About MANITOU LAKE PAVILION
Overview Manitou Lake Picnic Area, is located 7 miles north of Woodland Park, Colorado,. The Manitou Lake Pavilion is located inside the picnic area and is a wonderful group day use picnic area for groups up to 50 people. The scenic spot sits on the west side of Manitou Lake and provides great opportunities for hiking, biking and fishing. Fishing in the lake is welcomed.Recreation The paved Centennial Bike Trail can be accessed from the picnic area and a hiking trail loops around the lake. The paved trail connects to nearby Painted Rocks, Colorado, and South Meadows Campgrounds. Manitou Lake is a popular birding area with a diversity of waterfowl and land bird species.Facilities The open-air pavilion is accessible. Adjacent to the pavilion are water hydrants, a large cooking grill, vault toilets, and group picnic tables. A grassy meadow allows for plenty of outdoor sports. The pavilion can accommodate approximately 25 people if tables are set up, and 50 people if only chairs are set up. Drinking water is available during peak season only.Natural Features The small Manitou Lake is a 5-acre reservoir fed by Trout Creek. At a 7,700 foot elevation, the terrain is a combination of grassy meadows and ponderosa pines. Nearby Attractions Hike to the top of Pikes Peak or visit Garden of the Gods Park, a registered National Natural Landmark. The park and visitor center are free to the public.Charges & Cancellations Group Day Use Area: Customers who cancel a group day-use facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will forfeit the total day-use fee.
How to Get There
From Colorado Springs, travel on US Highway 24 approximately 18 miles to Woodland Park. Take Highway 67 north about 7 miles. Manitou Lake is on the right (east) side of the highway 1 mile north of Colorado Campground.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to MANITOU LAKE PAVILION
Heading to MANITOU LAKE PAVILION? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for MANITOU LAKE PAVILION?
No central reservation system listed for MANITOU LAKE PAVILION. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233188) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to MANITOU LAKE PAVILION?
From Colorado Springs, travel on US Highway 24 approximately 18 miles to Woodland Park. Take Highway 67 north about 7 miles. Manitou Lake is on the right (east) side of the highway 1 mile north of Colorado Campground.
How do I contact MANITOU LAKE PAVILION?
You can reach the park at phone: 719-636-1602 (INFORMATION ONLY, NO RESERVATIONS TAKEN AT THIS NUMBER).
References & Official Resources
