*Due to Covid restrictions, currently you need to make an online reservation to climb the incline. Click HERE for more info on obtaining your reservation!*
An old cable car route converted into a wild climb of 2,000 feet in less than a mile, the manitou incline is an adventure not to be missed. Come prepared, with 2,744 steps and an average grade of 45 degrees, and as steep as 68 degrees, the incline is no joke!
There are many places to pull off and take a breather and enjoy the view on the incline. Depending on your fitness level, it could take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple hours to summit.
Beware of the false summit about ¾ of the way up. It will look like you are about done only to come up on a lot more steep steps! There is a bailout point in the middle of you don’t feel like you can make it to the top.
No dogs are allowed on the incline, and going down is frowned upon. The Barr trail hooks up with the incline at the summit and at the bailout point. This is the way you want to go down.
The incline trail is open from 6AM to 6 PM. There are usually quite a few people conquering the incline, so if you are looking for solitude, this may not be the adventure for you. Make sure to pay for your parking as well, the city of Manitou Springs strictly patrols this area.
If you’re looking for a heart pounding, steep climb of a workout, this is the place for you. Getting to the top and looking down, you get a true sense of accomplishment from completing the infamous incline! Then you enjoy an easy downward descent on the Barr trail with some gorgeous views of Pikes Peak. The Manitou incline is a Colorado treasure!
This is one of the main reasons people are drawn to the incline. The heart pumping workout! You can find everyone from olympic athletes, military personnel, and your average joe here on the incline. This is an intense workout, so be sure to stay at a comfortable pace for yourself and bring lots of water!
Manitou Springs is a cute mountain town with a ton of shopping and dining options!
The parking lot closest to the trailhead fills up quickly and is fairly small soo get there early on weekends. Be sure to pay as well. There is a free shuttle that can take you to the trailhead. You can find details on that HERE!
