Jump to:
If you’re planning a trip to Colorado, skipping the hotel is almost always a way to better experience nature. We’ve rounded up the 16 best Airbnbs in Colorado to make your stay unforgettable and why we love each.
Why Stay at a Colorado Airbnb?
It’s no secret why Colorado is such a popular travel destination. The state truly has something to offer every visitor, from the stunning mountainous landscapes to the historic downtown areas.
With Colorado Airbnbs, it’s simple to find comfortable and affordable rentals that fit your vacation rental needs. Whether you want a luxurious city apartment, a secluded, cozy cabin surrounded by nature, or even a treehouse nestled into a forest, you can find exactly what you’re searching for.
Colorado Airbnbs offer a massive range of beautiful and unique rentals that are sure to create an unforgettable trip. However, it can be challenging to narrow down which house, apartment, cabin, or treehouse works best for you with so many options. But worry not — we’ve done the hard work for you.
The 16 Best Colorado Airbnbs in 2023
Here is your guide to 16 of the best and most unique Airbnbs you can find throughout Colorado.
1. Skytop Mountain House
Source: Airbnb
- Location: Bailey, Colorado
- Average Cost Per Night: $350
Just an hour drive from Denver, the mountain town of Bailey is Colorado’s best kept secret: a hidden gem of hiking trails and outdoor exploits far from the crowds.
This modern four-bedroom retreat is one of the highest elevation Airbnb’s in the region at 9,157-feet, with jaw-dropping views of Bandit Peak and Rosalie Peak.
The pet-friendly home sleeps six guests and is tailor-made for luxurious getaways for friends and family alike, complete with a chef’s kitchen and two matching primary suites with private balconies, walk-in closets and soaking tubs in their spa-like bathrooms.
On-site, you’ll find amenities like a:
- Hot tub overlooking a panorama of mountain peaks
- Game room with Ms. Pac-Man and foosball
- Multiple private outdoor balconies for stargazing
- Gas fireplace in the stylish living room
Nearby Bailey is home to one of the best wineries in Colorado (owned by a Swiss expat), peaceful hiking trails, and local lakes with watersports galore.
2. Beautiful Vineyard Barn House
- Location: Palisade, Colorado
- Average Cost Per Night: $84
The town of Palisade, Colorado, is known for its abundance of stunning vineyards, fruit orchards, unique wineries, and more.
At this vineyard barn house rental, you can relax right in the middle of all the scenery and attractions Palisade has to offer. The home sits on over four acres of grapevines, orchards, vegetable gardens, and so much more, all located at the tranquil and scenic base of Mt. Garfield.
The spacious and welcoming newly renovated barn, which can comfortably sleep up to four guests, offers incredible Grand Valley views right from your private patio. On-site, you can:
- Rent bikes to tour the winery
- Stroll through the countryside
- Pick peaches from the orchard
- Explore the wineries and country on a horse and carriage ride
More outdoor activities are ready to explore with just a short trip to downtown Palisade or Downtown Grand Junction. This rental offers something for everyone, from skiing to hiking to road and mountain biking.
3. The Mothership Dome at Crestopolis
- Location: Crestone, Colorado
- Average Cost Per Night: $215
Colorado is one of the best destinations for a quiet and relaxing vacation. With its secluded location and peaceful natural surroundings, the Mothership Dome at Crestopolis is one of the best Airbnbs for anyone looking for a quiet, remote getaway.
This large, unique dome can sleep up to nine guests and offers an open space with various sleeping arrangements to suit your group’s needs.
Along with the unique layout of your accommodation, the tiny town of Crestone offers a perfect escape with a breathtaking landscape to enjoy. The surrounding nature will allow you to relax and recharge as you enjoy the rental’s ideal setup for stargazing and spotting local wildlife.
The dome is also located just under an hour north of Great Sand Dunes National Park, making this a unique and off-the-beaten-path place to stay as you go sandboarding, hiking, or backpacking throughout the park.
4. The Hummingbird Hideaway
- Location: Pine, Colorado
- Average Cost Per Night: $129
Located in the breathtaking mountain area just above Elk Creek, this cozy 1920’s log cabin offers a serene and peaceful escape that’s perfect for a family getaway or a weekend trip with friends.
This property’s beautiful French Country design is balanced with modern touches and amenities. The waterfront and mountain views offer a tranquil setting for you as you sit on the patio, enjoy a cup of coffee, and take in the fresh mountain air.
