Manitou Springs sits at the base of Colorado’s Front Range, just west of Colorado Springs, offering a collection of historic mineral springs that have drawn health seekers and curious travelers since the 1870s. While these aren’t hot springs in the traditional soaking sense, the naturally carbonated mineral waters provide a unique glimpse into the region’s geological character and spa town heritage.
This guide explains what makes Manitou Springs distinctive, how to experience the mineral springs, what else the town offers, and how to plan a visit that balances historic attractions with mountain access and realistic expectations.
What Are the Manitou Springs Hot Springs?
The Manitou Springs mineral springs are actually cold to cool naturally carbonated water sources, not hot springs for bathing. Eight public fountains throughout town provide free access to mineral water rich in various compounds including sodium bicarbonate, calcium, magnesium, and iron, each with a distinct mineral profile and taste that reflects the underlying geology of the area.
Understanding the Springs
The term “hot springs” often leads to confusion, as visitors expecting soaking pools will find drinking fountains instead. The springs emerge from deep underground aquifers where water absorbs minerals and carbon dioxide before rising to the surface at temperatures between 43°F and 59°F (6°C to 15°C).
The Ute people considered these waters sacred long before European settlement. By the 1880s, Manitou Springs had developed into a fashionable spa destination where visitors came to “take the cure” by drinking specific mineral waters believed to treat various ailments.
The Eight Public Springs
Each spring occupies its own small pavilion or fountain structure, and sampling different springs reveals noticeably different flavors. Bring a reusable water bottle if you want to collect samples, as the fountains flow continuously into decorative basins.
- Cheyenne Spring: Located in Stratton Park at the western edge of town, this produces the most water and features a pleasant park setting
- Iron Spring: Near the main tourist district on Manitou Avenue, recognizable by its rust-colored mineral deposits
- Twin Spring: Also called the Ute Chief Spring, found in Memorial Park near the town center
- Shoshone Spring: Housed in a small gazebo on Manitou Avenue near the Arcade
- Navajo Spring: Located in a quiet neighborhood setting on Navajo Avenue
- Soda Spring: The most carbonated, housed in a historic fountain structure on Manitou Avenue
- Wheeler Spring: Found in a residential area on Lover’s Lane
- Seven Minute Spring: Named for the time it supposedly takes to fill a seven-gallon container, located off Ruxton Avenue
Planning Your Spring Visit
The springs flow year-round and require no admission fee, tickets, or reservations. You can visit all eight in a self-guided walking tour that covers roughly two miles if you follow an efficient route through town.
Pick up a free spring map at the Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau on Manitou Avenue, or download one from the official town website before you arrive. The map shows each spring’s location, mineral content, and historical background.
How Long to Spend
Visiting all eight springs takes between one and three hours depending on your walking pace and how much time you spend in the surrounding neighborhoods. Most visitors combine the springs with browsing the town’s shops, galleries, and restaurants along Manitou Avenue.
If you’re short on time, prioritize Cheyenne Spring for its park setting, Soda Spring for the highest carbonation, and Iron Spring for its central location and distinctive mineral deposits. These three provide a representative sample of what the springs offer.
Best Time to Visit
The springs operate throughout the year, but late spring through early fall offers the most comfortable walking weather. Summer weekends bring significant crowds to Manitou Avenue, particularly during special events.
Winter visits are possible, though some fountains may freeze temporarily during extreme cold snaps. Early morning visits any time of year mean fewer tourists and easier parking.
What Else Manitou Springs Offers
The mineral springs represent just one aspect of this small mountain town. Manitou Springs serves as a gateway to several major Front Range attractions and maintains a walkable historic downtown with its own appeal.
Major Nearby Attractions
Most visitors use Manitou Springs as a base for exploring surrounding natural and historic sites. Verify current hours, seasonal closures, and access requirements for all these attractions before planning your day.
