All Payments for Entrance by Cash or Check only
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.
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. Visitors can view Mt. Deception across the lake
For Reservations Call 877-444-6777
Know Before You Go:
All Payments for Entrance by Cash or Check only
- Parking is limited, please carpool.
- The pavilion and group picnic area are located within the greater Manitou Lake Picnic Area. Rental of the pavilion and group picnic area does not allow for exclusive use of the greater picnic area.
- There is no electricity at the pavilion. No generators, amplified music or public address systems are allowed.
- Be bear aware; keep all food out of sight in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating
- Day Use Only!! No overnight camping; pavilion opens
- Hours: 6AM – 7:30PM May 1st – September 30th
- Hours: 8AM – 5PM October 1st – April 30th
- Vehicle fees are not included with day-use fee; there is a $7 fee for each vehicle and a $50 bus fee
- click here for more information on Pike and San Isabel National Forests
- Don’t Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
The paved Centennial Bike Trail can be accessed from the picnic area and a hiking trail loops around the lake. The 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.
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.
The open-air pavilion is accessible and includes two fireplaces. 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.
GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
39.08833, -105.09806
39°5’18″N, 105°5’53″W
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.