When you venture just a few minutes from the cabin, you’ll find a vast range of outdoor activities to enjoy, including:
- Hiking
- Mountain biking
- Bird watching
- Kayaking
- Fly-fishing
After a long day of outdoor adventuring, you can relax and grill on the sundeck, share memories or read a book on the covered porch, or stop by the nearby restaurant for food and live music.
If you’re looking for a day trip, this Airbnb is less than an hour from Denver, allowing for easy access to the city and all it has to offer.
5. A Tiny Slice of Heaven
- Location: Denver, Colorado
- Average Cost Per Night: $125
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to live in a small but stylish container home, this incredible 264-square-foot studio tiny home in Denver might be the perfect rental option for you. This cozy and beautifully decorated container can sleep up to four guests and includes:
- A private courtyard,
- An outdoor seating area
- Three burner barbeques
Along with a unique and unconventional Airbnb experience, this property also offers guests a convenient and fun location in the trendy Denver suburb of Berkeley.
The house is within walking distance of several restaurants and stores and, it’s only a 10-minute drive to the exciting and historic Downtown Denver. This rental offers extensive amenities and nearby activities that any traveler will love despite its small size.
Read Next: Where to Stay in Denver
6. Wonder Haus “World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rental”
- Location: Pagosa Springs, Colorado
- Average Cost Per Night: $441
If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable stay for your next trip to Colorado, Wonder Haus, a home built right into the side of a hill, is one of the best Airbnb options out there.
Surrounded by the scenic San Juan National Forest, this passive solar earth home is the perfect home base as you explore everything the 7-acre property has to offer visitors.
The surrounding town of Pagosa Springs boasts a variety of options for:
- Skiing
- Biking
- Hiking trails
- Fishing areas
- The world’s deepest geothermal hot spring
At night, the home’s star-gazing observation tower provides stunning views of the night sky. With spectacular mountain views, a comfortable and spacious living area, and endless nearby outdoor activities, Wonder Haus is guaranteed to create a magical experience for visitors of any age.
7. Handcrafted Earth House Etched into a Mountain
- Location: Boulder, Colorado
- Average Cost Per Night: $356
Boulder, Colorado, offers some of the best mountain views in the state, and there’s no better way to take in the scenery than from this secluded handcrafted house built right into the earthen side of a mountain.
Another sustainable earth home rental option, the owners built this house from local materials with a comfortable passive solar design to keep the space cozy and comfortable throughout your stay.
You’re guaranteed to get lost in the sprawling wilderness views, which include a scenic outlook onto Sugarloaf Mountain.
Along with the vast surrounding nature and nearby sightseeing to explore, there are plenty of ways to stay busy and relax from the comfort of the house. There are two indoor tropical gardens, a wooden fireplace, and even an outdoor hot tub where you can stargaze and take in the beautiful scenery.
8. Rocky Mountain Tree House
- Location: Carbondale, Colorado
- Average Cost Per Night: $378
Located in the trees 25-feet above Cattle Creek, this world-famous treehouse offers a peaceful and secluded way to explore the stunning wilderness of Colorado.
Built in 1971, this cozy treehouse includes:
- A winding staircase
- Wood-burning stove
- Full-size kitchen
- A private balcony
With two large skylights in the sleeping loft, this treehouse is the perfect way to experience sleeping under the stars.
This rental can hold up to six guests, making it the perfect space for a group forest getaway with friends or a memorable, one-of-a-kind family vacation. Guests can enjoy a private mountain garden, picnic table, campfire area, and relaxing hot tub, all while they unwind and unplug in a peaceful and scenic environment.
9. The Fortress at Pikes Peak Cripple Creek
- Location: Cripple Creek, Colorado
- Average Cost Per Night: $218
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway for two or a family vacation for up to eight people, The Fortress at Pikes Peak Cripple Creek offers the ideal mountain getaway.
The unobstructed panoramic views of the Sangre de Cristos Mountain Range are unbeatable, and you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery from the comfort of the chalet-style home’s 600-ft wrap-around deck.
Cripple Creek’s city center is just a short drive away, as well as all the other unique attractions and activities you can find in the area. From The Fortress, you can enjoy easy access to:
- All different levels of hiking trails
- Rafting
- The Garden of the Gods
- Wildlife sanctuaries
- Seven Falls
- Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
- And more!
If you’re planning a more extended day trip, you can take a scenic one-hour drive to Colorado Springs or a two-hour drive to Denver to explore the surrounding cities and sites.
