Manitou Springs Vacation Rentals

Here are some stats to get your heart racing: 2,744 stairs. 70,000 visitors a year. An elevation gain of 2,020 feet. If you dare, the Manitou Incline is waiting. An easier go of it awaits you at the Rampart Reservoirs Trail System’s paths that shoreline where you can meander through the pines and savor the mountain views. Other popular area hikes include trails at Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, Red Rock Canyon, Palmer Park, and Royal Gorge Park. For hikers looking to elevate their heart rates, Barr Trail and Catamount Trails serve up breathtaking mountain views alongside breathtaking inclines. Something for everyone, the trails in the Manitou Springs area draw hikers for the variety of trails and 360 degree Rocky views.

Cast off lakeside, drop a line from your boat in the river, or set off on the waters of one of the area’s reservoirs. The sheer variety of waters means the fishing stays interesting. Of course the Arkansas River remains a hot fly fishing destination where the trout are biting. Pikes Peak serves up two fishing choices–Crystal Creek Reservoir’s trout-rich waters and the South Slope Recreation Area. You can stay close to town when you drop a line at Fountain Creek in Manitou Springs. Best part? The proximity to town means that shops and restaurants make the perfect post-fishing stop.

Take a walk through the region’s history at the Manitou Springs Heritage Center where you can imagine life in the Old Mountain West. Continue your trip through the Old West at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum to imagine what life was like more than a hundred years ago in the Pikes Peak area. 

Manitou Springs and nextdoor neighbor Colorado Springs are two towns on the Avenue Creative Circuit where imagination reigns. Come to Manitou Springs for First Fridays to stroll the galleries and take in the rich culture of the town. Catch a performance at the  Ent Center for the Arts in Colorado Springs where each season features a rotating offering of musicals, plays, and performances. Animal lovers, a morning at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo lets you watch penguins, bears, giraffes, and other animals, all while surrounded by Rocky Mountain panoramas.

Mountain bikers flock to Manitou Springs’ elevations for mountain biking that’s unlike anywhere else. Beginner, moderate, and experienced rides weave through the area–pick the right course for your outdoor adventure. Easier favorites include Black Forest Section 16 Trail and Ute Trail at Garden of the Gods. Looking for trails with higher demands? Pedal your way up and down Pikes Peak where you might be joined by elk and deer. Pancake Rocks isn’t for the novice rider. This trail’s grade and switchbacks mean business. For just as much fun but with a little assistance, E-bikes let you set out for the Colorado trails.

May through September means the Arkansas River’s waters are primed for whitewater rafting adventures. The best part? Class II to Class V rapids let you tailor your river experience for a more family-friendly outing or a wild descent. Book a guided tour for maximum fun and safety. Beginners love Browns Canyon’s easy waters–it’s no wonder this is one of the country’s most popular rafting spots. For experienced riders, the Royal Gorge offers the challenge and stunning views of the gorge.

Not a shock that this area’s peaks make rock climbing one of the best ways to watch the sun dance over the Rockies. Garden of the Gods’ sandstone formations, Red Rock Canyon’s 13 cliffs, and North Cheyenne Cañon all let you take on higher ground. Guided climbing tours take you to the best spots. Weather not cooperating? Head inside to CityROCK Colorado Springs to get your climbing fix indoors.

Sure, hiking, climbing, biking, and rafting infuse your trip with a heavy dose of adventure, but sometimes it’s nice to sit back and let someone else do the driving. Jeep Tours mean all the thrills, none of the work. Sit back and fly through Colorado’s backcountry trails, all while absorbing the bumps, speeds, and beauty of the land. The perfect way to blend a little excitement with a little chill.

The mineral springs in this Manitou Springs run in an underground maze of aquifers that treat locals and visitors to a taste of Colorado—literally. Start at the Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau for a map of the springs to choose your soak and cup then taste your way through the town’s eight distinct springs. Carbonic acid forms in the water when the water breaks down the limestone, so come and get a taste of nature’s seltzer.

Get up close to the past…the very distant past. The Manitou Cliff Dwellings and Museum let visitors go hands-on with preserved Puebloan buildings that show how people settled this land long ago. Other items on display include pottery, tools, and weapons that made living in the Manitou Springs lands possible.

Start the day at one of Manitou Springs’ cafes where you can sit and sip your coffee while taking in the Rocky views and people watching. Appetites rage after a day of outdoor adventuring, and the town’s dining scene satisfies every palate. From burgers to Mediterranean, the offerings fit any mood and taste.  It wouldn’t be a true Colorado town without a robust brewery presence! Come and taste the pilsners, stouts, and IPAs in downtown Manitou Springs. Wine lovers, Manitou Springs boasts wine bars for day and night chardonnay sipping.

Downtown Manitou Springs hosts boutiques and one-of-kind stores (there’s even one in an old bank!) that let you keep it local and go home with artisans goods to remember your stay. Come pick out some of the latest trends or even outdoor gear to ensure you’re equipped for your next adventure. 

Book a massage, facials, or mani-pedi to have you looking and feeling your best. Manitou Springs’ boutique spas pamper the adventure-weary or people who put self-care on the calendar. Book a yoga class under the eye of the Rockies or book a session soaking in the healing waters of Manitou Springs.