Discover Manitou Springs: A Weekend of Sights, Food, and Fun

A Manitou Springs weekend is the perfect way to soak in the crisp Colorado autumn air, stunning mountain scenery, and charming small-town vibes of the Colorado Springs area.

With the breathtaking backdrop of the Rockies and aspens ablaze in golden hues, a long weekend in this delightful town offers an ideal escape for a girls’ trip.

From historic landmarks and scenic train rides to delicious dining and plenty of fun, our trip to Manitou Springs offered everything we needed for an unforgettable fall retreat.

Day 1: Manitou Springs Weekend – Arrival Day

After our mid-morning flight landed at Denver International Airport, we started our adventure with a drive south toward the beautiful sights in Colorado Springs.

The first stop on our Manitou Springs weekend was Helen Hunt Falls. We enjoyed the refreshing cascade and gorgeous fall foliage. The scenic beauty of the waterfall was the perfect introduction to Colorado’s autumn magic.

Next, we strolled along Quail Lake Park, soaking in the golden glow of yellow aspens—my absolute favorite tree—reflected in the tranquil waters. Their vibrant color added a special touch to the perfect autumn weather, making the moment feel like pure Colorado magic.

Then, we checked into our stay at the Cliff House at Pikes Peak, a historic hotel with character and charm conveniently located right in town.

That evening, we enjoyed a delicious meal at the Border Burger Bar, just steps from our hotel, relishing our burgers and discussing plans for the next few days.

Day 2: The Royal Gorge Adventure

After a satisfying breakfast buffet at the Cliff House Dining Room, we headed out for an adventure at the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park.

The gondola ride over the gorge offered breathtaking views, and the walk across the historic bridge was a thrill.

For lunch, we stopped in Canon City at White Water Rooftop Social. We indulged in a memorable meal featuring mouth-watering corn dip and a breadboard with an array of flavors.

The afternoon was dedicated to a relaxing yet awe-inspiring ride on the Royal Gorge Railway. Traveling along the Arkansas River, we were treated to unforgettable views looking up the towering gorge walls from the comfort of the train.

Back in Manitou Springs, we ended the day with a delicious meal at El Taco Loco, savoring the local flavors right on Manitou Ave.

Day 3: Exploring the Best of Manitou Springs

Breakfast at the Cliff House Dining Room came with a special surprise – deer wandering right outside our window, adding a touch of magic to our morning.

Fueled up, we set out for the day’s main event: the Pikes Peak Railway. As we rode up to the summit, we took in the sweeping views from Inspiration Point.

Knowing this was the scenery that inspired “America the Beautiful” added a special touch, making the familiar words of the song feel even more real as we looked out over the landscape.

Lunch was a tasty stop at Hell’s Kitchen Pizza, where we enjoyed pepperoni pizza and garlic knots – the perfect meal after our adventure.

Next, we explored the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, where we walked through ancient Puebloan homes nestled in the rock, learning more about the history and culture of the region.

No trip to this area is complete without visiting the iconic Garden of the Gods. The magnificent rock formations were awe-inspiring, each a testament to God’s artistry.

We wrapped up the afternoon by stopping at Flying Eagle, a conveniently located shop right on Manitou Avenue with a huge selection of great t-shirts, where we found the perfect souvenirs to take home.

Dinner at Manitou Brewing Company was the perfect end to our day, complete with their delicious pretzels, which we recommend trying!

Day 4: One Last Adventure

On our final morning, we couldn’t resist visiting the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Feeding the giraffes was a definite highlight, and the orangutans were entertaining as always, adding a dose of fun to the morning before we made our way back to Denver for our flight home.

This Manitou Springs weekend was filled with laughter, adventure, delicious food, and plenty of memorable moments. The Colorado mountains in autumn are as refreshing as they are beautiful, making Manitou Springs the ideal spot for a fall escape.

Find out more about Colorado Springs at 9 Awesome Experiences in Colorado Springs.