Known as the Rocky Mountain State, Colorado is a natural wonderland. It has the highest concentration of peaks over 14,000 feet in the United States, but climbing mountains isn’t the only adventure you can have here.

Gear up for skiing, mountain biking, rafting, hiking, and much more. Mix that with cool and progressive cities, and you’ve got a real vacation destination on your hands!

When it comes to where to stay in the Rocky Mountain State, it can be quite hard to choose somewhere. Rather than overspending on hotels or being kept awake all night in a hostel, why not consider vacation rentals in Colorado? They offer lots of character and they can even work out cheaper – especially if you’re travelling in a big group.

In this post, I’ll show you fifteen of the best Airbnbs in Colorado. I’ve scoured the state for the most unique and exciting properties, leaving you to just pick your favourite. Whatever your budget or travel style, there’s bound to be somewhere for you. So, let’s check them out!

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How good does the bag look?
Photo: Roaming Ralph

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Quick Answer: These are the Top 5 Airbnbs in Colorado

OVERALL BEST VALUE AIRBNB IN COLORADO
BartaHouse No 3 w Rooftop Colorado
OVERALL BEST VALUE AIRBNB IN COLORADO

BartaHouse No. 3 w/Rooftop

  • > $$
  • > 6 Guests
  • > Awesome Denver location
  • > Rooftop terrace
BEST BUDGET AIRBNB IN COLORADO
bed in mountain cabin by sunny window
BEST BUDGET AIRBNB IN COLORADO

Cozy Garage Apartment Cimarron Valley

  • > $
  • > 5 Guests
  • > Private river access
  • > Mountain views
OVER-THE-TOP LUXURY AIRBNB IN COLORADO
Sunset Ridge Colorado
OVER-THE-TOP LUXURY AIRBNB IN COLORADO

Sunset Ridge

  • > $$$$
  • > 14 Guests
  • > Sunken Fire Pit
  • > Views of San Juan Mountains
FOR SOLO TRAVELERS IN COLORADO
Penthouse in the Heart of Denver
FOR SOLO TRAVELERS IN COLORADO

Penthouse in the Heart of Denver

  • > $$
  • > 2 Guests
  • > Awesome Denver location
  • > Sunset view of the rocky mountains
IDEAL DIGITAL NOMAD AIRBNB
EcoArt Home with Earthship Sunroom Colorado
IDEAL DIGITAL NOMAD AIRBNB

Eco Art Home w/ Earthship Sunroom

  • > $
  • > 2 Guests
  • > Dedicated Workspace
  • > Collection of local art

What to Expect from Airbnbs in Colorado

There’s a whole lot of choice when it comes to picking an Airbnb in Colorado, but first, you need to decide where you want to be. Do you want to be in one of the cities, such as Denver or Colorado Springs?

Are you planning to ski or make the most of the great hiking in Colorado during the summer? Then perhaps Breckenridge or Aspen is the place for you. Perhaps you just want the peace and quiet of the Colorado Plains – while there are fewer Airbnbs here, you can find some oases off-the-beaten-track.

In the cities, you can expect cool loft apartments and welcoming private rooms in family homes. Further out of the cities, you’ve got cabins, cottages, and chalets which are warm and cosy to come home to after a day of outdoor activities.

be a freelance photographer at home in the rockies
Photo: Roaming Ralph

If you’re planning to enjoy outdoor activities on your vacation in Colorado, there’s nowhere better than a cabin in Colorado. They’re one of the most popular accommodation options in the Rocky Mountain National Park.

Tiny houses are becoming popular across the United States, and Colorado is no exception. There are more than 150 of these small and stylish houses across the state, which really make the most of space when you’re staying in Colorado.

Cottages are cute and cosy options which you can find both in cities and the countryside. They offer a home away from home and almost always have a fully-equipped kitchen, living area, and separate bedrooms.

The Top 15 Airbnbs in Colorado

Now you know what to expect and why you should stay in an Airbnb, let’s get to the exciting part. I’m going to take you through fifteen of the coolest Airbnbs in Colorado. Ready? Let’s go!

BartaHouse No. 3 w/Rooftop | Overall Best Value Airbnb in Colorado

BartaHouse No 3 w Rooftop Colorado

First up is this awesome boutique apartment in Denver’s Barths District. It’s just ten minutes from the happening LoDo District by Uber, though you can find bars, restaurants, and nightlife much closer to the apartment if you wish to.

You can enjoy for spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains from the roof deck, or enjoy the artwork inside as you cook in the fully equipped kitchen. Or chill out in the spacious living area with a glass of wine in the evenings as you watch your favourite shows on Netflix.