- Pikes Peak: The 14,115-foot summit accessible by the Pikes Peak Highway toll road or the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway, which departs from Manitou Springs
- Garden of the Gods: A free public park with dramatic red rock formations, located about 10 minutes east by car
- Manitou Cliff Dwellings: Reconstructed Ancestral Puebloan structures, a privately operated museum near town
- Cave of the Winds Mountain Park: Guided cave tours and adventure activities on private land above town
- Manitou Incline: An extremely steep hiking trail gaining 2,000 feet in less than a mile, requiring a free advance reservation and considerable fitness
Downtown Manitou Springs
Manitou Avenue forms the commercial heart of town, lined with independent shops, art galleries, restaurants, and historic buildings from the Victorian spa era. The street maintains a bohemian character distinct from neighboring Colorado Springs.
The Manitou Springs Heritage Center, housed in the original 1897 City Hall building, provides historical context for the mineral springs and the town’s development. The Arcade, an indoor shopping area, dates to 1887 and contains the Shoshone Spring fountain.
Getting There and Around
Manitou Springs sits approximately six miles west of downtown Colorado Springs along US Highway 24. Colorado Springs Airport (COS) lies about 20 miles east, with rental cars the most practical option for reaching Manitou Springs.
Limited public transit connects Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs via Mountain Metro Transit, but service frequency and weekend schedules vary, so check current routes and times if you’re relying on buses. Most visitors drive, which provides essential flexibility for reaching Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, and other area attractions.
Parking Considerations
Downtown parking fills quickly during summer weekends and special events. Free public lots exist on Manitou Avenue and side streets, but expect to walk several blocks during busy periods.
Metered street parking operates throughout the commercial district with time limits typically between one and three hours. The town enforces parking regulations consistently, particularly during peak season.
Walkability
Once parked, you can easily explore downtown Manitou Springs and visit most of the mineral springs on foot. The town covers a compact area, though the residential springs require navigating hilly terrain and uneven sidewalks.
Cheyenne Spring sits about a mile west of the main business district along Cheyenne Boulevard, accessible via sidewalk but requiring a moderate uphill walk on the return. Consider driving to this spring separately if mobility is a concern.
Where to Stay
Manitou Springs offers several small hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, and vacation rentals within walking distance of the mineral springs and downtown. Nearby Colorado Springs provides a much larger selection of chain hotels, typically at lower rates.
Staying in Manitou Springs itself puts you within walking distance of the springs and restaurants, eliminates one leg of the daily drive to Pikes Peak or Garden of the Gods, and immerses you in the town’s distinct atmosphere. Book well ahead for summer weekends and major events like the Emma Crawford Coffin Races in October.
Camping Options
Pike National Forest surrounds Manitou Springs and offers developed campgrounds accessible by car, though availability, reservation systems, and seasonal access vary by site. Check the U.S. Forest Service website for current information on specific campgrounds, fees, and booking windows.
Dispersed camping on public lands requires understanding local regulations, fire restrictions, and Leave No Trace principles. Verify current rules with the Pike National Forest office before planning a backcountry stay.
Practical Considerations
Manitou Springs sits at roughly 6,300 feet elevation, which can affect visitors unaccustomed to altitude. Drink additional water, pace yourself, and allow time to acclimate before attempting strenuous activities like the Incline.
The naturally carbonated mineral springs contain varying levels of minerals including sodium, which may be a consideration if you’re monitoring salt intake. The springs are regularly tested for safety, but the high mineral content gives each a distinctive taste that not everyone enjoys.
Weather and Seasons
The Front Range experiences four distinct seasons with significant temperature swings between day and night. Summer afternoons often bring brief thunderstorms, particularly July through August, while winter can deliver snow even to this relatively low elevation.
Pack layers regardless of season, as temperatures can change rapidly with elevation and time of day. Afternoon thunderstorms in summer can include dangerous lightning, so plan morning visits to higher elevations like Pikes Peak when weather is typically more stable.
