My question - I can fly to Colorado Springs or Pueblo and rent a car but then what? I guess I could just rent a hotel or try to get a cabin and do some hiking and general exploring.
You just answered your own question. Like you, we have serious time constraints so we fly many places We rent cabins and condos more than hotel rooms for the extra space and the ability to cook meals. Check the campgrounds in the area you want to explore to see if they have cabin rentals. You don't say how old you are or if you are single, but there are many hostels that offer a clean bed, warm meal and great companionship with like-minded people. There are also hostels for older people and couples. Just pick a place, pick your flights (if you are not used to doing that PM me), find your accommodations and go. However, take the words "hassle-free" out of the equation, substitute Plan B and just be prepared to adapt.
