Tucked away just outside of Colorado Springs lays Manitou Springs, Colorado. Many may know this resort town for Pikes Peak or the famous Manitou Incline. If you are one for outdoor adventures, good food, and hiking, Manitou Springs is for you.
Mineral Springs
When you walk down the streets of Manitou Springs, you will notice an abundance of natural mineral springs where you are able to fill up your water bottles to taste the 'healing waters' (if you don't like sparking water, this may not be for you, but I would recommend trying it anyways!). Each spring has its own taste and concentration of minerals due to the water being pushed to the surface through the carbonation forces from the limestone below. While you may not like the taste, it is a memory that you can carry along with you in your travels and isn't something you want to miss-out on because you are afraid you may not like it! Especially since this is something that the town is known for!
Manitou Incline
If you are one for hikes, or the stair stepper, this is for you. With 2,768 steps that trek over 0.88 miles and 2,000 feet of elevation gain, this is not for the faint of heart. The Manitou Incline even has a warning at the bottom for those that are attempting to brave it, warning them of the dangers of the incline as well as when the last accident happened there. Don't let this scare you though. The Manitou Incline has multiple bail-out spots for those that aren't able to make it to the top (I made it to 1,000 steps and bailed out). It is important to note that reservations are needed to hike the incline due to the high amount of interest it gets from both Colorado natives and those that are just passing through. If you are the latter and are coming from a low elevation, give yourself a couple of days to get used to the higher elevation before attempting the incline because elevation sickness is very much a thing.
To hike the incline, be sure to pack a lot of water (especially on those hotter days in the summer), wear good hiking boots or tennis shoes (I would recommend the former), sun protection, and a good attitude. Just remember, it doesn't matter how fast you make the summit, so don't push yourself too hard because you have to make the trip back down too (albeit not down the stairs). The views from the incline are worth the high heart rate and sore legs, plus you can buy some swag saying you made it to the top of the incline from a gift shop at the bottom if you want to brag to your friends!
Pikes Peak
If you are one that is more interested in relaxing, but still getting the amazing views that the incline offers, try Pikes Peak instead. There are a couple of ways to get to Pikes Peak, by car, Cog Railway, bike, or foot. The first two are those that are the most popular, but that doesn't mean you can't get your exercise in while reaching the summit as well via Burr Trail.
The Cog Railway is a fan favorite and the easiest way to make it to the summit of Pikes Peak. This journey will take you 3.5 hours round-trip through an abundance of jaw-dropping views and ear popping elevation gain. With this being such a popular experience in Manitou Springs, reserving a ticket beforehand will ensure you get a spot on the Cog Railway as well as save you some money compared to buying a ticket at the station.
Driving is another way to make it to the top of Pikes Peak. Beginning in May of 2023, there will be a reservation system used for those that are interested in driving, so make sure to check that out before hopping in your car and heading to Colorado. Since there is no gas station on the highway to the summit, you also need to make sure your car is filled up before you begin your journey. Finally, there are also vehicle restrictions when it comes to who they let drive up the mountain, so make sure you are aware of those as well! There is a fee to drive as well, around $15 per person over the age of 16 or $5 for those under 16.
Finally, you are also able to hike, bike, or run to the summit as well if that interests you. Barr Trail is what you will want to utilize to get to the summit, but it is no small feat! It is a 13.5 mile trip with an elevation gain of over 7,000 feet. If you do plan on hiking Barr Trail to the summit, you have the option of stopping at Barr Camp at the halfway point of your hike, whether it is for a quick picnic or stay the night and pick up your hike the following day.
Once you make it to the summit at 14,115 feet above sea level, be sure to check out the new and improved visitor center where you can buy souvenirs from the gift shop, grab a bite to eat, or walk the interpretive loop where you can take in the breathtaking views. While you are there, make sure to grab one of the world famous donuts, the only ones in the world that are made at such an elevation. Make sure you eat it before you leave the summit though! If you don't you will be quite disappointed as they lose their fluff and change texture as the elevation decreases.
