A stunning collection of towering crimson sandstone formations set against the iconic silhouette of Pikes Peak the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs is a free National Natural Landmark offering hiking climbing and utterly unforgettable high-altitude scenery.
USA: Colorado – Manitou Springs and Pikes Peak
It was a chilly start to the day but we expected it to warm up through the day and there was not a cloud in the sky. An ideal day to go to the top of a 14,000-foot peak! Pikes Peak rises 14,110 feet above Colorado Springs. It is one of 50 peaks in Colorado over 14000 feet – in fact, it is number 31 (the tallest is only about 14350 feet). There are several ways to the summit; walk, car or railway. We chose the latter. The route by car is interesting, the road is a dirt track that snakes its way up the top of the mountain around a series of hairpin bends. Every year there is a race held, which is a time trial, to reach the summit.
The railway that climbs up to the top of Pikes Peak is another example of a cog railway. In fact, there are only 3 in the USA and we will have done 2 of them after this trip (we have already been on the Mount Washington cog railway). The average gradient on Pikes Peak is 25 degrees and takes about an hour and a half to get to the summit. As with the other cog railways, traction comes from a rack and pinion as opposed to rolling along a track as with traditional railway locomotives. In our (well at least Mark’s) great wisdom we had not booked our tickets ahead of time and of course when we arrived there were a great number of people there already. It was Veterans Day weekend and lots of schools were closed for a long weekend and of course and this being a gloriously clear day the crowds had turned out – and unlike us had bought their tickets in advance. We had to go on standby and sit there nervously, not expecting to get on. Fortunately, we did manage to squeeze on but we separated out a bit along with the car.
The trip up Mount Washington was driven by a steam locomotive and was incredibly bumpy, like going across a cobblestone street on a bicycle with solid tires. This was a whole lot smoother, which is just as well because the seats were not too comfortable. The locomotive on this occasion was a diesel, so wasn’t quite as atmospheric but was certainly much quieter. The initial part of the trip passes through a gorge with steep granite cliffs rising either side of the mountain, with large boulders lying at the base from years of weathering. On the trip up to the summit, we get a story of the mountain’s geology and history from the conductor.
The granite peaks of the Rocky Mountain Range were formed by volcanic action millions of years ago and like the sandstone peaks of the Badlands, these are eroding but at a much lesser rate. Granite is a porous rock, and the freezing and thawing of the absorbed water breaks open the granite – resulting in these gigantic boulders tumbling down the mountain. We climb upwards and the land opens up to sprawling forests, lakes and grassland. Pikes Peak is a major source of water for Colorado Springs, providing 30% of the cities water requirements which is evident by the man-made lakes. This mountain has always been a major landmark and received its name from the pioneer Zebulon Pike, who was sent West after the US government acquired lands through the Louisiana Purchase. Pike tried to climb the mountain but failed.
At 12,000 feet the trees disappear and the landscape turns to grassland and scrub and that is the way it remains. Finally, we reached the summit and leave the train for 40 minutes or so. The views were spectacular from the top and on this, we could see summits of mountains over 150 miles away and Colorado Springs was clearly visible below.
We stood outside for a few minutes, but it was cold (as testified by the fact that there was snow on the ground). We retreated inside and settled down for a cup of hot chocolate and a high altitude doughnut (the doughnut-making process does not work so well at 14000 feet). The thing that we did notice was the thin air, we were all struggling a bit with breathing and Jack and Karen soon developed headaches (Karen nearly passed out in the restroom). All too soon it was time to leave and we started our descent. As the conductor passed through the train and asked for tickets he picked up my British accent and asked where I was from and I provided my usual off pat answer – “England”. The conductor then went on to say that he had visited England several times and loved the railways there and has a friend who runs a railway in a small place called Leighton Buzzard. Of course, Karen’s ears pricked up and told the conductor I lived there and my parents still do. We spent a few minutes exchanging pleasantries about the various steam railways around the UK. Finally, 3 ½ hours after starting out we reached the bottom. It was a good deal warmer and breathing was easier once again.
