A Travel Guide to Manitou Cliff Dwellings
Located just west of Colorado Springs in the charming town of Manitou Springs, the Manitou Cliff Dwellings offer a unique glimpse into the architectural and cultural heritage of the Ancestral Puebloan peoples. While the dwellings are a reconstructed site, relocated from their original location in the early 1900s, they provide an accessible, hands-on experience of Native American history set against the stunning backdrop of Pikes Peak. This travel guide will help you plan a memorable visit to this historical attraction.
Why Visit Manitou Cliff Dwellings?
The Manitou Cliff Dwellings are a family-friendly destination that combines history, exploration, and education. Visitors can walk through and touch the reconstructed cliff dwellings, which were carefully reassembled to resemble the Ancestral Puebloan structures from the Four Corners region (1200 B.C. to A.D. 1300). The site includes two museums showcasing artifacts, pottery, and tools, offering insights into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans. Nestled under a red sandstone overhang, the dwellings overlook the picturesque Manitou Springs, making it a perfect stop for those exploring the Pikes Peak region. While not an authentic archaeological site, the hands-on nature and educational value make it especially appealing for families, school groups, and history enthusiasts.
How to Get There
The Manitou Cliff Dwellings are located at 10 Cliff Dwellings Road, Manitou Springs, CO 80829, just 5 miles west of Colorado Springs along U.S. Highway 24.
By Car: The easiest way to reach the site is by driving from Colorado Springs, a quick 10-minute trip (6 miles). From downtown, take U.S. Highway 24 west toward Manitou Springs. Parking is available on-site for a small fee (typically $5–10). GPS navigation is reliable, but traffic on Highway 24 can be heavy during peak tourist seasons.
By Public Transit: Take the Mountain Metropolitan Transit Line 3 bus from the Colorado Springs Terminal to the 10 Old Mans Trail stop, a short walk from the dwellings. The journey takes about 22–34 minutes and costs $2. Buses run hourly. Check schedules on the Mountain Metropolitan Transit website for up-to-date times.
By Taxi or Ride-Hailing: A taxi or rideshare (e.g., Uber or Lyft) from Colorado Springs takes 10 minutes and costs $19–24.
From Nearby Attractions: The dwellings are just past Garden of the Gods (5-minute drive), making it easy to combine with other Pikes Peak region highlights like Cave of the Winds or Pikes Peak.
Best Time to Visit
Operating Hours: March–October: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (closes at 6:00 PM, weather permitting). November–February: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas). Check the official website for seasonal variations.
Seasonal Considerations: Spring (March–May): Mild weather and blooming wildflowers make this a pleasant time to visit, with fewer crowds than summer. Summer (June–August): Peak season with warm weather (70–85°F), but expect more visitors and potential crowding. Early mornings are best.
Fall (September–October): Crisp air and vibrant foliage enhance the scenic beauty, ideal for photography. Winter (November–February): Quieter with cooler temperatures (20–40°F), but the dwellings remain open, and snow can add a unique charm.
Tips: Avoid peak holiday weekends (e.g., Memorial Day, Labor Day) to enjoy a less crowded experience. The site is open year-round, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Tickets and Costs
Admission: Adults: $12; Children (4–11): $7.50; Children under 4: Free; Seniors (60+): Discounts may be available; inquire on-site. Free admission for wheelchair users (note: dwellings are not wheelchair-accessible due to steps and narrow passages, but the entrance and museum are accessible).
Holiday Shopping Pass (November 25–January 5): $12.75, includes free admission and a 30% discount on gift shop purchases. Season Pass: Ideal for frequent visitors, offering savings after the second visit.
Tickets: Available on-site; pre-purchased tickets are not required. Audio/photo tours can be downloaded to your smartphone for a self-guided experience.
What to See and Do
Explore the Cliff Dwellings: Walk through the 40-room reconstructed dwellings, originally from McElmo Canyon near Mesa Verde, relocated between 1904 and 1907. The structures, stabilized with concrete mortar, allow visitors to climb ladders, crawl through tunnels, and touch the walls, offering a tactile experience not possible at authentic sites like Mesa Verde. Highlights include the Kiva, a circular room used for political meetings, and interconnected rooms with small windows and storage cubbies.
