Colorado Springs Airport
The closest commercial airport. From the terminal, the approach runs west across Colorado Springs to U.S. 24 and Manitou.
Getting here
Getting to Manitou Springs
Manitou Springs sits immediately west of Colorado Springs along U.S. 24. Downtown parking is limited, while the free Route 33 shuttle connects the city, Cog depot, and Incline area on a weather-dependent schedule.
Denver International
The broader flight market, followed by a substantially longer Front Range drive through Denver and Colorado Springs before the U.S. 24 turnoff.
U.S. 24 approach
The highway reaches Manitou from Colorado Springs, then continues toward the Pikes Peak Highway gateway. Exit choice and downtown parking matter more than distance once traffic tightens.
Downtown and Ruxton Avenue
Use designated lots or signed street spaces; visitor parking is not allowed on residential streets. Route 33 links downtown with the Cog and Incline corridor.
Airports, U.S. 24, and the foothills
Manitou Springs arrival map
Colorado Springs Airport provides the shortest airport transfer. Denver International adds the longer Front Range approach, while U.S. 24 connects Manitou with Garden of the Gods and the Pikes Peak Highway corridor. Check live directions, attraction reservations, weather, and parking before driving.
- Tap a marker to compare the airports, Manitou, and the major foothills attractions.
- Use live directions plus current Cog Railway, Incline, Pikes Peak, and Garden of the Gods access details before departure.
A useful first evening
Check in, confirm the next morning’s parking or shuttle stop, then walk Manitou Avenue and eat downtown. Cog and Incline reservations should already be set; Garden of the Gods remains the easier choice when mountain weather changes.
See the weekend itineraryRoute 33 runs year-round
The free shuttle serves downtown, the Cog Railway, and the Incline/Barr Trail corridor. Published hours are longer in season and shorter in the off-season.
Inclement weather changes the last leg
The city warns that Route 33 may not travel all the way up Ruxton Avenue to the Cog or Incline during bad weather. Check rider alerts before relying on the upper stops.
Match the lot to the attraction
A downtown evening, Cog departure, and Incline reservation do not use the same parking plan. Read the current city map and the attraction’s instructions before driving into Ruxton Avenue.
