Tucked in the southwestern corner of Colorado is the town of Cortez, one of the richest archeological centers in the country. And tucked into red-rock canyons 13 miles west of Cortez is the Canyon Hideout Bungalow — a refurbished 1958 Airstream Land Yacht with all the natural amenities an outdoors-lover could dream of.
This adorable silver baked potato of a bungalow radiates happiness from the minute you set eyes on it. Inside, find sleek brushed-metal walls, a retro banquette, a full kitchen and a queen-sized bed. Outside, you’ll discover a bathroom — we’re talking the Versailles of outhouses — a built-on deck strung with bright lights, a dartboard, hammocks, a grill and a bocce court with mountain views.
But that’s not the reason this charming lil’ spud books up almost a year in advance: The real treat is all the pinch-me-I’m-dreaming nature just outside the door. We’re talking a rust-colored red-rock wonderland strewn with scrubby sage and sweet desert grasses, a 900-year-old juniper tree, deep night skies spilling constellations from celestial rivers and sunrises that’ll make you feel like you’re in on a universal secret.
We could go on for days, but this Airstream would have none of its magic without the TLC provided by your host Mark. In addition to making the space a true retreat to the power of 10, Mark’s curated a full guidebook of ways to make sure your relax is maxed when you stay at their getaway.
Easy. It’s the private hiking trails leading into the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, one of the highest density archeological sites in the United States. Keep your eyes peeled for stunningly clear petroglyphs along with the remnants of Ancestral Puebloan dwellings. You may also spot wildlife such as grouse, elk, mountain lions and rare reptiles with cool names (like the Mesa Verde nightsnake and twin-spotted spiny lizard).
The Airstream comes with a clothes-washing machine … but it’s the old-school kind that you have to crank by hand. As for drying — well, there’s nothing quite like desert air scented with juniper and sage.
“This is a hidden gem and Mark is a stellar host! There is nothing generic about this place; there is a ton of character and so many personal touches in the Airstream and the lovely outdoor spaces. However, two things really stand out: meeting the amazing locals in the area, including Mark, and exploring the private trails that provide access to the Canyons of the Ancients. This is the best airbnb I have ever stayed at!” — Julia, airbnb
Bring your mountain bike and zip through the world-famous rollercoaster of Phil’s World or the trails at Canyons of the Ancients’ Sand Canyon. Sip wines flavored by Colorado’s high-desert climate at Sutcliffe Vineyards or unwind with WildEdge Brewing Collective’s beers (made from locally sourced botanics). Explore Native American history and culture at nearby Mesa Verde National Park or Hovenweep National Monument.
Photos courtesy of airbnb
