Manitou Lake

Trail Overview

Manitou Lake Recreation Area is a gem located about 7 miles north of Woodland Park along Colorado Highway 67. The 5-acre reservoir is surrounded by a gentle trail loop that offers Pikes Peak views, excellent birdwatching, fishing opportunities, and one of the most peaceful settings in the area.

This is the trail you bring visitors to when they want something easy and beautiful. It's the trail for a Sunday afternoon stroll with the family, a quiet fishing session, or a meditative walk through mountain meadows and ponderosa pines.

What to Expect

The main trail loops around Manitou Lake in about 30–60 minutes, depending on your pace and how many times you stop to take photos. Starting from the pavilion area, head north (clockwise) along the western shore. You'll pass small fishing docks, cross through meadows with summer wildflowers, and enjoy the best Pikes Peak views from the north end of the lake.

The trail enters and exits a small stand of ponderosa pines, then crosses a marshland area via a boardwalk — be alert for herons and other waterfowl in this wetland section. The southern shore completes the loop back to the trailhead.

Getting There from Woodland Park

From downtown Woodland Park, take Highway 67 North toward Deckers. Drive approximately 7 miles. Manitou Lake Recreation Area will be on the right (east) side of the highway. There's a main parking lot near the pavilion — note that it can fill up quickly on summer weekends and holidays.

Good to Know

• Day-use fee: $7 per vehicle (or $40 annual pass that also covers Rampart Reservoir and 11-Mile Canyon)
• Open approximately May through September (check current season dates)
• Fishing is excellent — the lake is stocked and popular year-round
• No swimming, wading, or motorboats allowed
• Dogs welcome on leash but not in the water
• Vault toilets available
• The pavilion can be reserved for group events
• Nearby campgrounds include South Meadows, Colorado Campground, and Pike Community

Extend Your Adventure

The paved Centennial Trail runs 14.8 miles from downtown Woodland Park to Manitou Lake along Highway 67. You can bike or run this trail one-way and get a ride back, or do an out-and-back of any distance. Other nearby trails include Lower John's Gulch and Red Rocks Trail — all accessible from the Manitou Lake area.