Penny Arcade
Another great place to stop in Manitou Springs is the Penny Arcade. This arcade opened in 1931 and has many games that date back just as far! Take a walk down memory lane with hundreds of arcade games that you may have not seen in a long time! While there are still a few that cost a penny, not many do anymore, but it is still a fun place to spend some time! The arcade is just off the main street in town and comprised of multiple little buildings, so if one is crowded, there is always another to go and explore.
Garden of the Gods
While it isn't necessarily in Manitou Springs, Garden of the Gods, a registered National Natural Landmark, is very close and definitely worth the 12 minute drive. The park is open year-round, but hours of the park change throughout the year, so make sure to visit their website to see the open hours before you head that way! Thanks to the children of Charles Perkins, the previous owner of the land who passed away in 1907, Garden of the Gods is forever free to the public as well! Garden of the Gods is famous for its red rock formations that range from dark red to white sandstone. As you drive closer to and closer to the park, you are able to see the rocks erupting from the earth and it is honestly jaw-dropping. It may be best to start at the visitor center to grab a map and talk to one of the people who work there to help you plan the best route for you so you can utilize your time in the best way possible. If asking for help isn't your thing, you can also plan your trip online and they will make an itinerary for you!
Whether you are interested in staying in the car, hiking, walking, or rock climbing, there is a way to explore the area for everyone. Most people take anywhere from 90 minutes to 2 hours in the park, but it is easy to spend even more time there if you have the ability. If you are looking to avoid crowds, arriving early in the day is the best advice I can give you. With there being 1,367 acres in the park, there is always an ability to avoid the crowds, but if you are interested in the more popular areas of the park, beware that there may be a lot of people around. Dogs are also allowed in the park, but must be on-leash to prevent any damage to the park, so bring along your furry friend for a nice walk or hike in one of the most beautiful and jaw-dropping parks in the United States!
Pikes Peak Chocolate and Ice Cream
If you have a sweet tooth, stop by Pikes Peak Chocolate and Ice Cream for a selection of over 70 homemade chocolates and a scoop of Josh & John's Ice Cream, a local favorite. This shop is right on main street, so it is hard to miss! As soon as you walk into this shop, you are met with the amazing smell of chocolate and ice cream as well as a warm welcome from the staff that work there. The best part? The chocolate and ice creams are not overly priced and they are absolutely DELICIOUS. They have everything from truffles to fudge to salted caramels to toffee! There is something for everyone's sweet tooth, so make sure to stop by and check it out!
Adventures Out West Ziplines
A great adventure for the whole family, Adventures Out West Ziplines is such a fun way to spend the afternoon in Manitou Springs. Not only is this an incredibly fun experience, the guides make the adventure even more fun and exciting! The ziplines course utilizes natural landing and launching zones (no artificial platforms) and they have lines that range from 225 feet to 650 feet long! Their highest line is 130 feet from the canyon floor which is sure to get your adrenaline pumping. If you are an adrenaline junkie, your guide will show you some moves that you can do while in the air to add to the excitement. The one-hour ziplining tour costs just over $100 and there is a 2 guest minimum to book online. If you are a single rider, call the office to book!
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
The final attraction on the list for Manitou Springs is Cave of the Winds Mountain Park. This park has an abundance of attractions for everyone in your group. They have cave tours, ziplining, the TERROR-dactyl, and a 3-story obstacle course, to name a few. This park is great for the entire family, regardless of age or abilities. This is an entire day excursion if you want it to be, but be sure to schedule a cave tour and then plan the rest of your time at the park around that. There are two tour options, the discovery tour, which is great for families, or the haunted lantern tour, which is a longer and deeper tour of the cave where you will hear ghost stories and some spooky history. If you are looking for an educational tour about the geology and formations of the cave, the discovery tour is the one for you!
Let me know if there is anything I missed in this guide that deserves a spot on the list! While I try and get the main points of interest, I know there are many other fun and interesting things to do in all of the places I have traveled to!
Travel on!
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