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

Iron Springs Geyser

Photographed by Mark Parker, July 2, 2024

1. Iron Springs Geyser Marker

Inscription. Iron Springs Geyser was drilled in 1910 by J. G. Hiestand, and is one of a group of chalybeate springs (those containing salts of iron) in Ruxton Canyon. Originally, the water erupted high into the air every half hour.

The iron springs were included on daily walks "to take the waters". Physicians prescribed draughts from these springs for treating iron deficiencies, but part of the tonic effect may have resulted from exercise in the fresh air and sunshine.

Residents and tourists also walked up the canyon for Sunday band concerts, picnics, or visiting. An electric trolley served the canyon's cottages and hotels, and carried visitors to the Cog and Incline depots.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1910.

Location. 38° 51.411′ N, 104° 55.7′ W. Marker is in Manitou Springs, Colorado, in El Paso County. It can be reached from the intersection of Ruxton Avenue and Winter Street, on the right when traveling east. Location of the marker near parking for the incline railway. Access is also available along

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the Paul Intemann trail. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 447 Ruxton 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: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Our Lady of Perpetual Help (approx. 0.3 miles away); Miramont Castle (approx. 0.3 miles away); Architect of Miramont Castle (approx. 0.4 miles away); Colliers (approx. 0.4 miles away); Visionary Philanthropist (approx. half a mile away); Spa Building (approx. 0.6 miles away); A Town Built on Mineral Water Resources (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manitou Springs.

More about this marker. The marker itself is at the top of a stairwell leading to

Marker Overlooking Iron Springs Geyser Gazebo image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, July 2, 2024

2. Marker Overlooking Iron Springs Geyser Gazebo

the spring. A small, limited pulloff area is available in front of the upper stair platform. Parking is available on the one-way (Ruxton side of the loop) prior to the spring with a short walk. Paul Intemann Trail runs along the backside of the spring itself.

Iron Springs Geyser image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, July 2, 2024

3. Iron Springs Geyser

Famous Iron Springs Geyser image. Click for full size.

courtesy Pikes Peak Library District, circa 1910

4. Famous Iron Springs Geyser

Printed on back of the postcard: "The greatest Chalybeate Spring in the world. Flows 960 gallons per hour. Highly impregnated with iron, lithium, sodium, magnesium and potassium. Naturally charged with carbonic acid gas. The only natural soda fountain on earth."

Credits. This page was last revised on July 15, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 12, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 163 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 12, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. 4. submitted on July 15, 2024. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.