The structures were relocated to Manitou Springs in the early 20th century to protect them from looting and destruction at their original remote sites.
The masonry used in the construction was salvaged from sites dating between 1100 and 1300 AD.
The site operates as a self-guided tour, allowing guests to climb ladders and enter the living quarters.
The onsite museum features a collection of items from the Puebloan, Ute, and Plains Indian cultures.
Unlike original sites where access is restricted for preservation, visitors here are permitted to touch and interact with the reconstructed architecture.
The Manitou Cliff Dwellings are a collection of reconstructed Ancestral Puebloan cliff structures built using materials salvaged from the Four Corners region between 1904 and 1907. These buildings serve as an educational site, allowing visitors to walk directly inside and explore the interior rooms of the replicated dwellings. The complex includes the Anasazi Museum, which houses a collection of authentic pottery, tools, and beadwork recovered from the Southwest. Located in Manitou Springs, the site demonstrates traditional architectural techniques, including stone masonry and multi-story layout configurations. It is designed to provide public access to history while preserving original artifacts in a climate-controlled museum setting. The structures are positioned at the base of the foothills, offering views of the surrounding geology.
The elevated viewing deck that captures the multi-level cliff structures against the backdrop of the red rock foothills.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes, as the pathways around the cliff dwellings are uneven, rocky, and include steep stairs.
Visit the museum before touring the dwellings to gain context on the cultural history of the Ancestral Puebloans.
Carry water with you, especially during the summer, as the site is at a higher elevation and the desert air is dry.
Attempting the climb if you have limited mobility, as the site involves significant stair climbing and uneven terrain that is not ADA-compliant.
The site is typically closed during the winter months or operates on a limited seasonal basis depending on weather conditions.
Respect the exhibits by not touching the historical artifacts inside the museum and refrain from climbing on walls or exterior sections not designated as trails.
