Manitou Incline Hike Colorado Springs

Manitou Incline Hike in Colorado Springs

The Manitou Incline has been hailed as the holy grail of cardio for locals and athletes, alike.  Although it’s only one mile in length, the ascension averages a 41% incline (68% at its highest) and a 2,000-foot climb in elevation! That’s a lot of stairs! That’s even more than the Empire State Building! Needless to say, this hike isn’t for the faint of heart or heights.

The Manitou Incline is one of the most popular hiking trails in Colorado. The Incline is steep. It gains over 2,000 feet of elevation in less than one mile. The base of the Incline is located in Manitou Springs near the base of the Barr Trail and across the street from the Cog Railroad. The Manitou Incline is considered one of the highest sets of stairs in the world! This trail is rated Extreme.

The trail is rated as difficult and recommended for physically active people and advanced hikers only. Downhill use of the Incline is strongly discouraged. Please descend on Barr Trail.

The Manitou Incline Trail Facts to know:

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

·         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

·         Total Stairs: 2,744

·         Average Grade: 41%

·         Steepest Grade: 68%

·         Annual Visitors: An estimated 70,000 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 Incline in 1 hour or longer.

 

Manitou Incline Free Parking:

For the closest parking, we recommend the Iron Springs Chateau Melodrama for $10. 444 Ruxton Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829.

For free parking, take the shuttle at Hiawatha Gardens Parking Lot located at 10 Old Man’s Trail.