Road closures, schedule and parking for Coffin Race

(MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo.) – On Saturday, October 26, thousands will descend on Manitou Springs for the biggest and scariest event of the year – the 30th annual Emma Crawford Coffin Races. If you're one of the thousands scheduled to visit the small mountain town for the occasion, you might want to know in advance where to park and how to get there.

Several roads in Manitou will be closed due to detours and it will be nearly impossible to get around the city near parade and race time. The City of Manitou Springs is asking everyone not to drive near downtown on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The story of Emma Crawford and the original coffin race

Road closures:

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m

12 – 3 p.m

• Manitou Avenue will be closed from Old Mans Trail to Ruxton Roundabout, with eastbound traffic from Pawnee Ave. is allowed. Eastbound access is via Pawnee Ave., Deer Path Ave. and S Path may be possible.

Arrival and parking:

• Park for free at 1675 Garden of the Gods Rd, the DMV parking lot, and ride one of the shuttles that run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on race day for $5 round trip. Drop off/pick up is at Hiawatha Gardens at 10 Old Mans Trail, 1 block from downtown. Shuttles run continuously and arrive approximately every 15-20 minutes.

• Go to the races by bike! PikeRide offers a free bike service Find it at Memorial Park from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or lock it up at one of the many bike racks around town. Bike to the races and get a free 20-minute pike ride on your next trip.

• Take a ride with Uber/Lyft/Z-trip. There is a designated drop off/pick up location at Chase Bank on Manitou Avenue – 484 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829.

Event schedule:

9 a.m. – Closure of Manitou Avenue at Old Man's Trail
9:00 a.m. – Shuttle service departs from 1675 Garden of the Gods Rd, Citizens
Memorial Park shuttle stop service center
10 a.m. – Pike Ride Bike Valet opens at Memorial Park (502 Manitou Ave)
10am – Fanzone and VIP seating open
10am – Manitou Ave Stage Live Music with Patchwork Jack
11 a.m. – After party opens at Soda Springs Park
11 a.m. – Parade lineup in the 700 block
12:00 p.m. – Manitou Ave allows eastbound traffic at Pawnee Ave
12pm – Hearse and coffins parade
1 p.m. – approximately – The races begin
1:30 p.m. – After party on the SSP stage, live music – Family Elephant
2-2:30 p.m. – approximately The races end
3:00 p.m. – Manitou Avenue reopens to vehicles
3:00 p.m. – Awards Ceremony at Soda Springs Park
5:00 p.m. – The after-party at SSP comes to an end
6:00 p.m. – Last shuttle departs from Memorial Park in Manitou Springs/Pike Ride Bike
Valet parking closes

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