Sunwater Spa Hot Springs

## Overview Sunwater Spa Hot Springs is a hot springs destination located in Manitou Springs, Colorado, nestled at the base of Pikes Peak along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. The GPS coordinates (38.8586, -104.9109) place this spring squarely in the heart of Manitou Springs, a historic mineral springs town that has drawn visitors for centuries. Manitou Springs sits within a geologically remarkable area where ancient Precambrian granite meets layers of sedimentary rock, allowing mineral-rich water to percolate deep underground, become geothermally heated, and rise back to the surface through natural fractures and faults. The town's name derives from the Algonquian word "Manitou," meaning "Great Spirit," reflecting the deep spiritual significance these mineral springs held for Indigenous peoples long before European settlement. The Ute, Cheyenne, Arapaho, and other tribes considered the effervescent springs sacred healing waters and gathered here peacefully, even during times of conflict. Sunwater Spa operates as a commercial hot springs facility, offering visitors the chance to soak in naturally heated mineral water. The spa channels the area's geothermal waters into soaking pools, continuing a tradition of therapeutic bathing that dates back to the town's founding as a health resort in the 1870s. Manitou Springs was historically marketed as a "saratoga of the West" due to its abundance of naturally carbonated mineral springs, and the waters have long been reported to contain a variety of dissolved minerals including sodium, calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonate. ## Directions 1. From Colorado Springs, head west on US-24 (Cimarron Street/Midland Expressway) toward Manitou Springs. 2. Take the Manitou Springs exit and follow Manitou Avenue west into the heart of the town. 3. Sunwater Spa is located in the Manitou Springs area near the intersection of Manitou Avenue and the surrounding historic district. Look for signage for the spa along Manitou Avenue. 4. GPS coordinates: 38.8586, -104.9109. Parking in Manitou Springs can be limited, especially during peak tourist season — street parking and small public lots are available throughout the town. ## What to Expect Sunwater Spa provides a commercial hot springs soaking experience in a serene setting. Visitors can expect warm mineral water pools designed for relaxation and therapeutic soaking. As a spa facility, amenities and services are available, and visitors should check current hours, pricing, and reservation requirements before arriving. The surrounding town of Manitou Springs is a charming, walkable community filled with eclectic shops, galleries, restaurants, and historic attractions. The famous Manitou Incline — a steep hiking trail ascending over 2,000 feet in less than a mile — is nearby, making the hot springs an ideal post-hike recovery stop. The Cog Railway to the summit of Pikes Peak (14,115 feet) also departs from Manitou Springs. The town features several other public mineral spring fountains scattered along Manitou Avenue and side streets, each with a distinct mineral profile and flavor. Visitors have historically sampled water from these public fountains, though water quality can vary seasonally. The elevation in Manitou Springs sits at approximately 6,320 feet, so visitors coming from lower elevations should stay hydrated and be mindful of altitude effects. The area is beautiful year-round, with mild summers and snowy winters adding different character to each season. Fall brings golden aspens to the surrounding hillsides, while spring sees wildflowers blooming across the foothills.