Itineraries in Manitou Springs
Manitou Springs packs mineral springs, the Incline, the Cog Railway, and a historic downtown into a few walkable blocks at the foot of Pikes Peak. Here is how to do it in a day or a weekend.
Option 1
The Perfect Day in Manitou Springs
Springs, the Incline, downtown dining, and one big attraction, all in one day.
Coffee on Manitou Avenue
Start downtown with a coffee at Red Dog Coffee or Happy Cats Coffee, then walk it off along the historic main street as the shops open.
The Mineral Springs Walk
Take the free, self-guided tour of the eight natural mineral springs scattered through downtown. Bring a bottle and taste your way between them.
Climb the Incline (or the Barr Trail)
Take on the 2,744 steps of the Manitou Incline (reserve a free timed slot ahead), or hike the gentler Barr Trail. Either way the trailhead is at the top of Ruxton Avenue.
Lunch Downtown
Refuel at Adam's Mountain Cafe, a town institution since 1985, or grab a beer and a full menu on the patio at Manitou Brewing Company.
Cave of the Winds or the Cliff Dwellings
Pick one afternoon attraction: a guided cave tour at Cave of the Winds (open since 1881), or a walk through the authentic Manitou Cliff Dwellings.
Dinner and Dessert
Settle in for fondue at Mona Lisa or Mediterranean at Sahara Cafe, then finish with frozen custard or fresh beignets and a last stroll down Manitou Avenue.
Option 2
A Manitou Springs and Pikes Peak Weekend
Two days to do the town, the mountain, and the red rocks at an easy pace.
Day 1: Saturday
Springs Walk and Downtown
Ease into the weekend with the mineral springs walk and the galleries and shops along Manitou Avenue and Canon Avenue.
The Manitou Incline
Take on the Incline with a timed reservation and loop back down the Barr Trail. Stretch out afterward at a downtown patio.
Dinner on Manitou Avenue
Dinner and live music at Armadillo Ranch, or a slow fondue dinner at Mona Lisa. Cap it with a nightcap at a local bar.
Day 2: Sunday
Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Ride the highest cog railway in North America from the Ruxton Avenue depot to the 14,115-foot summit. Reserve ahead and dress for the cold up top.
Garden of the Gods
About 10 minutes from town, walk the free paved trails through towering red rock formations with Pikes Peak in the background.
Miramont Castle and Home
Tour the 1895 Miramont Castle, grab a final bite downtown, then head home. An easy drive back to Colorado Springs or Denver.
Getting Here
Nearest Airports
Fly in and rent a car. Manitou Springs is an easy drive from two Colorado airports.
Colorado Springs Airport
Colorado Springs, CO
American, United, Southwest, Delta. The closest major airport to Manitou Springs and Pikes Peak.
Denver International Airport
Denver, CO
Full international hub. Best option for international travelers. Shuttle and rental cars available.
Ready to explore?
Browse attractions and upcoming events to build your own Manitou Springs trip.