You’ll feel right at home in this affordable vacation rental in Colorado.

Cozy Garage Apartment, Cimarron Valley | Best Budget Airbnb in Colorado

bed in mountain cabin by sunny window

This cozy cabin out in the Cimarron Valley is the perfect place to get away from it all into the fresh mountain air without blowing a hole in your budget. There’s not a lot in the way of modern amenities, but that’s part of the appeal. 

You can’t put a price on peace and tranquillity off the beaten track. Yet you can still enjoy the peak of adventure activities in every direction. 

With 2 bedrooms and space for up to 5 people, you get amazing views of the Cimarron Valley and the Cimarron River in one. This Airbnb cabin has private access to fish and hang out on the Cimarron River. Kick back on the terrace and enjoy your morning coffee. 

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We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

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Sunset Ridge | Over the Top Luxury Airbnb in Colorado

Sunset Ridge Colorado

Wow. This luxury cabin in Colorado makes a 5-star hotel look like a backpacker hostel. Looking out over its very own lake and the San Juan Mountains, Sunset Ridge has to be seen to be believed.

With six bedrooms and space for up to 14 guests, it’s perfect for a family gathering or even a corporate getaway. There’s a games room, bar home theatre, and an indoor hot tub and sauna to relax in!

The house itself is impressive, I mean, just look at the pictures. But it’s the area around it that makes this home a dream. It’s secluded and yet close enough to golf courses and hiking trails, so you can spend quality time with your friends and family both inside and outside the house.

Penthouse in the Heart of Denver | Perfect Airbnb for Solo Travelers

Penthouse in the Heart of Denver

If you’re a solo traveller you’ll want to be in a city where you can easily meet other travellers and enjoy myriad attractions and nightlife together. So, I highly recommend you head to the largest city and capital Denver.

This penthouse apartment is in the North Capitol Hill area, close to some fantastic restaurants along “Restaurant Row,” an area known for having the best places to eat in Denver. The home is spacious and clean, with modern amenities and a fully equipped kitchen you can use on days you don’t want to eat out.

The best feature of this apartment though is the balcony, which has a sunset view of the Rocky Mountains in the distance.

Eco Art Home w/ Earthship Sunroom | Airbnb for Digital Nomads

EcoArt Home with Earthship Sunroom Colorado

Another home in Colorado Springs, this home is ideal for digital nomads. It’s cheaper than similar properties in Denver, yet you’ll still have all the conveniences you need to be productive – I’m talking fast Wi-Fi, a dedicated workspace, and lots of light.

In the winter, you can enjoy sitting around the wood burning fireplace or curl up in your plsuh double bed.

There’s a fully-equipped kitchen for making meals, while the garden is a relaxing place to go when you’ve finished working for the day.

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Active Roots Security Belt

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It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Hide Yo’ Money!

More Epic Airbnbs in Colorado

Here are a few more of my favorite Airbnbs in Colorado!

Ski In/Out Loft, Breckenridge | Most Romantic Airbnb for Couples

Ski InOut loft in Breckenridge Colorado

Want to sweep your other half off their feet? If the fabulous views and skiing in Breckenridge ski resort don’t do it, this loft apartment sure will. There’s actually space for four guests, but if there are only two of you, there’s no arguing over who gets the king-sized bed!

The apartment is just two blocks from Main Street, so there are restaurants and shopping when you’re taking a day off from skiing. Fancy a cozy night in? Curl up in front of Netflix and enjoy a movie in front of the wood burning fireplace.

Mountain View Chalet w/ Hot Tub | Best Airbnb in Colorado for Families

Mountain View Chalet with Sunroom and Hot Tub Colorado

With space for up to eight guests, this mountain getaway is ideal for families roadtripping through Colorado. It’s in Frisco, so you have activity-packed Lake Dillon right on your doorstep, not to mention the town’s historic centre.

The fenced-in yard means that kids can play out without parents worrying where they are, while everyone will love relaxing in the sunroom or private hot tub. No family member has to be left behind should you stay here – pets are welcome too!

Modern Cabin, Missouri Heights | Best Cabin on Airbnb in Colorado

Modern Cabin Missouri Heights
Take a seat.

One of the most unique and interesting cabins in Colorado, this modern home is just a hop, skip, and jump from Aspen. It has space for up to four guests, so it would suit a couple or a small group of friends/family travelling together.

When you’re not out skiing, hiking, or horse riding, you can enjoy a BBQ on the patio with views of the mountains or catch a movie on the living room’s smart TV. There’s a signal booster so you never need to be out of reach from friends or family!

