A historic mountain town at the base of Pikes Peak famed for its mineral springs and art-filled streets.
Reservations · Moderate
Advance Reservations Required for Pikes Peak and Incline Trails
Access to the Pikes Peak Highway frequently requires a timed entry reservation, distinct from any local parking permits in the town center. The Manitou Incline also utilizes a reservation system to manage hiker volume; check the official city portal as systems are subject to change. Accommodation in the canyon fills quickly during peak summer months, so verify booking confirmations well in advance of arrival.
Check official reservation infoFly in · nearest airport
City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport · 30 min drive
Partner link · Aviasales
Checks availability with the partner directly — not a confirmed booking on our end.
Illustrative · Yellowstone National Park from Yellowstone NP, USA · Public domainOutside the park · easier to bookMinialife's pickRV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.
Campground
Best for: Tent camping
Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.
Illustrative · Yellowstone National Park from Yellowstone NP, USA · Public domainOutside the park · easier to bookRV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.
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Traveling by RV near Manitou Springs?
Harvest Hosts membership: 5,000+ unique RV stops. Minialife readers get 20% off the first year.
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Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4
From $245 / day
Sprinter Adventure Van
From $189 / day
Car rental · Car rentals at COS
Est. from $45/day · estimate
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A little structure. Plenty of freedom.
Suggested: 8:30 AM from Manitou Avenue
Garden of the Gods Park
Explore the towering red sandstone formations and the Perkins Central Garden Trail for views of the Pikes Peak massif.
Manitou Mineral Springs
Walk the historic downtown loop to sample naturally carbonated water from various public fonts like Cheyenne Spring and Shoshone Spring.
Allow 1 hour for local transitions; traffic varies significantly near the park entrance.
The town is highly walkable, but shuttle schedules for the Incline vary by season.
Suggested: 8:00 AM from the Gateway
Pikes Peak Summit
Ascend via the Pikes Peak Highway or the Cog Railway to reach the 14,115-foot peak and visit the newly constructed Summit House.
Manitou Cliff Dwellings
Visit the relocated Ancestral Puebloan structures and the associated museums to learn about indigenous architectural history.
Allow 3–4 hours for the round-trip mountain ascent; weather can impact road speeds.
Altitude sickness is a factor; allow time for acclimatization before physical exertion.
Suggested: 9:00 AM from Ruxton Avenue
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
Take a guided tour through the underground limestone caverns or explore the overlook views above Williams Canyon.
Miramont Castle Museum
Tour this 1895 Victorian mansion that features a unique mix of nine different architectural styles built into the mountain slope.
Allow 45 minutes for local canyon driving; conditions vary with weekend tourist traffic.
Cave tours often require advance booking during the summer months.
Pick up your rental at COS and drive 20-30 minutes west on US-24. Stop in Old Colorado City for groceries before checking into your canyon-side inn.
A standard vehicle is fine for town, but check rental agreements if planning to drive the Pikes Peak Highway; some companies restrict high-altitude use.
High Point Overlook in Garden of the Gods; light hitting the peaks varies by cloud cover.
From City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport
30 min
about 16 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures
Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.
Stays near the end of your drive
The Hiawatha Gardens lot serves as a primary hub for the free shuttle during peak season. Street parking in the historic core is strictly metered and monitored.
Cellular reception is generally strong in town but may drop off significantly as you ascend the Pikes Peak Highway. Download offline maps for mountain navigation.
Fuel up in Manitou Springs or Colorado Springs before starting the Pikes Peak ascent. There are no gas stations available on the mountain highway itself.
Summer afternoons frequently bring rapid thunderstorms to the peak. Plan high-altitude activities for the morning to avoid lighting hazards above the tree line.
The free Manitou Springs shuttle is the most reliable way to reach the Incline trailhead. Verify the seasonal operation dates on the city's transport page.
One of the classic ways to experience Manitou Springs.
One of the classic ways to experience Manitou Springs.
One of the classic ways to experience Manitou Springs.
