Motorcyclists gather on a lakeside town street with a massive dam and reservoir behind them.
Get ready for the rumble! Lake of the Ozarks Bikefest returns September 15–20, 2026, celebrating its 20th year at the Lake.
Bikefest brings riders from across the country to Lake of the Ozarks for incredible riding, live music, vendors, poker runs and events happening throughout the area.
Only 3 Properties Left for Bikefest!
If you’re still looking for a place to stay, LJ Vacation Rentals has just 3 properties remaining for Bikefest—and all are conveniently located close to Bagnell Dam and the action!
🏍️ Two properties sleep up to 6 guests 🏍️ One property sleeps up to 9 guests 🌊 Lakefront with beautiful Lake of the Ozarks views 🔥 Private patios with gas grills
After a full day of riding and enjoying Bikefest, come back to the Lake, fire up the grill, relax on the patio and enjoy the view.
Whether you’re traveling with a couple of friends or bringing the whole riding crew, you’ll have the space to spread out and relax—without being far from the Bikefest festivities.
Lake of the Ozarks Bikefest | September 15–20, 2026
Only three properties remain, so now is the time to grab your Bikefest stay.
Ride all day. Relax lakefront at night.
Book direct with LJ Vacation Rentals at LJVacationRentals.com.
Boutique by design. Hands-on by choice. Results-driven by experience.
Still looking for the perfect Labor Day getaway? LJ Vacation Rentals has just three beautiful lakefront properties still available — and the weather is looking perfect for a weekend at Lake of the Ozarks!
Each property offers:
3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms
King bed in the primary suite
No stairs
Lakefront with absolutely gorgeous views
Private patio with your own gas grill
Two feature screened-in patios, perfect for morning coffee, evening cocktails and taking in the lake views
Spend the weekend boating, swimming, grilling and enjoying everything the Lake has to offer, then come back and relax on your own private patio overlooking the water.
Two properties offer slip rentals. Contact me for details.
With only three properties remaining for Labor Day, now is the time to book your lake getaway!
Come spend Labor Day at the Lake with LJ Vacation Rentals.
Boutique by design. Hands-on by choice. Results-driven by experience.
If you’re visiting Lake of the Ozarks this week, Wednesday night is one you won’t want to miss!
Four racing boats speed across the lake, leaving dramatic wakes beneath a glowing sunset.
Shootout on the Strip takes over the historic Bagnell Dam Strip on Wednesday, August 26, kicking off one of the most exciting weekends of the summer at Lake of the Ozarks.
🚤 See the Shootout Boats Up Close
Before the boats hit the water for race weekend, they’re bringing the action to the Strip!
High-performance boats and race teams will line Bagnell Dam Boulevard, giving fans a chance to get an up-close look at some of the incredible machines competing in the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout.
This is your opportunity to walk among the boats, meet drivers and race teams, take photos and experience the excitement that surrounds one of the Lake’s biggest annual events.
🎉 A Huge Street Party
The historic Bagnell Dam Strip turns into one big celebration for the evening.
Expect:
High-performance boats on display
Shootout racers and teams
Live music
Vendors and interactive displays
Official Shootout merchandise
Food, drinks and plenty of Lake fun
Best of all, the event is free and open to the public.
📍 Event Details
Shootout on the Strip – Street Party 📅 Wednesday, August 26, 2026 ⏰ 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM 📍 Historic Bagnell Dam Strip – Lake Ozark, Missouri 🎟️ Free admission
🏁 It’s All Leading Up to Shootout Weekend
Wednesday’s street party is just the beginning.
The 38th Annual Lake of the Ozarks Shootout takes place Saturday, August 29 and Sunday, August 30, with some of the fastest boats in the country competing on the Lake.
Shootout Week also includes Demo Day on Thursday and the Shootout Poker Run on Friday before racing begins Saturday.
🌊 Make It a Last-Minute Lake Getaway!
Thinking about heading to the Lake for all the Shootout excitement? LJ Vacation Rentals still has limited availability this week!
Whether you want to come down for Shootout on the Strip, stay for race weekend, or turn it into a few days of boating, swimming and Lake fun, there’s still time to plan a last-minute getaway.
Our vacation rentals offer comfortable, fully equipped places to stay throughout the Lake of the Ozarks area — so you can enjoy the excitement of Shootout Week and have your own place to relax when the day is over.
