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Manitou Cliff Dwellings: A Glimpse into the Past

Explore ancient Ancestral Puebloan architecture at the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, a unique cultural and historical experience near Colorado Springs.

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Explore the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, a unique historical treasure in Manitou Springs, Colorado, offering a glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans. Wander through the preserved dwellings, relocated from their original site to protect them, and experience the architecture and culture of this ancient civilization.

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

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the site involves walking on uneven surfaces and climbing steps.
  • Visit during the off-season for a quieter, more intimate experience.
  • Take advantage of the self-guided audio tour to learn more about the history and culture of the Ancestral Puebloans.
  • Check for coupons or discounts before visiting.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Manitou Cliff Dwellings are located off US Highway 24 West in Manitou Springs, about 5 miles west of Colorado Springs. From I-25, take Exit 141 and head west on US-24. The entrance is well-marked with billboards and state highway signs. Free parking is available on-site.

  • Public Transport

    From Colorado Springs, take the Mountain Metropolitan Transit Line 3 bus towards Manitou Springs. The bus departs from the Terminal station and arrives at 10 Old Mans Trail, which is close to the Dwellings. The journey takes approximately 29 minutes and costs $2.

Unlock the Best of Manitou Cliff Dwellings

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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 opportunity to explore the architecture and culture of the Ancestral Puebloans. Although not built on their original site, these dwellings provide an immersive experience, allowing visitors to walk through the ancient structures and imagine life in the Southwest centuries ago. The dwellings were originally located near Mesa Verde in southwestern Colorado and were relocated and reconstructed here in the early 1900s to protect them from looting and destruction. The stones used to build the dwellings were transported from a site near Dolores, Colorado. The Manitou Cliff Dwellings opened as a museum in 1907. Visitors can explore the dwellings via self-guided tours, wandering through the rooms and passageways. The site also features a three-story Pueblo-style building that houses a museum with artifacts and exhibits, providing additional context and information about the Ancestral Puebloan culture. The museum includes pottery and other relics. The Manitou Cliff Dwellings offer a hands-on experience for visitors of all ages.

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