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Manitou Springs, Colorado

A Victorian spa town tucked into the foothills of Pikes Peak, where natural mineral springs, red rock canyons, and a thriving arts scene share the same few walkable blocks.

Why Manitou Springs?

Manitou Springs sits at the base of Pikes Peak, just five miles west of Colorado Springs, and it feels like a different world. The town grew up around its natural carbonated mineral springs in the late 1800s, and that Victorian-era character is still very much intact: ornate architecture, independent galleries, and a main street that rewards a slow walk. At 6,400 feet, the air is crisp and the canyon walls close in on both sides, giving the place an intimacy you don't find in bigger mountain towns. The Manitou Incline draws hikers from across the country. Garden of the Gods is a ten-minute drive. Pikes Peak is right there, visible from almost every corner of town. And when you're done with the outdoors, there are good restaurants, live music, and enough quirky shops to fill an afternoon. It's a town that earns repeat visits.

Things to Do

Top Attractions
From the famous Incline to ancient mineral springs and one of the country's great free parks, these are the experiences that define Manitou Springs.

Garden of the Gods

Towering sandstone formations rising 300 feet from the valley floor, with Pikes Peak as the backdrop. Free to enter, open year-round, and genuinely hard to believe.

Pikes Peak

Drive, bike, or take the cog railway to the 14,115-foot summit. The view stretches from Denver to New Mexico on a clear day.

Manitou Incline

A mile of retired railway ties climbing 2,000 feet in elevation. One of the most demanding and rewarding hikes on the Front Range.

Mineral Springs

Eight free public springs dot the town, each with a distinct mineral profile. Bring a cup and taste the difference between them.

Manitou Avenue

The main drag is lined with independent galleries, vintage shops, and restaurants. The Penny Arcade has been running since 1905.

Barr Trail

The classic foot route up Pikes Peak starts right in town. Most hikers do the lower section to Barr Camp and back, a solid full-day outing.

Manitou Springs at a Glance

A small Victorian spa town with big outdoor access, five miles from Colorado Springs.

  • Base camp for Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods

  • 8 free natural mineral springs in town

  • 300+ days of Colorado sunshine

  • 5 min from Colorado Springs, 90 min from Denver

Manitou Springs Through the Year

Every season brings something different to this canyon town.
Manitou Springs Through the Year

Summer and Fall

Peak hiking season on the Incline and Barr Trail, outdoor concerts on Manitou Avenue, and the famous Emma Crawford Coffin Races in October. Fall brings cooler temps and golden light on the canyon walls.

Winter and Spring

Quieter trails, fewer crowds, and easy access to Ski Broadmoor and Monarch Mountain. Spring runoff fills Fountain Creek and the mineral springs run strong through May.

Year-Round

Garden of the Gods is free and open every day. The mineral springs are always flowing. The galleries and restaurants on Manitou Avenue keep their own hours, and the Incline is open year-round.

Local Favorites

Where to Eat and Drink
From casual canyon-side cafes to craft cocktail bars, Manitou Springs has a food scene that punches above its size.

Craftwood Inn

A 1912 English Tudor building turned Colorado game and seafood restaurant. The elk medallions and bison tenderloin are the reasons people drive from Denver.

Manitou Brewing Company

A laid-back taproom on Manitou Avenue with a rotating lineup of Colorado craft beers and a patio that fills up on warm evenings.

Adam's Mountain Cafe

A longtime local favorite for breakfast and lunch. The menu leans vegetarian-friendly with big flavors and a relaxed, unhurried pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

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