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This has been on my bucket list to complete and a fitness goal to accomplish. Well I did it! It took me 3:10 minutes as I started at 9:55 am and ended about 1:05 pm. I am a flat lander from Minnesota and the altitude going from 6500 to 8500 feet just kicked my ass. I took many breaks and puffed canned oxygen and drank water. Talked to many people even a couple from Switzerland! I have been following 2 Manitou Incline Facebook groups and recognized this guy named Gary. Gary was on his 5th trip up and down today. He was super nice! Lots of encouragement from everyone on the trail. I probably won't complete again but the achievement and bragging rights was worth it. 2768 steps, .88 mile elevation 6500 to 8500 feet in elevation.
A must try if looking for a workout with great views! This staircase hike climbs into the sky with crazy elevation gains. If you're someone who doesn't skip leg day def try this! The trail is one way up and then a diff trail down with lots of cool switch backs. Bring cash for parking near the trailhead and lots of water! Allow plenty of time and check the weather this one takes a few hours. There are a couple bail out spots if you don't think you can make it to the top. Wear good shoes the stairs are natural and not uniform.
WOW! What an experience. We came, we climbed, we conquered. It is tough, but slow and steady wins the race. Amazing views from the top and a fun hike down the trail back to the car.
This is a great adventure! I showed up at 5:40 am to the parking lot (Iron Springs Chateau (444 Ruxton Ave) so I could be pretty far up when the sun rose. The parking cost $15 per car. You can park in Manitou downtown and take a shuttle, but check the shuttle times. The way up took around 1-1.5 hours! I took the other trail down, so it was around 3 miles. The view is stunning! I could see so many stars (Gemini) when it was dark.
The Manitou Incline is a hike near Colorado Springs, Colorado, featuring 2,768 steps climbing nearly 2,000 vertical feet in under a mile, with grades up to 68%. The Manitou Incline is not for the faint of heart, but if you're looking for a serious workout with jaw-dropping views, this is the hike for you. What makes it amazing is panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the town of Manitou Springs at the top. The trail is well-marked, and the incline attracts a mix of serious hikers, runners, and tourists, which gives it a fun energy. Parking is a challenge as the lot was full and we parked in the town of Manitou Springs and walked about a mile to get to the incline. The website made it seem like the hike required reservations and there were not any available, so I was not sure if I was going to get to hike. However, once I got to the incline I was able to do the hike at my leisure. Whether you're looking for a bucket-list hike, an intense workout, or just a chance to experience Colorado's beauty up close, the Manitou Incline delivers an amazing experience.
I was a little worried about attempting the incline, but I did it and it was amazing. I would definitely do it again. I suggest you take the following items: Water, snacks, napkins, trash bag, a towel, hand sanitizer, unsalted and unseasoned nuts, camera in a light weight backpack. Here are some tips: take your time! Set little goals! Take a moment to look around and take in the scenery. Why the nuts? There are chipmunks as you work up the incline. They have obviously been fed by people. It says not to feed them but it's really hard to resist them. They literally beg for food!! It's so cute. So if you feed them at least give them unsalted and unseasoned nuts. If you don't see these cute furry friends, those nuts can make a great snack for you. Things I noticed: A young man was carrying a heavy backpack. He left it behind and just took the water. Keep your load light!! There were unsteady people on the incline, if you are concerned about balance - take those walking sticks And don't forget!!! What goes up must come down!!! You take the Barr Trail back down. It's a 3-mile trail through the area. lol. I had to stop and take photos and look at plants and animals. It took me about 30 minutes per mile to get back down to the parking lot. Congratulations if you reach the top!!! you can purchase Incline t-shirts online in case the store is closed when you finish.
I'll be real with you, this one's a burner! Not long, not terribly challenging but you will feel a little something- those who don't live in CO, may feel a little more as we do not have living in altitude in our toolbox- BUT it's a must do! I've had this incline on my to do list from the very weekend we moved my son from GA to CO. Silly goose me thought we'd knock this out at 6a in below freezing temps before the movers showed up. My son shut that idea down real quick and almost a year later, knowing I worked ALL day to get him moved in and unpacked I can say there's prob little to zero chance tossing this in before that day would have been the best idea. We did however, finally all make it over to enjoy this climb and short trail run down on a gorgeous day. The weather was perfect, the views epic as per the usual with just about every mountain view in this state. It's a burner but a short and sweet one. I'm terribly out of shape right now and managed fine, I'd say just about any ability can tackle this. I hope to chip off minutes each time we return. Took me about 53min elapsed time up, 40 moving (sheesh! That's a ton of breaks - maybe my Strava is messed up...) and our jog down was about 40min on a slightly technical trail with stops to take in the views. All in all give yourself approx 2hours. I think on a good day in my normal condition I'd ideally reach the last step in 34-36min- do what you will with those figures but this is definitely not the 4-5hours some sites or people will say. I will say, later that night at dinner my sons gf and I both barely finished one marg after nursing it through much of dinner and were t i p s y!!! So you will be a bit dehydrated and a cheap date if you hit this for a little workout before lunch/dinner. We parked offsite and shuttled in which worked out perfectly fine.
