The Manitou Incline

The Manitou Incline is one of the most challenging urban hikes in America. This former cable car railway gains 2,000 feet of elevation in less than a mile, with an average grade of 41% and sections exceeding 68%. It's become a Colorado rite of passage—and a serious fitness challenge.

Originally built in 1907 to carry pipeline materials up Mt. Manitou, the incline operated as a funicular railway until a rockslide destroyed it in 1990. Hikers started using the abandoned railway ties as steps. After years of illegal use, the city officially opened it as a trail in 2013.

The Numbers

2,744 steps from bottom to top. The exact number varies slightly depending on how you count, but that's the official figure.

2,000 feet of elevation gain. You start at 6,600 feet and finish at 8,590 feet. The altitude affects most visitors.

0.88 miles in length. Less than a mile, but it's the steepest mile you'll ever climb.

41% average grade with sections reaching 68%. For comparison, most hiking trails stay under 15%.

Reservations

Reservations are required before 3pm daily. After 3pm, access is first-come, first-served until 6pm (last entry).

How to book: Visit the City of Manitou Springs website. Reservations open 7 days in advance at midnight. Popular weekend slots fill quickly.

Cost: Free for residents of Manitou Springs and Colorado Springs. Non-residents pay $3 per person.

Arrive early. Check in at the trailhead at least 15 minutes before your reservation time. Parking fills up—consider arriving 30-45 minutes early on weekends.

How to Prepare

Physical preparation: This is not a casual hike. You should be able to climb 100+ flights of stairs without stopping. Stadium steps, stair machines, and high-intensity interval training help prepare your legs and lungs.

Altitude acclimation: If you're visiting from sea level, spend at least a day in Colorado before attempting the Incline. The top reaches 8,590 feet—altitude sickness is common among unprepared visitors.

What to bring: Water (at least 1 liter), sunscreen, hat, and layers. There's no shade. Gloves are helpful for pulling yourself up on railings.

Footwear: Trail running shoes or hiking boots with good traction. The wooden steps can be slippery when wet.

Getting Down

You cannot descend on the Incline itself—it's one-way up only. You have two options:

Barr Trail: The standard route. A 4-mile trail that winds down through forest, offering nice views and a gentle grade. Most people take this.

Continue to the summit: The Incline ends at a false summit. You can continue on Barr Trail to reach the actual summit of Mt. Manitou (9,250 feet) before descending. Adds about 2 hours round-trip.

Tips

Start early. The Incline faces east and bakes in morning sun. Summer afternoons bring thunderstorms. A 6am or 7am start beats the heat and crowds.

Use the bailout points. There are three bailout trails if you need to stop. No shame in using them—this is a serious workout.

Pace yourself. Most people go out too fast and burn out before the steepest section (around step 1,500). Start slower than you think necessary.

The "False Flat" is a lie. Around step 1,800, the grade eases slightly. Don't speed up—the final push is still brutal.

Bring cash for parking. Street parking is limited. The Iron Springs lot accepts cash only.