Pikes Peak Ranger District
601 South Weber Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
719-636-1602
Activities: Hiking, Bicycles, Camping, Cross Country Skiing
Length: 2.1 miles (3.4 km)
Season: Year round. Cross country skiing during the winter months. Trail is not track set.
Elevation: Beginning Elev.: South Meadows 7,880 End Elevation: Manitou Lake 7,760
Attractions: Foot, bicycle and cross country ski trail. Motorized vehicles are prohibited. This trail parallels Hwy 67 and offers beautiful views of the manitou Park area. It takes the average hiker about 1 hour to walk this paved trail. Bicyclists must yield to pedestrians.
Access: Travel west on Hwy 24 to Wood-land Park. Turn north on Hwy 67 and go 6 miles to South Meadows Campground. There is a paved parking lot just outside the campground entrance. Parking is also available at the other end of the trail at Manitou Lake Picnic Ground.
Narrative: The Manitou Park area was a summer hunting ground for the Ute Indians. Built by the Forest Service in 1981, the bicycle trail passes through some willows and a creek area where beaver activity may be observed. There is also a short spur trail that goes to Painted Rocks Campground.
Difficulty: Easy
Maps: Pike & San Isabel Nat Forest. USGS Maps: Mount Deception
Special Considerations: Manitou Picnic Ground has 42 picnic sites, toilets, drinking water during the summer, and a small lake open to fishing.
Weather: Temperatures are similar to Colorado Springs. Afternoon thunderstorms are common during the summer.
Camping: Camping is available during the summer at South Meadows, Colorado and Painted Rocks Campgrounds along the trail.
Drinking Water : Drinking water is available only at Manitou Picnic Ground during the summer. Hikers are advised to carry an adequate supply.
