Blog

You don’t read about them in travel guides and you can only find them if you know where to look. Here in Manitou Springs, that’s the Manitou Incline. Once a tourist cable car track, it used to take visitors to the top of the foothills for beautiful views of Colorado Springs. But after a rock slide destroyed part of it in 1990, it shut down and became a hiking spot for the locals. It was a grueling hike, technically illegal to climb, that was frequented by only the most athletic and adventurous. Now, the Manitou Incline is becoming a popular hot spot for tourists that are daring enough to try to tackle the Incline. Gaining nearly 2,000 feet of elevation in less than a mile, it’s now legal to climb, but just as difficult to conquer. If you’re in good health and want to challenge the Incline, you’ll be rewarded with stunning, unsurpassable views when reaching the top.

And one of our favorite spots to connect with nature is North Cheyenne Canon Park. With over 1,600 acres of trees, wildlife, flora, hiking and biking trails, geological formations, and climbing walls, Cheyenne Canon is considered one of Pike Peak’s hidden gems. A favorite of locals and in-the-know visitors, the park has something for everyone. Adventurers will want to scale one of the eight different climbing walls in the park, ranging from moderate to steep climbs. For nature lovers who prefer to remain on the ground, try a hike on the Silver Cascade Falls Trail. Then take an afternoon break to visit the Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center, where you’ll find a birdwatching window, hands-on natural exhibits, and Junior Ranger programs for the kids.

Whether it’s a refreshing hike or a day spent relaxing in your Victorian-inspired suite, spend the afternoon doing what you and your S.O. love the most. Against the stunning backdrop of Rocky Mountain beauty, you and your loved one can then connect over an incredibly romantic dinner at The Cliff House Dining Room. As one of Colorado’s premier dining destinations and the recipient of the distinguished DiRoNA Award, the Cliff House’s on-site restaurant is an unforgettable experience. Dine on expertly-crafted sea and land plates, beautifully plated and inspired by the prestigious work of Executive Chef Chris Lynch. To pair, enjoy their curated selection of wine—including a legendary French Burgundy! Be sure to save room for dessert to end this effortlessly romantic evening on the perfect sweet note.

Head down to Manitou Springs Memorial Park on Saturday, January 25, when fruitcakes will fly far and wide. What started as a local grassroots event in 1996 has become a community staple that attracts visitors from all over. Cheer on as the holiday’s unwanted desserts are launched into the air. Competitions include a classic hand toss, kid’s toss, a canon launch, and a team catch (just to name a few). For those who love the dessert, there will be a fruitcake baking competition, along with refreshing libations to keep the party going. Awards will be handed out for the farthest hand-toss distance, accuracy, speed, best balance, and more! This event is a true slice of life here in Manitou Springs and you won’t want to miss it.

If you’re visiting us during the month of December, we hope you’ll join us—and the rest of the town—on Saturday, December 14 for the annual Christmas parade. This local favorite welcomes in the holiday season with festive floats, exciting performers, and an appearance from Santa himself. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends or your S.O., all will love this merry evening in downtown Manitou. Afterward, enjoy dinner in town and a stroll around the shops with cocoa in hand. You may find the perfect gift for that special someone from one of our local artisans. Happy Holidays!

To start your holiday shopping off on the right foot, we encourage you to join us in shopping small and exploring all of the amazing local shops our magical mountain town has to offer. Small Business Saturday—this year on November 30—highlights the amazing businesses in our community. With twinkling holiday lights around you and warm hot cocoa in hand, check out the local artists and shop owners offering special gifts you won’t find anywhere else. You’ll walk away with wonderful, quintessential holiday memories and one-of-a-kind gifts the rest of your family will love. While there’s always a chance to go big with national department stores and malls, you’ll cherish this special opportunity to shop small in our fun, funky, and artistic town.

