A Self-Guided Mineral Springs Walking Tour Through Manitou Springs
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Where bubbles, minerals, history, and old-fashioned fun all meet at the foot of Pikes Peak
There are places that feel manufactured for tourists... and then there’s Manitou Springs.
Manitou is different.
This little mountain town at the base of Pikes Peak has been drawing people for generations—not for roller coasters or shopping malls, but for something coming straight out of the earth: naturally carbonated mineral water.
Long before the town existed, Native peoples considered these waters sacred. Today, visitors can still walk the streets with a cup in hand, sampling eight public mineral springs—each with its own taste, personality, and mineral fingerprint.
If you want the full experience, here’s the walking route I recommend. Bring a water bottle to fill up!
Before You Start
Park somewhere near downtown Manitou, grab a cup or water bottle (locals often bring stainless cups or bottles), and wear good walking shoes.
This route is roughly 1–1.5 miles, depending on detours.
You’ll begin on the east side of town and slowly work west and north through the historic district.
Stop #1 – 7 Minute Spring
422 Washington Avenue
Start here.
This spring got its name because it historically erupted about every seven minutes due to natural carbonation pressure.
Of all the springs, this is often considered one of the gentler introductions for first-time tasters.
Mineral profile:
- Lower overall mineral intensity
- Naturally carbonated
- Crisp, lighter taste
Take your first sip. Your body will love the minerals!
Now head west toward Manitou Avenue.
Stop #2 – Shoshone Spring
902 Manitou Avenue
This is where things get serious.
Shoshone is often considered one of the most medicinal-tasting waters in town—and for good reason.
It carries one of the highest overall mineral loads of any Manitou spring.
Notable minerals:
- Lithium — among the highest in Manitou
- Manganese — also among the highest
- Calcium
- Chloride
- Zinc
- Sulfur compounds
Lithium and the nervous system
Lithium naturally occurs in trace amounts in some spring waters. In medicine, lithium salts have been used under physician supervision for mood stabilization. Trace environmental lithium is being studied for possible neurological effects, but the amounts in spring water are far lower than prescription doses, so any calming effect is anecdotal rather than medically predictable.
That said—locals definitely have stories.
One of my favorite stories is that my mother-in-law has a friend who, whenever she hosts parties, insists on making her lemonade with Manitou’s lithium-rich spring water. And without fail, people comment:
"Why does your lemonade taste so good?"
Maybe it's the minerals. Maybe it's the bubbles. Maybe it's the story.
Probably all three.
Shoshone also appears to have some of the highest lithium concentrations among the public springs.
Stop #3 – Navajo Spring
930 Manitou Avenue
Just steps away.
This spring played a major role in the founding of Manitou itself.
Its water once supplied bathhouses and bottled mineral water sold across the country.
Taste:
- Smooth soda-water character
- Balanced minerals
- Easy drinking
Sweet Break: Patsy's Candies
And right here—you need to stop.
Patsy’s is a Manitou institution, known for handmade candies and especially their caramel apples and popcorn.
It’s one of those places that smells like childhood.
Fun detail: Navajo Spring is tucked right behind the Patsy’s candy/popcorn area.
Stop #4 – Cheyenne Spring
934 Manitou Avenue
Only a few more steps.
Mineral profile:
- Sweet soda spring
- Limestone aquifer source
- Often considered one of the sweeter springs
This is a great “palette cleanser” if Shoshone felt intense.
Stop #5 – Stratton Spring
955 Manitou Avenue
At the western loop.
Taste:
- Mildly mineralized
- Slight carbonation
- Easy to drink
This makes a good pause point before you head north.
Side Trip: The Penny Arcade
Before heading north—do not skip this.
The Penny Arcade is pure Americana.
Vintage pinball.
Old mechanical games.
Skee-ball.
Lights.
Noise.
History.
If you grew up loving arcades—or want your kids to see what gaming looked like before smartphones—this place is worth it.
Stop #6 – Wheeler Spring
Near Park Avenue
A quieter spring.
Taste:
- Cleaner soda profile
- Less aggressive mineral flavor
Stop #7 – Twin Spring
121 Ruxton Avenue
Locals love this one.
Notable minerals:
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- Potassium
- Trace lithium
Twin Spring has historically been called Twin Lithia Springs, and many locals use it to make lemonade because of its smoother, sweeter taste.
Final Stop – Iron Spring Geyser
447 Ruxton Avenue
End here.
This is one of the most distinctive springs in town.
Mineral profile:
- Iron-rich
- Silica
- Sodium
- Potassium
Taste:
Very earthy.
Very metallic.
Very memorable.
Not everyone loves it—but everyone remembers it.
Which Spring Has the Most?
Highest Lithium:
Shoshone Spring appears to have the highest lithium content among the public springs.
Highest Manganese:
Shoshone Spring is also noted for exceptionally high manganese content.
Final Thoughts
Manitou Springs isn’t just a town.
It’s an experience.
Where else can you:
- Drink naturally carbonated water from the earth
- Taste eight different mineral profiles
- Eat caramel from Patsy’s
- Play vintage arcade games
- Walk under the shadow of Pikes Peak
And maybe... just maybe... bring home a bottle of lithium spring water for your next batch of lemonade.
Because sometimes the best souvenirs aren’t bought.
Sometimes, you drink them.
Grab a bag of our Manitou Springs Mineral Bath Salts, as we recreated them to represent a balanced version of all of the different springs and we feature Manganese in this bath salts blend! CLICK HERE to learn more about it!