If you're this close to the mountains, why not juxtapose downtown Boulder, Colorado, and its Flatirons with an off-grid mountain cabin rental? You won't exactly be roughing it in a Boulder cabin, as these vacation rentals often offer sweeping mountain views, a full kitchen, hot tubs, and wifi—with many only minutes from the bustle of Pearl Street. No matter the season in which you’re living that high-elevation life, you can take on those switchbacks in your rig to reach your cozy cabin getaway. Boulder is known for consistently improving its public spaces, so be sure to check out area hiking trails and the renovated Boulder Reservoir beach if visiting in summer. If you’re up for a spin, both Lyons’ Lavern M. Johnson Park and Nederland’s Barker Meadow Reservoir are just a short drive away. If you don’t love sand in your log cabin bed, Carpenter Park and Pool has a lazy river, a snack bar, and water slides.