Manitou Cliff Dwellings, Pikes Peak Travel Guide

4.4 (8292)

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

Home
Travel Guides
Colorado
Pikes Peak
Manitou Cliff Dwellings

Explore the relocated Manitou Cliff Dwellings, a unique cultural preserve featuring Ancestral Puebloan ruins transported from their original Four Corners location in the early 1900s. Wander through ancient dwellings, examine artifacts, and immerse yourself in the history of the Southwest's indigenous people.

A brief summary to Manitou Cliff Dwellings

10 Cliff Rd, Manitou Springs, West Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80829, US
Click to display
Click to display

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

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Manitou Cliff Dwellings.

Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain includes steps, narrow passages, and gravel surfaces.
Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the dwellings, museum, and gift shop.
Visit during the off-season (March-May or September-November) for fewer crowds.
Take advantage of the free parking available on Cliff Dwellings Road.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Pikes Peak - America's Mountain

Cave of the Winds Mountain Park

Miramont Castle Museum and The Queen's Parlour Tea Room

Balanced Rock

Pikes Peak Summit House

Explore Manitou Cliff Dwellings on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Manitou Cliff Dwellings, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From Colorado Springs, take US Highway 24 West towards Manitou Springs. The Manitou Cliff Dwellings are located on the left side of the highway, approximately 5 miles west of I-25. Look for the billboards and state highway signs marking the entrance. Free parking is available on Cliff Dwellings Road. During peak season, arrive early as parking can be limited.
Public Transport

From the Colorado Springs Terminal, take the Mountain Metropolitan Transit (MMT) Line 3 bus towards Manitou Springs. The bus departs hourly and arrives at 10 Old Mans Trail, a short walk from the Manitou Cliff Dwellings. A one-way fare is $2. Check the MMT website for the most up-to-date schedules and route information.

Discover more about Manitou Cliff Dwellings

The Manitou Cliff Dwellings offer a rare opportunity to step back in time and explore the architectural remnants of the Ancestral Puebloans. These fascinating cliff dwellings, originally located in McElmo Canyon in southwestern Colorado, were carefully relocated to Manitou Springs in the early 20th century to protect them from looting and destruction.The preserve consists of stones gathered from a collection of mesa top dwellings. Visitors can wander through the dwellings, experiencing the architecture of the Ancient Puebloan people firsthand. The dwellings are built into a natural red sandstone overhang, providing a dramatic backdrop for exploration.Below the cliff dwellings, a three-story Pueblo-style building houses the Anasazi Museum and a gift shop. The museum features exhibits and artifacts that offer insights into the lives and culture of the Ancestral Puebloans. The gift shop offers Native American-made pottery, jewelry, and artifacts, as well as Colorado and US-made gifts.The Manitou Cliff Dwellings provide a unique and educational experience for visitors of all ages. It's a chance to connect with the past and learn about the rich history of the American Southwest.