Manitou Springs

Manitou Springs is a small city in El Paso County, Colorado, that spreads across the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains and is known for its natural mineral springs. The streets wind through canyons and lead past residential neighborhoods nestled among rock formations and pine forests.

The settlement was founded in 1872 by William Jackson Palmer and William Abraham Bell as a health resort, after they recognized that the mineral springs would draw visitors. Over the following decades, hotels and bathhouses were built that attracted guests from across the country.

The mineral springs carry names such as Navajo, Shoshone and Wheeler, recalling the indigenous peoples who have known these waters for centuries. Visitors fill bottles at the public fountains and taste the different flavors, ranging from iron-rich to sulfur-infused water.

Eight public mineral springs are distributed throughout downtown and are freely accessible at all times. The elevation of roughly 1900 meters (6200 feet) means the air is thinner, and visitors may need some time to adjust.

The Manitou Incline, a former cable car track, rises 610 meters (2000 feet) over one mile and consists of 2744 steps made from railroad ties. Hikers often start before sunrise to tackle the steep climb in cooler temperatures.

Location: El Paso County

Inception: 1888

Elevation above the sea: 1,938 m

Website: http://manitousprings-co.gov

GPS coordinates: 38.85667,-104.91000

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:28