Snow Cross Tiny Home | Best Tiny House on Airbnb in Colorado

Snow Cross Tiny Home Colorado

Want to be in the heart of the Rocky Mountains? This tiny house is just the place for you. It’s two minutes from the Vail Pass Trail Head, so you can get out onto some of the best hiking without driving for miles.

The property is off the grid but is solar powered. So you don’t have to be without creature comforts like internet, TV, and hot water for showering after a day of hiking!

Artsy Cottage in Del Norte | Best Cottage on Airbnb in Colorado

The Mermaid Cottage Del Norte Colorado

This is smaller than your average cottage, but it’s also a lot more colouful too! Hidden away in Del Norte, it’s a good place to stay if you want to explore what Southern Colorado has to offer.

The Mermaid Cottage has been featured in a number of architectural magazines and books, and it’s not hard to see why. Enjoy the warmth of the chiminea on an evening as you look out at the San Juan and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Large Historic House | Best Airbnb in Colorado for a Group of Friends

Large Historic House

Travelling with a large group of friends? This historic house in Denver couldn’t be any better suited. It has three full-sized arcade games, a huge patio and backyard, and a shared space with a BBQ grill.

This might be good for a bachelor/bachelorette party or a birthday celebration. Some of the outdoor space is shared with your host, so don’t go too wild! But the spacious living area is the perfect place for you and your mates to gather around together and play drinking games.

Rocky Mountain Treehouse | Most Unique Airbnb in Colorado

Little Red Treehouse Colorado

There are only two Rocky Mountain treehouses in Colorado on Airbnb, and either is a great choice for your vacation. This one is particularly wonderful if you’re with your other half.

Set on the way to Rocky Mountain National Park, you’re guaranteed privacy, peace, and quiet. It’s ideal for a special trip. Despite being private and hidden away, the town of Lyons is nearby, where you can enjoy bluegrass music and river tubing.

Cozy Cottage | Best Airbnb for Honeymooners in Colorado

Walk to Garden of the Gods Colorado

If the treehouse above isn’t available, or your cup of tea for your honeymoon, check out this place in Colorado Springs instead. The cozy cottage is just a short walk from one of the most beautiful attractions in the state – the Garden of the Gods.

After hiking through the rock formations, come back to a queen-sized bed in a cottage with its own separate entrance from your host’s home. It’s also close to the nightlife, restaurants, and bars of Colorado Springs.

Quaint Bungalow With Hot Tub | Best Airbnb Plus in Colorado

Quaint Bungalow With a Hot Tub in a Walkable Historic Area Colorado

Airbnb Plus Properties are the cream of the crop on the platform. Chosen for their excellent review scores and host’s attention to detail, they even get an inspection from Airbnb itself!

This property is in the heart of Colorado Springs, right in a Historic Area. There’s space for up to six guests, meaning it’d suit a family or group of friends very well. Enjoy the world go by from the porch swing, or whip up a delicious meal in the chef’s kitchen.

Three Cheers | Best Airbnb Luxe in Colorado

Three Cheers Colorado

Last of all, let’s look at one of the most epic Airbnbs in Colorado. Airbnb Luxe properties cater to the super-wealthy, and by staying here you’ll feel as though you’re in a movie.

The premium ‘Three Cheers’ home is in Avon, and there are few places more beautiful to come home to after a day out in the mountains. You can stay cosy in the bright living area during the winter months, or enjoy sitting out by the fire pit deep into the evening through the summer.

What To Pack For Colorado

Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for an Airbnb stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.

Product
Description
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!

Ear Plugs

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Keep your laundry organized and stink free
Keep your laundry organized and stink free

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Stay Dry With a Micro Towel
Stay Dry With a Micro Towel

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Make Some New Buddies…
Make Some New Buddies…

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!
Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

Don’t Forget Your Colorado Travel Insurance

If you’re traveling in the USA, having good travel insurance is absolutely vital.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Final Thoughts on Airbnbs in Colorado

Well, there you have it. Those are fifteen of the coolest Airbnbs in Colorado. Not only that, there are some cool options for things to do when you arrive, too! Whether you want a romantic treehouse escape, a cozy cabin, or a property that can fit the whole family, there’s an Airbnb in Colorado for you.

Still struggling to pick your favourite? I’d recommend my overall best value Airbnb in Colorado. That’s the BartaHouse No.3 with Rooftop. It’s got room for up to six guests, and thanks to its Denver location, nowhere is difficult to get to… unless the roads are blocked with snow!

I hope that wherever you choose to stay in Colorado, you have an incredible trip. To make sure it’s a safe one too, check out World Nomads and find a travel insurance policy that suits you. Have a great vacation!

Looking for more info on visiting Colorado and USA?

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the broke backpacker team at the water temple in bali
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