Hiked the incline in Labor Day, we did a sunrise hike and were able to watch the balloon lift off at memorial park! We started before 6am, hiking in the dark but we had head lamps and flash lights. Perfect conditions to hike in as it wasn't hot nor cold. They even had a parking attendant already there and we got close parking since it wasn't busy yet, cost $15 cash. I think that is the best time to hike to avoid the heat and crowds. It's a hard hike but with plenty of rest breaks it's doable and felt very accomplished once done! Took longer to get the bar trial than to get up but worth it. Made for a great morning!
Visiting from CLT, we went for a hike at this place and the person who suggested it didn't realize it has ~2800 steps to hike. Luckily while coming down you get a 3 mile trail so in total it took us almost 4 hours going up and come back down. It was an adventure for sure but I would never do this again, my legs and biology still hurt. Plus the sucky part was there is no better view from top it was same all along.
The Manitou Incline isn't just a hike -- it's a vertical stairway to heaven designed by someone who clearly hated knees. I'll admit it: I didn't actually climb it. My wife did, and if I had tried, this review would've been written posthumously because I'd have had a heart attack somewhere around step number twelve. She, however, powered up it like a mountain goat on espresso and lived to brag about it. From what I saw at the bottom, the people coming down looked equal parts victorious and traumatized -- like they had survived a reality TV challenge. If you're in shape, this is the badge of honor you want from Manitou Springs. If you're not... well, there are plenty of breweries and ice cream shops nearby, and cheering people on from the bottom counts as "supporting fitness," right?
If you are willing to challenge yourself and your fitness level, this is where you should go! It's a challenge every time you do it, the elevation gets intense with every step you take. Enjoy it and take your time if this is the first time. I will recommend you to get there early to admire the sunrise. Tell me how you like it if you decide to do it, don't forget to share your favorite shots. Good luck !
If you've come this far in your search for The Incline, then you have been sufficiently warned. Not for the faint of heart. Took on this challenge on an August Wednesday morning. Parking is a premium since the start of The Incline is also the location of the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. You know the stats, but once you are on The Incline, the stats won't matter. Left, right, left, right...you just need to make it to the top. Don't forget to stop and enjoy the view every now and then. There are three bailouts if you decide you are short on time and want to save the challenge for another day. Biggest mistake I made is that I started at 8:30 am in August. Despite the cool temps at night and in the morning, the temp rises quickly in Manitou Springs. The trail opens at 6 and you should be on your first step at that time. I did the recommended return on the Barr Trail which is just under 3 miles and all downhill with spectacular views. Keep in mind, it does NOT take you back to the beginning of The Incline. Close, but not back to the start. It's a short walk (about 1 mile) back to town (all downhill). A great place to pickup a much deserved cold beverage or ice cream treat.
The Manitou Incline! According to experts out there, it's considered one of the most challenging hikes in the United States. - 2744 steps (really 2768 steps) - 1 mile - 2000 feet elevation gain Yet, here's the thing...there's really no rush. It's not a competition. You can stop at any point in time, take a seat on the steps or catch shade beside a tree. But, if you're trying to make it to the summit as fast as possible, then yeah, it's an absolutely ferocious climb, lol. I was so consumed with recordings and picture takings, I lost track of how strenuous conditions were. It took me 90 minutes to get to the top of the mountain. And that's with taking occasional breaks and soaking up the beautiful views the higher I went. Overall, I don't think it was the hardest hike I've done. It was very, very difficult...but I can think of 12 and 13 mile day long trips being harder than this, which was just a (brutal) late afternoon activity. Still, I enjoyed the hike. I met people along the way. Got to share stories with others. Once I made my final last steps up, there was a group of spectators wishing me congratulations. That felt pretty good. Then at the summit, although there's no sign stating you survived The Manitou Incline, everyone was taking photos of each other viewing down on the daunting looking staircase. I used 20 minutes at the top to catch my breath and appreciate the scenery from high above. I even had time to talk with fellow hikers who all seemed to be friendly like we were part of a community together. In the end, everyone appeared to leave the summit with upbeat stories to relay when all was said and done. Here are extra details about The Manitou Incline... - It's free to hike but because of its popularity, reservations are required. You can do that at manitousprings.org. Then, pick your day and time. When I checked for late June, all the morning time slots were occupied but afternoon times had plenty of availabilities. I chose a 2pm reservation. They sent me a confirmation email. And funny...when I arrived at the trailhead, there was no security or authority even checking reservations. Anyone could have just randomly showed up and started hiking. - Parking was extremely difficult to find in the town of Manitou Springs. In my confirmation email, they provided a list of parking lots for you to choose from when arriving. The most popular lot was located at...10 Old Mans Trail. If you plug that address into Google Maps, you should be fine. But...you have to pay for this parking. It's cheap though. I arrived at 2pm and the meters charge rates until till 6pm. It cost me $7.50. Leave the receipt on your dashboard. - From 10 Old Mans Trail Parking Lot, you have two options for arriving at Manitou Incline Trailhead. Either...walk through the town of Manitou Springs which will add about 1.3 miles extra, each way. Or...take the free bus shuttle which runs every 20 minutes. I took the shuttle each way and found it to be the worthwhile way to go or I may have gotten lost. Plus, the bus driver was informative instructing hikers where to exit the bus and where to stand when returning. - Btw, you have 2 options for coming back down to the bottom of the trail... 1. You can obviously take the staircase again, but keep in mind because of the extreme nature of the incline/decline, be cautious with your footing. One stumble and you can fall really hard, really fast and severely injure yourself. 2. There's a hiking pathway beside the steps that takes you through the mountains. I believe people said this trail goes for 3 miles down, so it's a chance to bask in nature and take a different direction. I took the staircase back down. I was not ready for the experience to end, so I enjoyed taking my time and watching fellow hikers attempting their journeys. Plus...it drizzled just a little, and afterwards when the sun peaked from the clouds...there was a stunning, fully arched rainbow standing high in the sky! I was in awe and stopped to revel in the moment. I thought to myself, lol...could this be as good as it gets? Being in the middle of one of the most renowned hikes in the USA and I'm getting a bonus view of a colorful rainbow!?!? Yes please, and thank you to the great outdoors. - I brought a backpack with me that included two - 20 ounce Powerades and a towel. That's it. In fact, I didn't even finish my first bottle by the time I completed the hike. - For 2pm in the day, the heat wasn't a factor. There was a nice breeze going the higher I climbed. Standing atop the summit at 4:30pm, the sun was at my back which was great for picture taking. Finally, The Manitou Incline is one of a kind wonder. Visitors to Manitou Springs are intrigued by how hard you must work to feel rewarded. Just like me, they want to put themselves to the test and challenge their inner strengths to the limits. And when you successfully reach step 2744, it's a natural high feeling that's hard to replicate.
