Manitou Cliff Dwellings
The snapshot
'History' and 'hands-on' are not normally seen together but you can get hands-on with these 700 year-old ruins and learn more about the ancient people who built them.
The full experience
Most attractions with artifacts and structures that are more than 700 years old would never allow visitors to look, explore and touch — but the Manitou Cliff Dwellings (located west of Colorado Springs) has removed such restrictions from day one. At this popular locale, you’re not only allowed to touch the structures, you’re strongly encouraged to!
Step into history as you wander through painstakingly preserved Pueblo Indian structures relocated from McElmo Canyon in southern Colorado in the early 1900s. While they were relocated just over 100 years ago, the structures themselves date back centuries before Colorado was even a state. As you walk through 40 unique rooms, you’ll get a picture of what life was like for the indigenous peoples of the region — how they lived, what they ate, where they slept and what they did for fun.
When you’ve explored to your heart’s content, you can head over to the Pueblo Indian museum, which shares even more about the peoples of the Four Corners region, including informative videos, and authentic pottery, weapons and other artifacts.
The Manitou Cliff Dwellings gift shop is filled with beautiful handmade jewelry, Native American art, pottery and crafts, as well as informative books, videos and other items you can use to commemorate your visit or keep learning about the amazing people and cultures of the southwest.
Outside the museum and beyond the dwellings, you’ll find a scenic nature walk complete with well-labeled native flowers, herbs, trees and other plants. Enjoy a quiet moment with the bees and butterflies during your visit!
Hours & seasons
Average time
- Typical Visit: 1-2 hours
Difficulty/accessibility
The museum and sidewalk in front of the dwellings are wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, but the dwellings themselves are not. Visitors in wheelchairs will receive complimentary admission to compensate for this inconvenience.
Phone & address
Additional information
As long as your pet is leashed, they can go wherever you go, including the ruins and the museum.
What we love (and you will too)
Your Local Guide, PK McPherson
Third-generation Colorado Springs native and mom, sharing the secrets that turn good trips into unforgettable adventures.
The Manitou Cliff Dwellings are a great place to introduce kids to the Ancestral Puebloan culture of Southwestern Colorado. Since these dwellings were relocated over 100 years ago, they are not an archealogical site, so kids can climb into the rooms and touch the walls.
Plan your adventure
- What to bring
- How to prepare
- The Seasons
- Good to know
- Comfortable shoes to traverse gravel walkways and stairs
- Sunscreen — they are at 6532 feet in elevation, closer to the sun!
- Water to stay hydrated at high elevation
- Camera and selfie-sticks to capture your experience, please no drones
- Tickets can be prepurchased online or on site
- Bring lunch to enjoy the view from their covered picnic area
They are open rain or shine, but sometimes close if there’s excessive snow. Follow them on Facebook or call for their winter schedule.
- Download their mobile tour to guide you through the dwellings
- Limited parking or turnaround access for those pulling a trailer/RV or driving a motor home
- Limited wheelchair and stroller access. Dwellings contain gravel and stairs. Stairs and ramps throughout the park.
Getting here
- From Colorado Springs, go west on Highway 24, just past the Manitou exits
- The Manitou Cliff Dwellings will be on the right
FAQs about Manitou Cliff Dwellings
Can we go inside the cliff dwellings?
Yes, you can! You can walk around or through all the rooms (though it isn’t appropriate or possible to go down into the kiva). Visitors who are slender and short enough can actually slip into some of the smaller rooms and get a feel for Pueblo Indian apartment house living.
Do you accept bus tours?
Yes. The Cliff Dwellings gets bus tours all the time. Their lower group rates apply to parties of ten persons or more. By the way, bus drivers and tour guides are admitted free.
Can I buy Native American artwork?
In the gift shop, you’ll find modern Native American made pottery, jewelry, flint-snapped knives and artifacts. You will also find a great selection of Colorado-made products.
Are the cliff dwellings accessible to people in wheelchairs?
Because of the slope of the dwellings, the steps and the narrow passages inside, the dwellings themselves are not accessible to wheelchairs. The entrance to the cliff dwellings is wheelchair accessible by ramp from the parking lot. From that point, the entire front of the dwellings can be seen. People in wheelchairs are admitted to the Manitou Cliff Dwellings for free.
Do they allow pets?
Yes, as long as your pet is leashed, they can go wherever you go, including the ruins and the museums. Please be sure to clean up after your pets.
Call Pikes Peak Region Attractions and talk to a local: 1-800-525-2250
Keep Exploring
- Articles
- Trip ideas
10 Unique Museums in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is the proud home of a variety of museums, many of them with unique features you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
15 Attractions Under $15 in Colorado Springs
Get the most out of your Colorado Springs vacation with these 15 attractions under $15. The more you save, the more you can do -- that's what we always say!
10+ Reasons Manitou Springs is the Best Little Town
Manitou Springs is the best little town in Colorado! From unique festivals to homemade custard and mineral water, it's fun for everyone!
Price List
Adult: $12.75
Child (4-11): $8
Senior (60+): $10
Military: $10.75
