Tucked at the base of Pikes Peak, Manitou Springs is one of Colorado’s most delightfully unexpected towns. With bubbling mineral springs, colorful art galleries, and trails that climb straight into the clouds, this small city packs a serious punch.
Whether you are an outdoor adventurer, a history buff, or simply someone searching for a one-of-a-kind getaway, Manitou Springs has something that will hook you from the very first visit.
The Famous Manitou Mineral Springs
Sipping water straight from the earth sounds a little wild, but in Manitou Springs, it is practically a tradition. The town sits above a network of naturally carbonated mineral springs, and several of them are accessible right along the main streets.
Each spring has its own distinct flavor, ranging from slightly salty to almost fizzy, making a tasting tour genuinely fun.
Long before tourists arrived, Native American tribes considered these springs sacred healing waters. Today, visitors bring their own cups and bottles to sample the different fountains scattered around town.
Some springs are housed in beautiful stone pavilions that feel almost magical.
No two springs taste exactly alike, which surprises most first-timers. Locals treat the springs as a source of everyday pride, and many believe the mineral-rich water still carries health benefits.
Stopping at the springs is the perfect first stop in town.
Conquering the Legendary Manitou Incline
Few fitness challenges in Colorado are as humbling or as rewarding as the Manitou Incline. This trail climbs roughly 2,000 feet in less than a mile using old railroad ties as steps, making it one of the steepest hikes in the entire country.
Your legs will feel it, but the view at the top is absolutely worth every burning step.
Athletes, weekend warriors, and curious tourists all show up here with the same determined look on their faces. The trail is short but brutally steep, with an average grade of around 45 percent.
Some sections push close to 68 percent incline, which means you are basically climbing a ladder made of wood and willpower.
After reaching the summit, most hikers take the Barr Trail back down for a gentler descent. Bring plenty of water, wear solid shoes, and start early to beat the midday crowds.
Exploring the Manitou Cliff Dwellings
Centuries before Manitou Springs became a tourist destination, ancient Pueblo people were already building remarkable structures in the cliffs of the American Southwest. The Manitou Cliff Dwellings bring a piece of that history right to the edge of town.
These reassembled stone structures give visitors a hands-on look at how the Ancestral Puebloans lived hundreds of years ago.
Unlike many historical sites where you can only look from a distance, here you can actually walk through the rooms, touch the stone walls, and feel the weight of that ancient history around you. The site also includes a museum filled with artifacts and exhibits that add rich context to what you are seeing.
Kids absolutely love scrambling through the low doorways and narrow passages. Admission is affordable, and the site is open most of the year.
Plan at least an hour to fully appreciate everything the dwellings have to offer.
Riding the Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Reaching the summit of Pikes Peak without hiking or driving is entirely possible, and honestly, it might be the most scenic way to do it. The Pikes Peak Cog Railway departs from Manitou Springs and carries passengers all the way up to 14,115 feet above sea level.
The ride takes about three hours round trip and passes through forests, tundra, and breathtaking alpine terrain.
This railway has been running since 1891, making it one of the oldest cog railways in the United States. Zebulon Pike himself famously declared the peak unclimbable back in 1806, which makes every summit visit feel a little triumphant.
The views at the top stretch across four states on a clear day.
Dress in layers no matter the season, because the summit can be cold and windy even in summer. The railway sells out quickly, so booking tickets ahead of time is strongly recommended.
Wandering Manitou Avenue’s Quirky Shops
Manitou Avenue is the kind of street that makes you slow down and look twice at everything. Lined with independent boutiques, crystal shops, vintage clothing stores, and one-of-a-kind art galleries, this main drag has a personality that no shopping mall could ever replicate.
Every storefront seems to have its own story to tell.
You might find hand-carved wooden sculptures next to a shop selling locally made hot sauce, or a gallery showcasing surrealist paintings right beside a tarot card reader. The eclectic mix of businesses reflects the deeply creative spirit of the people who call this town home.
Window shopping alone is a worthwhile afternoon activity.
Many shop owners are artists themselves and love chatting with visitors about their work. Supporting these local businesses directly helps keep Manitou Springs as weird and wonderful as it has always been.
Block out at least two hours to explore without rushing.
The Magic of Emma Crawford Coffin Races
Every October, Manitou Springs hosts one of the strangest and most joyful events in all of Colorado. The Emma Crawford Coffin Races celebrate the legend of Emma Crawford, a young woman who was buried on Red Mountain in the late 1800s.
After heavy rains reportedly sent her coffin sliding down the hillside, the town decided to honor her memory in the most Manitou way possible.
Teams dress in wild costumes, build decorated coffins on wheels, and race them down Manitou Avenue while crowds cheer wildly. There is also a parade and a costume contest that draws incredibly creative entries.
The whole event has a playful Halloween energy that feels completely unique to this town.
Families, locals, and tourists all mix together in the most festive way imaginable. If you happen to be in Colorado in late October, rearranging your schedule to catch this event is absolutely worth it.
Soaking in the Artistic Soul of the Town
Art is not just something you visit in Manitou Springs. It is woven into the sidewalks, painted on building walls, and hanging in windows all over town.
The city has long attracted painters, sculptors, musicians, and performers who find inspiration in the dramatic mountain surroundings and the town’s famously open-minded culture.
