Manitou Springs

Manitou Springs is a small mountain town vacation destination only 3 miles west of Colorado Springs along Highway 24.

Located in the foothills just east of America’s Mountain, this hamlet is nestled among some of the Pikes Peak region's most beautiful scenery.

You can get an easy view of the town’s location by spotting one of the most popular hiking trails in the region: the Manitou Incline.

Driving into Manitou Springs

Manitou Springs

The town itself rests at the foot of this trail—the one that looks like someone drew a long line up straight up Manitou Mountain. Just gaze west towards Pikes Peak, and you’ll see it to the right.

This area offers rolling hills, pine trees, mountain peaks, and waterfalls. You’ll see massive walls of orange rock along Highway 24, and Fountain Creek flows right through town.

This makes it a natural place for Bed & Breakfasts, Inns, and Cottages, many of which have an Historic Victorian theme.

View of town from the Manitou Incline

Manitou Springs - View from the Manitou Incline

Manitou is largely famous for its 12 mineral springs located throughout the town. These springs offer different healing properties, and vary from seltzer to lithium. Bring along jugs and fill them up, or drink them on the go. You can visit the town’s tourist center for a map of where each one is located.

Home to only 5,000 people, Manitou Springs is a popular place to reside if you’re thinking of moving to Colorado. Finding an apartment can be a challenge, though, because so many folks want the beautiful views and small-town vibe.

It’s also an eclectic mix of people. Home to many art galleries, antique shops, and hip bookstores, Manitou Springs naturally has a lot of artists and artsy people living there.

If Colorado Springs is seen as one of the most conservative cities, Manitou might be seen as one of the most liberal.

Some people have described it as a “witchy” town as well, as you’ll see psychics, tarot card readers, and Wicca stores among the shops along the main strip that also includes mountain gear shops and places to buy t-shirts and other souvenirs.

Throughout the year, but especially the summer, Manitou Avenue is full of activity. People walking the sidewalks, in and out of shops, eating on outdoor patios, riding their motorcycles through town, and playing games at the Arcade.

Manitou Springs Arcade

The Arcade is a huge draw for people of all ages. Made up of several buildings, the Penny Arcade is home to dozens of video games, pinball machines, coin-operated animal rides, and the big favorite: the squirt gun horse races.

It’s a lot like Coney Island in the Rocky Mountains.

Old-School Racing Games at the Arcade

Manitou Springs Arcade

Manitou is also home to two of our favorite restaurants: Adam’s Mountain Café serves up some amazing organic breakfasts, and The Keg has an incredible berry salad.

Another big draw in Manitou are the unique festivals held throughout the year: Casket Races, Fruitcake Tosses, Wine Festivals, Lager Festivals, Authorfest, and Farmer’s Markets.

Nearby Attractions include the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, Cave of the Winds, the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, and Garden of the Gods.

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