Yes, that’s right! On October 26, you can join in on this community fun—in its 25th year—to cheer on the coffin racers, awe over the elaborate costumes, and see who will be crowned 2018 Miss Emma. The festival was inspired by Emma Crawford, a young woman who came to Manitou Springs in the 1800s for a cure for her tuberculosis. When Emma passed in 1890, her fiancé buried her on top of Red Mountain. Years later, after a season of harsh rainstorms, Emma and her coffin slid down the mountain slope and into the canyon. After, the coffin race began as a way to honor her memory and prepare for the Halloween season. Stick around for the fun festival after the races to immerse yourself in the Halloween season.

Thanks to the state’s high elevation, Colorado continues to lead the way with some of the very best microbreweries around, including Bee Hive Honey and Modus Hoperandi. And the state is also home to unique liquors from reserve whiskeys to small-batch gins. Fortunately, you won’t need to travel outside our property to find just that. At our very own Red Mountain Bar & Grill, indulge in a taste of Manitou Springs’ tempting spirits from our curated menu of locally-sourced beers, vodkas, whiskeys, and wines (we even have a wine cellar on site!). Stop in for a refreshing cocktail after a long day of exploring; each captures the essence of Colorado’s beauty in every sip. To round out your experience, order a few plates to share with your group for the perfect end to another perfect day in Manitou Springs.

In nearby Colorado Springs, Adventures Out West captures the essence of the olden times by taking you on thrilling tours of Pikes Peak. Since 1973, this popular tour company offers a number of unique adventures with everything from balloon ride tours to ziplining. And trust us, you haven’t experienced Pikes Peak until you have ziplinined above its expansive terrain! You and your family can join AOW’s top cowboy guides as they take you on a fantastic tour of the land in an off-roading jeep. Whether you are first-time visitors or long-time vacationers here in Manitou Springs, AOW’s exciting day outings are always a fun way to spend the afternoon. If you’re traveling with a group, be sure to ask about their group offers for special packages and rates. 

On summer’s favorite holiday, join the community in celebrating at Soda Springs Park for some all-day festivities! While we’re skipping out on fireworks this year, your daytime celebrations will be jam-packed with excitement, great music, and a whole lot of excitement to last the entire day. At the park, head to the Bud Ford Pavilion, serving as the heart of the Independence Day block party. The family-friendly event will have a free concert of Manitou’s most exciting bands with tons of great food and drink vendors (think: beer, brats, ice cream, and more!) to keep the party going. Grab some blankets and chairs and join in on a fun day in the park celebrating America’s freedom!

The Colorado Wolf Adventures will bring these stunning canines to Pikes Peak most famous landscape, the Manitou Cliff Dwellings. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure is an incredible chance for you and your loved ones to interact with and learn about wolves. Everything from what they eat and where they live to how they act, the Colorado Wolf Adventures will be there to answer all of your questions. What’s more, swinging by to see the wolves is totally free, making this a great excursion! If you do want to grab a picture with you and the cute carnivores, you can make a small donation which will go to the care for the wolves. Get ready for you and your new furry pal to grin and bare all of those pearly whites!

Located in nearby Colorado Springs, it’s hard not to fall in love with the vibrant reds and whites of the stunning, natural rock formations of the park. No matter how you like to explore—on foot, on bike, on horse, or by rock climbing—the opportunities are endless to make ground at this amazing site. Slanted, straight, toppled over, or flipped, the formations are works of art that you have to see to believe. During your visit, be sure to stop by the Gardens of the God Trading Post, where you can explore the on-site art gallery and purchase items from the gift shop for treasures that go beyond the typical ‘knick-knack’ and make for memorable keepsakes you’ll cherish forever.

 A popular spot among locals, but often missed by visitors, the falls is a magnificent waterfall located beneath the Manitou Avenue overpass. In the warmer months, you’ll find families splashing in the water and relaxing beside the falls on land. What makes this secret waterfall so iconic around town is not only its out-of-the-way location but the colorful graffiti that covers the rock walls surrounding the falling water. Though the city has tried to remove the graffiti on a few occasions, the artwork remains as a sort of signature and identity-marker of the Manitou Springs community. During your visit, admire the falls for what it is—peaceful, colorful, and uniquely Manitou.