Several working studios are open to the public, letting you watch artists create in real time. The Manitou Art Center hosts rotating exhibits and community events that bring locals and visitors together around creative work.
Street murals pop up regularly, turning ordinary corners into unexpected galleries.
First Friday art walks happen monthly and give visitors a chance to meet artists, sample local wine, and experience the town after dark in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you collect art or simply appreciate it, Manitou Springs delivers a cultural richness that feels rare for a town of its size.
Discovering Miramont Castle
Standing on a hillside above town like something out of a storybook, Miramont Castle is one of the most architecturally fascinating buildings in all of Colorado. Built in 1895 by a French Catholic priest named Father Jean-Baptiste Francolon, the castle blends nine different architectural styles into one sprawling Victorian structure.
No two rooms look quite the same.
Today the castle operates as a museum where visitors can tour the historic rooms, admire the original woodwork, and learn about the building’s colorful past. A tea room inside the castle serves light lunches and afternoon tea in a setting that feels genuinely old-world.
Ghost tour enthusiasts will be happy to know the castle has a well-documented haunted reputation.
Admission is budget-friendly, and the museum staff are passionate about sharing the castle’s rich history. Plan to spend at least 90 minutes here to truly appreciate every fascinating corner of this remarkable landmark.
Tasting Local Food and Drink Scene
Eating well in Manitou Springs is surprisingly easy for such a small town. The local restaurant scene punches well above its weight, offering everything from wood-fired pizza and farm-to-table bistros to cozy breakfast spots and lively craft beer bars.
Many restaurants source ingredients locally and take real pride in what ends up on the plate.
Adam’s Mountain Cafe is a beloved local institution known for its creative vegetarian menu and warm, earthy atmosphere. The Sahara Cafe brings Middle Eastern flavors to the mountains in a way that feels completely natural.
Several spots along Manitou Avenue offer outdoor patio seating with gorgeous mountain views as a backdrop.
Colorado craft beer fans will find plenty to enjoy at the local bars and taprooms scattered around town. After a long hike up the Incline or a morning of exploring the springs, sitting down to a well-earned meal here feels like a proper reward.
The Healing Vibe of Spa Culture Here
There is something about Manitou Springs that makes you want to slow down and breathe deeply. Maybe it is the mountain air, or the sound of the creek running through town, or the fact that the whole place seems designed for restoration.
The local spa scene leans into this healing atmosphere with genuine enthusiasm.
Several wellness centers and day spas in town offer mineral water treatments, massage therapy, and holistic healing services inspired by the town’s long history as a health resort. In the late 1800s, wealthy visitors traveled from across the country specifically to take the mineral waters here.
That tradition of seeking wellness never really went away.
Even a simple afternoon walk along Fountain Creek, stopping to sip from a spring or two, carries its own restorative quality. Manitou Springs has always known how to make people feel better, and that reputation is well earned.
Hiking Through Red Mountain Open Space
Just beyond the town’s colorful streets, Red Mountain Open Space offers miles of trails through rugged, beautiful terrain that most tourists completely overlook. The red sandstone formations, wildflower meadows, and panoramic views of Pikes Peak make this area one of the hidden gems of the entire Colorado Springs region.
Locals treasure it for exactly that reason.
Trails here range from easy walks along the lower slopes to more challenging routes that climb high enough to earn genuinely impressive views. The area also holds historical significance as the original burial site of Emma Crawford, whose legend still echoes through the town each October.
Finding her memorial marker along the trail adds a surprisingly moving moment to the hike.
Wildlife sightings are common, including mule deer, hawks, and the occasional fox. Bring a trail map, wear sunscreen, and give yourself a full morning to explore without feeling rushed.
Fountain Creek and the Peaceful Greenway
Running right through the heart of Manitou Springs, Fountain Creek is one of those simple pleasures that sneaks up on you. The sound of moving water follows you almost everywhere in town, and the paved greenway along the creek offers a relaxing place to walk, jog, or simply sit and watch the world drift by.
It connects several parks and gathering spots throughout the area.
In spring, snowmelt turns the creek into a rushing, energetic force that feels almost theatrical. By summer, it settles into a gentle flow perfect for picnicking along the banks.
The cottonwood trees that line the water turn brilliant gold in autumn, making it one of the prettiest fall walks in the region.
Families with young kids especially enjoy the creek-side parks, which offer open grass areas and shaded benches. The greenway also connects pedestrian routes toward Manitou Avenue, making it easy to blend nature time with town exploration.
The Unmistakable Small-Town Community Spirit
What truly sets Manitou Springs apart from other Colorado mountain towns is not any single attraction. It is the people.
Residents here have cultivated a fiercely independent, creatively spirited, and warmly welcoming community that you feel the moment you arrive. Strangers wave.
Shop owners remember your name. Conversations start easily and last longer than expected.
The town has a long history of attracting free thinkers, artists, and adventurers who chose to stay and build something meaningful together. That collective personality gives Manitou Springs an energy that is genuinely hard to find anywhere else.
Community events happen year-round, from farmers markets to art festivals to quirky seasonal celebrations.
Visitors often describe leaving Manitou Springs feeling lighter and more inspired than when they arrived. That effect is not accidental.
It is the result of a community that has spent generations choosing character over conformity, and it shows in every corner of this remarkable little town.