Manitou Incline... Have a day! This is an epic CO hike and *can be conquered by anyone with a little intestinal fortitude... It's virtually straight up (2200+ ft vertical) then 4 miles down, no filling stations, and no shade, but is an absolute blast of a hike. It takes about 1.5 hours up and about 2-3 hours down, depending on your individual fitness level. The best part are the summit views and if you go up another 200M and take the backside Barr Trail down, the views get even better. Make sure to bring tons of water, wear good hikers (there are lots of switchbacks on the way down), and put on sun screen because it's 90+ degrees with no shade on a normal CO summer day... Don't be "that guy" or "that girl" that shows up without any gear (there were a ton of those people out there, and it's completely mind boggling), because Vegas odds are 3/2 you'll be a casualty. My best advice is take a minimum of 3L of water (I took 4L and went through all them from top to bottom, granted I sweat like a Vegas hooker in a Catholic Church), take two "tough pills" before you start, and take it slow and steady up... #slowissmoothandsmoothisfast. Make it to the top, take some great mountain pics, enjoy the trek down, and go get a celebratory cold CO crafty at one of the cool bars in Manitou springs after words. read more
5 months ago
5/5 stars?? I know, I'd have said 0/5-do not recommend, but for this: If you want a serious workout, this is for you. It's been on my bucket list for a wee bit, though I'm not sure exactly why--perhaps the grueling challenge this offers, if only to challenge myself. I had no time constraints, just get to the top and back down again. I did it! I was no record-setter by any means, and I'm okay with that. Did I "train?" No. Did I acclimatize myself (being a flatlander from Kansas), yes! I brought lots of water and electrolytes and of course SNACKS, because, hello!! It's a hike and all hikes need snacks; not to mention it's grueling and your body needs the fuel. I went up to the top the first time and down Barr Trail--that is no joke either. Switchbacks and seemingly "huge" step downs--it has its own "obstacles." The sun was shining full strength so it was toasty--doable as I had a sun hoodie on, but also a tad miserable. Second time, slightly over halfway with a friend, we walked down a hundred steps to the bailout at 1300. That was absolutely fabulous! Gorgeous scenery and that day was nice and cool and foggy! Loved it! Switchbacks too, but seemingly not as bad as what the Barr Trail has. People on this trail?? Well, they're exceptionally wonderful. Everyone--EVERYONE--was supportive, encouraging and kind. People from just about everywhere. Would I do it again? Yes. When the weather is foggy and cool. Would I want to go down the 1300 step bailout, yes. The transition of trail grades is easier than on Barr Trail IMHO, but going down the Incline is sketchy--people do it, but it's steep and the recommendation is to NOT do so. It was questionable as to whether a permit was needed. I signed up--self-proclaimed rule follower that I am--only to find no one was checking anything!! So, you do you. It might be a way to have the state of CO see how many people and from where and to sign a waiver, but otherwise no one checked. I parked at a paid lot and took a free shuttle to The Incline and back--I later found out via word of mouth that there is free parking at a park nearby where the bus stops. **As an aside, I learned the day before I was planning on going that this is no joke, people have died or have been injured on this trail--please take necessary precautions for your health and wellbeing.** read more
This hike has been on my list for a while. I love Kokohead in Hawaii and that is only 1,000-ish steps. This is 2,600ish and about a mile up. I love it! I was actually planning to climb it a couple of times but like traditional CO weather, got the 4 seasons within the span of an hour. Started out hot at the trailhead then It rained, snow, hailed, and then thunder and lightning when I reached the top. I hiked the Barr trail down and actually enjoyed it just as much as the Incline. The views are breathtaking. Rain or shine, I usually carry an umbrella and it came in handy. Take it slow and I think anyone can do it. Make your free reservation to hike the trail on the website. Parked at Dillon Mobility hub and took the free bus to the trailhead. There is a store at the trailhead that includes refreshments and merch. Port to potties also at the trailhead. Please come and create your own adventure. read more
2 days ago
This has been on my bucket list to complete and a fitness goal to accomplish. Well I did it! It took me 3:10 minutes as I started at 9:55 am and ended about 1:05 pm. I am a flat lander from Minnesota and the altitude going from 6500 to 8500 feet just kicked my ass. I took many breaks and puffed canned oxygen and drank water. Talked to many people even a couple from Switzerland! I have been following 2 Manitou Incline Facebook groups and recognized this guy named Gary. Gary was on his 5th trip up and down today. He was super nice! Lots of encouragement from everyone on the trail. I probably won't complete again but the achievement and bragging rights was worth it. 2768 steps, .88 mile elevation 6500 to 8500 feet in elevation. read more
A must try if looking for a workout with great views! This staircase hike climbs into the sky with crazy elevation gains. If you're someone who doesn't skip leg day def try this! The trail is one way up and then a diff trail down with lots of cool switch backs. Bring cash for parking near the trailhead and lots of water! Allow plenty of time and check the weather this one takes a few hours. There are a couple bail out spots if you don't think you can make it to the top. Wear good shoes the stairs are natural and not uniform. read more
3 months ago
WOW! What an experience. We came, we climbed, we conquered. It is tough, but slow and steady wins the race. Amazing views from the top and a fun hike down the trail back to the car. read more
