get to know the area
Explore Colorado’s Pikes Peak Region
The original mountain majesty
From our inspiring natural wonders to our world-class attractions, the Pikes Peak Region has an awe-inspiring adventure for everyone. We’re not surprised it was the inspiration for Kathrine Lee Bate’s poem, “Pikes Peak” that later became the lyrics to the the song “America the Beautiful.”
Visit Pikes Peak attractions
Local Tip: The early bird gets the worm! Whether that means fewer crowds or better weather, it pays to start your day early.
Explore cities nearby Pikes Peak
Manitou Springs is located in the heart of the Pikes Peak Region, surrounded by urban and mountain locales. It’s the perfect place to stay while you explore the area.
Cañon City
The Cañon City area is host to the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, world-class rafting and the Royal Gorge Railroad, an hour south of Manitou Springs
Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is Olympic City USA, where a timeless culture of achievement, national pride and dedication sits comfortably alongside awe-inspiring beauty, only 10 minutes east of Manitou.
Cripple Creek
In the late 1800s, fortune-seekers flocked to the mountain town of Cripple Creek for the country’s last great gold rush. Now home to casinos, it's 1 hour south-west of Manitou Springs.
Old Colorado City
Gold Rush miners got their supplies in Old Colorado City. Today residents and visitors do the same, just 5 minutes east of Manitou Springs.
Woodland Park
The city above the clouds. Woodland Park is a recreational and scenic treasure. It’s your perfect mountain hideaway, only 20 minutes west of Manitou.
Go wild on an outdoor adventure
With more sunny days than Florida and the Rocky Mountains at our door, it’s no secret this is a great place to get outside. The region boasts thousands of acres of open space, trails and parks. Here’s a short list of our favorite places to explore our wild side.
Mueller State Park
Over 5,000 acres at the foot of Pikes Peak. Year-round camping, picnicking, trail use and fishing.
Cheyenne Mountain
State Park
Prairie-to-peak ecosystem, this park has miles of hiking/biking trails, plus a campground and picnic area.
North CheyenNe Cañon Park
Drive, hike or bike to Helen Hunt Falls and beyond. Look for the Gold Camp Road parking lot for access to miles of trails.
Eleven mile state park
Canoeing, fishing, sailing, windsurfing and kayaking are popular on the reservoir. Designated shoreline campsites
U.S.F.S. Eleven Mile Canyon
Located below the Eleven Mile Reservoir dam, here you can enjoy fly fishing, tubing, hiking and campgrounds.
Crystal Reservoir
Scenic high-mountain lake on the north slope of Pikes Peak. Open to hiking, picnicking, fishing or human-powered kayaks/canoes.
Red Rock Canyon Open space
Trails for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking between Manitou and Colorado Springs
rampart reservoir
Boating, fishing, hiking, mountain biking in the summer and cross country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. No wading, swimming, or water skiing. Day use/overnight fees apply.
Need more reasons to visit the Pikes Peak Region?
We don’t like to brag, but we will.
Pike National Forest includes more than 1,106,600 acres of forest including 3 officially designated national wilderness areas.
With a prominence of 5,530 feet above the surrounding area, Pikes Peak is 1 of only 3 ultra-prominent peaks in Colorado.
More than 30 museums are waiting to tell you the story of everything from America’s athletes to the Wild West and more.
The Pikes Peak region has 2 certified Colorado Creative Districts and a thriving creative economy. See for yourself at the First Friday Art Walk.
