The Manitou Incline for Newbies
The Manitou Incline is located in Manitou Springs, Colorado and is a stair climb of 2,744 steps, about 1 mile along an old cable tram line route at an average of about 40% grade up to 68% or so, 2,000+ feet of elevation gain and then another few miles along a trail back to the bottom, whew!
We sure felt the burn when we did this trail! Despite the hard work you’ll have to put in to reach the top, we highly recommend it! Here are the details you need to know for your first climb, and some tips if you want to bring the kids!
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Things To Know
The Basics
- Who: Make sure you can physically handle this intense hike and the effects of altitude if you’re not used to the elevation of this area, but we saw a wide variety of folks the day we went.
- What: An intense hike along an old railway, 2,744 steps, about 1 mile of stairs at an average of about 40% grade up to 68% or so, 2,000+ feet of elevation gain.
- Where: Manitou Springs, Colorado
- When: Getting there early is probably best so you can get a parking spot and beat hotter weather or afternoon storms. Or wait until the evening if the weather is good. Make sure you grab your reservation for your preferred time.
- Why: It’s a great hike, great workout, and it’s just fun to be able to say you did it!
- How: Head to Manitou Springs, and walk up from town or check out parking details below.
Parking
Parking options include the Dillon Mobility Hub or Hiawatha Gardens parking lot, the Iron Springs Chateau, or taking the #33 shuttle up. But be warned that we found if the shuttle fills up before your stop you’ll have to wait for the next or ride it in the opposite direction all the way around. So we walked up from town instead and that wasn’t too bad.
Reservations
Make a free reservation for your day and arrival time slot. There is no cost but you can make a donation.
Preparedness
Make sure to bring and drink plenty of water, both due to the strenuous nature of the hike and possible heat, but also because of the altitude. Keep an eye out for any signs of altitude sickness in yourself and others.
Wear proper clothing and footwear. You definitely don’t want to wear any shoes that aren’t sturdy enough to keep you secure on the steps. Definitely wear sunscreen.
You may want hiking poles to help make the climb easier on your knees and help with your footing both on the stairs and hiking back down the Barr Trail.
Keep an eye on the weather. Especially in Colorado you can have dangerous afternoon thunderstorms and you’ll want to get off the mountain and to safety quickly.
Don’t bring your pets, as they aren’t allowed on the Incline.
Our Experience With the Climb
The Manitou Incline starts off at a more gradual grade but then gets steeper and steeper. It is definitely an intense workout, but if you take it at a steady pace it’s not so bad.
When we went there were some sections that were in better shape than others since then the incline had been closed for reconstruction and seems much improved. Pay attention anyway though because the height of each step isn’t always consistent and it is still very steep.
It’s easy enough to step off to the side in some areas for a breather, and you’ll see most people doing just that, so you don’t have to worry that everyone is smoking you. 😉 There are, however, some fantastically in shape folks that run up the Incline, and I have the highest regard for that!
There is a false summit on this hike as well. I heard someone mention that on the way up, so I was prepared, but I can see how that could be highly discouraging if you think you’ve made it and then see that there is more to go! There are now also markers on the steps that will periodically let you know how many steps you’ve already climbed.
There’s a nice view from the top but it’s scenic on the way up too if you take the time to turn around and look. Once you reach the top of the stairs, you’ll definitely feel accomplished!
Hiking Back Down
Once we made it to the top, we took the 3 mile Barr Trail back down. Do not walk down the incline itself, you are asked not to, and it definitely looks too precarious. The trail down is nice, just make sure to watch where the trail goes. We got slightly off trail at one point which made it much steeper going until we reconnected.
Hiking poles or microspikes might be helpful due to the steepness of the trail at times and because you may encounter snow or ice. It was a lot of work, but we really enjoyed the hike and would definitely recommend it!
The Manitou Incline With Kids
Though we didn’t do the Incline with kids ourselves, we’ve done plenty of steep hikes with kids such as Hanging Lake and Darby Canyon Wind Cave. I would personally be comfortable taking some kids on this hike.
If carrying a young child, you’ll want to use a carrier so your hands are free. Consider whether you’re comfortable having extra weight on your back that you’ll need to balance so that you don’t fall.
Also, we found ourselves leaning forward and sometimes using our hands on the steps so a front carrier could be problematic with doing so and seeing where you are placing your feet. I wouldn’t personally feel comfortable wearing a child while climbing the Manitou Incline but you might.
I wouldn’t bring a child that is too big to carry that you’re not sure can complete the hike under their own power. You do however have bailout options along the trail at about 1/3, 1/2, and 2/3 of the way up where you can descend on either the Northern Incline Return Trail or the Barr Trail.
Don’t bring children that wouldn’t follow your safety instructions on the hike or that might bolt and injure themselves. I wouldn’t currently bring my 3 year old on this hike.
Older responsible children that have hiked before would probably love to challenge themselves and feel accomplished. I’d feel confident bringing both my 8 and 10 year olds up the Manitou Incline.
What to Do After You’ve Conquered the Incline
When you’ve finished descending the Barr Trail from the Manitou Incline, stop in town. Manitou Springs has lots of stores, restaurants, and ice cream shops. It’s a cute place to stroll through and get a bite to eat.
There are lots of other fun things to do in the area we would recommend you check out next such as heading up Pikes Peak or exploring nearby Colorado Springs.