This is a great adventure! I showed up at 5:40 am to the parking lot (Iron Springs Chateau (444 Ruxton Ave) so I could be pretty far up when the sun rose. The parking cost $15 per car. You can park in Manitou downtown and take a shuttle, but check the shuttle times. The way up took around 1-1.5 hours! I took the other trail down, so it was around 3 miles. The view is stunning! I could see so many stars (Gemini) when it was dark. read more
The Manitou Incline is a hike near Colorado Springs, Colorado, featuring 2,768 steps climbing nearly 2,000 vertical feet in under a mile, with grades up to 68%. The Manitou Incline is not for the faint of heart, but if you're looking for a serious workout with jaw-dropping views, this is the hike for you. What makes it amazing is panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the town of Manitou Springs at the top. The trail is well-marked, and the incline attracts a mix of serious hikers, runners, and tourists, which gives it a fun energy. Parking is a challenge as the lot was full and we parked in the town of Manitou Springs and walked about a mile to get to the incline. The website made it seem like the hike required reservations and there were not any available, so I was not sure if I was going to get to hike. However, once I got to the incline I was able to do the hike at my leisure. Whether you're looking for a bucket-list hike, an intense workout, or just a chance to experience Colorado's beauty up close, the Manitou Incline delivers an amazing experience. read more
I was a little worried about attempting the incline, but I did it and it was amazing. I would definitely do it again. I suggest you take the following items: Water, snacks, napkins, trash bag, a towel, hand sanitizer, unsalted and unseasoned nuts, camera in a light weight backpack. Here are some tips: take your time! Set little goals! Take a moment to look around and take in the scenery. Why the nuts? There are chipmunks as you work up the incline. They have obviously been fed by people. It says not to feed them but it's really hard to resist them. They literally beg for food!! It's so cute. So if you feed them at least give them unsalted and unseasoned nuts. If you don't see these cute furry friends, those nuts can make a great snack for you. Things I noticed: A young man was carrying a heavy backpack. He left it behind and just took the water. Keep your load light!! There were unsteady people on the incline, if you are concerned about balance - take those walking sticks And don't forget!!! What goes up must come down!!! You take the Barr Trail back down. It's a 3-mile trail through the area. lol. I had to stop and take photos and look at plants and animals. It took me about 30 minutes per mile to get back down to the parking lot. Congratulations if you reach the top!!! you can purchase Incline t-shirts online in case the store is closed when you finish. read more
1 year ago
I'll be real with you, this one's a burner! Not long, not terribly challenging but you will feel a little something- those who don't live in CO, may feel a little more as we do not have living in altitude in our toolbox- BUT it's a must do! I've had this incline on my to do list from the very weekend we moved my son from GA to CO. Silly goose me thought we'd knock this out at 6a in below freezing temps before the movers showed up. My son shut that idea down real quick and almost a year later, knowing I worked ALL day to get him moved in and unpacked I can say there's prob little to zero chance tossing this in before that day would have been the best idea. We did however, finally all make it over to enjoy this climb and short trail run down on a gorgeous day. The weather was perfect, the views epic as per the usual with just about every mountain view in this state. It's a burner but a short and sweet one. I'm terribly out of shape right now and managed fine, I'd say just about any ability can tackle this. I hope to chip off minutes each time we return. Took me about 53min elapsed time up, 40 moving (sheesh! That's a ton of breaks - maybe my Strava is messed up...) and our jog down was about 40min on a slightly technical trail with stops to take in the views. All in all give yourself approx 2hours. I think on a good day in my normal condition I'd ideally reach the last step in 34-36min- do what you will with those figures but this is definitely not the 4-5hours some sites or people will say. I will say, later that night at dinner my sons gf and I both barely finished one marg after nursing it through much of dinner and were t i p s y!!! So you will be a bit dehydrated and a cheap date if you hit this for a little workout before lunch/dinner. We parked offsite and shuttled in which worked out perfectly fine. read more
Hiked the incline in Labor Day, we did a sunrise hike and were able to watch the balloon lift off at memorial park! We started before 6am, hiking in the dark but we had head lamps and flash lights. Perfect conditions to hike in as it wasn't hot nor cold. They even had a parking attendant already there and we got close parking since it wasn't busy yet, cost $15 cash. I think that is the best time to hike to avoid the heat and crowds. It's a hard hike but with plenty of rest breaks it's doable and felt very accomplished once done! Took longer to get the bar trial than to get up but worth it. Made for a great morning! read more
Visiting from CLT, we went for a hike at this place and the person who suggested it didn't realize it has ~2800 steps to hike. Luckily while coming down you get a 3 mile trail so in total it took us almost 4 hours going up and come back down. It was an adventure for sure but I would never do this again, my legs and biology still hurt. Plus the sucky part was there is no better view from top it was same all along. read more
1 year ago
