Your Emma Crawford Coffin Race Survival Guide

Your Emma Crawford Coffin Race Survival Guide

The Emma Crawford Coffin Races are one of the most popular events in Manitou Springs. Thousands of people flock to the small town every year to participate as cheering fans, racing pallbearers and solemn Emmas. If you’ve ever been to Manitou Springs, you know that despite its larger-than-life reputation, Manitou Springs is actually quite small. That makes the logistics of navigating the event a little … tricky. We’ve created a helpful survival manual for this exciting event so you can maximize your happiness and minimize your stress. 

Who is Emma Crawford and Why Do We Honor Her with Coffin Capers?

Emma Crawford moved to the town of Manitou Springs in 1889. Like so many other transplants in the region, her goal was to prolong her lifespan and make it easier to live and breathe in the time she had left. Emma, you see, had tuberculosis. In the late 1800s, Manitou’s crisp, thin mountain air and effervescent mineral springs were a lovely prescription for treating the symptoms of tuberculosis. Many patients saw their health improve after moving, likely do to the clean, fresh air. TB huts once dotted the hills of the town for these patients and a few still remain today. 

Emma naturally fell in love with Manitou. How could she not? It’s adorable! According to the town lore, her favorite spot in the region was Red Mountain, a notoriously difficult climb. She even tied a ribbon to her favorite tree once when she was challenged about her ability to ascend the complex terrain. The naysayers nayed no more after that. 

Emma’s spirited personality drew the attention of William Hildebrand who fell madly in love with her. Of all the stories about Emma, one of the most consistent themes is Hildebrand’s deep devotion to his beloved. He was so devoted that he honored her wish to haul her coffin up the steep grade and bury her under her favorite tree after she passed away. 

Unfortunately for Emma, the people who unburied her to build a new saloon and station on Red Mountain were not nearly so reverent. Her unearthed coffin was buried unceremoniously in some nearby loose gravel. What happened next changes depending on who you ask. The most popular story, and the one that inspired the coffin races, is that Emma’s new resting place was not at all final. After a heavy rain, her coffin was washed away, down the hill and straight into Manitou Springs. She was found by curious children and eventually claimed by a relative and reinterred in a much firmer grave. Today, in her honor, residents and visitors celebrate the wild tale with the coffin races. 

Now that you know why everyone rides coffins down the main drag in October, let’s talk about how you can experience the fun for yourself.

Parking in Manitou Springs

Parking in Manitou Springs is a nightmare on a good day. This is not to cast any blame on the city. They’re doing their best to cope with unprecedented tourism in a town that really can’t grow like other places. It is what it is and here’s the best way to deal with it: Do not park in Manitou Springs for the coffin races. It’s not just the lack of available parking. It is also dealing with getting into and out of town in massive traffic, crowds, stoplights and road closures. 

Alternatives to Parking in Manitou for the Coffin Races: 

Manitou Coffin Races Shuttle

Take a drive over to the Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site near Garden of the Gods and hop on the shuttle for $5. The shuttle will take you to and from the races and you won’t have to fight traffic or parking to get there. Cash only! 

Boy Scout Park and Ride to Manitou Springs

Get a little closer to the action by parking in the Boy Scout lot at Higginbotham Road near Cave of the Winds. For $20, you will be right near the town, and you’ll get a shuttle ride to and from the event. 

Bike to the Coffin Races with PikeRide

The city’s favorite bike share program will have a free bike valet at a temporary hub in town. You can get to Manitou via the Midland Trail and avoid traffic and parking altogether. Pick up a bike in downtown Colorado Springs and be on your way. 

Rideshare to the Races

Take a rideshare to the races and avoid worrying about driving or parking. 

Boy Scout Park-and-Walk Parking Areas on the Outskirts of Manitou Springs

Drop $20 with the Boy Scouts along Manitou Avenue on the outskirts of the city and you can park and walk a brief distance to the races. Remember, Manitou Avenue will be crowded with traffic so arrive early. 

The Emma Crawford Coffin Race Schedule

Now that you know it will be a tad chaotic to park, here’s the schedule to help you build out a plan for timing. Pad your schedule for unexpected delays. 

9 a.m. Shuttle rides begin. 

12:00 p.m. The annual parade for the races begins. The races will follow immediately after the parade.

1:00 p.m. The after party begins in Soda Springs Park. The party runs until 5 p.m.

2:00 p.m. Coffin Races Awards Ceremony

6 p.m. Final shuttles head to parking areas. 

Where to Eat in Manitou Springs

It’s going to be a busy day for the locally owned restaurants and food trucks throughout the town. Manitou Springs will be packed so get your name on the waiting list asap for your favorite spots. If it’s too busy, neighboring Old Colorado City is also packed with dynamic restaurants service up fresh local food. Bring cash in case local vendors do not have credit card machines. 

Bring your own water so you can refill at local fountains (or Manitou’s springs). It may be difficult to purchase water in town once the events begin. Bring a few snacks, too. No one wants to be hangry during such a celebratory occasion. 

Where to Watch the Coffin Races in Manitou Springs

Visitors are invited to line Manitou Avenue to watch the races. Many spectators will set up extremely early to get the best seat so you will also want to arrive early if you want to be in the middle of the action. Bring along folding chairs only if you are confident you can snag a spot up front. The streets are crowded so sitting is not always the best option. The VIP tickets are $15 to sit in a pre-assembled seating area. However, they almost always sell out instantaneously and are likely gone already. 

If you have friends in Manitou with a home or business, you can also try to arrange a watch party at their location. Just remember that you are still obligated to follow all parking rules, especially in residential areas. The tickets are expensive, and the parking enforcement is ruthless so don’t take any risks. 

More Emma Crawford Fun + Spooky Bonus Activities

Halloween High Tea at Miramont Castle

When: Friday, Oct. 28 through Sunday, Oct. 30.

Price: $50 for adults, $35 for children

miramontcastle.org/october

Ghost Stories of Old Manitou 

When: Thursday-Sunday throughout October

Price: $16

Purchase tickets here. 

Skeleton Craze Shop Displays in Manitou

When: Throughout October

Price: Free

Vote for your favorite here. 

These tips will help you focus on the important part of attending the coffin races — having a blast! Bring your camera and your favorite people and make new memories together at this unique signature event in Manitou Springs.