After disembarking the rail car we went into downtown Manitou Springs to check out the shops. We wandered into a few stores, but as it was 5 pm by now most were closing for the day. We did find one gift shop open and it turned out to be run by a British woman (they get around these British women), who like some old-world siren, lays in wait for unsuspecting, passing Brits to lure them into her web with some delicacies from their homeland. Having lived in the States for some time now and weaned off these foods we resisted her temptation and moved swiftly on.
Planning your visit to Manitou Springs
📍 Location
Manitou Springs sits in El Paso County in central Colorado, approximately five miles west of Colorado Springs and about 70 miles south of Denver. It lies at an elevation of around 6,400 feet above sea level — significantly higher than many visitors will be accustomed to — nestled along Fountain Creek at the base of the dramatic red-rock foothills leading up to Pikes Peak, which towers above the town at 14,115 feet. The town is the eastern gateway to the Rocky Mountains, with the famous Garden of the Gods park just to its north-east and Cave of the Winds a short distance to the west.
The town’s name derives from the Algonquian word for “great spirits,” and indeed the land holds deep significance for the Ute people — known as the Nuche — as well as the Cheyenne, Comanche, Arapahoe, and Apache nations, all of whom wove their traditions into the area’s identity long before European settlers arrived. This heritage remains central to the town’s character today.
✈️ Getting There
By Air
The nearest airport is Colorado Springs Airport (airport code: COS), located approximately 20 kilometres from Manitou Springs. It is served by several major US carriers, including United Airlines and Southwest Airlines, with connections from major hub cities. Denver International Airport (DEN) is a larger option with far more international connections, situated roughly 115 kilometres to the north. From Denver, most visitors hire a car for the drive down, which takes approximately 90 minutes to two hours depending on traffic.
By Car
Driving is the most practical way to reach Manitou Springs. From Denver, take Interstate 25 south to Colorado Springs, then head west on US Highway 24. Manitou Springs sits just below Highway 24 and is clearly signposted. From Colorado Springs city centre, the drive takes around 15 minutes. Sat-nav works reliably in the area, and the approach through the foothills is scenic.
By Bus
There is daily bus service connecting downtown Colorado Springs with Manitou Springs, making it possible to visit without a car if you are basing yourself in the larger city. However, a hire car gives considerably more flexibility for exploring the surrounding region, including Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods.
🚶 Getting Around
Manitou Springs is an exceptionally walkable town. Almost all of the shops, galleries, restaurants, bars, and mineral springs are situated along or just off the main thoroughfare, Manitou Avenue, which runs through the compact downtown area. A leisurely stroll along this street takes in most of what the town has to offer.
A free year-round shuttle runs through town and out to the base of the Manitou Incline, making it easy to reach the trailhead without a car. The shuttle stops at the Duck Stop, near Hiawatha Gardens on Manitou Avenue. This is particularly useful during busy periods when parking near the Incline is extremely limited.
Parking in town is available at paid street spaces and car parks. There is a free car park on the edge of town from which the shuttle runs into the centre — this is the recommended approach during peak summer months. Crucially, residential streets are strictly for permit holders only; parking in residential areas without a permit results in a significant fine, so visitors should be attentive to parking signs.
Cycling and e-bikes are also popular options, with the town’s compact geography and scenic surroundings making two-wheeled exploration enjoyable. Several e-bike hire and tour operators are based along Manitou Avenue.
Best time to visit Colorado
🌨️ Winter (December – February)
Colorado’s winters transform the state into a world-class ski destination. Resorts such as Vail, Aspen, Breckenridge, and Telluride receive abundant snowfall, making this the premier season for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. Temperatures in the mountains regularly drop well below freezing, whilst Denver and the Front Range remain milder, often enjoying sunny spells between storms. Accommodation prices at ski resorts peak during this period, so booking well in advance is essential. Non-skiers will find charm in the cosy mountain towns, festive après-ski culture, and dramatic snow-dusted scenery.