The fun all begins on Saturday, March 2 with the Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Cook-Off at 10:30. Get a taste of the delicious and dynamic flavors of Cajun and Creole cuisine in Manitou. You’ll be able to sample a number of different twists on the classic gumbo dish and cast your vote for who has the best in the competition! After, head over to Manitou Avenue by Memorial Park to cheer on the Carnivale Parade starting at 1 p.m.! Enjoy the incredible, colorful costumes, headpieces, and floats of the parade and watch as tons of performers march and dance their way down the street. This family-friendly event is a lively celebration not to be missed!

Discovered in 1881, the caves are unparalleled marvels. Take a tour—by lantern or with the family—to explore different portions on a guided walking tour. You’ll navigate through tunnels, paths, and rooms and get lost in all of the grand beauty. Once you’ve seen enough inside, step out to try the Wind Walker Challenge Course, the Bat-E-Pult zip line, or dive into the canyon on an aerial dive ride. During the lantern tour, make your way through narrow passageways by candlelight as you hear tales of folklore and ghost stories. Think you’re up for the challenge? This 500-million-year-old underground experience truly has something for everyone, all you have to do is take your pick!

Held this year on January 26 from 1-3 p.m. at Manitou Springs Memorial Park, the one-of-a-kind event is your chance to cheer as the undesired dessert is launched into the air! Competitions include the hand toss, kid’s toss, the canon, and team catch—just to name a few! Awards will be handed out for a number of achievements including the farthest hand-toss distance, accuracy, speed, best balance, and distance from a robotic or mechanical device. But in case you have a soft spot for fruitcake, you can put your tasting to the test with the fruitcake bake-off, where local bakers will compete in a showdown for the title of Fruitcake King/Queen. This event is a true look into the fun and carefree spirit of the Manitou Springs community. Let the fruitcake festivities begin!

Who says the holidays are only for hot cocoa and eggnog? We like to take our merry beverages up a notch with holiday-inspired brews. Once a week throughout the entire month of December you can enjoy a walking tour of Manitou Springs brew options with a holiday twist. Springs Beer Tours is offering an afternoon of sipping and savoring “Santa-inspired” beers at various pubs around town. Not only will you get a taste for the amazing craft offerings here in town, but you’ll also be able to explore Manitou Springs as a local, discovering all of the unique spots that define our town. It’s always a magical time to spend the holidays in Manitou Springs, but it’s especially so when you can cheers to the festive season with those you love. Dates are December 8, 15, 20, 22 and 29 from 3-5 p.m.

While you’re still relaxing with loved ones and recovering from a well-fed Thanksgiving later this month, Manitou Springs will be gearing up for its next small town-tradition. To commence the holiday shopping, we encourage you to join this magical mountain town in shopping small by supporting all of the local shops right here in Manitou Springs. Small Business Saturday—November 24 this year—highlights the amazing businesses in our community. With twinkling holiday lights around you and warm hot cocoa in hand, show your support for our local artists and shop owners. You’ll walk away with wonderful, quintessential holiday memories and one-of-a-kind gifts the rest of your family will love. While there’s always a chance to go big with national department stores, you’ll be grateful for the unique opportunity to do your holiday shopping in quaint, artistic Manitou Springs.

On October 27, join in on the fun—in its 24th year—to cheer on the coffin racers, admire the costumes, and see who will be crowned 2018 Miss Emma. The festival was inspired by Emma Crawford, a young woman who came to Manitou Springs in the 1800s for a cure for her tuberculosis. When Emma passed in 1890, her fiancé buried her on top of Red Mountain. She was reburied in the 1900s and moved to the south slope until two boys found her coffin had slid down the mountain into the canyon. After that, the coffin race began as a way to honor her memory. This year’s race will be followed by a fun festival to welcome the spooky holiday just around the corner.

From 5-8 p.m., uncover downtown Manitou Spring’s vibrant art scene by visiting the galleries and speaking with the artists along the avenue. Whether you’re an artist yourself or an art admirer, the monthly Art Walks are a great way to explore the town and check out amazing artworks in a variety of mediums. Pick up prints to keep as mementos from your trip, or ask the artist about specific techniques or mediums—all is possible at an artful evening. From April through December, the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region offers a free shuttle service that makes a loop around the downtown area during the Art Walk evening. Leave your car with us, it’s time for less driving and more art!

