Since the 1970s Manitou Springs has become known as an artist's colony, although tourism is still a very important part of Manitou's atmosphere. It is directly at the base of Pikes Peak and surrounded by mountains (including Pike National Forest) on three sides.
'''Pikes Peak''', [http://www.pikes-peak.com] is a nearby mountain. Dubbed America's Mountain, it's not for the faint-of-heart - the mountain's summit is just over 14,000 feet (4302 m).
There are three ways to reach the summit: drive [http://www.pikespeakcolorado.com], ride the cog railway [http://cograilway.com], or hike via the 12.6 mile long Barr Trail.
'''Driving''' costs $10/adult with quantity discounts, though the high altitude can be quite punishing on a car. However, it gets much quieter between trips of cog rail tourists. Driving also gives plenty of opportunities to stop to admire breathtaking views, taking pictures of marmots and pikas (the local fauna), or using the facilities at any of several stops on the way up. Plus, the Pikes Peak Highway is just fun for people who like to drive! Trips can be spoiled by overheated engines or hot brakes on the verge of failing if the car is driven poorly. Avoid these pitfalls by using the proper gear for ascent/descent.
'''The Pikes Peak Cog Railroad''' (the cog train to the top of ''America's Mountain'') costs $30/adult, and saves wear and tear on your car. It also allows you to sit back and enjoy the train conductor/tour guide's witty banter and lame puns as he/she explains the sights and points out native plant and animal life. Cog rail allows 30-40 minutes at the peak before descent.
Finally, if you are acclimated to the altitude, the '''hike''' to the summit is pleasant (but very strenuous) and can be done in a day. The [http://www.barrcamp.com/ Barr Trail] ascends from the east side and is 12.6 miles (20 km) long. You can also arrange to stay at Barr Camp for a night and break up the hike.
Take a jacket - it can be quite cool at the 14,110 foot summit of Pikes Peak even in the middle of the summer. Do not consume caffeine or alcohol prior to the trip. The change in altitude is very sudden and stimulants may exacerbate the effects. Drink lots of water... and then drink more. A visit requires several hours to make sure you can sit, relax, eat, drink water, and breathe deeply to avoid altitude sickness.
At the top spend plenty of time taking pictures, shopping for souvenirs, and just sitting on the rocks on the northern edge and enjoy the view.
In early July every year, there's a "race for the clouds" during which the Pikes Peak Highway is shut down and high-performance cars, trucks, and motorcycles race to the summit, watched by a large and enthusiastic audience.
Manitou has many restaurants from ranging in style from funky to fancy. A few are:
There are many taverns and local hang-outs. A few are:
Accommodations range from small mom-and-pop motels to national chains to the Cliff House, an historic grand hotel recently restored to her former beauty. Refer to the Chamber of Commerce site [http://www.manitousprings.org]for a complete listing.
As mentioned previously, walking is an excellent way to see Manitou. The town is also close to many great hiking/running/biking trails. Garden of the Gods abuts Manitou on the northwest side and has many hiking trails. Barr Trail is the longest trail, although it is virtually straight up (and down). The Intemann Trail skirts Manitou's south side, running from the Iron Springs (near the Cog Railway)ending at the old cemetery. Red Rock Canyon (on the east side of Manitou) is similar to Garden of the Gods (it is a geological extension with similar sandstone slabs) and has a well-designed trail system that has become quite popular since opening in 2006. Waldo Canyon is a nice loop located about 2 miles west of Manitou along Highway 24.