What to pack: Heavy insulated ski jacket and salopettes, thermal base layers (merino wool recommended), waterproof ski gloves and goggles, wool-lined snow boots, fleece mid-layers, neck gaiter, warm hat, sunscreen (UV is intense at altitude), and hand warmers.
🌸 Spring (March – May)
Spring in Colorado is a season of dramatic contrasts. March can still deliver heavy mountain snowfall — excellent for late-season skiing — whilst April and May bring wildflower blooms, rushing rivers swollen with snowmelt, and the awakening of hiking trails at lower elevations. Crowds are noticeably thinner than in summer or winter, and prices dip accordingly. Weather is unpredictable, swinging between warm, sunny afternoons and surprise snowstorms, particularly at altitude. It is arguably the most underrated season for visitors who enjoy solitude and transition landscapes.
What to pack: Waterproof layering system (rain jacket plus fleece), sturdy hiking boots, light thermal underlayers, quick-dry trousers, sun hat and sunglasses, sunscreen, compact umbrella, and a lightweight down gilet for cool evenings.
☀️ Summer (June – August)
Summer is Colorado’s busiest and most celebrated season. Temperatures in the mountains are pleasantly warm — typically 18–25°C — making it ideal for hiking, mountain biking, white-water rafting, camping, and wildlife spotting. Colorado’s 58 fourteeners (peaks exceeding 14,000 feet) are most accessible during this period. Afternoon thunderstorms are a near-daily occurrence in the mountains, so early starts are advisable on high trails. National and state parks such as Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, and Great Sand Dunes attract significant visitor numbers; popular sites should be booked months ahead.
What to pack: Moisture-wicking hiking shirts, durable hiking trousers and shorts, lightweight waterproof jacket (for afternoon storms), sturdy trail or hiking boots, sun hat, high-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent, hydration pack or water bottles, and a mid-layer fleece for evenings.
🍂 Autumn (September – November)
Autumn is widely regarded as Colorado’s most visually spectacular season. From mid-September through mid-October, the aspen forests ignite in vivid gold and amber, drawing photographers and leaf-peepers to areas such as Kebler Pass, Last Dollar Road, and the San Juan Skyway. Temperatures are crisp and pleasant, crowds have thinned after the summer rush, and accommodation is easier to secure. Early snowfall can arrive in October at higher elevations, offering the tantalising prospect of golden aspens dusted with fresh snow. Hunting season is also active in autumn, so hikers should wear bright colours in backcountry areas.
What to pack: Layered clothing system (base layer, fleece, wind-resistant outer shell), sturdy hiking boots, warm hat and gloves (for higher elevations and October onwards), sunscreen, bright-coloured outer layer for backcountry hiking, and a lightweight packable down jacket.
🏆 Overall Best Time to Visit
For most travellers, late summer to early autumn (August to mid-October) represents Colorado’s sweet spot. The weather is reliably warm and settled in August, the fourteeners and high alpine trails are fully accessible, and by September the crowds ease considerably as the aspen foliage begins its golden transformation — offering the rare combination of spectacular scenery, comfortable conditions, and manageable visitor numbers. That said, Colorado is genuinely a year-round destination: winter delivers world-class skiing that is difficult to match anywhere outside of the Alps, spring rewards the adventurous traveller with lower prices and dramatic snowmelt landscapes, and summer provides the greatest breadth of outdoor pursuits. The right time to visit ultimately depends on what you are hoping to experience — but if forced to choose a single window, the golden weeks of mid-September stand apart as something truly extraordinary.
Other places to visit close by
1. Garden of the Gods
Sitting just west of Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods is a public park containing some of the most striking rock formations in the American West. The sandstone fins and towers, some reaching over 100 metres in height, were formed around 300 million years ago and have been shaped by erosion ever since. The colours shift between deep red, pink and white depending on the light and time of day, making it genuinely photogenic without any effort. Entry to the park is free, which is fairly unusual for a site of this quality in the United States. Paved paths wind through the main area, making it accessible to most visitors, while more challenging trails extend into the quieter sections. Pikes Peak sits in the background, adding scale to an already impressive landscape. It is well worth a half-day stop.
