Summer Paddle Series #6: Manitou Lake — Woodland Park, Colorado

MANITOU LAKE is a very small, easily accessible lake with beautiful views of Mt. Deception. If you are looking for long-distances to paddle this lake is not for you. A great lake for beginners.


COST: $6 daily National Forest vehicle fee

There is an annual pass available through Rocky Mountain Recreation (719 687 7818) for $40 which covers Rampart Reservoir as well as Manitou Lake. Purchase at kiosk at Rampart or Manitou.

PLEASE NOTE: This fee is payable only with cash or check. Credit cards not accepted.


HOURS OF OPERATION: National Forest and open to public access 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

Colorado State Statutes — no person shall operate a personal watercraft between on half hour after sunset and one half hour before sunrise.


GOOD TO KNOW: 5 water surface acres. Non-motorized use only. No special equipment needed. Vault toilet in parking lot. Short walk to shore for launch. Popular birding area with a diversity of waterfowl and land bird species. Elevation 7,700 feet above sea level.


DIRECTIONS: from Downtown Colorado Springs | 27 miles | 40 minute drive

• From Colorado Springs, travel on US Highway 24 West approximately 18 miles to Woodland Park.

• Take Highway 67 north about 7 miles.

• Manitou Lake is on the right (East) side of the highway


For more information:

Manitou Lake — Google Map Link

Manitou Lake Picnic Area — Pike and San Isabel National Forests

Woodland Park Forecast — National Weather Service


Portions of this post were previously published in the book “SUP Colorado Springs”.

**I made point of using the right type of link so that Blue Peak Guides will get a credit if you end up buying the e-book. It is a nice and fully optional way to help out Blue Peak Guides, if you choose to do so.**


Originally published at kissnature.com on July 25, 2017.

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