The Manitou Incline isn't just a hike -- it's a vertical stairway to heaven designed by someone who clearly hated knees. I'll admit it: I didn't actually climb it. My wife did, and if I had tried, this review would've been written posthumously because I'd have had a heart attack somewhere around step number twelve. She, however, powered up it like a mountain goat on espresso and lived to brag about it. From what I saw at the bottom, the people coming down looked equal parts victorious and traumatized -- like they had survived a reality TV challenge. If you're in shape, this is the badge of honor you want from Manitou Springs. If you're not... well, there are plenty of breweries and ice cream shops nearby, and cheering people on from the bottom counts as "supporting fitness," right? read more
10 months ago
If you are willing to challenge yourself and your fitness level, this is where you should go! It's a challenge every time you do it, the elevation gets intense with every step you take. Enjoy it and take your time if this is the first time. I will recommend you to get there early to admire the sunrise. Tell me how you like it if you decide to do it, don't forget to share your favorite shots. Good luck ! read more
1 year ago
If you've come this far in your search for The Incline, then you have been sufficiently warned. Not for the faint of heart. Took on this challenge on an August Wednesday morning. Parking is a premium since the start of The Incline is also the location of the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. You know the stats, but once you are on The Incline, the stats won't matter. Left, right, left, right...you just need to make it to the top. Don't forget to stop and enjoy the view every now and then. There are three bailouts if you decide you are short on time and want to save the challenge for another day. Biggest mistake I made is that I started at 8:30 am in August. Despite the cool temps at night and in the morning, the temp rises quickly in Manitou Springs. The trail opens at 6 and you should be on your first step at that time. I did the recommended return on the Barr Trail which is just under 3 miles and all downhill with spectacular views. Keep in mind, it does NOT take you back to the beginning of The Incline. Close, but not back to the start. It's a short walk (about 1 mile) back to town (all downhill). A great place to pickup a much deserved cold beverage or ice cream treat. read more
The Manitou Incline! According to experts out there, it's considered one of the most challenging hikes in the United States. - 2744 steps (really 2768 steps) - 1 mile - 2000 feet elevation gain Yet, here's the thing...there's really no rush. It's not a competition. You can stop at any point in time, take a seat on the steps or catch shade beside a tree. But, if you're trying to make it to the summit as fast as possible, then yeah, it's an absolutely ferocious climb, lol. I was so consumed with recordings and picture takings, I lost track of how strenuous conditions were. It took me 90 minutes to get to the top of the mountain. And that's with taking occasional breaks and soaking up the beautiful views the higher I went. Overall, I don't think it was the hardest hike I've done. It was very, very difficult...but I can think of 12 and 13 mile day long trips being harder than this, which was just a (brutal) late afternoon activity. Still, I enjoyed the hike. I met people along the way. Got to share stories with others. Once I made my final last steps up, there was a group of spectators wishing me congratulations. That felt pretty good. Then at the summit, although there's no sign stating you survived The Manitou Incline, everyone was taking photos of each other viewing down on the daunting looking staircase. I used 20 minutes at the top to catch my breath and appreciate the scenery from high above. I even had time to talk with fellow hikers who all seemed to be friendly like we were part of a community together. In the end, everyone appeared to leave the summit with upbeat stories to relay when all was said and done. Here are extra details about The Manitou Incline... - It's free to hike but because of its popularity, reservations are required. You can do that at manitousprings.org. Then, pick your day and time. When I checked for late June, all the morning time slots were occupied but afternoon times had plenty of availabilities. I chose a 2pm reservation. They sent me a confirmation email. And funny...when I arrived at the trailhead, there was no security or authority even checking reservations. Anyone could have just randomly showed up and started hiking. - Parking was extremely difficult to find in the town of Manitou Springs. In my confirmation email, they provided a list of parking lots for you to choose from when arriving. The most popular lot was located at...10 Old Mans Trail. If you plug that address into Google Maps, you should be fine. But...you have to pay for this parking. It's cheap though. I arrived at 2pm and the meters charge rates until till 6pm. It cost me $7.50. Leave the receipt on your dashboard. - From 10 Old Mans Trail Parking Lot, you have two options for arriving at Manitou Incline Trailhead. Either...walk through the town of Manitou Springs which will add about 1.3 miles extra, each way. Or...take the free bus shuttle which runs every 20 minutes. I took the shuttle each way and found it to be the worthwhile way to go or I may have gotten lost. Plus, the bus driver was informative instructing hikers where to exit the bus and where to stand when returning. - Btw, you have 2 options for coming back down to the bottom of the trail... 1. You can obviously take the staircase again, but keep in mind because of the extreme nature of the incline/decline, be cautious with your footing. One stumble and you can fall really hard, really fast and severely injure yourself. 