Uncover adventure as you Keep Manitou Weird
Updated: May 12, 2026
Just west of Colorado Springs is our friendly neighbor, Manitou Springs.
You could spend days exploring this quirky little town. So do it with this itinerary! Stay, play, eat, drink, rest and reset all in the three square miles of Manitou Springs.
To really explore Manitou, we highly recommend staying in Manitou! A local favorite is the Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort, which has been around for more than a decade – but the building itself is from 1919! This resort is themed around cycling and located right off the great trail system surrounding Garden of the Gods Park. Check out The Cliff House at Pikes Peak for a luxurious, historic option. It’s been around since 1873 (no joke!) and has had famous guests over the years like Theodore Roosevelt, Charles Dickens and Thomas Edison. The Outrider Hotel – the newest spot in town – is another excellent choice with modern amenities like a pool, sauna and hot tub.
Browse all lodging options and categories here.
For breakfast, don’t miss Toasted and Adam’s Mountain Café. Grab a burger and brew at Manitou Brewing Company – a great lunch spot with an extensive patio in the warmer months. Our dinner recs would include Crystal Park Cantina (recipes straight from Grandma Anne herself) and Mona Lisa Fondue Restaurant. When you’re craving a sweet treat, Rocky Mountain Beignets and Colorado Custard Company are a must. End your days with a nightcap at Armadillo Ranch or Swirl Wine Bar.
Browse all dining options and categories here.
AM: Hike Red Mountain
PM: Take a historic golf cart tour with Manitou E-Bike Company
Connect with nature on your first day in town! Red Mountain is a nice local hike that typically isn’t too crowded and will give you a bird’s eye view of the surrounding canyon. Take your time as you adjust to the elevation, and drink lots of water. This trail is 2.5 miles out and back. Fun fact: local legend Emma Crawford was a big fan of Red Mountain and was even buried on it – thus inspiring the lore behind the Emma Crawford Coffin Races. (Read more on that if your interest is piqued.)
Since it’s your first day in Manitou Springs, there’s so much to learn about! Embark on a sightseeing and historical tour with Manitou E-Bike Company. Their expert guides will take you around on an open-air e-golf cart where you’ll learn about the town’s rich history and stories. Heads up, this company also offers an e-golf cart happy hour tour!
AM: Learn at the Manitou Springs Heritage Museum
AM: Taste the Manitou Mineral Springs
PM: Shop around Downtown Manitou Springs
PM: Play at the Manitou Springs Penny Arcade
Day two will give you a literal taste of Manitou Springs! After getting a good breakfast or brunch, kick off your adventures at the Manitou Springs Heritage Museum. You’ll learn all about the town’s rich history through various exhibits and relics, plus you can browse souvenirs at the museum’s shop.
Next, stop by the Visit Manitou Springs visitor center at 354 Manitou Ave. (look for the giant green question mark sculpture) to get a map and souvenir cup for your self-guided mineral springs tour! These historic, healing waters all feature different minerals and therefore unique tastes.
AM: Tackle the Manitou Incline
PM: Soak at SunWater Spa
You’ve had a few days to acclimate to the elevation…so why not challenge yourself? For those so “inclined,” plan well in advance of your trip so you can conquer the Manitou Incline! If this hike isn’t for you (we get it!), you can still take a peek at it from town without doing the steps. With the proper preparation (hydration, gear, research), people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities have made the 2,744 -step trek to the top. Take your time on the way up as well as the way down on the Barr Trail.
There’s no better way to end the day than a soak at SunWater Spa. Enjoy the healing mineral waters as you soak your sore muscles among the beautiful surrounding mountain views.
AM: Tour and tea at Miramont Castle Museum
PM: Catch a show at the Iron Springs Chateau Melodrama
Take it easy on your last day with a tour of Miramont Castle Museum and tea in the Queen’s Parlour Tea Room. The castle was constructed in the 1890s and has a rich history and a unique blend of architecture styles. In addition to the tea room, the property features the Castle Gardens and relics of the old sanitarium where people would heal from tuberculosis.
In the evening, catch a show at the Iron Springs Chateau Melodrama. This historic theatre offers a fun, comedic show for families, with audience participation encouraged – plus a seasonal adults-only Halloween special!
If you’re looking for some fun local happenings to inspire the timing of your trip, check out these signature Pikes Peak Region events!
January 31, 2026
Watch the most hated of holiday treats fly at this quirky local event.
June 6, 2026
Calling all wine enthusiasts! Spend a day in Manitou Springs enjoying generous tastings from 30 Colorado wineries.
October 2026
The Emma Crawford Coffin Races and Festival in Manitou Springs is an entire day of spooky fun and one of…
February 14, 2026
Fill your bellies, warm your bones and cheer on competitors.
Looking for even more? Check out these resources to plan additional days in the Pikes Peak Region. And don't forget – you can always use our AI chatbot Penny in the bottom righthand corner to further assist you in your trip planning.
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