manitou springs incline

KathyB557

Great workout- definitely a challenge! My family went up the incline and down the Barr Trail... about a mile up and 2.5 miles down. My legs did better than my TX lungs did. Found myself stopping frequently to catch my breath on the way up. Whole thing took our family about 3 hours with stopping for pics at the top and such. Of course, my teen son made it to the top so much sooner than I did that he already had a sunburn from his long snooze waiting for me! I am 44 and thought I was in decent shape til I did this! Felt like I had some serious shin issues the next day. Loved it tho- would do it again if we came back to town! Bring $5 for parking and good hiking shoes.

ARLR77

If you want to have a different view, experience or are just wanting to test your physical or emotional ability... then my fiend the Manitou Springs Incline is the trip for you. You legs will scream in utter ecstasy and your body will howl and urge you to stop, but don't. Once you have rubbed those blisters raw at the top, the view is unbelievable and made all that fun climbing worth it. Plus, every step back down the incline is a treat itself. Most important, there are a few stairs involved and not elevator, lol

worldtravelrrr04

great scenery, nice challenge. not for unfit people or first timers to high altitude. Just newly redone, so a lot safer now.

Traveler75Broomfield

Enjoyed the views, particularly the first part with the big boulders and valleys. They were working on the track, so did not quite get to the normal overlook, but I had seen enough. The seats are hard and uncomfortable, particularly if you are facing backward going up slope. So if you can, get a forward facing seat. This way the slope holds you in the seat. Something always nice to do, particularly in the winter snows

SCalCanz

You really can't get a more intense, scenic workout in under an hour (not counting the descent) than here. Not for the untrained by any stretch of the imagination, though. If you're in good shape, it's amazing--and an awesome test of your Max VO2. Go EARLY!

cc-rider05

This is a workout! We saw someone carrying a bicycle on their shoulders to the top of this 2000 step rail road tie incline. I am not recommending that. It isn't for the faint of heart, so expect a lot of sweating, cussing, and crying if you don't regularly climb 2000 steps a day. There is a little restaurant that has restrooms at the bottom of the incline before you climb it. They sell t-shirts to, so I would recommend one as a pat on the back to say you've done it. When you reach the top there are no facilities. You are on a mountain and can trail it back down or turn around and go back down all the stairs. It is so steep that we trailed it back down since I have a height issue. You will love the view if you can stop panting long enough to look around.

DawnPage1966

This hike is not for the unfit hiker but hikers of all levels do make it to the top. On the day we were there, we saw runners running up and running down. To call these runners crazy is too relative of a term, but the terrain is rugged and in certain parts of the incline, one would suffer serious injury if falling while running. We feel that if one needs a challenge on this incline, one should focus on safety first and should only try to reach the summit as fast as possible while walking/climbing. Additionally, we'd recommend taking the long way back down. The scenery is quite lovely and it takes less mental effort.

Farm_her78

Manitou Springs is just outside of Colorado Springs. A wonderful town with plenty of unique things to do. Located across from the Cog Line. The Incline is extreme, but fun. It is approximately a mile in length, but you "climb/hike" from 8600 ft to 12,600ish ft. We started at 5am! Love early morning hikes, It is not necessarily the muscular strength to complete, but exersion and stamina. Have no shame in taking rest stops. Everyone does.Being from Nebraska the air was a little thin, but completely doable. Beautiful downhill hike down the path to the left. Take water and a some good protein/power bars, but otherwise, travel light. Do NOT bring your dogs as it is a No Dog Zone and you would not want to leave them in your car. Parking is creative if you come mid-day, as there are not many spaces. Looking forward to doing it again as soon as I'm back!

C86AZmichaelb

The Manitou Springs Incline is a lot tougher than you could ever imagine. It was my first time attempting the incline. Me and my buddy finished the incline in 1hr10min. The incline had just finished the repairs on December 5. We finished it on Saturday, December 13.

Mountainsteve

This killer hike keeps drawing me back to it even though I know how hard it will be! Fun to encourage newbies and tourists challenging themselves. Reward is spectacular view at the top.

67emilt

Think of the highest flight of stairs you ever saw then multiply it times 100. You get started and it doesn't seem so bad then it hits you you have come so far starting to get tired and have so far yet to go. But once done you feel so proud.

163willg

This is the best way to see what you are made of. Either just make it to the top or do it for time. Our kids (5,7,8) all did it and were really proud when they got to the top. Don't pass up on this exciting challenge.

928nathand

You will have to pay to park but the incline itself is free. It is very challenging but the views along the way and at the top are great. Anyone with an interest in exercise of any sort should go up it when visiting the area.

Moparman83

There are a ton of stairs and goes almost straight up! Some are treacherous but if your in shape and agile it won't be a problem. Lots of fun when there is snow on the ground but is melting! Warm body, hot breath, and cold snow! Invigerating! The top is the best part with the view and a breather! I have seen some Special Forces guys run up and down this thing in the same time it takes a normal person to walk just to the top! lol But still a Great feeling of accomplishment! this is if you want to get outside, breath hard, breath fresh air, and get some exercise! Take the dogs too!

291jackn

Loved it. Felt young again even though we had to go slowly. Lots of nice folks there. Had great coffee at mate factor afterwards.