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Manitou Cliff Dwellings: A Step Back in Time

Explore ancient Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings in Manitou Springs, Colorado, a unique and interactive historical experience for all ages.

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Explore the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, a unique historical attraction in Manitou Springs, Colorado, featuring relocated Ancestral Puebloan dwellings dating back over 800 years. Wander through the ancient structures, touch the stonework, and imagine life in these remarkable cliffside homes.

A brief summary to Manitou Cliff Dwellings

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, as parking is free but can fill up quickly.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking and exploring the uneven terrain of the dwellings.
  • Take your time to explore each room and read the informative plaques to learn about the history and culture of the Ancestral Puebloans.
  • Visit the gift shop for unique souvenirs, including Native American-made pottery, jewelry, and artifacts.
  • Consider downloading the audio tour for a more in-depth and immersive experience as you explore the dwellings.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Manitou Cliff Dwellings are located off US Highway 24 in Manitou Springs, about 5 miles west of Colorado Springs. From I-25, take Exit 141 and head west on US Highway 24. Follow the signs for Manitou Springs. The entrance to the Cliff Dwellings is well-marked on the right side of the highway. Free parking is available on-site. Note that parking can be limited during peak season.

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Colorado Springs, take the Mountain Metropolitan Transit Line 3 bus towards Manitou Springs. The bus departs from the Terminal and arrives at 10 Old Mans Trail. From there, it is a short walk to the Manitou Cliff Dwellings. The one-way fare is $2. The bus runs hourly.

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Discover more about Manitou Cliff Dwellings

The Manitou Cliff Dwellings, located at the foot of Pikes Peak in Manitou Springs, Colorado, offer a rare glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans. Though not located in their original location, these dwellings provide an interactive and educational experience for all ages. In the early 1900s, Virginia McClurg and William Crosby relocated these structures from a site near McElmo Canyon in southwestern Colorado, aiming to preserve them from looting and destruction. The dwellings were carefully reconstructed in Manitou Springs, opening to the public as a museum in 1907. While concrete was used in the reconstruction to ensure stability, the original stonework remains, allowing visitors to explore the rooms and learn about the daily lives of the people who once lived there. Visitors can wander through the dwellings, explore the museum housed in a three-story Pueblo-style building, and even grind corn using traditional tools. The museum features exhibits of pottery, tools, and artifacts, providing context to the culture and history of the Ancestral Puebloans. The Manitou Cliff Dwellings offer a hands-on experience, inviting visitors to connect with the past in a tangible and memorable way. Note that due to the site's natural terrain, wheelchair access is limited. However, a ramp provides an outer view of the dwellings, and visitors in wheelchairs are admitted free of charge.

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