2. There's a hiking pathway beside the steps that takes you through the mountains. I believe people said this trail goes for 3 miles down, so it's a chance to bask in nature and take a different direction. I took the staircase back down. I was not ready for the experience to end, so I enjoyed taking my time and watching fellow hikers attempting their journeys. Plus...it drizzled just a little, and afterwards when the sun peaked from the clouds...there was a stunning, fully arched rainbow standing high in the sky! I was in awe and stopped to revel in the moment. I thought to myself, lol...could this be as good as it gets? Being in the middle of one of the most renowned hikes in the USA and I'm getting a bonus view of a colorful rainbow!?!? Yes please, and thank you to the great outdoors. - I brought a backpack with me that included two - 20 ounce Powerades and a towel. That's it. In fact, I didn't even finish my first bottle by the time I completed the hike. - For 2pm in the day, the heat wasn't a factor. There was a nice breeze going the higher I climbed. Standing atop the summit at 4:30pm, the sun was at my back which was great for picture taking. Finally, The Manitou Incline is one of a kind wonder. Visitors to Manitou Springs are intrigued by how hard you must work to feel rewarded. Just like me, they want to put themselves to the test and challenge their inner strengths to the limits. And when you successfully reach step 2744, it's a natural high feeling that's hard to replicate. read more
11 months ago
11/24/25: Great test of endurance, will power and mental fortitude. Reviews are spot on...not for the "faint of heart". My 13 year old got to the top in 1 hour & 12 minutes. It took me (50 years old) and 3 other kiddos (15,15 & 10) 2 hours & 25 minutes. We took lots of 5 minute breaks about every 50-100 steps to catch our breath and rest our legs. This will test you in a big way, but we're so proud and relieved to complete this. The trail down was also a challenge and took us 1 hour & 15 minutes to navigate the tough footing, rocks and other obstacles. We are from Texas, in relative decent shape, but we're tested tremendously. A few tips I would offer: Take your time, rest option, and enjoy the experience. Bring water & possibly Gatorade or similar. Good luck!! read more
3 years ago
3 years ago
Start off your morning with some type 2 fun in the form of the daring Manitou Incline, affectionately deemed "The Incline" by the locals. You will experience a harrowing, heart-racing ascent with nearly 2,000ft of gain over the course of 1 mile. There are various "bail outs" during the ascent in case your legs and knees are not up for the attempt. However, it really ain't all the bad especially if you are like most and take a light weight pack. Plus, the ascent are basically a set of stairs -- some more giant than others -- but stairs nonetheless. Those that do struggle are those who decide to go as light weight as possible and decide to either take nothing or a single water bottle to hold. The incline is completely exposed and strenuous therefore water and electrolytes are your best companions against the constant onslaught of sun, therefore, not really recommended. Keep in mind, advanced reservations are required. The permit (secured online) is free, but parking in and around the area is not. The permit recommends places to park, namely the Hiawatha Gardens Parking Lot located at 10 Old Man's Trail. Rates vary depending on the month and if on a weekday or weekend. I spent ~2 hours in the area. It was just over 1 hour to go up, and 30-45 minutes to go down via the Barr Trail (~4 miles total). That being said, the 1-3 hour rates at the Hiawatha Gardens Parking lot ($1.50-$2) could be a sweet deal. The shuttle runs every 20 minutes from this lot which I hear is not always the best timing. I did decide to park more hassle-free near the base at Iron Springs Chateau Parking (444 Ruxton Ave.), in that light. The confirmation email for my reservation advertised this at $10 for 4 hours, but it actually ended up being $15. Maybe a weekend rate? Either way, the incline was great and although I was fogged out at the top, at least it masked the potential heart ache of the infamous false summit. Some describe the Incline as touristy but there are plenty of locals here going up and down on repeat so that is very false. I guess it is at altitude so bare that in mind. Some poor trail etiquette from the tourists. Note: If someone of decent athletic shape wants to run down the Barr Trail, let them pass! Too many trail hoggers complaining of how crazy people are to run down the trail when in reality, they are increasing their risk for injury when they decide to not move out of the way! Show some common sense people! read more
A challenging feat with astonishing views. My idea to book a reservation for an early time slot backfired as there were no parking spots open at the Ruxton Ave site. However, the friendly and helpful parking attendant let me know of a more low-key option at the bottom of the hill, which was a success. Thank you! Once you get to the base, there are outhouses to use and then you'll check in and start the climb. I'm gonna be honest the first hundred steps will make you question yourself, but keep trekking because it gets easier and more comfortable as you go on. There are three bail-out points. The first being at 395 steps, second at 1300 and third at 1800 steps. Don't be discouraged if you can't make it to the top, just getting to these points is a feat. As I'm afraid of heights, there were many times when I felt uneasy. Don't be afraid or embarrassed to do a crawl and use your hands. This definitely made me feel more at ease, in control and balanced. From the top, 2768 steps, you can take the barr trail, which is a 3.5 to 4 mile trail back down that took us a little over an hour or you can walk the stairs back down. However, I highly do not recommend this as the stairs are steep, uneven, and rocky at points. Advice: Take it slow and don't go too fast at the beginning. Yes, the steps are easier, but you don't want to wear yourself out before the real climb begins. Take lots of breaks, it's not a race. Bring more water than you think you'll need. I'm not much of a water drinker on hikes, but I finished two water bottles, ran out and needed more. Bring a snack. Wear sunscreen, a hat, loose clothing/layers and reliable shoes. To be honest, I felt more hot than anything. As long as you take breaks often, your legs won't hurt as much. The next day, my hips hurt more than anything. All in all, I'm looking forward to doing this again. And if you're afraid of heights, dont look down and keep moving forward! It's all worth it! read more
