Take a hike... it's only 2,744 steps!
Manitou Incline
INCLINE CLOSURES
- October 26: The Incline will be closed all day due to the Coffin Races
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.
- Length: About .9 mile / 1.4 km (plus nearly 3 miles / 4.8 km down Barr Trail)
- Elevation Gain: 2,020 ft / 615 m
- Base Elevation: 6,530 ft / 2012 m
- Summit Elevation: 8,550 ft / 2606 m
- Average Grade: 41%
- Steepest Grade: 68%
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.
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
- The Incline is currently open.
- The Incline is accessible from 6am to 6pm. (And local neighbors thank you for not starting earlier.)
- No pets allowed on the trail. Your dog definitely did not sign up for this so leave your pets at home. Trust us, Rover will thank you for it. But really, we mean it: no dogs.
Parking
- The FREE #33 shuttle runs every 20 minutes from 6 am to 6 pm daily
- Parking in Hiawatha Gardens Parking Lot starts at $1.75/hour.
Be prepared
- Bring plenty of water. Dehydration and altitude sickness is not fun. If you forgot your water, stop in any number of shops in town to grab a water bottle. We don’t want to rescue you unless it’s a real emergency.
- Wear proper footwear. The nearest ocean is 1000 miles away, so leave your flip-flops at home.
- The Incline is physically strenuous. Think of the Incline like leg day at the gym; if you skip leg day, you might skip this hike. If you decide this hike isn’t for you, there are plenty of other options to get outside.
Use caution
- We’re saying it again just in case: The Incline is physically strenuous. What goes up must come down, including you. Every week, firefighters have to trudge up the stairs to rescue ill-prepared hikers. If you are unsure of your ability, please give our firefighters a break and start on a friendlier trail.
- Downhill use of the Incline is not allowed. Please descend on Barr Trail. Your knees and uphill hikers will thank you.
- Be prepared, conditions may vary! Weather in Colorado is unpredictable and afternoon thunderstorms are common in the summer. Colorado ties for 4th place in the number of lightning-related fatalities, so start early and get off the mountain if in doubt. In fall, winter, and spring, check the forecast and be prepared for snow. Even if the steps appear dry, bring hiking spikes to help maintain traction on the shadier downhill portion.
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
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.