10. Canyon Hideout Bungalow
- Location: Cortez, Colorado
- Average Cost Per Night: $155
Nestled in the private Red Rock Canyons under one of the oldest Juniper Trees ever recorded, this tiny home is the perfect vacation rental for any traveler who loves spending time surrounded by nature.
The tiny house is made from a wholly refurbished 1958 airstream trailer and is filled with decorations that create a retro, contemporary style. The outdoor patio offers another cozy space to relax, with a barbeque area, tables and chairs, and an outside heater.
The bungalow’s location in Red Rock Canyon offers easy access to miles of hiking trails into the Canyon of the Ancients National Monument. Along the trails, hikers will find plenty of canyons and side canyons to explore, as well as a diverse range of trees, wildlife, flowers, cacti, waterfalls, and more.
After a day of hiking, guests can relax and enjoy the scenic canyon outlook from the hammock in their private backyard.
11. Unaweep Yurt at Thimble Rock
- Location: Gateway, Colorado
- Average Cost Per Night: $190
You can find this fully equipped and functional yurt in Unaweep Canyon, where you can enjoy a unique getaway surrounded by stunning canyon walls and an endless blue sky.
Up to six guests can enjoy this spacious yurt year-round, with all the essentials you’ll need for a comfortable and exciting canyon trip, including:
- Kitchen essentials
- Running water
- Wooden furnishings
- A custom hand-carved bed
Guests can choose from more relaxing activities, such as horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and a trip to the Gateway Auto Museum, or opt for more thrilling adventures, including ATV rides and rock climbing.
There is also a range of hiking trails right by the property site and nearby at the Gateway Canyons Resort. Experienced hikers can take on the Wildcat Trail, which takes you from the Canyon Floor up to the unmatched views from the Uncompahgre Plateau.
12. The Hygge Chalet and Sauna
- Location: Grant, Colorado
- Average Cost Per Night: $230
Any traveler looking for a relaxing and secluded stay can’t go wrong with the Hygge Chalet and Sauna in Grant, Colorado. This private and cozy rental can be found on 3.5-acres of land in the rural Rocky Mountains, making this Scandinavian-style Chalet the perfect place for up to four guests to recharge and enjoy the peace and quiet.
This Airbnb offers:
- Two decks
- A porch with incredible mountain views
- A gas grill,
- Several hammocks
- A picnic table and chairs
However, the biggest draw is the private outdoor steam sauna, which offers the perfect opportunity for relaxation and rejuvenation.
The wooded setting also offers plenty of opportunities for exciting day trips, with several hiking and snowshoe trails leading to beautiful creeks and sweeping mountain views.
13. Modern Luxury in Converted Church
- Location: Denver, Colorado
- Average Cost Per Night: $446
While Colorado boasts plenty of secluded wilderness getaways, there is also a massive range of unique properties right in the heart of some of Colorado’s biggest cities. This luxurious Denver Airbnb, for example, allows guests to stay in The Hellena, a 1930s church that was recently converted into a living space for up to 12 people.
The unique architecture, huge windows, spacious design, and sky-high ceilings make this Colorado Airbnb truly one of a kind.
There’s even a tiny home included inside the space for additional room and privacy. With a Capitol Hill location near museums, restaurants, shops, and cafes, this gorgeous space offers a convenient and comfortable destination for your next trip to the city.
14. Tiny House in CB (Gorgeous & Cozy Miners Cabin)
- Location: Crested Butte, Colorado
- Average Cost Per Night: $261
While the outside of this small, cozy cabin boasts historic preservation of the miners’ shack exterior, the inside of this tiny Colorado Airbnb offers a comfortable, modern, and relaxing experience for up to two guests.
The unexpectedly spacious house includes a fully equipped kitchen, modern appliances, and all the amenities and entertainment you could need to unwind and relax on a mountain getaway.
This rental also offers convenient access to all the outdoor activities that Crested Butte offers. You can spend your time outside hiking, biking, or skiing, with trail access at the Nordic Center located just a couple blocks away.
Or, if you’re looking for less strenuous activities, you can walk around the downtown area and explore the wide range of restaurants, coffee shops, and mountain town stores.
15. Holloway Cabin on Creek & Private Hot-Springs
- Location: Buena Vista, Colorado
- Average Cost Per Night: $479
This restored 1800s mining cabin, located along Cottonwood Creek, offers families and small groups of up to four guests a unique and stunning place to relax and enjoy each other’s company. With the cozy cabin nestled in the Rocky Mountains, visitors can appreciate the peace and quiet as they take in the creek and mountainside scenery.
