Manitou Springs, CO

Travel Guide

Photo provided by VisitCOS.com
Manitou Springs which includes signage and a small town or village
Photo provided by VisitCOS.com
Manitou Springs featuring signage and a small town or village
Manitou Springs featuring a small town or village and signage

Surrounded by mountainous scenery and known for its spring water, this city has outdoor adventures, historical sites and a colossal canyon-spanning suspension bridge.

Manitou Springs sits at the foot of Pikes Peak and is known for its natural mineral springs and breathtaking scenery. Visit the mountainside town to hike through the scenery, explore the historic downtown area and to sample its renowned naturally carbonated soda water.

Mountain Springs was founded in 1872 as a health resort and some Native American cultures consider the area sacred because of its restorative waters.

A good way to experience the rugged and picturesque landscape is aboard the Pikes Peak Cog Railway that ascends 14,115 feet (4,302 meters) to the mountain’s summit. If you want to explore on two feet, take one of the many hiking trails. Experienced hikers will enjoy the moderate to difficult 4-mile (6.5-kilometer) Columbine Trail that passes through the Cheyenne Canyon. For more spectacular scenery, visit the Royal Gorge where one of the world’s tallest suspension bridges straddles a canyon on the Arkansas River.

The area’s early and most recent history is told through some of its major attractions. Investigate the Manitou Cliff Dwellings where the ancient Anasazi people used to live. Visit Miramont Castle, a grand 19th century building that is a mix of architectural styles. See more Victorian homes and buildings in the city’s historic district.

While you are in the downtown neighborhood, taste the spring water from the 10 decorative fountains. Each one is said to have its own distinctive flavor. They include the iron-rich waters of the Iron Springs Geyser and the Cheyenne Spring that has water from limestone aquifers.

Manitou Springs has an active nightlife. See live music in a tavern, enjoy dinner and a comedy show at the Iron Springs Chateau and try some new wines at a wine bar.

Manitou Springs lies 7 miles (11 kilometers) to the west of Colorado Springs. Get around on foot or by bike, bus, rental car or taxi. During the summer, travel to the downtown area’s shops and restaurants aboard the free shuttle bus. The city has three metered parking lots and plenty of metered street parking.

Where to stay in Manitou Springs

Manitou Springs featuring signage and a small town or village

Manitou Springs Historic District

Nestled at the foot of Pikes Peak, Manitou Springs boasts natural mineral springs and access to Barr Trail. Explore attractions like Cave of the Winds and Manitou Cliff Dwellings, or enjoy downtown's shops, restaurants, and creekside park.

Manitou Springs Historic District
Magnuson Grand Pikes Peak
Magnuson Grand Pikes Peak
2.5 out of 5
45 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO
$148 nightly
The price is $164 total per night from Jul 28 to Jul 29
$164 total
Jul 28 - Jul 29
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Manitou Springs. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,195 reviews)
"There was plenty of parking and the help was very nice"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Magnuson Grand Pikes Peak
Days Inn by Wyndham Manitou Springs
Days Inn by Wyndham Manitou Springs
2.5 out of 5
120 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO
$125 nightly
The price is $139 total per night from Jul 7 to Jul 8
$139 total
Jul 7 - Jul 8
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Manitou Springs. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Friendly, clean and quiet. Good location as well for things to do in the area"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham Manitou Springs
Villa Motel at Manitou Springs
Villa Motel at Manitou Springs
2 out of 5
481 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO
$115 nightly
The price is $128 total per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
$128 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Manitou Springs. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Great spot. Near downtown. Clean and staff are super kind. Pool looked wonderful"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Villa Motel at Manitou Springs
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Charming Creekside Cabin Walk to Downtown Manitou – Ideal Retreat!
Charming Creekside Cabin Walk to Downtown Manitou – Ideal Retreat!
Manitou Springs
Stay at this cabin in Manitou Springs. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Garden of the Gods and Cave of the Winds ...
9/10 Wonderful! (153 reviews)
Best place for a tranquil getaway close to town
"If you love the outdoors Manitou is for you and so is this lovely place. It has everything you need for quick trip. The fountain river running along the back of the house adds an easy get away for the creek lover in all of us. Book now. Love the whole time."

Reviewed on Jun 13, 2025

Charming Creekside Cabin Walk to Downtown Manitou – Ideal Retreat!
The Avenue! Historic Mansion in DT Manitou Springs
The Avenue! Historic Mansion in DT Manitou Springs
Manitou Springs
Stay at this villa in Manitou Springs. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Garden of the Gods and Cave of the Winds are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (44 reviews)
Great family spot
"This was great place for our family vacation. The house is very big with plenty of spots for eating, games & conversation. The kitchen is good sized and well appointed with everything we needed."

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2025

The Avenue! Historic Mansion in DT Manitou Springs
Colorado Springs Home. Cozy 3-bedroom, 2 bathroom BOHO Inspired escape.
Colorado Springs Home. Cozy 3-bedroom, 2 bathroom BOHO Inspired escape.
Colorado Springs
Stay at this vacation home in Colorado Springs. Enjoy laundry facilities, in-room jetted tubs, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Pikes Peak Center ...
Whole house
"It wasn’t a problem but we were under the impression that we had the entire house. We didn’t realize someone was in the basement until the second night."

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Colorado Springs Home. Cozy 3-bedroom, 2 bathroom BOHO Inspired escape.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Manitou Springs

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
360
5 - Excellent 62%
4 - Good
183
4 - Good 31%
3 - Okay
31
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
4
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
3
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Love it. Food, hiking, camping, fishing, shopping, quiet little mountain town.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful town and a nice place to stay I recommend

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Manitou Springs has always been a favorite spot for me - continues to be a #1 place to go.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

This place reminds me of what central city used to be before the casinos were built. Small sweet shopping town with the nicest shop owners you have ever met.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Nice little town just far enough away from Colorado Springs but close enough to drive to any of the area's attractions. Less than 30 minutes to drive to the Air Force Academy.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Friendly and helpful vendors. Very clean city.

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