Very challenging but exceptional workout. Don't forget to make a reservation for the time slot you want. Take it easy. No need to start fast. There are so many friendly folks. Say Hi. Encourage those who need it. Best choice for parking is normally Hiawatha Parking. Then there's a free shuttle that takes you right to the Incline start. Same free shuttle takes you back afterwards or just walk back. read more
Excellent hike to do in the early morning. If you want to avoid a lot of the crowds go early around 5 am. It will be much cooler. There is no check in process. You will see just a few people starting that early. Mainly the locals. There is paid parking available for $15.00 cash that is walking distance. We avoided the 6 am shuttle service to get an early start. This hike is moderate if you're an active person. If you are not this will be a challenge. Make sure you take some water. We did this in just over an hour. This did not include the 3 miles hike back down. I recommend going back down the stairs if your body can handle it. After your done go have breakfast at the Loft coffee shop. Excellent place for a light breakfast and coffee. read more
1 year ago
This is a hike that is NOT for the weak! It was a hard one! You gain an elevation of 2,000 ft along with 2768 steps, most being the height of your knees! Regardless, it was so fun! Lots of encouragement given from other people doing the incline! The Barr Trail back down is a great recovery from all of the steps. You get to see some beautiful views and even the Cog Railroad at one point on the trail down. Highly recommend, but be warned! It is difficult! read more
Bear with me here. You know me. I'm the biggest ambassador-supporter-cheerleader-you-name-it for Colorado. This beautiful state is truly one of the most special places one Earth and I will love it dearly for as long as I live. Then there's the Manitou Incline. Better known as hell on Earth. It's the incline of all inclines. A stairway to heaven? More like a stairway to self doubt, shortness of breath, leg cramps and physical exhaustion. But, I'll be damned. It's also to stairway to accomplishment and self satisfaction. Colorado winters sure are strange. In true February fashion, the sun broke through the sky and warm temperatures filled the air. I thought to myself, "what haven't I done yet in my near three years in Colorado?" If you put the puzzle pieces together, this is how my buddy and I ended up here. Yeah yeah parking, yeah yeah shuttle, yeah yeah pain in the butt on top of an excruciating hike. Plus you have to make a timed reservation. No harm, no foul. Just know before you go. On a picture perfect day, we ascended. I expected more ice on the ground, but spikes weren't necessary. There are 2,742 steps. The first 500-700 go by fairly quickly. (There are markers every 100 steps for those who need to know exactly how many more are left) Then you start huffing. Then you start puffing. Then you begin to question everything. Literally everything. Look, I'm in decent shape. I work out regularly, walk the dogs, consume heart healthy foods. Hell, I've hiked 13ers and 14ers. Hikes up to 10, 11, 12, 13 miles. Nothing, I repeat nothing, will prepare for hiking the incline, other than hiking the incline. The craziest aspect are the discrepancies in the steps themselves. Some wide, some steep, some short, some IDK what. In full transparency, I had to stop way more than I anticipated. I was winded, I was short of breath. And at times, taking even 20 or 25 steps elevated my heart rate to a place where I felt like I was on another planet. But then, there's this little thing instilled in all of us. One of the things we can all relate to. It's called willpower. It's called perseverance. It's the can-do mentality that we all possess. You block out the leg pain and the heavy breathing, and you climb your ass to the top. You cross the finish line and you look out to your reward. Colorado Springs does look pretty from the top, there's no ignoring that. Shotgun a beer, take a shot, scream at the top of your lungs, do whatever it is you need to do to bask in your own accomplishment. You freakin' earned it and no one can tell you otherwise. What's one thing I didn't know prior to doing the incline? The Barr Trail down is gorgeous. It's a 4 mile descent and unequivocally worth it, even after doing the incline. A wonderful jaunt down to reality. In summary, the Manitou Incline is a Colorado rite of passage. But it's something I don't need to do again. But damnit, I'm really glad I did it. Never say never, right? And that my friends, is the true stubborness of humanity. Thanks for reading :) read more
5 years ago
Every one that visits the area or lives here should try this hike once. Although it's SUPER HARD it's a great workout and a great view! You can either go down the same way or take the Barr trail, which is longer but less of a decline. There is a free shuttle that takes you from a parking lot close to the trail head or expensive $10 parking at the base. You are also supposed to make a reservation online and pick a time. One nice thing is there are turn back points up to a certain point if you just want to do a portion. I clocked the way up at closer to 2 mile than 1 mile and when I took the Barr trail back it was a total of about 5 mikes. read more
5 years ago
The need to know: at this time, you do need to reserve a time slot in advance on line. You'll also need to arrive in advance of that time slot to find appropriate parking. You must provide evidence of paid parking when you check in - various approved lots and a shuttle are available, but metered parking in town is not really an option. There's no shade so go early during the summer, and keep an eye on the forecast as precipitation can make this extremely slippery. Wear sunblock, take water. What you're getting yourself into: 2800 steps up to the top, expect this to take a couple of hours. It is intense, particularly if you are not used to the altitude. There is space to the side to stop for breaks. Pace yourself and know your limits. There are a few areas where you can opt to stop and take the trail down rather than completing the whole Incline. You can go back down the stairs (not recommended) or take the trail to get back down (considerably better on your knees). There are Portapotties on your way to the trailhead, flushing toilet just off the trail once you get down. Gorgeous views, though you may be focused on the steps directly in front of you. Make a point of taking in the view and snapping a few photographs. read more
