The San Juan Mountains span a large portion of southwest Colorado.
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The mountains are home to famously scenic towns like Durango and Telluride, along with smaller outposts like Silverton and Ouray. Just beyond city limits, you’ll find rugged mountain adventures in just about every direction, from alpine lakes to waterfalls to backcountry skiing zones.
Though not quite as famous as places like New England and Michigan when it comes to fall foliage, the San Juan Mountains are one of the best places in the Rockies to enjoy changing leaves. (Is it a shock when the area is often called the ‘Switzerland of America’?)
You’ve got aspen groves that transform into a fiery gold, along with cottonwoods, maples, oaks, and junipers. And you’ve got dozens of lookouts, from Wilson Peak to Red Mountain Pass, to enjoy on scenic drives like the Million Dollar Highway.
For more rugged adventurers, it’s a hard-to-beat setup in fall. But you’ll need a cozy cabin when you shack up in the area. Start with these Vrbos in the San Juan Mountains, from Durango to Telluride to Silverton.
[This article is part of TravelAwaits’ new Airbnb and Vrbo recommendation series. We dig into listings to identify the crème de la crème of Guest Favorites, Superhost listings, and hidden gems, making it easy to find the perfect rental for your next trip.]
Best cabin-style Vrbos in the San Juan Mountains this autumn:
- Double Diamond Unit 13: A top location in Telluride
- Main Street Townhome: Great for families in Telluride
- Secluded Cabin: Remote cabin in Purgatory
- New A-Frame: Best views in Durango
- Lightner Creek Cabin: Great for groups in Durango
- Modern Home with Views: A modern hideaway in Silverton
- The Riverhaus: For upscale group stays in Ouray
- Hooray for Ouray: For outdoor hangout sessions
Cozy cabin-style Vrbos in the San Juan Mountains
Double Diamond Unit 13 (Telluride)
This two-bedroom condo in the heart of Telluride is located close to the ski lifts—but there’s still plenty to adore during autumn. First, you’re located within walking distance of all major attractions in the area. Second, you’ve got a small balcony and a shared outdoor hot tub with mountain views, great for leaf-peeping. Third, some of Telluride’s top hiking trails are a few steps away.
Main Street Townhome (Telluride)
What’s better than a Vrbo rental right on Main Street in Telluride? This two-bedroom condo comes with unique features, like a high-end kitchen, a cooler and camping chairs, and Adirondack chairs right outside so you can soak up the autumn breeze while enjoying sunset views. There are also amenities for small children, like a pack’n play, a portable baby gate for the stairs and fireplace, and a highchair. Though it’s a two-bedroom, you can sleep six comfortably with a pull-out in the living room.
Secluded Cabin (Purgatory)
If you’re looking for Vrbos in the San Juan Mountains that give you plenty of space to roam, this Purgatory cabin is perfect. The three-bedroom cabin offers an unspoiled escape on over 130 acres, offering privacy as you enjoy the changing fall foliage. There’s also a covered porch out back with a grill and a dining setup, letting you maximize your time spent outdoors. The interior isn’t too shabby either, delivering on classic cabin vibes and a comfortable setup that sleeps six.
New A-Frame (Durango)
Just ten minutes from Durango, this two-bedroom newly built A-Frame gives you the best of both worlds: the rugged outdoors and upscale amenities. The large windows showcase the San Juan Mountains, giving you a front-row seat to the dramatic colors of fall. The cozy retreat also has a back patio with a fire pit and loungers, letting you kick back on three private acres.
Lightner Creek Cabin (Durango)
Here’s another Vrbo just outside Durango. It’s a three-bedroom build with high-design features, like exposed stone in the kitchen and an upscale entertainment center in the living room. A long wrap-around porch offers excellent views from each bedroom, while the covered dining area out back gives you another place to enjoy the autumn breeze. Consider it a fantastic retreat for any discerning groups that want a boutique-style setup.
Modern Home with Views (Silverton)
This new modern built gives you a full three-bedroom home to yourself in Silverton. Outside, you can enjoy commanding mountain views and a small grill setup. There’s also a sauna, ideal for unwinding after a long day of exploring. As a perk, this home also comes with an EV charger and a closed garage. With three bedrooms, it’s the perfect spot for groups passing through the area to hole up for a day or two.
The Riverhaus (Ouray)
With three bedrooms and a bunk-bed setup that sleeps nine, The Riverhaus is another great pick for large groups. It’s located in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, offering both mountain and river views from the balcony; the Uncompahgre River passes by directly outside. The balcony also has a small seating area and grill setup for at-home meals. As a perk, you’re just five minutes walking from downtown Ouray—and an even shorter walk from the local hot spring pools.
Hooray for Ouray (Ouray)
Unfortunately, not too many Vrbos in the San Juan Mountains deliver on outdoor space. However, if you want to hang out with mountain views, this three-bedroom is hard to beat. The backyard is fenced (and pets are allowed), where you can find multiple luxurious sitting areas and a hot tub with direct mountain views. There’s also an equipment room where your group can borrow supplies like life vests. Lastly, this rental has a great location in downtown Ouray—and the front of the home dates back to 1898, giving you a bit of historic flair.
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