Manitou Springs

Nestled between Garden of the Gods and the slopes of Pikes Peak, quirky Manitou Springs mixes outdoor adventure with 8 naturally carbonated mineral springs that run free and cold 24 hours a day. Pick up a self-guided tour map and a collapsible souvenir cup at the Visitor Bureau on Manitou Avenue, then sample each spring; Seven Minute, Shoshone, Navajo, Cheyenne, Wheeler, Stratton, Twin, and Iron Spring Geyser, each with its own blend of minerals (sodium bicarbonate, calcium, magnesium, lithium, and more) and a distinct flavor. If you prefer the water warm, SunWater Spa heats the same mineral source in one private and seven public cedar tubs kept between 85 °F and 104 °F.

Beyond the springs, year-round trails begin right outside town. Red Mountain and the famous Manitou Incline (2,744 steps that gain about 2,000 feet in less than a mile) are perfect for getting a workout in and promise a heart-pounding climb. The 13-mile Barr Trail (best left for those with more experience) offers a strenuous route to Pikes Peak’s 14,115-foot summit. Easier trails meander through Red Rock Canyon Open Space and along Fountain Creek; there's something for everyone. Afterward, the town has a plethora of locally owned restaurants where you can fuel up, and a bunch of small cabins, historic motels, and welcoming B&Bs for you to stay in.

Manitou’s creative spirit shows in its Colorado Creative District galleries, lively music venues, and annual events, from summertime art walks to October’s Emma Crawford Coffin Races. With an average of 250 sunny days a year, moderate winters, and July highs around 85°F, this picturesque mountain town invites you to find out why visitors have flocked to its healing waters and crisp air since the 1870s.