Breathtaking mountain vistas, endless outdoor adventures, and world-class ski resorts make Colorado the ultimate location for a log cabin.
From Keystone to Crested Butte, the state offers endless possibilities for nature lovers. Colorado is home to 4 national parks, 42 state parks, and hundreds of wildlife areas.
If your passion is skiing, you’ll have your pick of 32 ski resorts spread out from the Western Slope to the Front Range. And with dozens of scenic byways, hundreds of breweries, and more than 150 wineries, leisurely days are always within reach.
Few states rival Colorado when it comes to outdoor recreation, so it’s no surprise the state is a top market for second homes.
Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect spot to build a family vacation cabin or you’re ready to make Colorado your forever home, we’ve put together the quintessential guide on where to build your Colorado log home.
The Rockies
The awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains are the largest mountain system in North America, spanning several U.S. states and stretching into northern Canada.
It’s no exaggeration to say you could spend the better part of a lifetime exploring the range’s peaks, glaciers, alpine lakes, and creeks and streams too numerous to count.
All the locations below are in the Rockies, and many fall within the borders of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Aspen
Aspen is home to some of Colorado’s most famous ski resorts. The charming village of around 7,000 residents has an upscale vibe without feeling stuffy, thanks to its origins as a silver-mining town.
Aspen is known for its apres-ski scene, but it’s also a prime spot for year-round outdoor recreation. Explore the area’s many hiking and cycling trails in the summer and ski all four mountains—Aspen, Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass—all winter long.
Real estate is extremely pricey in this highly coveted area, but if you have a sizable budget, you can’t do better than Aspen.
Telluride
A small town with a big heart, Telluride is a first-class skiing destination. Its compact downtown area features charming hotels, inviting restaurants, and lively bars and pubs.
The town is a cultural hub, playing host to a variety of interesting annual events, from art walks to the world-famous film festival named after the town. From skiing to fly fishing to horseback riding, there’s something to do all year in Telluride.
The real estate market is hot in this Rocky Mountain town, so snap up a sweet piece of land as soon as it comes up for sale. You’ll likely pay a pretty penny, but the scenery is unsurpassed.
Breckenridge
A small, historic town in Gold Rush country, Breckenridge has a classic Wild West feel, but with all the modern amenities. Home to North America’s highest chairlift, the Breckenridge area is a mecca for skiers and snowboarders. In the summer you can bike, fish, or hike the iconic Rocky Mountain Tenmile Range.
Land prices range significantly depending on location. But you can easily find a half-acre lot for as little as $200,000, making the Breckenridge area one of the best places to buy land in Colorado.
Beaver Creek
An ideal ski resort for beginners, Beaver Creek comprises three villages: Beaver Creek Village, Bachelor Gulch, and Arrowhead. The area is renowned for its stunning scenery, and skiers love the meticulously groomed runs.
Living in the Beaver Creek area gives you access to more than 2,000 acres or prime skiing terrain. As with all the prime skiing resorts, the closer you live to the slopes the more you’ll pay for property. But land is more affordable in nearby communities, like Cordillera.
Steamboat Springs
With strong ranching roots and a spirit of rugged independence, Steamboat Springs is a genuine Colorado mountain town. Named after its famous hot springs, this Northern Colorado outpost of around 13,000 is a draw for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy fishing, camping, hiking, and snow sports.
Land is far more affordable in Steamboat Springs than ritzy areas like Aspen. But the market is booming, so there’s no time to waste if you’re thinking about Steamboat Springs for your primary home or a vacation cabin.
Keystone
This family-friendly resort is a top destination for skiers and snowboarders from across the region, boasting three peaks and five back bowls spread out over more than 3,000 acres. A new high-speed 6-passenger chairlift in Bergman Bowl is set to open for the 2023-2024 season.
Properties in nearby Silverthorne, Frisco, and Breckenridge are pricey, but if you’re willing to build on the outskirts, you’ll find land for much less.
Gunnison
A small mountain community on the western slope, Gunnison personifies the spirit of the West. Gunnison Valley has exceptional winter skiing but is also known for its epic hiking in the warmer months, with more than 700 hiking trails to explore.
Gunnison–Crested Butte Airport is just 30 miles away, creating opportunities for a rental or vacation cabin. Land is relatively affordable in the area if you’re looking to build a log home from the ground up.
Crested Butte
A small mining town in Gunnison County, Crested Butte is an ideal place for no-fuss nature lovers. Spend your winters skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling on snow-covered slopes that get an impressive 200+ inches per year. In the summer, fishing, hunting, and boating are popular activities.
The Gunnison-Crested Butte area is the perfect spot to carve out your own slice of paradise on a budget.
Silverton
In the heart of the high country, Silverton is a classic Colorado mountain town of around 650 residents. Nestled into the San Juan mountains at an impressive 9,300 feet, it’s the perfect basecamp for all kinds of outdoor adventures, from skiing to hiking to rock climbing.
Silverton is home to the annual Hardrock Hundred Mile Endurance Run, drawing thousands of visitors each year. Vacant land is pricey in town, but the tradeoff is amazing views and easy access to the Animas River and premier skiing resorts.
Estes Park
Situated at 7,500 feet near the eastern entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, year-round adventure is a way of life in Estes Park. Spend your weekends fly-fishing, hiking, climbing, and snowshoeing, or take the aerial tram to the top of Prospect Mountain for sweeping views of the valley below.
This small town of around 6,000 year-round residents has a tight-knit community feel with quaint shops and welcoming restaurants. Real estate is moderately priced in the area, starting at around $60,000 per acre.
Leadville
Embodying the spirit of the West, Leadville has the distinction of being the highest incorporated city in North America at a breathtaking (literally) 10,150 feet above sea level. This impressive mountain town is flanked by two of the highest peaks in the Rockies, 14,433-foot Mt. Elbert, and the aptly named Mt. Massive, coming in at 14,421 feet.
Leadville offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, from hiking and mountain biking to horseback riding and fishing. You can build a log cabin getaway or forever home on a budget in the area, with land prices starting at just $10,000 per acre.
Georgetown
Nestled in a river valley about an hour west of Denver is Georgetown, a historic mining town of just over 1,100 residents. Enjoy easy access to the Loveland Ski area and Echo Mountain Ski Resort. Or take an exhilarating narrow gauge train ride on the historic Georgetown Loop Railroad right from town.
If you love rafting, fishing, and hiking in a quiet town with friendly residents, Georgetown is a great option.
Partner with eLoghomes for Your Colorado Log Home Build
Whether you’re in the market for a classic vacation cabin, like our Bent Willow model, or a luxurious multi-story log home for entertaining, like the Casa Grande, eLoghomes will help you find the perfect floor plan for your new Colorado log home.
As the nation’s leading log home manufacturer and builder, we are experts in the log home kit space. Our staff will guide you through the home-building process, from choosing the best floor plan for your budget to the construction of your eLoghomes shell package.
Explore our home models and get in touch to learn more on why choose eLoghomes for your new log cabin.