Note: The dwellings are replicas, built to resemble Ancestral Puebloan architecture, using materials from a collapsed site in southwest Colorado. While not historically authentic to Manitou Springs, they are educational and engaging.
Visit the Museums: The Pueblo-style Museum, housed in a three-story building (partly built in 1898), displays authentic Ancestral Puebloan artifacts, including pottery, tools, weapons, and even skulls. Informative videos and dioramas illustrate daily life, farming, and cultural practices of the Four Corners region.
The second museum offers additional exhibits on Native American history, with a focus on the Anasazi (Ancestral Puebloans).
Gift Shop: Browse two floors of Native American-made pottery, jewelry, flint-knapped knives, and Colorado-crafted souvenirs. The shop is praised for its quality and reasonable prices, making it a great place to pick up unique gifts or educational books.
Snack Bar and Picnic Patio: A seasonal snack bar offers light refreshments (closed in winter). The picnic patio is a scenic spot to relax with views of Manitou Springs. Bring your own food for a budget-friendly meal.
Pet-Friendly Exploration: Leashed pets are welcome throughout the site, including the dwellings and museums. Be sure to clean up after them.
Where to Eat
On-Site: The seasonal snack bar provides basic snacks and drinks, but options are limited. Pack a picnic to enjoy at the patio. Manitou Springs Downtown (2-minute drive): Explore the quaint town for dining options, including:
The Cliff House Dining Room: Upscale American cuisine in a historic setting (entrees $20–40). Swirls Frozen Yogurt: Casual spot for desserts and light bites ($5–10).
Manitou Brewing Co.: Craft beers and pub food ($10–20). Colorado Springs (10-minute drive): Offers a wider range, from fast food to fine dining, like Shuga’s for eclectic sandwiches ($10–15).
Where to Stay
Manitou Springs: The Cliff House at Pikes Peak: A historic 4-star hotel with Victorian charm, free Wi-Fi, and breakfast. Rates start at $150/night. Magnuson Hotel Manitou Springs: Budget-friendly with free breakfast and pool, from $80/night. Airbnb/Vacation Rentals: Cozy homes near downtown Manitou Springs start at $50–100/night.
Colorado Springs (10-minute drive): The Broadmoor: Luxury resort with stunning views, from $300/night. Cheyenne Mountain Resort: Family-friendly with outdoor activities, from $120/night. Budget Hostels: Options like Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort start at $40–60/night.
Tip: Book early for summer and fall, as Manitou Springs is a popular destination. Use Expedia or Booking.com for deals.
Tips for a Great Visit
Dress Comfortably: Wear sturdy shoes for climbing ladders and navigating narrow passages. Bring layers for cooler mornings or evenings, especially in fall/winter. Time Your Visit: Allow 2–3 hours to explore the dwellings, museums, and gift shop. Early mornings or weekdays are less crowded.
Accessibility: The dwellings involve steps and tight spaces, so they’re not wheelchair-accessible, but the museum and entrance are. Free admission is offered for wheelchair users. Photography: Bring a camera for the scenic cliffside and pueblo architecture. Audio tours with photo guides enhance the experience.
Combine with Nearby Attractions: Pair your visit with Garden of the Gods (5 minutes away), Cave of the Winds (3 minutes), or Pikes Peak (30-minute drive) for a full day of adventure.
Know the Context: Understand that the dwellings are a replica, moved from McElmo Canyon to preserve them from looting. For authentic cliff dwellings, consider Mesa Verde National Park (6-hour drive), but Manitou is ideal for a hands-on, accessible experience.
Final Thoughts
The Manitou Cliff Dwellings offer a fascinating, interactive way to explore Ancestral Puebloan culture, blending history with the scenic beauty of Manitou Springs. While not an original archaeological site, the reconstructed dwellings, engaging museums, and family-friendly atmosphere make it a worthwhile stop in the Pikes Peak region. Whether you’re climbing through ancient-style rooms or browsing Native American crafts, this attraction brings history to life in a way that’s both educational and fun. Combine it with other Colorado Springs highlights for an unforgettable adventure.
Happy travels!