Did I sign up for the incline? No. Was I prepared to experience this ultimate StairMaster? Also No. Am I glad I did it? Absolutely yes. It's a fun challenge that comes with a great view. Would recommend bringing enough water and wear hiking shoes. PSA: you need to make reservation for the incline read more
5 years ago
The manitou incline challenge was one of the best things we completed on this trip to Colorado. My lungs got smoked on the stairs; my thighs started to ache a few hours later; my glutes were sore the next day. Stairs are my favorite and these well-maintained tracks can be completed in sandals but you may risk nearly losing a sandal on the slanted planks (birkenstocks for the win though). Most of the 2700 and some steps are standard, but there were times when we had to take massive steps or itty bitty ones. This is a huge improvement from the 1000-step Kokohead stairs in Hawaii, which is dilapidated- with gapping holes between each widely separated railroad track- and provide zero shade. We were told the record was 17 minutes for males and 20 for females on the incline challenge- and these were pro athletes. So #goals. For a 4-hour round trip I didn't think we would need to bring water. I'm sure glad my friends brought water though. Even though we didn't sweat for the dry heat, coming from sea level made us pant a lot more. There are sufficient shady areas and although our party stopped often to sit in the shade we made it to the top in 1:30 and relaxed and chatted with strangers. The Barr trail is a relaxing stroll down the side of the hill and many a runner sprint down the path. Reservations are required, and is conducted online. At around 11am on a Thursday we realized we needed to do this and the only times available were at 1:30pm and 5pm, with each reservation allowing for 4 people. Parking is only allowed at 444 Ruxton right down the hill ($10 cash for 4 hours) or at Hiawatha Gardens in town ($5 for 4 hours, $10 for all day; account for the trolley wait). Port-a-johns are available at the start of the incline, and then the next restroom (a real one that flushes!) is at the bottom of Barr trail. Overall the incline was very enjoyable and I would make this a part of my workout routine if I lived in town. For the occasional marathon runner turned into a Covid potato, this incline is a challenge but doable with water, and without much blood, sweat, or tears. read more
1 year ago
5 years ago
3rd time hiking up the incline. Personally i find the incline to be one of those places you go once and say you did it. It is someplace to check off the bucket list. It is tough. There is no shade. So know that before you go. Currently as of 5/3/2021 you need to make reservations on their website to get a time to climb the incline. They open up 7 days prior to the date you want to go. You also need to either park a mile away and walk to entrance. Not sure if there is help with a ride or not. Or you can pay $10 cash for Iron Chateau (i think that was name of it) However you need to make reservations for parking in advance as well. They give you 4 hours to park. When you get over to the incline you will need to check in at the desk with your name and then you can head on up. Be sure you bring plenty of water with you. The rails are different heights which makes the hike a little more challenging as you can not get a natural gate going in your hike. Some steps will be small and others large. There is a false summit. So as you are climbing up the thing that you might think is the top, is not. I heard so many people talking about how they were half way there when i was there last because they thought that false summit was the actual top. Its not. So just get your mind set there is more than meets the eye (at least at first). These stairs are pretty straight up. I believe its over 2000 feet of elevation gain. One of the folks in my group was using some hiking poles and that really seemed to help her get up the incline faster. There is a get off point when there is 1000 steps left. You can exit stage left and go down the barr trail. Once you get to the top be sure to get your pictures! Then you head left and go down the barr trail. Its around 3 miles or so but its easy going. read more
5 years ago
This is a great hike! There are lots of places to rest to the side of the trail on your way up, so I'd welcome most ages and fitness levels to give it a shot so long as you bring plenty of water, a hat, and some snacks. Know your limits and take breaks as frequently as needed. A reservation is required for this hike - reservations can be made in advance online and are free. Make sure you leave plenty of time to find parking as you may need to take a shuttle to the trailhead. The trail is one way up for 0.88 miles and the way down is about 3 miles of very easy walking. Make sure you factor those extra miles into your day. There is a cut-off before you get to the top of the incline, so if you just can't do it anymore, you can take the "Bail Out" trail and skip out on about 0.25 of steep incline. At that point, there were moments where my 5'1'' legs could barely reach to the next step and crawling seemed easier. There are trail markers along the way to help you countdown your 2768 step ascent to the top. The view is spectacular the whole way and the workout definitely earns you a beer or two at Manitou Brewing in town. If you're traveling with young ones, maybe check out the scenic train instead of tackling the climb. read more
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Manitou Springs, CO 80829
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