Fire Tower

Located off Colorado Highway 103 west of Bergen Park, the Squaw Mountain Fire Lookout is a pack in, pack out facility that sleeps up to four. You will need to bring your own water, sleeping bags, and linens, but an electric stove, fridge, heat, beds, cooking utensils, and an exterior incinerating toilet are on the premises. With the altitude and rocky terrain surrounding the tower, it is not recommended for young children. Book one or more nights year round.

Squaw Mountain Fire Lookout

Forest Rd. 192.1 Idaho Springs

303-567-3000

recreation.gov

Tiny House

The only one of its kind in the United States, WeeCasa is a tiny home resort based in Lyons. See what tiny living is all about by renting any one of their 22 tiny houses created by a range of tiny home builders from Colorado and other parts of the country. All feature a kitchenette along with toilets and stand-up showers. During high season (June to October), a two night minimum stay is required. Each house sleeps between two and five people.

WeeCasa

501 W. Main St. Lyons

720-460-0239

weecasa.com

Treehouse

Located in Carbondale, the Rocky Mountain Treehouse sleeps six. Resting 25 feet off the ground amongst the spruce trees, Cattle Creek runs underneath it. Cook a meal and enjoy a roaring fire or star gaze from the hot tub. Pets may be allowed with an additional fee. It’s a short 15-minute drive to Glenwood Springs to find restaurants, hot springs, and shopping. Book the treehouse for a two-night minimum stay.

Rocky Mountain Treehouse

Cattle Creek Rd. Carbondale

210-859-2324

airbnb.com/rooms/5839043

Tipi

Make new friends around the roaring fire at the Tipi Village located at Arapaho Valley Ranch in Granby. The tipis sleep three comfortably and each comes with kitchen items and linens, including Native American blankets. Coolers are provided for food and drinks. Bathrooms with showers are available onsite. Enjoy a drink at Colorado’s smallest bar, The Red Dog Saloon, while your kids play board games in the lodge. Kids crafts are available on the weekends as well as Saturday night movies.

Arapaho Valley Ranch 8992 County Rd. 6

Granby

720-550-0684

arapahovalleyranch.com

Yurt

Hike in during the warmer months or ski/snowshoe in during the winter to the Tennessee Pass Yurts and enjoy a roaring fire when you arrive. All you need is yourself, some clothes, and food. Cook meals in the yurt kitchenette, order room service, or enjoy dinner at the Cookhouse. All linens, cooking supplies, and water are provided. Outhouses are a short walk from the yurts. Rent year round for one or more nights.

Tennessee Pass Yurts

Base of Ski Cooper

Nine miles west of Leadville

719-486-8114

tennesseepass.com/sleep-yurts



This article was originally published in December 2024.
Courtney Johnson

Courtney Johnson is a Colorado-based freelance writer, sports photographer, and mom to a young daughter.