Don’t wait too long — Shootout Week is one of the biggest weeks of the summer and our remaining nights won’t last!
👉 Check availability and book your Lake of the Ozarks getaway at LJVacationRentals.com.
We’ll see you at the Lake! 🚤🏁
LJ Vacation Rentals — Boutique by design. Hands-on by choice. Results-driven by experience.
A warm cottage bedroom with a welcoming note and refreshments on the bedside table.
At LJ Vacation Rentals, we believe successful short-term rental management is about far more than simply listing a property online and waiting for bookings.
Recently, one of our luxury one-bedroom lakefront condos experienced a major turnaround after joining the LJ Vacation Rentals Collection. Compared to the previous year under different management, the property saw:
A 42% increase in May revenue
Occupancy rise from 71% to over 90%
June bookings increase by more than 60% year-over-year
June occupancy nearly double compared to the same time last year
The difference wasn’t luck — it was strategy, consistency, and attention to detail.
Large management companies often oversee hundreds of properties at once. Listings are uploaded, automated, and rarely revisited. At LJ Vacation Rentals, we take a much more hands-on approach.
We continually adjust pricing strategies, refresh listing content, improve presentation, monitor market trends, and personally check properties to ensure they are staged and guest-ready. In today’s competitive STR market, listings cannot stay stagnant.
Sometimes the smallest details make the biggest impact — updated decor, improved staging, refreshed patios, better photography, or simply ensuring the property consistently delivers a true 5-star experience.
One of our owners recently shared this after making the switch to LJ Vacation Rentals:
“Dana and Bruce have been outstanding to work with. After struggling with multiple property managers, finding them completely changed the direction of my luxury lakefront condo at Lake of the Ozarks. Their communication, pricing strategy, guest service, and attention to detail are second to none. They helped take my condo into the top 5% on Airbnb listings, and the bookings and guest feedback have improved dramatically. Dana also has an incredible eye for design and presentation, which really helped my property stand out in a very competitive market. I highly recommend LJ Vacation Rentals to any owner looking for professional short-term rental management at the lake.”
We intentionally keep our portfolio selective enough to give every property the attention it deserves. Your property is never treated like just another listing — because your success matters to us.
In a market where many companies focus on quantity, we focus on performance, presentation, and guest experience.
Boutique by design. Hands-on by choice. Results-driven by experience.
Crowds gather at the popular Dog Days Boat Show on Lake of the Ozarks.
Spring and early summer are some of the best times to visit the Lake of the Ozarks. The weather is warming up, the lake is coming alive, and the calendar is packed with exciting events on and off the water.
Whether you’re a boating enthusiast, a poker-run pro, or just looking for a fun weekend getaway, here are the top events happening over the next few months.
🚤 Spring In-Water Boat Show (April 17–19)
📍 Location: 21MM at Dog Days Bar & Grill
Kick off the boating season at the annual Spring In-Water Boat Show! This exciting event showcases a wide variety of boats, including runabouts and personal watercraft, all displayed right on the water.
It’s the perfect opportunity to explore the latest models, connect with local dealers, and get inspired for your time on the lake. Even if you’re not buying, the energy and atmosphere make it a fun weekend outing.
♠️ Spring Harbor Hop (May 2)
📍 40+ waterfront locations around the lake
The Spring Harbor Hop is one of the most popular and interactive events at the lake—and anyone can participate!
Start by registering at any Harbor Hop checkpoint and make an optional $20 donation per poker hand. From there, travel by boat or car to different checkpoints to collect cards and build your best seven-card poker hand for a chance to win prizes.
This event is all about enjoying the lake, visiting waterfront spots, and having fun along the way.
🏁 XINSURANCE Offshore Race (June 12–14)
📍 Near Bagnell Dam (0–3 MM), close to Neon Taco 🕗 Daily racing from 8 AM – 5 PM
Get ready for high-speed excitement at the XINSURANCE Offshore Race! This thrilling event features professional powerboat teams racing along the Bagnell Dam Strip.
With boats flying across the water and crowds gathering to watch the action, this is one of the most exciting events of the season. Whether you’re viewing from the water or from shore, it’s an unforgettable experience.
