Each October, Manitou Springs wakes to an event unlike any other in Colorado — the Emma Crawford Coffin Races and Festival. This spirited celebration combines history, local legend, and plenty of adrenaline as teams race decorated coffins through the town’s winding streets. The event is more than a quirky spectacle; it’s a pulse of community energy set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, inviting visitors to engage with both folklore and festivity.

The race honors Emma Crawford, whose story is as rugged and compelling as the landscape itself. Each coffin—creatively themed and wheeled—is pushed by teams that navigate a roughly one-mile course along Manitou Avenue, weaving through spectators and the dense energy of the festival. Crowd cheers and pounding footsteps give way to the sharp Colorado air, which carries the scent of fall leaves and roasting chestnuts. The terrain is urban but challenging in its own right—tight turns and a slight grade demand coordination and speed.

Beyond the race, the festival spreads through the streets, offering live music, handmade crafts, local food vendors, and historical tours that enrich the experience. Manitou Springs’ vibrant downtown corridor becomes a playground of community spirit and challenge, where participants and onlookers alike share in the adrenaline and humor of the coffins’ wild journey.

To maximize your visit, plan your arrival early in the day to secure parking and position yourself near the starting line or along the main stretch for the best views. Bring layers: fall in Colorado shifts quickly from warm sun to brisk wind, and comfortable, sturdy shoes will keep you grounded on the pavement and in the crowd. Hydration remains key, even in cooler temps—the altitude can dry you out faster than you expect.

Emma Crawford Coffin Races are a burst of local culture set within an outdoor frame. The festival respects its mountainous roots while throwing down a challenge and a celebration that’s fiercely itself. Whether you come for the race, the stories, or the community connections, you’ll find a weekend that blends heritage with adrenaline and leaves you ready to tackle your own Colorado adventures.