Manitou Springs Colorado — Attraction in Manitou Springs

Manitou Springs is a tourist town. With Highway 24 going around town, that leaves the main street through town only two lane and traffic going slow. There are a lot of marked pedestrian crossings, so getting around on foot is easy and reasonably safe. There are plenty of dining options in the heart of downtown, but don't expect to find a chain restaurant among them. Those would be farther east of downtown and along highway 24 between 31st and 8th streets. There are a number of bars in Manitou if that appeals to you. There is a variety of shops in Manitou, and again none of them are your typical chain stores. There aren't what I would consider a lot of decidedly child focused activities, besides a park on each end of downtown with some limited playground equipment. The notorious Manitou Incline is just south of downtown. Google it for the glorious details of how you can put your body through an extremely rigorous workout. It is popular, crowded and definitely not for the faint hearted. There is no real shade while climbing the incline, so take this into account when deciding what time of the day to make your ascent. Parking is extremely limited, so it is best to park at Memorial Park on the east end of downtown, and ride the free shuttle to the base of the incline. I recommend that you visit Manitou Springs for a few hours and decide for yourself about staying longer. I believe that there is enough uniqueness about the dining and shopping to make you glad...

This is my 3rd trip. Nice town, I see something new each time. Things to know. Manitou climb for you fitness peeps.. its visible from the shops, just look! They have shirts that say you did it. I went to relax, not workout. Free natural water springs. Bring a water bottle but be prepared, it tastes like carbonated mineral water. Some of the fountains are stronger than others. It's good for you? Come hungry! They have some GOOD food, coffee and ice cream. I like taste of Jerusalem with their sage tea and baklava. Get your colorado shirts here, each shop differs so hold out for what you love, you will find it! Pay for 3 hrs of parking at least! They are no joke about writing tickets. Good news is you can go online and pay for it if you get one. There are events, they to plan on attending IF you dont mind crowds... their summer tourist season...

What a great town. Went for the Manitou incline and stayed for the shopping. Free shuttle from downtown to the Incline was helpful. Pikes Peak Cog is closed for renovations currently and that may help with paid parking at the base but it was still full upon my arrival. Climb was amazing! Get there early and allow a few hours for a round trip climb. I chose the hiking trail down as the signs recommend but people did walk down the incline (some ran) so I would say its what your comfortable with. There is a cutout to join the trail about halfway up. Many steps risers are at different levels so keep focused on the climb and stop often to take in the views. Nice little arcade downtown along with shops that offer tourist souvenirs, high end decor...