The cabin owners built an odorless hot spring hot tub, handcrafted with rocks from the property and complete with a flowing infinity edge to guarantee a relaxing and restful stay.
The modern hot spring area also includes ambient LED lighting and an outdoor speaker, so you can listen to your favorite music as you relax and breathe in the mountain air. This cabin provides the perfect mountain escape with these modern amenities, tranquil scenery, and historic charm.
16. Little Red Treehouse
- Location: Lyons, Colorado
- Average Cost Per Night: $250
If you ever wanted to spend the night in a treehouse when you were a child, the Little Red Treehouse in Lyons, Colorado, provides the perfect way to live out your childhood dream.
This secluded getaway for two guests is one of the best Colorado Airbnbs to escape everyday life and enjoy scenic Foothill views. Guests will love this unique rental’s charm, comfort, and one-of-a-kind setup with the stunning landscape.
While the treehouse may be small and cozy, there’s no shortage of space and activities to explore in the surrounding area. Guests can enjoy:
- Playing frisbee
- Reading
- Relaxing on the large lawn
- Eating in the outdoor picnic area
- Sitting under the pergola
The treehouse is conveniently located near several other activities, with shopping areas, hiking trails, bike paths, river tubing, and more just a short walk from the property.
Colorado Airbnb Buying Guide
Once you’ve chosen the best Airbnb for your getaway, be sure to check out this buying guide for any additional information you might need before check-in.
How Do You Check In and Out of an Airbnb?
While every Airbnb host may have different specific instructions for check-in and check-out, finding your check-in instructions is simple. All you have to do is follow these steps:
- Open the Airbnb app.
- Go to the “Trips” section.
- Click “Show More Trip Plans” and find your check-in instructions under “Show Details.”
Hosts will often use a self-check-in, meaning you can access your accommodation without the host being there in person. This check-in usually involves accessing a lock at your check-in time, including:
- A key lockbox
- Keypad code
- Smart lock
For in-person key exchanges, the host will coordinate a time to meet the guests and provide the key or code to access the house.
If you don’t see your check-in information, be sure to communicate with your host to coordinate times and arrival details or ask any other questions you may have.
Similarly, you and your host should coordinate any check-out instructions, including your designated check-out time, the key exchange, and additional lock-up instructions.
Staying in an Airbnb vs. a Hotel
Choosing between staying at a hotel or renting an Airbnb can be challenging for any traveler. Here are a few essential factors to consider before booking any accommodation.
Average Prices
While the price of an Airbnb is going to depend heavily on the type of accommodation you’re looking for, the wide range of rental options on Airbnb makes it simple to find a place to stay within your price range.
While hotels can also offer options for various budgets, there are generally more additional costs for housekeeping, nightly fees, and other necessary amenities that add up over time.
If you’re planning a trip that lasts more than a couple of days, staying in an Airbnb with access to a full kitchen and other amenities is a fantastic way to save money and lower the average cost of your vacation.
Travel Experience
Suppose you’re planning a short trip to get away from everyday chores. In that case, hotels can be a great way to experience luxurious accommodation without worrying about cleaning and other daily tasks.
However, if you’re planning a more extended group trip or want to immerse yourself in a new place throughout your journey, Colorado Airbnbs offer a unique travel experience you can’t get at a hotel.
This experience includes:
- More personal space for you and your group
- A way to experience the area like a local
- More unconventional, one-of-a-kind accommodation options
Planning Your Visit to Colorado
William Reagan/Shutterstock
From natural hot springs to stunning national parks and historical monuments, Colorado has plenty of attractions to keep every traveler busy and entertained throughout their entire trip.
Here are some of the top attractions to visit as you’re enjoying your stay at a Colorado Airbnb:
- Hike, climb, or cycle through Rocky Mountain National Park
- Take a relaxing train ride to Pikes Peak in Pike National Forest
- Explore walking trails in the Garden of the Gods
- Visit the most extensive geothermal hot spring aquifer at Pagosa Springs
- Ski or snowboard at Aspen Snowmass
- Visit the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
- Hear live music at the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater in Denver
Which Colorado Airbnb Is Best?
Whether you prefer cities or secluded natural landscapes, Colorado attractions offer something for everyone. With the perfect Airbnb for you, you can make your visit to the vibrant and breathtaking Colorado landscape an unforgettable experience.