Visiting Pikes Peak? 5 Must Try Coffee Shops in Manitou Springs

The Loft Espresso is a community-driven café located in the heart of Manitou Springs, Colorado, right beside the well-known Penny Arcade. Known for their great atmosphere and 5-star rating, this coffee shop offers not only a delightful range of coffee but also some unique summer drinks like Hazelnut Rose Matcha and Sparkling Watermelon Lemonade. The neighborhood seems to love it, with customers like Kittie Kilner expressing her anticipation to try the watermelon lemonade. With its affordability and friendly environment, The Loft Espresso establishes itself as an integral part of the local Manitou Springs community. It's the kind of café locals cherish and tourists are delighted to discover, offering a warm and welcoming respite on 934 Manitou Ave.

Red Dog Coffee is a charming coffee spot located on Main Street in Manitou Springs, Colorado. The friendly spot offers a range of handmade espresso drinks and also serves breakfast all day. A standout feature of theirs is the breakfast burritos, with sandwiches that are said to be reminiscent of the ones your mom would make, and Josh and John's Ice Cream, which are all part of their comfy, nostalgic offerings. Not just limited to beverages and breakfast, they're also known for baking lots of delicious items. In fact, the staff is so diligent in maintaining quality, they take it upon themselves to repeatedly taste-test their products making sure they're up to the mark for their customers. Red Dog Coffee prides itself in serving the best locally roasted coffee and fresh baked goodies with a constant display of smiling faces doing the service. Simple, homely, and welcoming are vibes that this coffee shop radiates.

Good Karma Cafe, nestled in the heart of Manitou Springs, is not just your typical coffee shop. The quaint and cozy space serves as a haven where one can unwind, luxuriate in good food, stimulating cocktails, and freshly roasted coffee. They take pride in their scrumptious breakfast and lunch menu filled with healthy and flavorful options. For the sweet-toothed, their coffee goes wonderfully with mouth-watering pastries sourced from local bakeries, promoting freshness and quality in each bite. Besides their appetizing offerings, Good Karma Cafe is acclaimed for their vibrant environment filled with good vibes and good people. Not only that, but Good Karma Cafe hosts special events throughout the year, transforming the cozy cafe into a venue for music and art. To stay updated with what's new and upcoming, visitors are encouraged to follow their Facebook page or check out their website for the latest posts and events. It's a place that values its customers and takes immense pleasure in curating a wholesome experience for everyone who steps foot inside.

The Manitou Incline, fondly referred to as The Incline, is a popular hiking trail in Manitou Springs, near Colorado Springs. It's an outdoor enthusiast's dream – the trail steeply gains 2,000ft of elevation in less than a mile, going as high as 68% in grade and giving a serious challenge even to the fittest hikers. Originally a funicular railway serving a hydroelectric plant in the early 1900s, it was converted into a tourist attraction, only to have its tracks removed after a rock slide in 1990s. Due to its location, it's open to the elements, so take note of the weather conditions or refer to the Incline's website for updates before you set out. You need a reservation to hike here, so plan accordingly. Enjoy the workout, but remember to take a breather and take in the incredible panoramic views. Adjacent trails, though long, offer a less daunting experience, while a free shuttle service is available from Manitou Springs. Please remember, it's uphill traffic only, and the trail requires respect for rules to ensure a smooth experience for everyone. Whether you're a local, a tourist, or just someone looking for a unique fitness challenge, The Incline is worth a visit!

Rocky Mountain Beignets (RMB) is a family-run cafe located in Manitou Springs, Colorado. Founded by the Chism Family in 2019 as a food truck in Woodland Park, the business has evolved to have its own physical location. Billy and Brandi Chism started this venture not only to serve delicious beignets and a wide range of coffees including lattes, cappuccinos, and café au laits but also to teach their children, Morgan, Lauren, and Andrew, about running a business.

Every beignet served at RMB is freshly made with in-house dough upon order. They also sell a variety of unique gifts, certified Louisiana products, and local Colorado products. Looking towards the future, RMB is planning to offer franchising opportunities. This step is driven by their ambition to bring their beignets to every event, market, and community across the country. However, the Chism family's motivation for going into business was quite diverse and centered around the concept of freedom - freedom to chart their own path, to engage fruitfully with chosen individuals, to pursue their values, and most importantly, to impart valuable business skills to their children.