Name: The Manitou Incline
Rating: 4.7

Toolbox

Save to Apple Watch
Plan in onX Backcountry

Driving directions
Download GPX File

Know This Trail?

Upload a photo

Dogs No Dogs

Features Fall Colors · Views

The Incline is available by reservation only. You can place a reservation here: coloradosprings.gov/parks/p…

Use at your own risk. Incline hours are dawn to dusk.
NO PETS Allowed.
FULL OR PARTIAL CLOSURES: when necessary to perform renovation, construction or maintenance operations.

Uphill travel is recommended.

Runner Notes

It is recommended to travel uphill and descend the last 2 miles of the Barr trail from the top of the incline. There is a point about 3/4 up the incline from which the Barr trail can be easily accessed. There are many irregular and gnarly rail ties that make up this trail. The steps are in some places quite large and the wood can be slick from rain or ice. The trail is steep and strenuous at altitude.
"Use at YOUR OWN RISK"
"Leave No Trace" trash cans are provided at trail heads

Description

Looking up from the trailhead "The Incline," as it's referred to, can be somewhat intimidating. It is an ever-steepening staircase that seems to go on forever. This spectacular trail is a relic, it's left over from a tourist tram/cog railway that ran to the top of Manitou Mountain in the early 1900s. After a short, mellow section of trail the grade increases significantly and the views from the higher perspective are wonderful. Looking back east over Colorado Springs and the plains is spectacular.

This is a popular fitness challenge in the Colorado Springs area. Many people try to charge the incline for a quick, hard workout or a personal best. People of all fitness levels enjoy the incline though for it's ease of access, iconic history and spectacular views.