2. Royal Gorge
The Royal Gorge is a dramatic canyon carved by the Arkansas River in south-central Colorado, around 45 miles west of Colorado Springs. The gorge drops roughly 300 metres at its deepest point, with sheer granite walls that took millions of years to form. Spanning the canyon is the Royal Gorge Bridge, which held the record as the world’s highest suspension bridge for over 70 years after it was built in 1929. Today the area operates as a theme park — Royal Gorge Bridge and Park — offering visitors a range of activities including a gondola ride across the gorge, a via ferrata climbing route along the canyon walls, and zip lines. The surrounding landscape is typical of the southern Rocky Mountain foothills: rugged, semi-arid, and striking. For anyone travelling through central Colorado, it makes for a worthwhile half-day stop, particularly for those with an interest in geology or engineering history.
3. Cliff Dwelling Museum
The Cliff Dwelling Museum, located in Manitou Springs just west of Colorado Springs, offers visitors a chance to explore authentic Ancestral Puebloan stone structures that were relocated from Mesa Verde in the early 1900s. The dwellings date back around 700 years and are set into a natural sandstone alcove in the Rockies, giving a reasonable sense of how these communities once lived. The site includes a small museum with artefacts, pottery, and jewellery that provide context for the culture and daily life of the people who built them. It is a modest but genuinely interesting attraction, manageable in a couple of hours and suitable for families. The surrounding canyon scenery adds to the visit without the need for any embellishment. For anyone travelling through the Pikes Peak region with an interest in Native American history, it is well worth the short detour.
Where to stay near Manitou Springs
1. Cliff House At Pikes Peak
The Cliff House at Pikes Peak, located in Manitou Springs, Colorado, is one of America’s oldest and most storied hotels. Originally opened in 1874 as a stage coach stop, it has hosted an impressive roster of guests over the years, including Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Edison, and P.T. Barnum. Sitting at the foot of Pikes Peak, the hotel offers straightforward access to one of Colorado’s most visited natural landmarks, whether guests choose to hike, drive, or take the cog railway to the summit. The building itself has been carefully restored and now operates as a four-star property with 55 rooms and suites, a full-service spa, and two dining options. The Victorian architecture has been preserved throughout, giving the place a genuine sense of history rather than a manufactured one. For those visiting the Pikes Peak region, it remains a solid and characterful base.
2. KINSHIP LANDING
Kinship Landing is a relatively new addition to the Colorado Springs hotel scene, having opened in 2021. Positioned in the heart of downtown, it pitches itself as an “outdoor social hotel” — a concept aimed squarely at travellers who are there for the mountains, trails and open spaces rather than the conference room. The building has a relaxed, communal feel, with shared social spaces designed to encourage guests to mix, swap trail notes and plan adventures together. Rooms are straightforward and well-designed without being flashy. The location puts you close to local restaurants and bars, and the hotel itself has food and drink on offer. For those heading to Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak or the surrounding hiking terrain, it serves as a practical and sociable base. It is a solid option for active travellers who want character without pretension.
3. Blues Skies Inn
Sitting on the historic Briarhurst estate alongside Fountain Creek, the Blue Skies Inn is a bed and breakfast on Manitou Avenue, right at the foot of Pikes Peak. The property was built and is run by artist and licensed contractor Sally Thurston, who designed the cluster of Gothic Revival buildings to complement the estate’s 1873 carriage house. There are ten three-room suites, each individually painted on a different theme — from petroglyph-style rock art to sky-blue rooms with hand-painted clouds. Suites run to around 450 square feet and include sitting rooms, tiled bathrooms with soaking tubs or Jacuzzis, and some have gas fireplaces. A full hot breakfast is delivered to your door each morning in a picnic basket. The inn sits within easy reach of the Garden of the Gods, the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, and Cave of the Winds, and guests can walk directly into Manitou Springs village. Nightly rates range from around $125 to $240.
More to Explore