August 18 and 19, highly-skilled marathoners will take to the grueling course weaving in and out and up and down through the ascents and descents. Dating back to 1956, the Pikes Peak Marathon is listed number three of the longest running US marathons—just behind Boston and Yonkers. And with our famous mountains and intense peaks, it’s no wonder why. Simply put, Colorado knows how to put marathoners to the test. The high altitude is just one of the many factors that make this marathon such a challenge. Think you’re up for it? We’ll be cheering you on. If you’d rather keep your feet planted in one place, you can still participate in the excitement and adrenaline from the sidelines.

Originally built as a cable car to bring materials up to Pikes Peak, this demanding trail gains 2000 feet in elevation and an average grade of 45 percent—though in some places it’s as steep as 68! But when you reach the top of the foothills? You’ll be taking in awe-inspiring views of Colorado Springs and the eastern plains, making the one-mile upwards trek all worth it. As you make your descent, hike down the bottom four miles of the Barr Trail—rangers strongly suggest avoiding downhill use of the Incline. And where will we be? We’ll be safe on the ground. Waiting with a glass of wine just for you! 

Wine enthusiasts will fall in love with over 800 selections at The Cliff House’s wine cellar. Our seasoned staff of certified sommeliers, including two who are certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers, can help guide you through the grand collection to complement and enhance your dining experience with us. We don’t mean to brag, but it’s pretty life-changing.

And if you want to take your wine tastings beyond our property, June 2nd offers another opportunity at the 2018 Manitou Springs Colorado Wine Festival. Enjoy tastings from 30 Colorado wineries, live music, and food and gift vendors throughout Memorial Park. The event goes from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., and tickets include admission to wine tastings and a free souvenir glass.

The castle captures the essence of Victorian times with 30 rooms of authentic Victorian furnishings and a unique blend of nine separate architectural styles including Queen Anne, Romanesque, English Tudor, and more. While walking past the Grand Staircase, notice the two sets of windows that each displays a different style of architecture. In the parlor, you’ll enjoy the perfect celebration for mom with teas, treats, and only the best company.

The Fine Print:
Time: 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. from Friday, May 11 – Sunday, May 13
Cost: Adults $37.50, Children 8 and under $20.00
Advanced reservations suggested
Call: 719-685-1011 or 719-884-4109

Just a twenty-minute drive from our property, you can explore the diverse, wild grounds of the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. As America’s only mountain zoo and TripAdvisor’s 6th-best zoo, the wildlife park boasts a bold and varied conservation of over 30 endangered species. With handfuls of educational programs and ongoing conservation projects, the zoo is committed to sharing their knowledge of these beautiful animals with all who visit. But it’s not just all looks here, what sets Cheyenne Zoo apart is the opportunity to immerse yourself in your favorite animal’s habitat. You can interact and hand-feed giraffes, take in the animal exhibits from bird’s eye view aboard the Mountaineer Sky Ride, or explore the exhibits on foot while weaving through the zoo’s pathways. However you enjoy exploring the zoo, these incredible animals will provide a close-up experience of what it’s like to live on the wild side.

While you’re out exploring all the natural wonders of Manitou Springs, spend an afternoon hunting down the area’s natural mineral springs. The seven distinct springs are almost all within walking distance and play an integral role in making our town so special—it’s in our name, after all!

7 Minute Spring located near the gazebo in 7-Minute Spring Park, has the least mineral taste. Shoshone Spring is in the heart of downtown and boasts the highest, strongest mineral content of all the springs. Navajo Spring offers a salty, light taste, behind Patsy’s Candy & Gift Shop. You can find Cheyenne Spring beside a bronze sculpture and sample its strong taste. In the middle of town, Stratton Spring is incorporated with a stone sculpture of a woman collecting water. The sweetest taste? Locals have been known to use Twin Spring water for lemonade. Wheeler Spring, near the eastern corner of Soda Springs Park, has a salty, bubbly taste. Try them all and find your own favorite spring. 

