At the base of the Rocky Mountains, the landscape itself tells stories. Some are written in soaring granite peaks, others in quiet alpine meadows, and a few are carved directly into the cliffs. Among Colorado’s most captivating attractions, the Manitou Cliff Dwellings stand as a living invitation to explore. A short drive from Hotel Polaris, these remarkable structures invite us to wonder, while offering today’s travelers a chance to step into something bigger than themselves.
What Are the Manitou Cliff Dwellings?
More than stone walls and sandstone alcoves, the Manitou Cliff Dwellings are a hands-on attraction. Welcoming tourists for over 100 years, these dwellings were inspired by the Ancestral Puebloans. Since being reconstructed in the Manitou Springs using stones moved from the original sites in McElmo Canyon, this site has invited explorers of all ages to enter the rooms, climb the ladders, and imagine daily life within these intricate stone villages.
Walking through the site is not a distant, behind-the-glass experience. Here, you can touch the walls, step into kitchens, and trace the hand-built architecture.
History
The story of the original Cliff Dwellings, from the Four Corners region, reaches back to the Ancestral Puebloans, whose presence in the Southwestern US dates as far back as 1200 B.C. By the time their homes were built, around A.D. 1200, their architectural brilliance was unmatched: stacked rooms tucked into sandstone alcoves, designed to regulate temperature and blend seamlessly into the cliffs.
When preservationists reconstructed the dwellings here in Manitou Springs, the goal was not only to save the structures but also to give future generations an immersive experience. The accompanying museum of modern reassembly showcases artifacts, pottery, and tools that reveal the rhythms of Puebloan life. Together, they create a window into human ingenuity, reminding us of how innovation has always been tied to survival and spirit.
How to Get There
From Hotel Polaris, reaching the Manitou Cliff Dwellings is effortless. A short drive along Highway 24 delivers you from the modern bustle of Colorado Springs to the red-rock walls of Manitou Springs. The site’s address, 10 Cliff Dwellings Road, leads you to a spacious parking area, tucked into the cliffs themselves.
This is an expedition measured not in miles, but in moments: about 20 minutes, you’ll find yourself transported from the sleek modernism of our hotel to the ancient quiet of stone-carved dwellings.
Tickets and Admission
The Cliff Dwellings remain accessible and family-friendly, with ticket prices designed to welcome everyone into the experience. The most up-to-date ticket pricing and information is reflected on the official website.
Frequent travelers can opt for a season pass, which grants unlimited entry for a year plus discounts in the gift shop. It’s a worthwhile choice for those drawn to return in different seasons, experiencing the site under changing light and weather.
When to Visit
The Manitou Cliff Dwellings are open year-round, though hours adjust with the season. From spring through fall, the site generally welcomes visitors between 9 and 5 pm.
Each season offers a unique experience:
- Spring brings fresh mountain air and blooming wildflowers along the drive.
- Summer delivers warm days and vibrant family energy, with shaded relief in the stone rooms.
- Fall surrounds the dwellings with crisp air and golden aspens.
- Winter offers quiet serenity, when snow may dust the cliffs and silence deepens the sense of history.
Exploring the Site
Step beyond the stone archway and you’ll find an interconnected village of rooms, passageways, and outdoor courtyards. Self-guided tours let you move at your own pace, reading interpretive signs or simply imagining the sounds of life once held within these walls.
The museum is equally compelling. Inside, you’ll find artifacts, dioramas, and cultural exhibits that place the Cliff Dwellings within the broader story of the Ancestral Puebloans. Families often linger here, as children marvel at ancient tools and pottery while adults reflect on the resilience of a culture that thrived in harmony with the land.
Nearby Adventures
The Manitou Cliff Dwellings are just one piece of the larger Pikes Peak region, a landscape alive with adventure. Pair your visit with:
- Cave of the Winds – a subterranean wonder of chambers and tours, from gentle walking paths to thrill-seeker expeditions.
- Manitou Springs – a charming town rich in mineral springs, art galleries, and historic architecture.
- The Manitou Incline – a legendary trail that ascends 2,000 feet in under a mile, a rite of passage for adventurers.
- Pikes Peak – the “America’s Mountain,” accessible by car, trail, or the iconic Cog Railway.
Each of these experiences lies within easy reach of Hotel Polaris, turning a single day’s outing into a full expedition across history, geology, and culture.
Family-Friendly and Welcoming
Families will find the Cliff Dwellings especially inviting. Children can climb, explore, and learn through touch and movement. Leashed pets are also welcome, making this a rare heritage site that accommodates the entire family. Picnic areas and a seasonal snack bar add comfort to a day of exploration.
Where to Stay
After a day spent among stone walls and ancient echoes, retreat to a place where modern design meets Colorado spirit. At Hotel Polaris, we create a sense of awe equal to the adventures that surround us.
- Rooms with a View: Our 375 guestrooms and suites frame the Rocky Mountains in floor-to-ceiling perspectives, balancing mid-century modern design with today’s tech-forward comforts.
- Gateway to Adventure: Situated in Colorado Springs, we place you at the center of the Pikes Peak region—moments from the Cliff Dwellings, Garden of the Gods, and countless hiking trails.
- Colorado Spirit: Like our neighbor, the U.S. Air Force Academy, we look forward, not back. Our hotel is a launchpad for explorers, families, and visionaries seeking experiences bigger than themselves.
- Unmatched Hospitality: From curated dining to thoughtful amenities, every detail is designed to inspire awe and leave you looking toward your next horizon.
A Final Thought
The Manitou Cliff Dwellings are more than a stop on the map. They are a story etched into stone, a bridge between ancient innovation and modern curiosity. To stand within them is to feel the weight of history and the lightness of imagination all at once.
At Hotel Polaris, we invite you to make the journey—discover the dwellings, explore the mountains, and then return to a place where the future feels as expansive as the Colorado sky. Forever looking forward, we’ll be here to welcome you back from your adventure.