• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

  • Destinations
    • United States
    • Europe
    • Asia
    • Canada
    • Mexico and Caribbean
    • Central and South America
    • Australia and South Pacific
    • Africa
    • Middle East
    • Antarctica and Arctic
    • See All
  • Activities & Interests
    • History and Culture
    • Outdoor Activities
    • Food and Drink
    • Sightseeing
    • Seasonal Travel
    • National Parks
    • State Parks
    • Hotels and Resorts
    • Wildlife
    • Beaches
    • Shopping
    • Festivals and Special Events
    • Theme Parks
    • Photography
    • Reading
    • See All
  • Types of Travel
    • Cruises and Sailing
    • Road Trips
    • Group Travel
    • RVing
    • Camping
    • Rail
    • Wellness Travel
    • Adventure Travel
    • Ancestry Travel
    • Naturism
    • LGBTQ+ Travel
    • Budget Travel
    • Weekend Getaway
    • Bucket List Trips
    • Family Vacations
    • Solo Travel
    • Full-Time Travel
    • Pet-Friendly Travel
    • See All
  • News & Tips
    • Travel News
    • Travel Tips
    • Travel Products
    • Travel With Confidence
    • Gift Guides
    • See All
  • Inspire
  • Retire
  • Best Of Travel Awards
Mermaid Cottage
  • Destinations
  • United States
  • Colorado
  • Activities and Interests
  • Hotels and Resorts
  • Vacation Rentals
  • DestinationsUnited StatesColorado

    11 Wild, Weird, And Wonderful Vacation Rentals In Colorado

    Kara Williams
    July 09, 2021

    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.

    Videos by TravelAwaits

    Take a peek at these 11 options that range from an alpaca farm to a train caboose to a former jail:

    The Gnome Home, Lyons
    Courtesy WeeCasa

    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! 

    Glasshouse Sanctuary vacation rental in Winter Park.
    VRBO.com

    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. 

    Gypsy Wagon at Avalanche Ranch Hot Springs.
    Kara Williams

    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.

    Interior of Mermaid Cottage vacation rental.
    VRBO.com

    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.

    19th-century cabin in Red Feather Lakes.
    VRBO.com

    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.

    Jail cell beds at Station on the Riverwalk.
    Courtesy Station on the Riverwalk

    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. 

    Airstream with a view at Camp V.
    Courtesy Camp V

    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.

    Would you like your vacation home rental featured on TravelAwaits?

    EMAIL US HERE

    See why Colorado is such a desirable vacation destination:

    • 7 Gorgeous Secluded Getaways In Colorado
    • The Best Things To Do In Adorable Canon City, Colorado
    • 11 Colorado Towns That Feel Like You’re In A Hallmark Christmas Movie

  • Activities and Interests
  • Colorado
  • Destinations
  • Hotels and Resorts
  • United States
  • Vacation Rentals
    • Image of Kara Williams Kara Williams View Full Profile

      In her editorial career spanning more than 30 years, Kara Williams has served as a magazine editor, newspaper reporter, corporate copy editor, and proofreader. Currently, as a freelance writer, Kara focuses on all things travel, from sublime spas and upscale hotels to RV camping and outdoor adventures. National parks, romantic escapes, and tropical destinations are other favorite travel topics she covers. Kara has won Lowell Thomas, SATW Western Chapter, and NATJA awards for her work. An empty nester, she makes her home in the Colorado mountains with her husband and writes about her travels at her blog, Life Here & There. Learn more about Kara on her portfolio website.

    Primary Sidebar

    Recommended Articles

    Lectures On Tap: The Coolest New Bar Concept in NYC
    10 Memorial Day Weekend Travel Tips
    Best Things to Do in Niagara Falls This Summer: Events, Festivals, & Activities
    Did You Know That Seoul Loves Corn Dogs? Here’s Where to Get One
    Sign up for our newsletter
    It's our time to explore
    Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler
    We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. Our goal, to share the world’s unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories.
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    Do Not Sell My Personal Information Change Consent