Iron Spring — Attraction in Manitou Springs

George Fredrick Augustus Ruxton explored the American Southwest in the frontier days, representing British diplomatic and commercial interests. In the Spring of 1847, he passed through Manitou Springs and wrote extensively about his adventures in the foothills of Pikes Peak. Ruxton Creek, flowing out of Englemann Canyon and one of three major drainage basins converging in Manitou Springs, was named in honor of the Englishman.

Advertised as “The Only Chalybeate Springs in the West,” iron-rich waters emitting from the mineral springs along upper Ruxton Creek became known as “The Strongest of Tonics.”

Manitou’s iron-rich mineral waters along the upper Ruxton corridor drew hundreds/thousands of tourists and health-seekers. In 1910, Heistand seized yet another opportunity and drilled Iron Springs Geyser, adjacent to the electric trolley line just upstream from the Colorado Midland Railway viaduct. The new Iron Springs Geyser well was fitted with a hand-blown glass font showcasing the effervescent spring waters and housed under a hip-roof style pavilion. Today speculation surrounding the Iron Spring Geyser’s pavilion suggests it may be the oldest, standing structure sheltering a mineral spring within the state of Colorado. Remains of the Colorado Midland Railway’s viaduct piers can still be seen in the creek bed just downstream from the Iron...

While this spring still carries the high manganese risks (with excessive consumption) of most others in town, it has less than others, while also bearing a unique, carbonated mineral flavor that works well in mixed drinks or with lemon. Some find the flavor particularly attractive, others particularly offensive. This spring is high in iron, which will eventually (over a few days) emerge from the h2o as a layer of reddish sediment that gradually sinks to the bottom. This is nothing to worry about, but it can make the water appear visually contaminated after being...

For months I’ve been struggling with iron deficiency due to my diet. And I’m not a fan of taking supplements. When I was told about this spring, by the locals, I knew I had to go right away. I drank a little bit less than a half gallon, and I could INSTANTLY feel a difference in my body. My daily headaches and chest pains went away. If you have an iron deficiency, come to this spring to fix that. And please don’t litter when you’re there. I saw some trash on the ground that looked pretty new. Come on guys, Manitou is an amazing place. Please keep...