When you think about traveling around solo, there are plenty of concerns that can bubble to the surface. From safety issues to affordability to social needs, there are quite a few aspects that go into figuring out a great solo travel destination. Often, you look for places with well-lit streets, affordable and friendly hostels, and budget-friendly activities to enjoy on your own or with friends you meet along the way. While there are plenty of destinations that tick those boxes around the world, Manitou Springs in Colorado is
one of the state’s many beautiful towns with mountain views
, but that’s not the only thing that makes this place worth visiting.
With a wonderful and walkable downtown area that’s filled with independent boutiques, restaurants, and bars, as well as plenty of budget-friendly accommodation options, such as the Pike Peaks Inn or the Ridge Hotel, it’s a fantastic choice for solo travelers. Of course, being a Colorado mountain town, the outdoorsy activities are the primary attractions. Close to the iconic Garden of the Gods region, it’s a perfect place to check out for active solo adventurers.
Colorado’s Ideal Small Mountain Town For Solo Travel
Located south of Denver, five miles from Colorado Springs, and between
Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods
lies the small mountain town of Manitou Springs. Known for its titular natural mineral springs, this town has been a draw for travelers for decades, seeking outdoor adventure alongside the relaxing waters. With so many great hikes on the doorstep of the town, it’s perfect for solo travelers who want everything within easy reach.
One of the best ways to experience this small town is on foot. The downtown area is pedestrian-friendly with plenty of shops and cafes to pop into along the way. You can also visit the mineral springs in this area, but be warned: these are cold-water mineral springs, not hot soaking springs like those found elsewhere in Colorado. However, you can soak in local spas where this natural water is warmed through.
Overall, Manitou Springs is a tourist-driven area. As a small mountain town, it generates year-round money from visitors who want to hike in the local region. With walkable amenities on the doorstep, it’s attractive to hikers and climbers who just want to wander down the road for some food or a drink after a long hike.
Why Manitou Springs Is Good For Solo Travelers
The question remains: why is Manitou Springs so good for solo travelers?
There are several key reasons why this is the case, and a big part of that answer is the location. As it’s just five miles from Colorado Springs and within two miles of both Garden of the Gods and the Manitou Incline, everything is very easy to get to. You can either walk to Garden of the Gods in under an hour or take a bus that drops you further along the main road, near the entrance. There’s a similar bus and shuttle system for the Manitou Incline.
This means that you can reach places independently, without necessarily having to drive and park, or join tours as you might have to do in other outdoorsy locations. Another reason Manitou Springs is great for solo travel is its small downtown area. It’s difficult to get lost, and you can easily wander from your hotel or inn to a restaurant, coffee shop, or whatever shops or galleries you want to check out.
Another notable aspect of Manitou Springs is the affordability of the activities available in and around the town. Most hiking regions are free to visit, and there are free shuttles around the tourist attractions. This means it’s cost-effective for solo travelers who don’t have anyone on hand to split costs with.
Things To See & Do In Manitou Springs
For such a small town, there’s a lot that you can
see and do in Manitou Springs
. Of course, the headliners are the hiking regions, namely Pike Peaks, Manitou Incline, and the Garden of the Gods. The first two are challenging hiking areas with hefty inclines and elevations. As
Garden of the Gods
spans a huge 1,341.3 acres, there’s a mix of hiking trail abilities, with stunning views of the red rocks.
Manitou Springs is also a fascinating region for those seeking culture. One of the main attractions of the area is the Manitou Cliff Dwellings. This open-air museum is a reconstruction of the Mesa Ancient Pueblo cave dwellings that can be found across the southwestern U.S. states. You can wander around these replica cave dwellings and get a feel for history, which you understandably can’t do in the real things.
As you wander around the downtown area, you’ll appreciate the historic influences on the buildings. Explore the plethora of art galleries in and around Manitou Avenue and Fountain Creek, before heading to one of the eight mineral springs. The town was named for the Native American word “Manitou,” which signifies “spirit” or “great spirit”, given for the water’s healing powers. For a spa experience, head to
SunWater Spa
for a relaxing post-hike experience.
Getting To Manitou Springs
Given that Manitou Springs is just five miles from Colorado Springs, getting here is pretty straightforward. The drive takes just 15 minutes, or you can get the number 3 bus from downtown Colorado Springs to Manitou Springs, which takes around 24 minutes in total. Of course, once you’re in Manitou Springs, you can walk pretty much everywhere, or use the local bus or free attraction shuttles.
If you’re coming from Denver, the drive takes approximately an hour and 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can get the SOUTH bus from Denver to the Colorado Springs downtown station and then switch onto the number 3 bus to Manitou Springs. That entire journey takes just under three hours, depending on the time between the connections.
If you’re flying in from further afield, the Colorado Springs Airport is well-served by airports and airlines from all around the U.S. and direct from Cancun. For more options, including international flights, you’ll need to catch a flight to Denver International. However, there’s still a direct bus route (
Groome Transportation
) to Colorado Springs from Denver Airport, so you don’t need to go into the city if you don’t need to.
If you’re an outdoorsy solo traveler looking for your next weekend destination, check out Manitou Springs in Colorado. Located close to Colorado Springs and plenty of amazing hiking locations, it’s a perfect trip to do by yourself.
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