Manitou Springs in El Paso County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Sacred Waters

Photographed by Mark Parker, July 2, 2024

1. Sacred Waters Marker

Inscription. Navajo Spring was often mentioned in written accounts by early explorers. To American Indians, it was sacred.

The natural water and gases erupting from the Earth were impressive to behold. This spring was especially meaningful to the Tabeguache band of the Ute Tribe, who wintered here. They would often leave behind offerings to the spirits of the bubbling waters. Reports from trappers in the early 1800s tell of huge intertribal gatherings held at Manitou Springs, considered a place of peace and healing.

Early explorers found the springs equally fascinating. In 1848, George F. Ruxton wrote of Navajo Spring:

"I was half dead with thirst; and tucking up the sleeves of my hunting-shirt, I dipped the cup into the midst of the bubbles, and raised it hissing and sparkling to my lips. Such a draught!...almost blowing up the roof of my mouth with its effervescence."

(photo caption) Denver Public Library Western History Collection

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Natural Features. A significant historical year for this entry is 1848.

Location. 38° 51.541′ N, 104° 55.077′ W.

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Marker is in Manitou Springs, Colorado, in El Paso County. It can be reached from the intersection of Manitou Avenue (Business U.S. 24) and Navajo Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Maker is located at the rear of Patsy's Candy and Gift Shop. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 928 Manitou Avenue, Manitou Springs CO 80829, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Colorado’s Front Range

and in Pikes Peak Region.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Comanchería.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Ute Pass Trail (a few steps from this marker); A Town Built on Mineral Water Resources (within shouting distance of this marker); Spa Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Cliff House (within shouting distance of this marker); A Benefactor's Legacy (within shouting distance of this marker); Ogilbee House (within shouting

Navajo Spring direction sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, July 2, 2024

2. Navajo Spring direction sign

distance of this marker); In Memory of Emma Crawford (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Manitou Springs Post Office (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manitou Springs.

More about this marker. To find marker, go the Patsy's Candy and Gift Shop. Follow Navajo Spring sign to the back of the building and the covered picnic table area. Marker and spring are on the wall to the right of the window.

Sacred Waters marker and Navajo Spring image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, July 2, 2024

3. Sacred Waters marker and Navajo Spring

Next to back window of Patsy's Candy Shop

Navajo Spring image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, July 2, 2024

4. Navajo Spring

Credits. This page was last revised on July 9, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 8, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 269 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 8, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.