Before they made their way to the big screen in The Greatest Showman and All the Money in the World, P.T. Barnum and J. Paul Getty were once notable guests at our very own hotel. And in honor of them, we offer Premier Celebrity Suites that are inspired by their achievements. Looking to make your reservations unforgettable? Book one of these suites for the ultimate star treatment:

P.T. Barnum Suite
With warm décor and colorful artwork, the P.T. Barnum Suite is an inviting room with the full suite package*. In this room, we have no doubt your dreams will be of magical tightrope walkers, elephants, and ringmasters.

J. Paul Getty Suite
An avid art collector and industrialist, Getty’s greatest successes transfer into his suite with framed photographs, timely pieces, and the full suite package*.

*Premier celebrity suites have 1 queen or king bed, a sitting area with gas fireplace, a marble bathroom with a two-person spa tub and a steam shower.

Join us for a Manitou Springs tradition at the Great Fruitcake Toss in downtown Manitou Springs on January 27, 2018. From 1 to 3 p.m., this fun, local affair will have you tossing those notorious holiday treats with all your might—a limited amount will be available to rent, though you are allowed to bring your own. Tossing devices range from your own hand, a launch, a pneumatic gun or canon, and a team toss. There will also be an array of other events to take part in like a fruitcake costume competition, a fruitcake bake-off, and libations. For more than 22 years, locals have come together with people from all over to take part in this unique event. To compete, all you need to bring is a non-perishable food item, which will be donated to the Westside Cares food bank. Get your tossing arm ready!

Just a short drive from our hotel, the Garden of the Gods, located in nearby Colorado Springs, is one of the most geologically impressive sites in all of Colorado. The park is an outstanding place for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and rock climbing. Rust-red, pink, and white sedimentary rock formations, which eons ago lay horizontally, have been rearranged through millennia of glacial and seismic pressure into the most stunning shapes and poses—tilted, toppled, slanted, or elegantly overturned, as though by ancient artist titans. On the southwest edge of the park, you’ll find The Garden of the Gods Trading Post, an art gallery and “gift shop” that really stretches the bounds of that term. This is no mean purveyor of trinkets. In addition to mass-produced Colorado memorabilia, you’ll find a vast array of handmade jewelry, textiles, glass, ceramics, pottery, paintings, and more, much of it crafted by local artists.

The Garden of the Gods Visitor Center is located at 1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs, CO, 80904.

The Garden of the Gods Trading Post is located at 324 Beckers Lane, Manitou Springs, CO 80829.

The Cave of the Winds is one of the most famous subterranean sites in the Pikes Peak area. With a variety of tours offered daily, you’re sure to find the ideal activity for a day of underground exploration. The Discovery Tour takes you through almost half-a-mile of cavernous corridors, where you’ll have the rare chance to experience complete darkness. The Lantern Tour is, as its name suggests, is illuminated solely by the lanterns you and your guide will carry. As you explore the mysterious winding tunnels, you’ll also be treated to the many spooky stories that make the history of the park’s caves one-of-a-kind. In Caving 101 you can enjoy the most physically rigorous of the tours. Flashlights in hand, you’ll crawl and climb your way to majestic interior formations during a fun and intense 2-hour journey. And if you’re in the mood for some above-ground thrills, you can also check out the zip-line and obstacle course attractions.

Address: 100 Cave of the Winds Rd, Manitou Springs, CO 80829

There are few forms of travel more romantic or more quintessentially American than the railroad. On your visit to Pikes Peak, we recommend you take a trip on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, which has transported hundreds of thousands of visitors to the summit of Pikes Peak since 1891. On this comfortable and leisurely guided tour, you’ll travel approximately 9 miles in just over three hours. During the first third of the tour, the train winds along Ruxton Creek in Engelmann Canyon, where you’ll be treated to the sight of various wildlife and majestic rock formations. About halfway into the journey, you’ll notice the incline become much steeper as the train begins to earnestly ascend. Once above the timberline, the views are truly breathtaking. Bighorn sheep and yellow bellied marmots frolic on the rocks as you head into the last bit of the upward trip. At the summit, you’ll get to spend about a half hour enjoying the panoramic views before heading back down to the base of the mountain.

