Manitou Springs at a glance
Manitou Springs is its own town near Colorado Springs and close to Garden of the Gods. Historic brick buildings line Manitou Avenue, the main street. The town is known for its mineral springs and as the base for several outings: the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the Manitou Incline, Cave of the Winds and the Manitou Cliff Dwellings.
Manitou Springs is also where the Garden of the Gods Trading Post has its address, at the park's southwest access. The Trading Post is a separate private shop and not part of the city park.
The mineral springs
Cold drinking springs, not hot baths.
The local visitor bureau describes eight naturally carbonated mineral springs. Each one has its own mineral content and taste. The bureau at 354 Manitou Avenue offers a self-guided walk, a map and a mineral overview. The public springs are free, and the bureau says they flow around the clock.
These are cold drinking springs. There are no free hot spring pools to soak in. Each spring tastes different, so sample a few. We make no health claims for the water, and a fountain can be out of service on a given day.
Our picks: tours from Manitou Springs
An e-bike tour and two Jeep tours that start in or pass through town.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Garden of the Gods Jeep tour with photo stops
Two hours with a driver-guide, photo stops, water, a sports drink and a snack. Hotel transfer is not part of the standard tour.
Check availability →
Jeep tour via Manitou Springs and Old Stage Road
Three hours in a modern Jeep with a guide, with snacks and water on request. Tips are not included.
Check availability →
Garden of the Gods e-bike tour from Manitou Springs
Two hours on an e-bike, with the bike, a helmet and water included. No exclusions are listed.
Check availability →Tours from Manitou Springs and Colorado Springs
Guided tours, e-bike rides, jeep trips and day tours that start in or near Manitou Springs, with live prices and availability.
Things to do in Manitou Springs
The main outings, with 2026 details. There are no combined passes, so each outing is booked separately.
| Outing | Key facts |
|---|---|
| Mineral spring walk | Free, self-guided, map at 354 Manitou Avenue |
| Cog Railway | Departs 515 Ruxton Avenue, about 3 hours round trip, adults from $67 online |
| Manitou Incline | Free reservation required, 2,000 ft (609.6 m) of climbing in under 1 mile (1.61 km) |
| Cave of the Winds | Discovery tour 45 to 60 minutes, adults $30, children 4 to 12 $19 |
| Cliff Dwellings | Seasonal hours, weather permitting |
Outings in detail
What to know before you go.
Manitou Incline
You need a free online reservation and a newly signed waiver for every booking, with a 30-minute arrival window. It is open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. from 1 May to 31 October and 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. from 1 November to 30 April. The city counts 2,768 steps, while a shuttle flyer says 2,744. No pets. The city recommends walking down on the Barr Trail.
Manitou Incline guide →Cog Railway
The train to Pikes Peak leaves from Manitou Springs, not from Garden of the Gods. Book ahead for a seat and arrive at least 30 minutes early.
Pikes Peak guide →Cave of the Winds
The Discovery tour has about 200 steps, and children up to 3 years are free but still need a ticket. The park is generally open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. all year except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Set your navigation to 100 Cave of the Winds Road, not Cave Avenue. Parking is free.
Cave of the Winds guide →Manitou Cliff Dwellings
The buildings are rebuilt, not original to this place. The operator says stones from 25 mesa-top sites near Dolores and McElmo Canyon were moved here in the early 20th century, and the structures were rebuilt after models from the Southwest. The site opened in 1907. Hours: March 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., April to October 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., November 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., December to February 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. A reduced winter schedule from 5 January to 8 February lists fewer open days, so check the plan for your year. The snack bar is closed, and guided school tours are paused.
Getting around and parking
The town is busy in summer, so plan your arrival.
Free shuttle 33
Shuttle 33 serves the Incline, the Barr Trail and the Cog Railway for free. The timetable that applies runs from 29 March to 24 October 2026. Do not assume it continues after that date.
Parking
The city recommends the Dillon Mobility Hub at 134 Manitou Avenue. The first 2 hours are free. That does not mean parking is free all day.
Staying overnight
Manitou Springs combines the springs, the Incline and access to the Cog Railway. See how the town compares with other bases.
Where to stay →Nearby on this site
More guides for your Colorado Springs trip.
Manitou Springs: frequently asked questions
Is it free to drink from the Manitou Springs mineral springs?
Yes. The local visitor bureau says the public mineral springs are free and flow around the clock. A fountain can still be out of service on a given day.
Can I bathe in hot springs in Manitou Springs?
No. The public springs are cold drinking springs, not hot soaking pools.
Do I need a reservation for the Manitou Incline?
Yes. The reservation is free, made online, and needs a newly signed waiver for each booking.
Are the Cliff Dwellings original?
No. According to the operator, the stones came from mesa-top sites near Dolores and McElmo Canyon and were rebuilt here in the early 20th century.
Where does the Pikes Peak Cog Railway start?
At 515 Ruxton Avenue in Manitou Springs.
Is there a combined ticket for the attractions?
No combined passes are listed. Each outing is booked and paid separately.