Manitou Springs is in the Pikes Peak Region of the Rocky Mountains in South Central Colorado. It is southwest of Denver about 50 minutes and 4 miles to the west of Colorado Springs. Manitou Springs is the place to visit for a feel of the Rockies, Victorian History, and Native American Culture. We are at the base of Pikes Peak. The mountain can be experienced by hiking, driving the Pikes Peak toll road or taking the cog train to the top of this 14,115 foot summit. There are tasty naturally carbonated Mineral Springs all over town. Supposedly the “Great Spirit – Manitou” gave healing powers to these waters. The city has great art galleries and unusual shops. The Garden of the Gods and Red Rocks Canyon are majestic red rock formation parks with great hiking trails and some even handicapped accessible. There are Native American Cliff Dwellings and Natural Underground Caves to explore. The Air Force Academy is open for tours and the chapel there is beautiful. The United States Olympic Training Center is also located in this area. The highest mountain zoo, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo boasts the largest giraffe breeding program in the world and the habitats that have been built allow you to be very close to the animals. There is a lot to see in this area and the restaurants are of fine quality - especially Adam's Mountain Café, Craftwood Inn, Mona Lisa Fondue, Blue Vervain, and Tajine Alami. The locals love the Keg and the Loop.