Colorado has its fair share of standard hotel rooms, mountain cabins, and condos that can accommodate you on your travels. But if you’re interested in staying somewhere a little … weird … we’ve got a slew of unusual vacation rentals that can make your Colorado trip even more memorable.
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Take a peek at these 11 options that range from an alpaca farm to a train caboose to a former jail:
1. The Gnome Home, Lyons
Price Per Night: From $159
The Gnome Home, formerly known as the Hobbit House, is just one of several small spaces for rent at the WeeCasa Tiny House Resort in Lyons. You enter the 170-square-foot house through a nifty circular door, and inside there are plenty of wooden and earthy accents. The tiny home sleeps four on a queen bed in a loft and sleeper sofa on the main floor; it also has a bathroom with shower and kitchen. This accommodation will have you questioning whether you are in New Zealand or Colorado!
2. Bed & Breakfast At Sopris Alpaca Farm, Silt
Price Per Night: $149
Wake up next to alpacas at this B&B in a historic building tucked in between the animal pens. This unit at the Sopris Alpaca Farm is a studio, with a queen bed, sofa bed, full kitchen, and 3/4 bath. There’s a front porch and picnic table from which you can eat a light breakfast outside in warm weather months. Pet and hand feed the fuzzy alpacas, and if you’re lucky, there will be some cute babies on hand!
3. The Glasshouse Sanctuary, Winter Park
Price Per Night: From $600
With its floor-to-ceiling windows, stellar views abound at this house tucked into the mountains in Winter Park, dubbed the Glasshouse Sanctuary. Nature is never far away in this 3,600-square-foot vacation rental that features an open floor plan. The modern house has three bedrooms, a custom kitchen with high-end appliances, a fireplace, and a deck with a hot tub.
4. Jersey Jim Lookout Tower, Mancos
Price Per Night: $50
The Jersey Jim Lookout Tower was used by the U.S. Forest Service to spot wildfires from the 1940s to the 1970s. Today, you can book an overnight stay 55 feet above the ground from late May through mid-October. The accommodations are rustic — perhaps more “camping” than “glamping.” The tower’s living space has heat, stove, and refrigerator powered by propane. Basic cookware and a bed are provided, but you’ll need to bring your own bedding.
5. Gypsy Wagon, Redstone
Price Per Night: $110
At Avalanche Ranch Hot Springs, former sleeping quarters for shepherds taking care of a flock in the mountains, have been transformed into glamping accommodations. The very small space (maximum occupancy: 2), isn’t ideal for super tall people (my 6-foot-2-inch husband had a hard time standing up fully in the Gypsy Wagon). But it’s close to the awesome natural hot springs on site, and you can use the bathroom in the locker room there. The wagon has heat for winter stays, and there’s an outdoor grill for your use.
6. Mermaid Cottage, Del Norte
Price Per Night: $189
The colorful, whimsical Mermaid Cottage is located on a 35-acre farm that’s solely powered by the sun. There’s a bedroom, small kitchen area, and bathroom in the 200-square-foot, funky freestanding structure. Guests are steps away from adventures in the San Luis Valley: hiking, biking, birdwatching, stargazing to name a few.
7. Treehouse Hot Springs, Nathrop
Price Per Night: From $350
Technically, the Treehouse Hot Springs lodging isn’t in a tree, but it’s an elevated octagon-shaped dwelling with 360-degree views of the treetops in Colorado’s Chalk Creek Valley. The spacious spot has five bedrooms as well as an indoor pool that’s fed by natural hot springs and kept at 96 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Two different indoor gathering spaces make this a good option for multiple families or generations of guests.
8. 19th Century Cabin, Red Feather Lakes
Price Per Night: From $175
Pretend you’re a pioneer at this authentic log cabin that dates back to the 1800s. It’s set on a rambling 400-acre ranch, so you’ll enjoy plenty of privacy. As guests of this home that sleeps four, you’ll have access to private hiking trails, and you can fish on a catch-and-release pond. In the early evening, relax outside on the patio to watch cattle grazing in the distance.
9. A Former Police Station, Pueblo
Price Per Night: From $170
Station on the Riverwalk is a boutique hotel that is housed in what was once Pubelo’s police station and jail. Here, the seven rooms are dubbed “cells,” and the on-site bar is named The Clink. (Clever!) Rooms are modern, some with exposed brick, and one even has the original jail cell bunk beds — though with updated, comfy mattresses.
10. Train Caboose, Steamboat Springs
Price Per Night: From $205
A former working caboose is now basic lodging at Strawberry Park Hot Springs, a popular spot for soaking in natural mineral springs. The caboose features a gas fireplace, bathroom with shower, small kitchenette, solar lights, and a full-size sofa bed. Other accommodations here — including cabins and a covered wagon — are even more rustic.
11. Airstream At Camp V, Vancorum
Price Per Night: From $275
Once an abandoned mining camp, Camp V is a haven for artistic and creative types with all sorts of lodging — from campsites to cabins to a really cool 25-foot renovated Airstream trailer named Sheila. The sleek Airstream is air-conditioned and features two twin beds, a bathroom, and a small kitchen. Guests can gather at a number of artsy indoor and outdoor spaces in this rural location.
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