A Rare Off-Grid Earthship Rental in Colorado Springs Offers a Peaceful Wooded Escape
Tucked into five acres of ponderosa pines in Colorado Springs' Black Forest, a handcrafted, off-grid Earthship is drawing attention as a quirky Airbnb stay. The two-bedroom, one-bath home is packed with plants and designed for unplugging in the woods.
Earthships, an architectural concept developed by Michael Reynolds in the 1970s, are built from recycled materials like tires, mud, aluminum, and glass, using far less energy than traditional homes. While the movement started in Taos, New Mexico, such homes remain rare in Colorado due to strict zoning rules. This particular Earthship has stood since the 1990s. The current owners bought it in 2022, but financing and insurance proved difficult because it's an alternative dwelling. They almost lost the deal, but everything came together at the last minute. The home later went viral on TikTok and is now bookable on Airbnb.
The interior features a 100-foot wall of windows in the atrium, thick walls that hold heat, and a partially underground design with no rear windows. Solar panels power the home, and built-in planters line the space with slate and flagstone floors. It's an open-concept layout with only the bathroom having a door. The living room includes a TV, record player, and a long burnt orange corduroy couch. The kitchen has a tile-topped island, a dishwasher, and ample counter space. A long wooden dining table is perfect for puzzles or watching deer. The bathroom holds a standout feature: an elevated soaking tub deep enough for taller guests. One bedroom has a queen bed and sofa bed, while the main bedroom offers a king bed.
Guests report little difference from a traditional stay, though the owners advise being mindful of energy use—like running the dishwasher during daylight and closing curtains instead of using AC. The home is 16 miles from the Tri-Lakes region, under 30 miles from downtown Colorado Springs, and just over 60 miles from Denver. Nearby attractions include Mezcalita for Mexican food, 3 Hundred Days Distilling in Monument, Mount Herman, Garden of the Gods, the US Olympic and Paralympic Museum, and the Broadmoor Hotel.