Take a Hike in Manitou

Published: April 19, 2021

Your basecamp for adventure

Nestled at the foot of Pikes Peak, Manitou Springs plays basecamp to some of the best hiking in the region. Coloradans may seem intimidating with their Patagonia puffer vests, their sticker-covered Nalgene bottles and their heavy-duty trekking polls—but don’t let them fool you. From paved paths to short out-and-backs, there are plenty of breathtaking summits for every hiking level.

Manitou Incline

Difficulty: Extremely Difficult
It’s “only” a mere 2,744 steps, but the Manitou Incline is “all uphill from here.” Local Olympians at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs use the 2,000-foot vertical climb as their personal training grounds. But trust us, the view from above the clouds is well worth the tight quads you’re guaranteed.

The Manitou Incline is the only trail in the area that requires reservations. Reserve your spot here

Local's secret: Just when your knees are about to give out and you're counting down the steps—you'll think you've finally reached the top. The Bailout is a false summit 2/3 of the way up the Manitou Incline and a cruel joke for visitors who believe they've reached the top. We won't tell if you bail!

Mount Cutler

Difficulty: Medium
This 1.88-mile out-and-back trail offers beautiful views of Cheyenne Mountain and the city of Colorado Springs. A little elevation gain will get your heart pumping, so feel free to stop and smell the roses. No really—wildflowers line this trail leading to the summit. Feeling adventurous? After summiting Mount Cutler, hop onto Mount Muscoco Trail for two summits for the price (it’s free) of one!
Hiking in Manitou Springs
Garden of the Gods in Winter

Garden of the Gods

Difficulty: Easy-Medium
We don’t want to brag, but Garden of the Gods has been ranked the #1 park in the U.S. by Trip Advisor, even over New York City’s Central Park. Perkins Central Garden Trail is an easy, 1.5-mile paved loop through spectacular rock formations. With 21 miles of trails to explore, there’s an adventure for every level. Take a bite out of that apple, NYC.

Manitou logo village cons

Balanced Rock, Kissing Camels and the Siamese Twins are just some of the most famous rock formations in the garden.

High Altitude Tips

They call this region “breathtaking” for a reason—high-altitude hiking can literally take your breath away. Keep these tips in mind when reaching new heights here in Manitou Springs.

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