Manitou Springs & Garden of the Gods: E-Bike Tour, Springs Tasting

Summary

Ride garden of the gods trails taste manitou springs water see pikes peak

You’ll ride pedal-assist e-bikes through Garden of the Gods and Manitou Springs with a local guide who actually knows all those backstories. Taste mineral spring water straight from the source, catch sight of Pikes Peak in full glory, and pause for stories or laughs along the way. If you want a day that feels both easygoing and kind of epic—it’s this one.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to glide past those wild red rocks in Garden of the Gods without breaking a sweat? I didn’t think I’d actually enjoy riding an e-bike (I mean, I’m not exactly Tour de France material), but here we were—me, my friend Sam, and our guide Li—zipping out of Manitou Springs after a quick helmet check and a slightly awkward moment where I nearly forgot how brakes work. The air smelled like pine needles and that faint mineral tang you only get near mountain water. It was early enough that the sun was still gentle, but you could tell it’d get warm later.

Li grew up around here and seemed to know every twist in the trail. She pointed out these weirdly balanced boulders as we coasted into Garden of the Gods—honestly, they look fake until you’re right next to them. At one stop she handed us bottled water and told this story about how the Ute people believed the rocks were frozen spirits (I hope I got that right; history class was never my thing). We stopped so many times just to stare at views or try to pronounce “Manitou” properly—Sam’s attempt made Li laugh so hard she almost dropped her bike.

The best bit? Tasting water straight from one of Manitou Springs’ mineral fountains. It’s got this fizzy bite, almost salty-sweet—can’t say I loved it but I kept sipping anyway, just because it felt so old-school. There were locals filling up bottles too, nodding at us like we were part of some secret club. Later we rolled past this Victorian mansion with more rooms than I could count (Li said 33 but who’s counting), then caught a glimpse of the historic train winding along in the distance—tiny against all that rock and sky.

I still think about that first rush when we crested a hill and Pikes Peak just showed up out of nowhere—all blue shadows and snow even though it was June. You don’t really get used to that kind of view; it just sort of sticks with you after you leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided e-bike tour of Manitou Springs

• Start at Garden of the Gods Visitor Center
• Explore interactive exhibits and get maps
• Ride through Garden of the Gods park
• Stop to learn rock formations and history
• View historic train from a distance
• Visit lookout for Pike's Peak view
• Sample waters from eight mineral springs
• Tour Victorian-era National Historic Landmark
• See historic train again while riding

Top questions

How long is the e-bike tour in Manitou Springs?

The exact duration isn’t listed, but expect several stops throughout Garden of the Gods and Manitou Springs with time for tasting springs and sightseeing.

Is this Manitou Springs e-bike tour family-friendly?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels and great for groups or families.

Does the tour include entry fees or equipment?

Your day includes an electric bike, helmet, bottled water, and guided stops—no extra entry fees mentioned.

Where does the e-bike tour start?

The adventure begins at Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center in Manitou Springs.

Will we see Pikes Peak during this day trip?

You’ll have lookout views of Pikes Peak along your guided e-bike ride.

Do we taste mineral spring water on this tour?

Yes—you’ll sample effervescent waters from eight different mineral springs in Manitou Springs.

Are there public transportation options nearby?

Yes, public transportation is available near the starting point.

Is lunch included on this e-bike tour?

No lunch is mentioned; bottled water is provided during your ride.

What’s included

Your day includes a pedal-assist electric bike (so hills are actually fun), helmet for safety, bottled water for those dry Colorado moments—and a local guide who knows where to stop for stories or spring tastings before rolling back into town together.