Copyright: Amy Pyle-Interactive Outdoors, Inc.
When hiking the Barr Trail be sure to get an early start. The first two miles are exposed and steep.
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Description
- Manitou Springs is a haven for the history buff. The streets are crammed with victorian era buildings. The town proper offers tours of Miramont Castle and Glen Eyrie, two large estates built in the last quarter of the 19th century. Another attraction for the history enthusiast is Van Briggle Pottery Roundhouse. Artist Van Briggle like most early settlers came to Colorado Springs for his health and resided here until his death. His art nouveau style of pottery is his legacy and is still produced in Manitou Springs.Garden of the Gods, Cave of the Winds and the Manitou Cliff Dwellings each offer a unique day of sight seeing around Manitou Springs. It is a unique community that is home to artists and office workers alike. If you're in Colorado Springs the short trip on Highway 24 to Manitou Springs is worth the trip.
Recreation - The Barr National Recreation Trail leaves the trailhead for Pikes Peak Summit from Ruxton Avenue in Manitou Springs. This site offers a short day hike as far as you'd like to go up Barr Trail, or a week long adventure exploring the side trails that stem from Barr. For those seeking a challenge the incline trail offers over a mile of stair-master-like walking with close to a 65% grade. Another option for the less-masochistic crowd is the Intemann Trail, which leads around the base of Pikes Peak from Manitou Springs to Colorado Springs. Climate - The climate here is mild compared to other mountain towns. Although, the front range does get its share of snow-laden winter storms. The snow rarely stays longer than a few days. Winter can be very cold as the air is more humid in Manitou than Salida or Buena Vista. The summer sun can be brutal. On the average, though, the summer temperature are pleasant usually low to mid 80s. Location -
Manitou Springs is located ten miles west of Colorado Springs on Highway 24. This resort town lies at the base of Pikes Peak.
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