Address: 515 Ruxton Ave., Manitou Springs, CO 80829

An out-of-the-way spot frequented by locals, and frequently overlooked by tourists, Rainbow Falls is a delightful waterfall hidden beneath the Manitou Avenue overpass. Families come to frolic through the falling water, and obstinate adolescents sometimes attempt to scale the bridge itself. The main attraction of the falls, however, is one that the city has repeatedly, and unsuccessfully, attempted to erase: the elaborate and colorful graffiti that covers the rock walls behind and on either side of the falling water, giving Rainbow Falls its unofficial moniker of “Graffiti Falls.” Though some visitors consider the graffiti an inexcusable blight on the natural landscape, many others see it as an integral part of the local community, and if you visit, you’re bound to notice a photographer or two who’s ventured down beneath the overpass to capture the unique juxtaposition of majestic natural topography and manmade inscription and imagery.

Location: below the Manitou Avenue overpass, just before the overpass meets Highway 24

When it comes to the wonder and beauty of creation, man probably won’t ever surpass nature—and at Pikes Peak, we certainly know a thing or two about natural wonders—but the many artists and musicians who come together each year for the Commonwheel Labor Day Art Festival certainly come close. Just a short walk from the Cliff House Hotel, this premier arts festival convenes outdoors at Memorial Park from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. on September 2, 3, and 4. Local artists and artisans will showcase a wide array of items, including handmade jewelry, clothing, ceramics, paintings, sculptures, photographs, and decorative glass. Area restaurants will setup booths for you to sample their mouth-watering fare, and talented musicians from across Colorado will be there to entertain you throughout the day. Kids will have the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of arts and crafts projects, face painting, giant soap bubble games, and more. Great for the whole family, the Commonwheel Labor Day Art Festival will inspire you with a creativity matched only by nature’s glory.

Location: Memorial Park, 502 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829

A testament to the high educational standards of the U.S. Military, the United States Air Force Academy offers visitors a rare glimpse into the lives of the young men and women training to lead in the world’s finest defense force. When you enter through the North Gate, you’ll see the Barry M. Goldwater Visitor Center, named for the Arizona senator who avidly advocated for the Academy. Inside are many fascinating exhibits, self-guided tour maps, a 14-minute film about life at the Academy, and a gift shop. Visit on a Monday, Thursday, or Friday and you can take advantage of a campus-wide guided tour. Be warned, though, that you’ll need a reservation and that, because of the steep hills, the tours are physically demanding. You’ll encounter Air Force jets from across the decades, including the B-52 and the F-15 Eagle. Finally, the Cadet Chapel, with its 17 spires, is an impressive example of Brutalist architecture, with rooms designed specifically for Jewish, Protestant, Catholic, Buddhist, and Muslim worshipers. Granted, you won’t get to fly a jet yourself, but a visit to the Academy is the next best thing.

Address: United States Air Force Academy, CO

Red Rock Canyon was, in centuries past, an industrialist’s playground: gravel pits, rock quarries, gold refining mill, even a 53-acre landfill. Today, Red Rock Canyon Open Space is the site not of industrial exploitation, but natural preservation. With a recreational area that spans nearly 1500 acres, there’s ample space for hiking, climbing, horseback riding, and mountain biking, to name just a few favorite pastimes. For the novice hiker, we recommend the Upper Dog Loop trail, which is about a mile long across fairly gentle terrain (the Lower Dog Loop is shorter, but too noisy for our taste). Check out the 2.85-mile Mesa/Greenlee trail for its sublime views of Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods. And Quarry trail is a must for history aficionados; it leads to a 19^th-century rock quarry, with stunning rock formations. Hogback trail, the longest at 3.3 miles, offers a lovely birds-eye-view of the park. Up on the mesa, the wildflowers stay in bloom through the early summer.

