3 days in Manitou Springs & Cañon City Itinerary

Manitou Springs' main street was once a trail that led directly to the base of Pike's Peak.

Kick off your visit on the 9th (Sun): take a memorable drive along Pikes Peak - America's Mountain, then examine the collection at Outlaw and Lawmen Jail Museum, then look for all kinds of wild species at Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center, and finally sample the tasty concoctions at Paradox Beer Company. Keep things going the next day: explore the ancient world of Manitou Cliff Dwellings, surround yourself with nature on Colorado Wolf Adventures, contemplate the waterfront views at Manitou Springs Incline, then get engrossed in the history at Victor's Gold Camp Ag & Mining Museum, and finally stroll the grounds of Mt Pisgah Cemetery.

For reviews, photos, and other tourist information, read our Manitou Springs travel itinerary planner.

Denver to Manitou Springs is an approximately 1.5-hour car ride. You can also take a bus; or do a combination of train and flight. Plan for slightly colder nights when traveling from Denver in October since evenings lows in Manitou Springs dip to 35°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Tue) early enough to drive to Cañon City.

Part of Colorado's Royal Gorge Region, Cañon City straddles the Arkansas River.

Start off your visit on the 11th (Tue): play a few rounds at Four Mile Ranch Golf Club, then get thoroughly spooked out with Museum of Colorado Prisons, then take a memorable drive along Skyline Drive, and finally take in the views from Royal Gorge Bridge and Park.

To find where to stay, other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Cañon City sightseeing planner.

You can drive from Manitou Springs to Cañon City in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Traveling from Manitou Springs in October, things will get a bit warmer in Cañon City: highs are around 71°F and lows about 45°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Tue) to allow time to drive back home.