard provides a peaceful place to crash among the urban hustle and bustle.
Rate: $160/night
Indigo A-Frame — Divide, CO
Vibe: The Big Blue House
Located about two hours drive from Denver, the Indigo A-Frame is a colorful escape set amongst towering evergreens. The one-bedroom cabin features a cozy king-bed in an upstairs loft, charming green kitchen cabinets, and a western-facing deck with a hot tub to enjoy the setting sun.
Rate: $240/night
Adventure Cabin — Fairplay, CO
Vibe: Classic Cabin
On a secluded 2-acre plot amongst an Aspen grove, the Adventure Cabin is a classic mountain escape. Decked out in wooden paneling outside and in, with a central woodstove and modest footprint, if you're seeking cozy, look no further. And for good or bad, cell and WiFi service at the cabin is spotty, so prepare to reconnect with mother nature.
Rate: $161/night
Alpenglow Cabin — Twin Lakes, CO
Vibe: Scandinavin Dream
Nothing beats a Colorado sunset-especially when surrounded by 14ers and glacial lakes. Just a short, two-hour drive from Denver, you will feel like you’ve been transported from the Rocky Mountains to Scandinavia. With a full kitchen and living room, dramatic mountain views of Mt. Elbert and cozy fireplace, this approachable Hygge getaway in Twin Lakes makes for a perfect couples weekend in the mountains.
Rate: $295/night
Mountain View Cabin — Florissant, CO
Vibe: Rustic, yet Refined
Spacious and inviting, this friendly cabin features mountain views, two-bedrooms, a fenced-in backyard, and access to plenty of outdoor activities. Minutes from Mueller State Park, Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center, and the Florissant Fossil Bed, there's plenty to do for the whole family, or drive the two hours to Denver for a night on the town.
Rate: $194/night
Downtown Guesthouse — Denver, CO
Vibe: Apartment for One
Located 15 minutes from downtown Denver, this brightly painted carriage house is the perfect home-away-from-home for exploring the mile-high city. An inviting living and dining area open onto a small patio overlooking the Central Park neighborhood, while a pull-down ladder leads into an attic bedroom.
Rate: $135/night
Front Range A-Frame — Bailey, CO
Vibe: Home, Home on the Range
Located in Bailey, CO, this renovated 60's A-frame is the perfect base-camp for a weekend of outdoor activities. Located about equidistance to Breckenridge and Denver, spend equi-time in the mountains and in the city. Plus, come home to the cabin's cozy mid-mod design and cedar hot-tub.
Rate: $244/night
Wild Winds Cabin — Grand Lake, CO
Vibe: Unique Retreat
This house/airstream hybrid is a unique stay overlooking a quiet valley with seasonal wildlife and wildflowers. The Airstream features a retrofitted kitchen, dining area, and bedrooms, while the modest addition contains a living area and restroom. Only minutes from Lake Granby & short drive to Grand Lake, CO, spend your trip boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and biking around the Lake, or head to town for some good food and a public beach.
Rate: $189/night
Barrett House — Boulder, CO
Vibe: Mid-Century Modern Experimentalism
Neighboring Boulder and Roosevelt National Forest, former Denver Deputy Mayor Charles Haertling’s home is an incredibly unique property. With its sharp angles and floor to ceiling windows, this mid-century modern house is a “can’t miss” in our books. Whether you’re an avid outdoor enthusiast or prefer a stroll down main street, this rental gives you the best of both worlds.
Rate: $395/night
Panoramic Views Cabin — Jefferson, CO
Vibe: The Neverending View
An hour and a half drive from Denver, this remote A-frame features panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and plenty of animal neighbors including pronghorn antelope, hawks, rabbits, hummingbirds, bluebirds, and if lucky, moose. Besides the unforgettable setting, the interior is cozy and well-designed, and there's a hot tub out back for some impressive star gazing.
Rate: $234/night
Log Cabin — Black Hawk, CO
Vibe: Lincoln Log Lux
Secluded within the Rockies, and plenty of space in the backyard for games, this mountain cabin is perfect for a family looking to social distance from Denver. After a long day of hiking and fly-fishing in Nederland, you can unwind by stargazing from the comfort of your own private hot tub. Your mind, and your family, will thank you.
Rate: $316/night
The Hygge Chalet and Sauna — Grant, CO
Vibe: Kick Back, Relax
Inspired by the Scandinavian concept of hygge, this mountain chalet is all cozy vibes and simple pleasures. There's even a barrel sauna for that authentic Nordic experience. For days inside, there are plenty of games and a Norwegian gas fireplace to gather around, and for outdoor adventures, the cabin is located right off highway 285, a well-maintained road with connection to Denver and mountains alike.
Rate: $198/night
Historic District Carriage House — Golden, CO
Vibe: Historic Charm, Modern Amenities
Located in the upper level of a carriage house in Golden, CO, this cozy studio has a historic charm with modern amenities. While Golden itself features plenty of charming cafes and shopping, Denver and the Rockies are also nearby for further adventuring.
Rate: $131/night
Classic A-Frame — Grand Lake, CO
Vibe: Modern Boho
We all love a classic A-frame cabin, and this one is no different. Located just a mile from Grand Lake and Rocky Mountain National Park, consider this your favorite hideaway to relax and recharge for another day of outdoor activities. Larger than it seems, this vacation home can hold up to 12 guests and offers large deck space with a portable fire pit. Drive the whole fam to nearby Steamboat Springs for a dip in the hot springs or a visit to Steamboat Ski Resort.
Rate: $248/night
Sopris Sundeck Cabin — Carbondale, CO
Vibe: Glamping on Steriods
Do you love the outdoors, but would rather look than be immersed in it? This mountain retreat offers modern amenities with jaw-dropping views of Mount Sopris and the Roaring Fork Valley. If you’re looking to explore further, Glenwood Springs is a short 20-minute drive away and offers access to hot springs, caverns, and whitewater rafting trips.
Rate: $price upon request
Off-Grid A-Frame — Westcliffe, CO
Vibe: Peace, Love, and Sustainability
Green living is easy in this 100% renewable energy A-frame. Check-in after a seven-mile drive down a dirt road to get to this eco-friendly dream cabin. Located at a dramatic 8,400’ within the Wet Mountains, and 10 acres of land, you’ll be blown away by the Sangre de Cristo mountain range, and the unpolluted, star-filled skies. Like any respectable remote cabin, wifi is spotty and strong cell service is a drive away, so be prepared to bring a book. If you're looking to explore outside the cabin, drive 2hrs to famed Pikes Peak in Manitou Springs or the good food and shopping of Woodland Park and Colorado Springs
Rate: $165/night
Published 08-23-2022