🌅 Plan Your Spring Getaway
Spring is the perfect time to enjoy everything the lake has to offer—before the peak summer crowds arrive. From laid-back events to high-energy races, there’s something for everyone.
👉 Ready to plan your stay? Browse our properties and book direct at LJVacationRentals.com
✨ Pro Tip: These event weekends book quickly—secure your stay early!
For more than 20 years, my career was rooted in real estate—but on a very different side of the transaction. As a real estate closer, I spent decades helping buyers, sellers, and agents reach the finish line. It was a career built on precision, trust, and relationships, and I’m truly grateful for the years I spent in that role.
As this year came to a close, I officially closed that door—and opened another.
I’m now putting my full-time focus into LJ Vacation Rentals, a short-term rental management company that has grown from a passion project into a trusted brand serving Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri and Colorado Springs, Colorado.
What started with a single property and a desire to do things differently—clear communication, thoughtful design, and exceptional guest care—has grown into something I’m incredibly proud of. Last year alone, we hosted 365 reservations and received nothing but five-star reviews throughout the entire year across major booking platforms. That level of consistency doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of hands-on management, attention to detail, and strong partnerships.
At LJ Vacation Rentals, we intentionally partner with owners who truly care about their homes and want to go above and beyond for their guests. Together, we focus on creating welcoming, well-appointed spaces that feel less like a rental and more like a getaway—where details matter and guest experience always comes first.
The biggest news of all? At the end of January, I’ll officially be calling Lake of the Ozarks home.
As soon as we arrive, we’ll be onboarding three new beautiful properties, allowing us to start the season with ten professionally managed vacation rentals. Being local means I can be even more hands-on, responsive, and connected to both our owners and our guests.
This next chapter is an exciting one, and I’m grateful for everyone—guests, owners, and partners—who has helped LJ Vacation Rentals grow into what it is today. I look forward to continuing to raise the bar for short-term rentals and creating memorable stays at the lake and beyond.
When autumn sweeps into Colorado Springs, the landscape transforms into a living painting. Towering aspens shimmer in brilliant shades of gold, fiery red oaks line the trails, and the crisp mountain air makes every step and every view unforgettable. The season is short—usually peaking from late September through mid-October—but it’s one of the most magical times to visit.
Here are the most breathtaking spots to experience fall colors in and around Colorado Springs—complete with details on where to find them, what makes each place special, and the best time to go.
1. Gold Camp Road
Just minutes from downtown, Gold Camp Road feels like a journey back in time. This historic route was once part of a railway line connecting Colorado Springs to Cripple Creek, and today it’s a scenic drive through tunnels, granite cliffs, and dense mountain forests.
In the fall, the road is framed by thick groves of aspen, their leaves glowing like lanterns in the sunlight. The light filtering through the golden canopy makes the entire road feel magical. Pull off at one of the many overlooks for sweeping mountain views or wander a side trail for a quieter experience.
📍 Access: Start at North Cheyenne Cañon and follow the dirt road into the mountains.
🍁 Best Time: Late September to early October.
🌟 Insider Tip: The road is unpaved and narrow in places—go slow, and you’ll be rewarded with postcard-worthy views.
2. Pikes Peak Highway
Driving up the Pikes Peak Highway in the fall is like traveling through layers of autumn. At the base, oak and cottonwood trees glow with warm reds and oranges. As you climb, sweeping hillsides of golden aspen surround the road, especially near Crystal Reservoir and Glen Cove. Higher still, above treeline, you’ll see endless views of golden valleys and snow-dusted peaks stretching toward the horizon.
It’s one of the most diverse fall-color experiences near Colorado Springs—you get everything from forested canyons to wide-open mountain vistas in a single drive.
📍 Access: Highway 24 in Cascade, then the 19-mile toll road to the summit.
🍁 Best Time: Mid-September at higher elevations; late September to early October near the base.
🌟 Insider Tip: Plan a stop at Crystal Reservoir for photos of golden aspens reflected in the lake with Pikes Peak towering above.
3. North Cheyenne Cañon Park
Nestled at the base of the Rockies, North Cheyenne Cañon Park feels like an enchanted forest in autumn. Trails like Seven Bridges wind through whispering aspens and over mountain streams, where fallen leaves float along the water. The Mt. Cutler Trail offers a moderate climb with rewarding views of the valley below, glowing in reds, oranges, and yellows.
