Manitou Tunnels

Kate had read about the Manitou Tunnels a while back and so this morning we decided to hike and investigate them further. I will warn that the trail head is somewhat tricky to find. Here are the original driving instructions:

“From Colorado Springs head west on highway 24 past Manitou Springs. At the Waldo Canyon trailhead turnaround (the second turnaround in the canyon), turn back east on 24. After about 3/4 of a mile you will see a parking area on the left (north) side of the road (just before the first turnaround in the canyon). Park there. You will have to cross the road on foot to get to the south side. This is the most dangerous part of the hike. Be careful. Then walk a short ways east just past where the guard rail begins and you will see a small trail leading up the slope to your right. This is the trailhead. (Lat:38.87645 Lon:-104.937616)”

My suggestion is that once you make the turn around at Waldo Canyon, make sure to look for the first patch of dirt shoulder on the left-hand side. It comes up quick but is a large area for several vehicles to park. You’ll know you have gone too far when you hit the next turnaround section (just past the 1-mile marker to Manitou Springs sign). The first couple of photos in collection below help document the trail head somewhat as well.

(click to view)

It’s a fun but short hike. Oh, and bring a flashlight, you’ll need it!

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