Major city · United States
Manitou Springs
One day is enough for the town centre, mineral springs and a quick Pikes Peak visit; add a night if you plan to hike the Incline or stay at Barr Camp.
Manitou Springs is a small resort town west of Colorado Springs, known for its free mineral springs, historic downtown, and as the gateway to Pikes Peak. Most visitors can see the main sights and ride the cog railway in a single day; longer stays suit hikers or those wanting a relaxed mountain vibe.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- May–Oct (warm, clear roads to Pikes Peak)
- avoid Nov–Apr (snow on Pikes Peak, limited hiking)
- Airport
- COS
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Manitou Springs911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Manitou Springs, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyManitou Springs is safe for tourists; typical mountain‑town cautions apply: watch road conditions in winter and stay hydrated at altitude.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police · 911 fire · 911 ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportCOS Colorado Springs Airport (8 airlines, 4 mi east; shuttle or car to Manitou Springs (≈30 min).).
- Getting aroundTown is walk‑friendly; most attractions are on Manitou Avenue.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee (café)$3–$5
- Street or quick mealPizza slice$4–$6
- BeerBeer (draft, bar)$5–$7
- Budget bedMotel or budget inn, a night, per personUS$70
- Mid-range bedCliff House Hotel double, a night, per roomUS$250
- High-end bedCliff House Hotel double, a night, per roomUS$350
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$80 · Mid US$130 · High US$200
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- COS Colorado Springs Airport (8 airlines, 4 mi east; shuttle or car to Manitou Springs (≈30 min).)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Feb
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Mar
Avoid
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Apr
Avoid
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
May
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jun
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Jul
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Aug
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Sep
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Oct
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Nov
Avoid
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Dec
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Best: May–Oct. Avoid: Nov–Apr. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)), coolest Jan (−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C) low), wettest May (9 rain days), driest Feb (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Manitou Springs: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
7 rd
Feb
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
6 rd
Mar
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
7 rd
Apr
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
8 rd
May
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
9 rd
Jun
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8 rd
Jul
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
6 rd
Aug
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7 rd
Sep
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
7 rd
Oct
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
8 rd
Nov
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
9 rd
Dec
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
8 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Town is walk‑friendly; most attractions are on Manitou Avenue. Rent a bike or use the daily bus from Colorado Springs for longer trips.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Pikes Peak – Cog Railway
goDoor to door: ≈1 h total (round trip)
Take the Manitou Incline shuttle stop or walk 0.3 mi to the railway depot.
Adult tickets start at $60; check schedule for seasonal closures.
Garden of the Gods
goDoor to door: ≈30 min each way
U.S. Highway 24 west, 5‑minute drive or free shuttle from downtown.
Free entry, well‑marked trails.
Barr Trail hike (partial)
cautionDoor to door: 2–3 h round trip for a short segment
Start at the Cog Railway depot, follow trail markers.
Steep, high altitude; only for fit hikers.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Motels & inns on Manitou Avenue
Walkable to downtown, shops and the Cog Railway station.
Cliff House Hotel
Historic boutique hotel near the town centre.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $80–$120 excl. bed
- Mid
- $130–$180 excl. bed
- High
- $200+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or budget inn2 × 1 night × US$100 | US$200 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$130 | US$260 |
| Cog Railway round‑trip ticket2 × US$70 · check | US$140 |
| Bike rental (full day)2 × US$35 · check | US$70 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$67 |
| Trip total≈ US$369 per person per day, bed included | US$737 |
2026 estimate in USD; flights and car rentals excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffee (café) | $3–$5 |
| Beer (draft, bar) | $5–$7 |
| Pizza slice | $4–$6 |
| Mineral spring water (cup) | Free |
| Parking (downtown, hourly) | $2–$3 per hour |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Winter road closures on the Pikes Peak Highway; check before driving.
- Altitude: drink water, avoid alcohol before summit.
- Parking can fill quickly on event days (e.g., Heritage Brewfest).
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 911
- Fire
- 911
- Ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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Manitou SpringsManitou Springs
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police / Fire / Ambulance911
Embassy
US consulate in Colorado Springs (check address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Colorado Springs Airport → Manitou Springs (taxi): ≈ $45–$55, 30 min (check)
- Cog Railway round‑trip: ≈ $60–$85 adult (check)
Say or show
- Disculpe — Excuse me / Sorry
- Gracias — Thank you
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it?
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the bathroom?
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Manitou Springs. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Oct (warm, clear roads to Pikes Peak) · avoid Nov–Apr (snow on Pikes Peak, limited hiking) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add a night for a Barr Camp stay to split the Barr Trail hike.
- Combine with a Colorado Springs base for more museum options.
Sources
Ask about Manitou Springs
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