Hotels in Manitou Springs for Pikes Peak Ascent
Sorted by distance to the start line — each room priced against Booking.com, Expedia, Agoda, Trip.com and Hotels.com
What is Pikes Peak Ascent?
The Pikes Peak Marathon, founded in 1956, is the oldest continually held marathon in the United States, taking runners from Manitou Springs, Colorado, to the summit of Pikes Peak at 14,115 feet, and back down for a total of 26.2 grueling mountain miles. It and its sister race, the Pikes Peak Ascent, each climb about 7,800 vertical feet up the historic Barr Trail on the east face of the mountain. The Ascent, which climbs 13.3 miles to finish at the summit, used to be held on the same day as the Marathon but became its own event in the 1980s due to its popularity.
If you read the course description , it should be obvious that the course is not uniform in grade. And, even in some of the sections described, the grade will vary markedly. However, exceptions aside, the overall ascent portion of the race is a relentless uphill grind! Combine that with the continued drop in oxygen as the elevation increases, and the physiological demands placed on every runner are exceptional.
Pikes Peak Ascent & Marathon is hosted in Manitou Springs, just 16 miles from the Colorado Springs Airport and 90 miles from the Denver International Airport. Nestled at the foot of Pikes Peak, Manitou Springs and neighboring Colorado Springs offer a variety of lodging, dining, and sight seeing opportunities. If you plan to arrive a few days in advance to acclimate to the altitude, be sure to explore the many parks and trails that are second to none while on your visit.
In 1972 Peter Strudwick did the Ascent in 4:20:29 and the Marathon in 7:02:28. What is so incredible about that you ask? Well, soon after his mother had caught rubella, commonly called German measles, Peter was born with legs that ended in stumps just past the ankles, a left arm that had only one thumb and a finger, and a right arm ending at the wrist.
Description from runsignup.com.
Which hotels are closest to the start line?
The closest bookable hotel to Manitou Springs for Pikes Peak Ascent is Avenue Hotel Bed & Breakfast, about a 3-minute walk (0.19 km) from the start line. In total, 8 hotels sit within a 15-minute walk of Manitou Springs, ranging from 0.19 km to 0.65 km away. Live nightly prices for 19 September 2026 are on the booking page, compared side-by-side with Booking.com and Expedia.
Avenue Hotel Bed & Breakfast
Historic Manitou Springs Victorian: Walk Downtown!
INNhale Resort and Spa
Downtown Manitou Springs Home: Tranquil Creek View
Mid-Hillside
Cliff House at Pikes Peak
Of Manitou Springs 2min to Restaurants, Shops!
3BR Manitou Springs2min to Restaurants W/hot Tub!
Which nights should you book for Pikes Peak Ascent?
Book the night before the race — Saturday, 18 September 2026 — to ensure you’re rested and ready for the early start. Also book the night after — Saturday, 19 September 2026 — as runners will need time to recover, shower, and rest before travelling home. Some hotels may offer late checkout; check directly when booking, especially if you plan to finish the Ascent and return to your room afterward.
How do you get to Manitou Springs?
All listed hotels are within 0.65 km of Manitou Springs, where the Pikes Peak Ascent starts. The start line is in Manitou Springs itself, so proximity to the town centre matters more than distance to a generic 'venue'. Road closures on race morning (19 September) will affect vehicle access — plan to walk from your hotel or use ride-share drop-off near the start area. Public transport options are not specified; services thin out late — check the last departure before you go.
Where do you eat and drink after the race?
After finishing the Ascent, several restaurants and cafes are within a short walk of all listed hotels — most are described as being minutes from downtown Manitou Springs, where dining and casual drinks are available.
What is the area around Manitou Springs like?
Manitou Springs is a historic mountain town at the base of Pikes Peak, known for its mineral springs, small-town charm, and pedestrian-friendly downtown. The area around the start line is compact, with sidewalks, local shops, and eateries. Hotels are clustered near the centre, mostly in restored historic buildings or modern mountain-style properties. Elevation is approximately 6,300 feet, and the terrain includes gentle slopes and stairs — some properties mention lifts, but this is not confirmed for all.
Frequently asked questions
How far is the start line from these hotels?
The start line is in Manitou Springs. All listed hotels are between 0.19 km and 0.65 km from the town centre — which is where the Pikes Peak Ascent begins.
Can I get breakfast before an early race start?
Some hotels are described as bed & breakfasts, including the Avenue Hotel Bed & Breakfast. Others do not specify breakfast service — contact them directly to confirm early breakfast availability or room amenities like kettles.
Is late checkout possible after the race?
Late checkout is not guaranteed and depends on the hotel’s policy and occupancy. It is advisable to ask about this when booking, especially given the physical demands of the race.
Will road closures affect getting to my hotel on race morning?
Yes — road closures in Manitou Springs on 19 September will restrict vehicle access near the start. Staying within walking distance (all listed hotels are) avoids this issue. Ride-share drop-off may be possible near the perimeter, but driving to or from your hotel during closures is not recommended.
Do any of these hotels have lifts?
Lift availability is not stated for any of the listed properties. If this is essential, contact the hotel directly before booking.
Event details are sourced from the venue's public calendar and may change — always confirm with the official ticket seller. Hotel availability and prices are live on the search page.