Experience · Colorado Springs
Manitou Cliff Dwellings & West Side Eats
Step back in time to explore the ancient Anasazi cliff dwellings, offering a glimpse into prehistoric Native American life. After your historical journey, enjoy a meal at a charming restaurant in Old Colorado City known for its eclectic global menu. Finish the outing with a stroll through the unique shops of Old Colorado City.
A 4.5-hour Colorado Springs afternoon plan for friends — Manitou Cliff Dwellings, Summa, The Michael Garman Museum & Gallery.
- Duration
- 4h 15m
- Cost
- $70–$150
- Stops
- 3 stops
- Area
- West Colorado Springs + 1 more
- Walking
- Light walking · Total 5.9-mile driving route
- Best time
- 12:00 – 5:00 PM
- Ideal for
- Friends · Couples · Solo
The plan
The plan
- 1Manitou Cliff Dwellings(1 hr 45 min)→
- 2Summa(1 hr 30 min)→
- 3The Michael Garman Museum & Gallery(1 hr)
Why this plan works
The 3 stops cover about 5.9 miles total, which keeps you in one pocket of Colorado Springs instead of crossing town between them. Manitou Cliff Dwellings is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at The Michael Garman Museum & Gallery — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to friends, couples, and solo who want a planned Colorado Springs outing without improvising between stops.
The story
Overview
Step back in time to explore the ancient Anasazi cliff dwellings, offering a glimpse into prehistoric Native American life. After your historical journey, enjoy a meal at a charming restaurant in Old Colorado City known for its eclectic global menu. Finish the outing with a stroll through the unique shops of Old Colorado City.
The itinerary
3 stops, one great day
- 11h 45mManitou Cliff Dwellings
Arts & Culture · West Colorado Springs
Recovered cliff structures dating to 1200 with museum of prehistoric Native American life on-site.
What to do — Explore the recovered cliff structures and the museum showcasing prehistoric Native American life.
4.4 mi · 13 min drive
Then Drive a short distance to Old Colorado City for lunch.
21h 30mSummaFood & Drink
What to do — Indulge in their carefully crafted dishes, selecting from a menu that blends diverse culinary traditions.
Scout Side QuestBefore opening the menu, guess each other's top pick based purely on your current mood.
1.5 mi · 6 min drive
Then Take a short walk through Old Colorado City to explore the shops.
3Optional 1 hrThe Michael Garman Museum & GalleryArts & Culture · Old Colorado City
Western-themed gallery with American hero figurines & collectibles, plus an old-timey model town.
What to do — Wander through the gallery, admiring the Western-themed art and experiencing the miniature world of Magic Town.
Scout Side QuestFind a miniature character in Magic Town and give them a dramatic, one-sentence secret backstory.
Scout Stories
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The route
On the map
Common questions
Planning this outing
- Is this a good Colorado Springs itinerary for friends?
- Yes. It's built for friends, couples, and solo and runs about 4 hr 15 min across 3 stops, starting at Manitou Cliff Dwellings.
- How long does this outing take?
- Plan on 4 hr 15 min door to door, including time between stops.
- How much does this Colorado Springs itinerary cost?
- Roughly $70–$150 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
- Is this itinerary walkable?
- Not entirely. The stops cover about 5.9 miles, so you'll drive or rideshare between at least one pair.
- Do I need reservations?
- No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.
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