Top 5 Lakes around Manitou Springs

For recreational activities, Manitou Lake is a prime spot, offering fishing, hiking, and paddling. Other popular options include Prospect Lake, known for its park and encircling trail, and The Broadmoor Resort and Cheyenne Lake, set against the backdrop of Pike National Forest.

Yes, many lakes offer hiking opportunities. Manitou Lake features a pleasant and easy loop trail around its perimeter. Prospect Lake also has a trail that encircles the lake. For more extensive options, you can explore various routes, including those for gravel biking and mountain biking, which often pass by or near these lakes. Find more details on routes in the Gravel biking around Manitou Springs and MTB Trails around Manitou Springs guides.

Crystal Creek Reservoir provides unrivaled views across the water to Pikes Peak. Manitou Lake also offers scenic views, being nestled in an alpine environment surrounded by ponderosa pines with Pikes Peak in the distance. The Broadmoor Resort and Cheyenne Lake also boasts a stunning location with Pike National Forest as a backdrop.

Absolutely. Manitou Lake is considered a family-friendly outdoor experience with picnicking facilities and easy trails. The Broadmoor Resort and Cheyenne Lake, Prospect Lake, and Pikeview Reservoir are also categorized as family-friendly, offering various activities and amenities.

Yes, dogs are generally welcome on trails around lakes like Manitou Lake, but they must be kept on a leash and out of the water. Always check specific regulations for each location before your visit to ensure compliance.

The lakes are enjoyable year-round, with different seasons offering unique experiences. Fishing at Manitou Lake is popular year-round due to easy access. Summer and fall are ideal for hiking and picnicking, while winter can offer opportunities for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing on trails, depending on conditions.

Yes, Manitou Lake is a prime spot for fishing, regularly stocked with Rainbow and Cutbow Trout from May through August. The beaver ponds upstream in Trout Creek are also good fishing locations. Pikeview Reservoir is also noted as a great fishing spot.

The lakes, particularly Manitou Lake, are popular birding areas, home to a diverse array of waterfowl and land bird species. A wetland on the south side of Manitou Lake provides habitat for these birds. You might also spot other local wildlife in the surrounding ponderosa pine forests.

Yes, for example, the Manitou Lake Picnic Area provides numerous picnic sites with ample parking. For Crystal Creek Reservoir, there is a visitor center nearby which typically offers parking facilities. It's always advisable to check specific parking details for each lake you plan to visit.

While general access to many areas is open, some reservoirs or recreation areas might require permits or have entrance fees. For instance, areas within Pike National Forest, where Manitou Lake is located, may have day-use fees. Crystal Creek Reservoir has a visitor center, which can provide information on any required permits or fees for that specific area.

Swimming and motorboats are generally not permitted on Manitou Lake, which is suitable for paddling activities like kayaking and canoeing. Regulations vary by lake, so it's best to confirm specific rules for each body of water you intend to visit.

Yes, the paved Centennial Bike Trail can be accessed from the Manitou Lake picnic area, offering an 8-mile path that connects to nearby campgrounds and extends to Woodland Park. Pikeview Reservoir also features a smooth concrete cycleway. You can find more cycling routes in the Cycling around Manitou Springs guide.