It’s OK to admit you’re not the “rustic” type — trade sleeping on the ground for the cozy beds of Colorado cabins, many of which are available for year-round stays. Here are eight options to get you inspired for a mountain vacation.
(And visit our Colorado cabin rentals listings for hundreds more ranging from luxury to simple mountain livin’, and see a few of our favorites for winter cabin stays and lakeside lodging favorites.)
1. Estes Park Cabins
One of Colorado’s most popular vacation spots sits right outside the eastern entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. The town of Estes Park has more than 70 cabin complexes that tantalize vacation planners with amenities like private hot tubs, Longs Peak views, playgrounds, gurgling streamside rooms, fireplaces and barbecue-ready patios. Some are secluded and some are close to town, but they’re all close to the mountain paradise of Rocky Mountain National Park. For even more, check out the cabins in Grand Lake on the park’s western entrance.
2. Timber Lodge
Four acres of log cottages rest among 50-foot pines just outside Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs — minutes from popular Pikes Peak-area attractions like Garden of the Gods and Cave of the Winds as well as restaurants and handy grocery stores to fuel outdoor adventure. Fountain Creek gently flows through Timber Lodge's grounds and, for days when you need a break from Colorado’s summer sun, a large swimming pool provides plenty of splashing-around room.
3. Sylvan Lake State Park
Seven Colorado State Parks have rental options with a variety of amenities. At Sylvan Lake State Park in Eagle, the majestic peaks and leafy trails of White River National Forest are steps from your front door. For staying in the eight comfortable camper cabins, bring bedding, lanterns and a cook stove, and they’ll provide heat, picnic tables, beds, drinking water and a few other perks.
4. Dunton Hot Springs
Few locales could capture Old West imagination like Dunton Hot Springs does. Located in the southwest town of Dolores, the restored ghost town is almost impossibly old-timey at first glance. A closer look reveals high-end features you’d never associate with camping. The restored log cabins are exquisitely appointed and, tucked around the picturesque grounds, you’ll find a private little town with a spa and yoga studio, a “saloon” serving three epicurean meals a day, a winery, a library, assorted hot springs (including one right inside one of the rooms!) and more, all amid San Juan Mountain splendor.