Cost Expectations
Visiting the eight public mineral springs costs nothing. Other expenses depend entirely on which attractions you visit, where you eat, and what activities you choose.
Major paid attractions like the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, Cave of the Winds tours, and the Pikes Peak Highway toll vary considerably in price and change rates periodically. Check official websites for current admission costs rather than relying on outdated information.
Who This Destination Suits
Manitou Springs appeals to visitors interested in Colorado history, those seeking a less urban base for exploring Front Range attractions, and anyone curious about historic mineral springs. The walking spring tour suits families, couples, and solo travelers with basic mobility.
This isn’t a destination for thermal bathing or traditional hot springs soaking. If that’s your primary interest, you’ll find better options at actual geothermal hot springs elsewhere in Colorado.
Accessibility Notes
Several springs feature accessible fountains and nearby parking, including Twin Spring in Memorial Park and Iron Spring on Manitou Avenue. Others require navigating hills, stairs, or uneven surfaces that may challenge wheelchairs or walkers.
Downtown Manitou Springs has varying levels of accessibility, with some historic buildings and shops presenting challenges. Contact specific businesses or attractions directly about accessibility features, ramps, and accommodations.
Sample Itinerary
A typical full day in the Manitou Springs area might combine the mineral springs with one or two major attractions. This schedule assumes you’re staying in or near Manitou Springs and have a vehicle.
- Early morning: Drive the Pikes Peak Highway or take the first Cog Railway departure to avoid crowds and afternoon weather
- Late morning: Return to Manitou Springs and walk to several mineral springs along Manitou Avenue, sampling different waters
- Lunch: Eat at one of the local restaurants in the downtown area
- Early afternoon: Visit Garden of the Gods or explore the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, depending on your interests
- Late afternoon: Complete your spring tour or browse shops and galleries on Manitou Avenue
This schedule allows time for travel between sites, parking, and the inevitable delays that come with navigating an unfamiliar area. Add or remove elements based on your interests, fitness, and how many days you have in the region.
Day Trip or Longer Stay
You can visit all eight mineral springs in a half-day trip from Colorado Springs, making Manitou Springs workable as a brief excursion. However, a two or three-day stay allows time to explore Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, and local trails without rushing.
The town itself has a limited number of attractions, but its location makes it a convenient base for exploring a wider area that includes Colorado Springs’ museums and historic sites, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and numerous hiking trails in Pike National Forest. Most visitors spend one to three nights in the area depending on their outdoor and cultural interests.
Food and Dining
Manitou Avenue supports a collection of independent restaurants ranging from casual cafes to full-service dining. Options include pizza, Mexican food, American comfort food, vegetarian offerings, and several breakfast spots popular with locals and visitors alike.
Colorado Springs, just minutes away, expands dining options considerably across all price ranges and cuisines. Reservations help during summer weekends at the more popular Manitou Springs restaurants, though many operate on a first-come basis.
Responsible Visiting
The mineral springs are public resources that depend on respectful use. Don’t pollute the fountains, leave trash in the small pavilions, or treat the springs as bathing facilities.
Popular nearby hiking trails like the Manitou Incline face crowding and environmental stress, which is why the reservation system now limits daily users. Follow all posted regulations, stay on designated trails, pack out everything you bring in, and respect private property boundaries throughout this area where public lands intermix with residential neighborhoods.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Manitou Springs works best as part of a broader Colorado Front Range itinerary rather than a standalone destination focused solely on the springs themselves. The mineral fountains provide an interesting historical and geological element, but the surrounding mountain access and nearby attractions create the complete experience.
Start by downloading or picking up the official spring map, then decide whether you want to visit all eight or focus on a representative sample. Combine the springs with time on Manitou Avenue and at least one major attraction like Pikes Peak or Garden of the Gods to create a balanced day that mixes history, natural beauty, and local character.
For more travel inspiration, explore our guides to Crystal Crane Hot Springs and Salt Springs for other distinctive North American spring experiences.