Manitou Springs, Colorado

Pike's Peak (aka America’s Mountain) One of Colorado’s 54 mountain peaks over 14,000 feet, Pikes Peak is one of the easiest to summit thanks to the Pikes Peak Highway that takes you all the way to the top. For those who would like to take a less traveled route, try taking the Pikes Peak Cog Railway up the other side of the mountain, or hike the mountain via the Barr Trail. If you are considering hiking the mountain, be sure to consult a guidebook and prepare properly for a long, strenuous hike in a mountainous region. Along the way to the top, be on the lookout for Marmots, Big Horn Sheep, and the occasional Black Bear. Once you reach the summit, take in the views of the Continental Divide and five of the surrounding states. Then, stop in the Summit House for a famous, high-altitude doughnut and some cocoa. Tip — It’s always 20 -- 30 degrees colder at the top, and often windy. Take some warmer clothes so you can enjoy your time at the top! If you decide to drive to the summit, take a whole day and stop to hike, bike, or fish at any number of trails and the three reservoir lakes along the way. Always check the local guidelines for any outdoor activity, and remember to leave the mountain just as you found it! Time your trip to take in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb auto/motorcycle race every July or the Pikes Peak Marathon in August. :: Top Garden of the Gods Park The name fits! Garden of the Gods is an amazing collection of red rock crags that rival any other paradise on earth. As a National Natural Landmark, the park covers almost 1400 acres of natural beauty and gives you glimpses of an early homestead at the Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site. The park offers miles of hiking trails, with handicapped accessible trails off of the main parking lot in the heart of the biggest rock formations. It is also a haven for mountain biking, horseback riding, and rock climbing. Even off-roaders get their thrills along Rampart Range Road that takes a bumpy route of switchbacks and gorgeous views from Garden of the Gods up to Woodland Park (stop and hike/bike around Rampart Reservoir before returning to Manitou Springs via Route 24). Be cautious, as this route is only open to high-clearance vehicles with Colorado plates. Pick up a park map and some interesting background information at the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center. Stay for an educational lecture, watch a multi-media presentation or take a guided nature walk with one of the park's experts. Don't forget to take a picnic and stay awhile! :: Top Cave of the Winds This natural wonder was named by early Native Americans who revered it as the dwelling place of the Spirit of the Wind. Be prepared to be guided through an intriguing maze of stalactites and stalagmites that make you feel like you're in a different world altogether. You’ll be exploring a good part of the 2-mile long, 289-foot deep cave system that makes for great spelunking whether you are a novice or experienced caver. You may also be lucky enough to see some of the unique organisms that live in the cave ecosystem. Many of these species have evolved is interesting ways to accommodate living in an underground, low-light or no-light environment. While you’re in the cave, be sure to thank the bats for helping to rid Colorado of its bugs, thus making your visit even more pleasant. If you have the time, we recommend the extended tour that takes you into some of the more remote areas of the cave. Don’t forget to take your camera and tread lightly to keep this treasure available to generations to come. :: Top Manitou Cliff Dwellings Explore Native American culture at the cliff dwellings and museum. As long as you treat the structures with respect, you are free to get a real feel for the dwellings by going inside and touching what you see. There is also a museum that helps to explain the intricacies of life in this early Anasazi structure built over 700 years ago. The cliff dwellings are open year round, but during the summer you will be awed by four generations of Native American dancers sharing their cultural traditions with you. Enjoy the beauty of their intricate costumes while learning about the origins of the traditional dances they perform. This provides the whole family with a wonderful introduction to the history of Colorado's early inhabitants and the culture of the Four Corners region. :: Top Red Rock Canyon As an Open Space park, Red Rock Canyon encompasses over 786 acres that are set aside to remain in their natural vegetative state. The park currently contains a web of trails that cover about 7 miles with additional trails in the works. It is a wonderful place to hike, mountain bike, horseback ride and rock climb on bolted sport routes. There is even an off-leash area to exercise your furry travel companion. Red rock canyon is an ideal place to get your first taste of mountain biking on some of the easy, gentle trails or bite off as much as you can chew on some of the narrower, more technical routes. Many of the trails are wide enough for jogging-style strollers making it the perfect place for a family hike. Red Rock Canyon also provides ideal trails for those who come from lower altitudes and may need some time to adjust before tackling the steep stuff. Guided hikes are available for those who are new to the mountains or wish to learn more about the history and geology of the park. Stop by the park map at the end of the first parking lot for a brochure of hike times. :: Top Around the Town If there is one thing that the town of Manitou Springs revolves around other than the outdoors, it’s art! It seems like every other shop on Manitou Avenue is a gallery, so take some time to peruse the local artists’ offerings. No matter what style or medium you prefer, you are sure to find it in Manitou. During the summer you can take in the First Fridays Artwalks each month, or just go at you own speed and explore the galleries on your own. Music is offered at many venues throughout town, including the free summer concerts in Soda Springs Park. If you’re looking for nightly entertainment, check the schedules at Adam's Mountain Café, The Ancient Mariner, and Kinsfolk, or attend the weekly drum circle in Manitou’s Memorial Park every Thursday evening. The city also hires street performers to entertain throughout the summer, so stop and enjoy their shows. No trip to Manitou Springs is complete without a walking tour of the natural, soda water springs located throughout town. Early Native Americans who gathered here to share in the healing quality of the spring water gave the town its name, which means "spiritual waters". Attend a Springabout tour, or pick up a self-guided brochure at the Chamber of Commerce, and head out to taste test them all. If time is short, locals tend to agree that Twin Springs and Seven Minute Springs are the tastiest. Fill a jug and make some lemonade in true Manitou style! :: Top Festivals and Events Manitou Springs doesn’t need to be persuaded to throw a party! Festivals are a regular, monthly occurrence, so time your trip to take part in one of them. Carnival parades, wine and beer fests, art and music fests, and the Emma Crawford coffin races (timely set during Halloween) all offer the visitor a fun way to become a part of the local community. Take your camera because Manitoids (the locals) like to entertain! :: Top