The Manitou Incline, or “Incline” is a popular hiking attraction that rises above Manitou Springs with a steep elevation of 2,000 feet and 68% grade in less than 1 mile (i.e. 0.88 miles). It is a strenuous upward hike of 2,744 steps; although the sign at the bottom of the incline notes 2,768 steps, so I am sure somewhere along the way, some steps may have degraded, or have been removed. Nevertheless, the Incline attracts hikers of all levels. Personally, I do not think you need to be super athletic to complete this, but do note that the average time for completion is 1-2 hours.
Reservations:
The Incline is open year round from 6 AM to 6 PM daily. There is a reservation system that does not cost anything; however, you will be required to present a reservation time slot prior to climbing up the Incline. Reservations can be made at this link.
Hiking Recommendations:
- Water & Snacks
- Comfortable closed toed shoes
- Sunscreen
- Hiking Poles* (Not required, but will help)
Know Before You Go:
- Restrooms (i.e. portable toilets) are located at the entrance of the Incline. There are no restrooms located on the Incline, or down Barr trail once you start the ascent.
- Pets are not allowed on the Incline.
- The Incline is a one way ascent. There is a bailout ⅔ of the way up the Incline down Barr trail if you’re not feeling up to completing it.
- Understand your acclimation limitations. Everyone’s body is different.
Location:
The Manitou Incline is located in Manitou Springs, which is approximately 1.5 hour drive south of Denver, Colorado.
Where to Park:
- Hiawatha Gardens Parking Lot located at 10 Old Man’s Trail: Located 1.3 miles from the Incline, but do not fret, there is a shuttle that will transport you to the Incline. Parking costs $1/hour. The shuttle does not run on Christmas day, Thanksgiving day or New Year’s Eve.
- Iron Springs Chateau Parking 444 Ruxton Ave: Parking is provided on a first come, first served basis and the closest parking to the Incline. The fee is $10 for 4 hours. A parking attendant will provide a parking pass for the dash of your vehicle.
- Barr Lot is located at the bottom of the Incline; however, this is only open to individuals whom are navigating through the National Forest.
My Manitou Incline Experience:
My significant other and I made our way to Manitou Springs from Denver, Colorado for our 2 PM reservation in August 2022. We arrived about an hour early before our reservation time because I was worried about finding parking, but we were in luck and were able to snag a spot at Iron Springs Chateau. We paid the parking attendant and walked a short distance up toward the Incline.
Upon finding the entrance of the Incline, we walked up to the restrooms and then up to the base of the Incline where the check-in was located.
There was another couple that walked up with us and they started running up the Incline. I was astounded because that was not going to be my journey. It really wasn’t as I took several breaks as we were making our way up.
The first 100 steps were a breeze and we took a bunch of photos / videos before truly ascending up the Incline. We even saw a fawn and several chipmunks around the Incline.
There is no need to count as you are walking up as there are signs every 100 steps noting the number of steps completed. Honestly, it was motivating to know how far we’d gone as we were making our way up the steps.
About ⅔ of the way up, we passed the “bailout,” where people can start their descent down Barr trail if the Incline becomes too strenuous.
We finished the Incline in about 1.5 hours. I am not sure how a person set the record for finishing this in approximately 16-17 minutes. That is jaw dropping.
After enjoying the view from the top, we started our descent down Barr trail, which took about another 1-2 hours.