Take a hike... it's only 2,744 steps!

Manitou Incline

INCLINE CLOSURES

Get the facts

Difficulty level:
Extreme (we promise we’re not kidding)

Total stairs:
2,744

Annual visitors:
An estimated 250,000 annual visitors ranging from 7-70 years old.

Average time:
Seasoned Incliners and Olympic athletes may summit in under 30 minutes, but most hikers complete the roundtrip Incline hike in approximately 3 hours.

On January 11, 2020, Greg Cummings completed his record-breaking ascents up the Manitou Incline.

Incline parking

Plan to arrive in time to find parking and allow plenty of time to get to the base of the Incline. Parking is available at the following locations.

Hiawatha Gardens Parking Lot

LOCATION: 10 OLD MAN’S TRAIL​

Plan for a 1.3-mile walk from the Hiawatha Gardens parking lot to the base of the Incline or ride the free #33 Shuttle, that picks up on the sidewalk next to Hiawatha Gardens.

Iron Springs Chateau Parking

Location: 444 Ruxton Ave.

Reservations are recommended.

It's like a StairMaster, but outside

Referred to by locals as simply ‘the Incline’, this popular but strenuous hike is not for the faint of heart. After climbing the 2,000 vertical feet, you’ll finally reach the summit. At the top, the Incline Trail connects to Barr Trail, which offers a steep but scenic 3-mile path back down to the base. 

The Bailout: A false summit ⅔ of the way to the top is the closest some come to tackling the Incline. Here, the Incline Trail meets up with Barr Trail for the first time and offers exhausted hikers a reprieve. If you think you need to bail, we won’t tell anyone. But if you can muster enough energy, you’re almost to the top!

This incredible hike is free to use, but please consider making a donation to Incline Friends to help keep the Incline in good condition for years to come.

Parking at the base of the Incline is not free, though the free Rt. 33 shuttle runs from downtown Manitou Springs to the base of the trail (and if you work up an appetite it will drop you off downtown to grab drinks or a bite to eat on your way back!).

Casual hikers be warned

The Manitou Incline climbs over 2,000 vertical feet in less than a mile and has sections as steep as 68% grade. Don’t forget to watch your step; they range in size and height to keep you on–or knock you off–your toes. 

Downhill use of the Incline is not allowed (can you imagine tripping down 2,744 steps?).

If you are planning to hike the Incline, keep in mind it could take 3-4 hours for first responders to reach you in the event of a medical emergency. 

Know before you go

General info
Parking
Be prepared
Use caution
If you regularly skip leg day,

Skip the Incline

The difficulty of the Incline isn’t for everyone! There are a number of mountain trails that are better suited for casual hikers.

Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Easy to Moderate: There are 11 marked trails in Red Rock Canyon Open Space ranging from 1.7 to 5.4 miles and from 6,141 to 6,866 feet above sea level.

The Intemann Trail

Moderate: A 4.81-mile popular trail for all level of hikers. It connects Manitou Springs to Section 16 and Bear Creek Regional Park.

Columbine Trail

Moderate: A 6.52 mile following North Cheyenne Creek, passing through towering ponderosa pines and steep cliffs and mountains.

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