Visiting Manitou Springs

The town and the park

Manitou Springs adjoins the park’s south-west side. The Garden of the Gods Trading Post, founded in 1929, stands at 324 Beckers Lane, which is in Manitou Springs, at the park’s south side. Mountain Metro Route 3 runs along Colorado Avenue from downtown Colorado Springs to Manitou Springs, with a stop near Beckers Lane (check Mountain Metro for the current route). The getting there page covers the approach.

The mineral springs

Colorado Public Radio lists eight public springs in the town: 7-Minute, Shoshone, Navajo, Cheyenne, Wheeler, Stratton, Twin and Iron Spring Geyser. They are free and maintained by the nonprofit Mineral Springs Foundation, and the town’s visitor bureau states that they flow 24 hours a day.

Miramont Castle

Father Jean Baptiste Francolon began building Miramont Castle in the fall of 1895, and it was completed by 1897. The castle combines nine architectural styles in over 40 rooms and more than 14,000 square feet, according to the castle, and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. The Manitou Springs Historical Society runs it as a museum.

Cave of the Winds

Cave of the Winds is in Williams Canyon, Manitou Springs. Visit COS states that it has been in continuous operation since February 1881 and that the cave stays at 54°F year-round. Sources differ on the year of discovery, 1880 or 1881, but agree that it opened to the public in 1881.

The Cog Railway depot

The Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway leaves from 515 Ruxton Ave in Manitou Springs, at about 6,320 feet. The railway has run since 1891 and describes itself as the world’s highest cog railroad. It climbs 9 miles to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak and takes about 3 hours round trip. It closed in 2017 and reopened on May 20, 2021. Details are on cograilway.com, and the Pikes Peak or the Garden page sets the railway beside the highway.

The e-bike tour from Manitou Springs

The Manitou Springs: Garden of the Gods E-Bike Tour meets at 306 Manitou Ave. According to its listing:

• 2 hours, up to 16 per group.
• A safety briefing and bike tutorial, then bike paths and trails through Garden of the Gods with stops, and commentary on geology and history.
• A view of the historic train from a distance, a sample of mineral spring water and a visit to the Victorian Miramont Castle.
• Includes bottled water, the electric bike and a helmet; photos and meals are not included.
• Ages 13 to 80; not suitable for children under 13, people with back problems or non-cyclists.

Rebecca, from the United States, wrote that the guide made sure everyone was comfortable on the bikes first. Gary, also from the United States, mentioned the quality of the equipment. See the e-bike close-up and the Segway and e-bike tours page.

Other tours through the town

The Colorado Springs: Garden of the Gods and Foothills Jeep Tour lists Manitou Springs on its route, along with Helen Hunt Falls, Old Colorado City and the park. The From Denver: Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods Guided Tour includes a drive through Manitou Springs after the summit. The things to do nearby page covers the wider area.

Frequently asked questions