The Manitou Springs Incline

The Manitou Springs Incline is one of the most famous and physically demanding trails in Colorado, known for its steepness. Utilizing the remaining ties of an old funicular railway, the trail forms a giant staircase climbing approximately 2,000 vertical feet in less than one mile. With an average grade of 41 percent and sections reaching as steep as 68 percent, this unrelenting climb is a popular training ground for elite athletes, military personnel, and outdoor enthusiasts looking to test their endurance. The ascent starts at an elevation of roughly 6,600 feet and climbs 2,768 wooden steps to the summit at 8,560 feet. Along the way, hikers encounter a notorious false summit that lies about three-quarters of the way up. For those unable to complete the entire climb, a "bailout" path connects to the Barr Trail at roughly the two-thirds mark, allowing for an early exit. Once at the summit, hikers are rewarded with expansive views of Manitou Springs and the Colorado Springs metro area. To protect knees and prevent trail erosion, descending the Incline stairs is prohibited; hikers must return via the Barr Trail, completing a 4-mile loop back to the base.