Manitou Springs is a charming town located 65 miles south of Denver and four miles west of Colorado Springs. Nestled at the foot of the famous Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs is a famous go-to destination for tourists all over the country. This beautiful mountain community is known for its historic restaurants, cozy accommodations and numerous art galleries. But the main reason why this town is so famous is because of the many hiking trails located within the area.
Easy Trails
Manitou Springs and its surrounding peaks offer hiking trails for adventurers of all levels of expertise. Even beginners can enjoy the experience with easy treks such as the ones in the Garden of the Gods. This park has over 15 miles of hiking trails snaking through and around it. Some are shorter and display minimal elevation rises. This destination even features paved trails that are wheelchair-accessible, allowing everyone to enjoy the magnificent view. Trekking time in this area can range from 30 minutes to two hours depending on which trail you choose.
Moderate Trails
The Waldo Canyon trail is a great all-around trail that will get you up in the mountains. This trail gives a great view of the surrounding Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak. It's one of the most popular hiking trails because of its family- and pet-friendly qualities. This 6.5-mile trail includes climbing some stairs, walking along the edge of foothills and traversing through wooded areas as well as some rocky terrain. It will take you three to four hours to finish the trail on a casual pace and about one to two hours if you are trail running. Other moderate trails include the Crags, the Punch Bowls and Section 16.
Difficult Trails
For experienced hikers, some Manitou Springs trails will surely present a challenge. The Manitou Incline, for example, cuts down the face of Rocky Mountain landscaping. It's only one mile up, but features a 2,000-foot vertical climb. The switchbacks are a four-mile stroll back down. Trained experts can finish the trail in 50 minutes while most experienced hikers take two to three hours. Another challenging trail is the Barr Trail. This one climbs to the summit of the 14,000-foot Pikes Peak. The hike takes you on a climb of 7,000 vertical feet and takes around 12 hours to finish. Both of these trails are quite challenging, but the views are spectacular and the sense of accomplishment is priceless.
Other Attractions
Manitou Springs has a lot to offer. Before or after your hiking trip, you can also visit some of their attractions. This includes riding the Pikes Peak Cog Railway--a comfortable and relaxing trip to the summit of Pikes Peak for those who cannot or do not want to hike. There's also the nearby Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Cave of the Winds, riding stables and river expeditions.
Hiking Tips
Hiking in Manitou Springs is both enjoyable and challenging. Before starting on the trails make sure to be prepared for unpredictable weather. Rain pants, water-repellent jackets and gloves will come in handy as you make your way up the summits. You should also remember to bring hiking essentials such as snacks, a first-aid kit and water. To capture your memories, don't forget your camera too.
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