Address: 3550 West High Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904

Though America has never been a land of monarchs, in this town built on vast deposits of gold, we do have a castle to boast. Less than 10 minutes by foot from our historic hotel, Miramont Castle was erected in 1895 by French priest Jean Baptiste Francolon as a private residence and, for a short time, a facility to treat tuberculosis (the Montcalm Sanitarium was built on the same property the following year). Father Francolon, who was heavily involved in the design of the castle, had an eclectic architectural temperament, and his love of the Byzantine and Tudor styles is reflected in the castle’s varied aesthetic. Today, Miramont Castle is a museum run by the Manitou Springs Historical Society, and starting Monday, May 26, the museum will be open every day from 9 to 5 throughout the summer for guided tours. You can also call ahead to reserve a place for High Tea, Light Victorian Tea, or lunch in the castle’s famed tearoom. Be careful, though: locals tell us that more than one ghost roams the halls at Miramont.

Address: 9 Capitol Hill, Manitou Springs, Colorado  

Head in the direction of wafting morning mist and a sunshine filled summit when you tackle the Manitou Incline. Everyone is thrilled that Manitou Springs has at last completed its renovations of this historic hiking trail. Originally built as the site of a cable car that brought materials to foremen high above on Pikes Peak, one of North America’s great summits at 14,115 feet, after construction work was finished the rail system was mostly removed. Left behind is today’s gigantic staircase of rail ties, which locals quickly began using for a fun workout. The Manitou Incline is a healthy and modestly challenging one-mile hike that will bring you to the top of our city beneath, offering a spectacular view in return for all that effort. With an altitude gain of 2,000 feet this is definitely one of the most popular hikes to be found in the Colorado Springs region.

You won’t find any of the familiar signs marked “Do Not Touch” in this deservedly popular tourist attraction. Found at the foot of Pikes Peak, the very same mountain that inspired the lyrics to America the Beautiful, the Manitou Cliff Dwellings have been preserved for over 700 years beneath the red sandstone hanging overhead. This rare historical treasure is every family’s to explore. Get up close with these natural reminders of the indigenous native populations that flourished in the American Southwest, who can be traced back to 1200 B.C.

The dwellings are open to the public seven days a week and throughout the calendar year, except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Adults and their children will be delighted by the openness of these brilliantly colored homes. Trod lightly while you imagine how families prepared communal meals, sang songs, and furnished clothing within the confines of these intricately designed spaces not so very long ago.

Indulge in a taste of Manitou Springs’ bubbling waters and tempting spirits. Colorado’s high elevations are known to be conducive to raising hops and the state continues to enjoy the products of the best microbreweries around, such as the fabulous Modus Hoperandi and Bee Hive Honey. Our state is also the residence of many delicious liquors, from reserve whiskeys and small-batch gins to agave tequilas. You’ll find them in high stock at the Cliff House’s own Red Mountain Bar & Grill.

The heart of Colorado goes into every Red Mountain cocktail, including the Cliff House’s original Whiskey Marmalade, made with an oak-infused aged whiskey, peach puree, moonshine cherries, and a splash of bitters. Manitou Springs is blessed with an abundance of natural mineral springs, which contribute mightily to the success of local brewers. While Manitou Springs was originally founded as a resort destination, these well-preserved springs continue to offer free samples to thirsty guests.

Did you know that meeting for a coffee at a cafe is a tradition that dates back over 1100 years? After coffee came to the middle-east from Africa, coffeehouses began appearing in Mecca, Damascus, and other major cities. The Agia Sophia Coffee Shop is inspired by this "historical coffeehouse culture." As a meeting place for artists, writers, and politicians, Agia Sophia keeps the tradition alive by partnering with Eighth Day Books to sell classical works of history, religion, philosophy, and literature. You can also find artwork on sale from local artists, Elena Stefarova and Father Luke. Wandering what Agia Sophia means? It's the name of a cathedral located in modern day Turkey. The name translates from the Greek as "holy wisdom." That said, we encourage use to be wise and spend some time indulging in Agia Sophia's casual, intimate ambiance - browsing their bookshelves, and sipping their uplifting libations.