Manitou Incline

Overview

One of Colorado's most famous workouts. Roughly 2,744 railroad-tie steps gain 2,000 feet in under a mile on the old cable railway bed. A free online reservation is required year-round. Descend via Barr Trail to complete the loop. The full route covers 4 miles as a loop with about 2,000 feet of climbing, and most hikers finish it in around 3 hours. It sits in the Front Range, near Manitou Springs in El Paso County, topping out at 8,590 feet.

Trail Highlights

How Hard Is It?

This is rated expert. The moderate-length 4-mile distance paired with demanding 2,000 feet of gain is what sets the effort level. It runs as a loop, so you get new scenery the whole way and finish back at the trailhead. The elevation stays low enough that altitude is not a major factor for most hikers. If you hike regularly, plan for roughly 3 hours of moving time; add a buffer for photos, snack stops, and the slower pace at altitude.

Best Time to Hike

The best seasons here are spring, summer, fall, and winter. It holds up as a winter route, but you will likely want traction and to check avalanche and trail conditions before heading out. In Colorado the weather turns fast in the high country, so start early, aim to be heading down by early afternoon, and watch the sky. Lightning, not distance, is what turns most summer hikes around.

Getting to the Trailhead

The trailhead is in the Front Range, closest to Manitou Springs (El Paso County). The hike itself is free, but a free online reservation is required. Book your time slot before you go, and expect nearby parking to be limited or paid. The parking coordinates are 38.8566, -104.9289; plug those into your map app rather than the trail name, since several Colorado trailheads share names. Mountain weather and road closures can change access, so confirm the access road is open before a long drive.

Dogs & Kids

Dogs are not allowed on this trail, which is common inside national parks and sensitive alpine areas. It is a tough one for young kids given the 4 miles and 2,000 feet of gain. Save it for older, trail-tested kids or go without them.

What to Pack

Pack the Colorado basics: more water than you expect, layers for a 30-degree temperature swing, sun protection for the high-altitude UV, and rain protection for the afternoon. For a moderate-length, demanding hike like this one, the gear that earns its weight most is sturdy footwear and poles. Here is what we actually recommend for trails like this:

• ›hiking boots with real traction
• ›a packable rain shell
• ›trekking poles for the climb and descent
• ›microspikes for snow and ice
• ›an insulating layer for the summit

Frequently Asked Questions