Vacation Rentals in Colorado Springs

Some of the finest vacation rental options in the Colorado Springs area are in the heart of the city itself. You can stay in quaint vacation villas in liberal Manitou, find luxurious mansions in Broadmoor or a holiday rental near the historic storefronts of Old Colorado City – and be close to the bars, restaurants and galleries.

However, there’s another side to the vacation home possibilities in Colorado Springs. Instead of staying in town, why not look at the hundreds of cottages and cabins in the Front Range? Be near the Garden of the Gods or at the foot of Pike’s Peak, and wake up to stunning vistas across the valley.

Colorado Springs is located in central Colorado, around 100 miles south of Denver. It has its own regional airport, which provides connections to cities like Las Vegas, Chicago and Dallas, and is linked to the state capital via I-25 as well, so getting to the resort should be hassle free. There’s also a Greyhound station on S Weber St, which could be handy for budget travelers.

The city itself is set in a valley, overlooked by Pike’s Peak and Cheyenne Mountain, and has an elevation of 6,000 feet (so take warm clothing for the evenings). The population of 440,000 is spread out fairly thinly across the valley, and you’ll find a range of different areas. For instance, Manitou is known for its bohemian scene, while Broadmoor is an upscale 1920s neighborhood, and Old Colorado City offers plenty of boutiques and historic rental home options.

When you visit Colorado Springs, think about how you will get around. The city has a good public transit system, and ordinary rental cars will also do fine, but if you intend to explore the Rockies, then a 4x4 could be the way to go (especially in winter).

The countryside around Colorado Springs is famous for its natural beauty, with nationally important sights like the Garden of the Gods within a few miles of the city center. If you love to get out on the trail, there’s no better destination.

Colorado Springs has retained its frontier town feel by restoring the Old Town, which is now a magical slice of historic Americana. Visit authentic saloons, buy western souvenirs and dine on Colorado beef at the area’s excellent restaurants.

Art is a big deal in Colorado Springs. The city has a superb Fine Arts Center, Colorado Avenue is studded with high-quality galleries showcasing local talents, and areas like Manitou regularly host lively craft markets during the summer.

The area’s star attraction, the Garden of the Gods is a national landmark, made up of tens of dramatic red rock formations. It’s a mystical place, which has drawn pilgrims for thousands of years, and still has a unique power.

As it passes near Colorado Springs, the Arkansas River has created a series of incredible gorges, with rapids and fast-flowing waters – and there’s no shortage of rafting companies waiting to show you how exciting they can be.

Back in town, Colorado Springs is famous for its beer. The best way to sample the best brews is via a brewery tour which will take in local favorites like Phantom Canyon, Red Leg and Great Storm.

Built in the 1930s, the Fine Arts Center is one of the best galleries in the American West, and a vibrant theater and dance venue too. If you know your O’Keefe from your Ansel Adams, it’s a must-see attraction.

Rising 7,400 feet above Colorado Springs, Pike’s Peak is inescapable. It’s a demanding climb, but there’s also a cog railway and a highway to the top, where the views are sublime.

Colorado Springs has a fairly extreme range of temperatures throughout the year thanks to its mid-continental and high-altitude location. Summer days generally top 80 degrees, while during winter, temperatures generally plummet into the 30s or 40s, so pack accordingly.

Generally, locals recommend traveling in spring and fall, when mild weather combines with smaller crowds. Spring is also the best time to go if you are a rafting fanatic, with the spring melt quickening the river waters, which may be worth bearing in mind.

Colorado Springs doesn’t have any marquee music or arts festivals, but it does have a constant stream of smaller events, like December’s Festival of Lights and the Summer Music Festival, as well as weekly Art Walks and Downtown food events. It’s more of a place to visit, relax and unwind – with hiking, shopping, golf, and rafting, and it makes sense to book your favorite activities in advance.