Things to Do in Manitou Springs
Artsy mountain town at the foot of Pikes Peak — mineral springs, galleries, and the Incline
Dining & Nightlife
- Breweries & Taprooms
- 3+ (Manitou Brewing Company, Kinfolk Brewing, Bristol Brewing nearby)
- Coffee Shops
- Multiple cafes along Manitou Avenue
Notable Restaurants
- The Cliff House dining room (historic hotel, upscale)
- Savelli's Pizza (local favorite since 1996)
- Sahara Cafe (Mediterranean/Middle Eastern)
- Adam's Mountain Cafe (brunch institution)
Arts & Entertainment
- Community Center
- Manitou Art Center (MAC) — gallery, classes, community events
- Public Art
- Murals, sculptures, and galleries throughout downtown — designated Creative District
Annual Events
- Emma Crawford Coffin Races (October — nationally famous)
- Manitou Springs Colorado Wine Festival
- Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Cook-Off (February)
- Carnivale (Mardi Gras celebration)
- First Friday art walks on Manitou Avenue
Parks & Outdoors
- Manitou Incline — 2,744 steps gaining 2,000 ft in 1 mile, one of CO's most famous hikes
- Pikes Peak via Cog Railway — newly rebuilt — 2021), scenic 9-mile ride to 14,115 ft summi
- Garden of the Gods — adjacent) — 1,367 acres of red sandstone formations, free admissio
- Cave of the Winds Mountain Park — guided cave tours, Via Ferrata, zip lines
- Red Rock Canyon Open Space — 1,474 acres, mountain biking, hiking, climbing
- Manitou Cliff Dwellings — relocated Ancestral Puebloan structures, museum
Pet-Friendly Living
- Off-Leash Dog Parks
- Bear Creek Dog Park (25 acres, between Manitou and Springs); Red Rock Canyon off-leash areas (upper + lower dog areas with Pikes Peak views)
- Pet-Friendly Trails
- Red Rock Canyon Open Space (1,474 acres, leashed); Palmer Red Rock Loop (5.4 mi); Manitou Springs Red Mountain Trail (2.9 mi); Manitou Cliff Dwellings welcomes leashed dogs
- Vet Clinics
- Veterinary clinics in Colorado Springs (10 min); Sploot Veterinary Care, Ponderosa Veterinary Clinic serve the area
- Dog-Friendly Patios
- Manitou Springs is a very dog-friendly town — most Manitou Avenue restaurants, brewpubs, and cafes welcome dogs on patios
FAQ — Manitou Springs
What are the school ratings in Manitou Springs?
Manitou Springs is served by Manitou Springs School District 14, rated B+ by Niche. It is one of Colorado’s smallest independent school districts with just one elementary, one middle, and one high school. Manitou Springs High School enrolls approximately 400 students and has a strong arts and outdoor program focus. Small class sizes are a defining feature of the district.
What outdoor recreation is available in Manitou Springs?
The Manitou Incline is one of Colorado’s most famous hikes — 2,744 steps gaining 2,000 feet in one mile. The Pikes Peak Cog Railway (newly rebuilt in 2021) offers a scenic 9-mile ride to the 14,115-foot summit. Garden of the Gods is adjacent with 1,367 acres of red sandstone formations and free admission. Red Rock Canyon Open Space provides 1,474 acres for hiking, mountain biking, and climbing. Cave of the Winds offers guided tours, a Via Ferrata, and zip lines.
What are the crime statistics in Manitou Springs?
Manitou Springs reports minimal violent crime incidents, per Manitou Springs Police Department data, consistent with a small town of approximately 5,400 residents. Property crime is moderate, with car break-ins near trailheads being the primary reported concern. The 2M+ annual visitors to Garden of the Gods, the Incline, and the Cog Railway contribute to tourism-related petty crime. Crime statistics for small communities can fluctuate year to year due to low population.
What dining options are available in Manitou Springs?
Manitou Springs has a concentrated dining scene along walkable Manitou Avenue: • The Cliff House dining room — historic hotel, upscale dining • Savelli’s Pizza — local favorite since 1996 • Sahara Cafe — Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine • Adam’s Mountain Cafe — brunch institution The town has 3+ breweries and taprooms including Manitou Brewing Company and Kinfolk Brewing. Multiple cafes line Manitou Avenue.