The contrast of rugged canyon walls, trickling creeks, and fiery fall leaves makes this spot especially photogenic.
📍 Access: 10 minutes from downtown, off Cheyenne Blvd.
🍁 Best Time: Late September through early October.
🌟 Insider Tip: Go early in the morning for peaceful trails and soft light shining through golden leaves.
4. Garden of the Gods
This world-famous landmark is stunning year-round, but in the fall it becomes extraordinary. Picture towering red sandstone formations rising against a backdrop of golden cottonwood trees and deep blue Colorado skies. The colors play off each other beautifully—every turn in the trail reveals another breathtaking scene.
Whether you walk the easy Central Garden Trail, cycle through the park, or simply drive the loop, the mix of fiery rocks and glowing leaves is unforgettable.
📍 Access: 15 minutes northwest of downtown via N. 30th Street.
🍁 Best Time: Early to mid-October.
🌟 Insider Tip: Visit at sunrise or sunset—the red rocks glow even brighter, and the golden trees seem to sparkle in the changing light.
5. Mueller State Park
If you want to be completely surrounded by fall colors, head to Mueller State Park. Located just outside Divide, this 5,000-acre park is blanketed with aspen groves that turn into seas of yellow each September. Rolling meadows and forested hillsides make for endless photo opportunities, and wildlife like elk and deer are often spotted against the colorful backdrop.
The Outlook Ridge Trail is a favorite, offering panoramic views of Pikes Peak framed by glowing aspen. It’s a quieter, more immersive experience than the busier city parks, making it ideal for hikers and nature lovers.
📍 Access: 45 minutes west of Colorado Springs, off Hwy 67 near Divide.
🍁 Best Time: Mid- to late September.
🌟 Insider Tip: Bring layers—it’s often cooler at this higher elevation, especially in the morning.
6. Seven Falls at The Broadmoor
Seven Falls is one of Colorado Springs’ most iconic attractions, and in the fall it’s even more magical. The cascading waterfalls drop through a narrow canyon, surrounded by canyon walls covered in golden trees. The sound of rushing water mixed with the rustle of leaves makes for an unforgettable autumn outing.
Climbing the 224 steps to the top of the falls rewards you with sweeping views of the canyon glowing with color. If you prefer a gentler experience, take the elevator to the Eagle’s Nest overlook for a stunning bird’s-eye view.
📍 Access: 15 minutes southwest of downtown, off Cheyenne Blvd.
🍁 Best Time: Late September to early October.
🌟 Insider Tip: Visit in the late afternoon—the canyon walls glow in warm light, and the falls sparkle against the autumn colors.
7. Cripple Creek
For a classic Colorado fall road trip, make your way to Cripple Creek, a historic mining town about an hour west of Colorado Springs. The drive alone is worth the trip—Highway 67 winds through mountain passes and valleys bursting with golden aspens. As you descend into town, entire hillsides shimmer with color, creating one of the most photographed fall scenes in the region.
In town, you’ll find charming streets lined with historic buildings, and during fall, Cripple Creek often hosts events and festivals that add even more charm. Pair your leaf-peeping adventure with a stop for lunch or a stroll through this picturesque mountain community.
📍 Access: About 60 minutes west via Hwy 24 through Woodland Park, then Hwy 67 south.
🍁 Best Time: Mid- to late September for peak colors at this higher elevation.
🌟 Insider Tip: Continue on the scenic Gold Belt Tour byway for even more golden views.
🍁 When to Visit for Peak Fall Colors
High elevations (10,000+ ft): Colors peak around mid-September.
Mid elevations (8,000–9,000 ft): Expect peak around late September.
City parks and lower elevations (6,000–7,000 ft): Colors last into early to mid-October.
✨ Plan Your Colorado Springs Fall Escape
From scenic drives through glowing aspen forests to hikes among red rocks and golden cottonwoods, fall in Colorado Springs is short, sweet, and unforgettable. Whether you’re seeking adventure or simply want to soak in the views, this season is one of the best times to visit.
After a day of exploring, come home to your cozy vacation rental, Cowboy Cabin Ranch —perfect for warming up with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine while you watch the sunset light up the mountains in autumn hues.
👉 Book your Colorado Springs fall getaway today and experience the Rockies at their most colorful!
LJ VACATION RENTALS 