Quick Info
What: Relocated Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. Age: Structures are 800+ years old. Duration: 30-60 minutes. Accessibility: You can climb inside the rooms. Best for: Families, history buffs, anyone wanting hands-on archaeology.
The Manitou Cliff Dwellings are both authentic and relocated. The stone structures were built by Ancestral Puebloan people around 1200 CE in southwestern Colorado. In 1904-1907, they were carefully dismantled and moved to Manitou Springs to preserve them from vandalism and weathering at their original sites.
This history is complicated. The relocation saved structures that might have crumbled, but it also removed them from their cultural context. Today, the site offers a unique opportunity to actually enter and explore cliff dwelling rooms—something prohibited at most archaeological sites.
Understanding the History
The Ancestral Puebloans: Once called "Anasazi" (now considered inappropriate by many tribes), these people built sophisticated cliff dwellings throughout the Four Corners region. They constructed multi-story buildings in alcoves, farmed mesa tops, and created elaborate pottery and art.
Why cliff dwellings: The alcoves provided natural protection from weather and offered defensive advantages. South-facing openings captured winter sun. The stone structures stayed cool in summer, warm in winter.
The relocation: Virginia McClurg and her associates moved these structures from McElmo Canyon to Manitou Springs in the early 1900s. Their stated goal was preservation—the original sites were being looted and vandalized. Whether relocation was the right choice remains debated.
Today's perspective: Many Indigenous people view the relocation critically. The dwellings are displayed as a tourist attraction, removed from sacred landscapes and cultural context. The site acknowledges this tension in its exhibits.
What to Expect
Self-guided tour: Walk through the dwelling area at your own pace. Interpretive signs explain construction techniques, daily life, and the relocation history.
Hands-on access: Unlike Mesa Verde or other archaeological parks, you can climb into the rooms, touch the walls, and explore the spaces. This is the main draw—experiencing the dwellings firsthand.
Pueblo-style buildings: Modern structures in Puebloan style house a museum and gift shop. Exhibits cover Ancestral Puebloan culture, artifacts, and the relocation story.
Pottery demonstrations: Seasonal demonstrations show traditional pottery techniques. Check the schedule for times.
Practical Information
Hours: Generally 9am-6pm in summer, 10am-5pm in winter. Open daily year-round, weather permitting.
Admission: Adults around $12, children around $8. Exact prices may vary—check the website.
Time needed: Most visitors spend 30-60 minutes. Add time if you're deeply interested in the exhibits.
Location: Just off Highway 24, near Cave of the Winds. Easy to combine with a cave visit.
Tips
Wear good shoes. You'll be climbing on ancient stone. Surfaces can be uneven and slippery when wet.
Watch your head. Doorways are small. The Ancestral Puebloans were shorter on average than modern visitors. Duck.
Best time for photos: Morning light illuminates the cliff face well. Midday creates harsh shadows.
Combine with Cave of the Winds. They're neighbors. Plan 2-3 hours for both attractions.
Read the interpretive signs. They provide important context about both the original culture and the controversial relocation. Don't just climb around—understand what you're seeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these real cliff dwellings?
The stones and construction are authentic, built around 1200 CE. But they were moved here from southwestern Colorado in the early 1900s. They're real structures in an unoriginal location.
How does this compare to Mesa Verde?
Mesa Verde dwellings are in their original location and better preserved—but you can't enter most of them. Here, you get hands-on access to structures of the same type and era.
Is this appropriate to visit?
Opinions vary. The site has complicated ethics. If you visit, engage thoughtfully with the history and treat the structures with respect. Consider also supporting Indigenous-operated cultural sites.
Good for kids?
Yes—the climbing and exploring appeal to children. It makes Ancestral Puebloan life tangible in ways museums can't. Use it as a teaching opportunity.
Is there shade?
The cliff alcove provides some shade, but exposed areas can be hot in summer. Bring water and sunscreen.