Manitou Incline in Manitou Springs

The Manitou Incline gains nearly 2,000 feet of elevation over less than 1 mile. It's not for the faint of heart, but people from all walks (or climbs) of life have successfully conquered it. It is, perhaps, the most unique and challenging trail in the country, attracting runners, military, Olympic athletes, and hiking enthusiasts from around the world.

More than anything, the Manitou Incline is famous for dishing out a tough workout.

As part of a memorandum of understanding between the cities of Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs, all Incline users must make a free online reservation before hiking and show proof of their reservation to an onsite attendant. The reservation and check-in system will be managed and staffed by the Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services department.

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The Reservation Process

• Reservations are available to be made 4 to 8 weeks in advance, however the reservation system will only show the current and next month.
• After making an online reservation at www.coloradosprings.gov/incline, users will receive a welcome email with directions for parking, rules and regulations.
• Free parking is available at Hiawatha Gardens or users can pay to park at the Iron Springs Chateau.
• Those parking in the Hiawatha lot should plan for a 1.3–mile walk to the base of the Incline or utilize the Ruxton Avenue shuttle service.
• Plan ahead accordingly and arrive as close to your reserved time as possible.
• Upon checking in at the base of the Incline, hikers will be issued a wristband by an Incline attendant that must be worn at all times on the property.
• To cancel your reservation, please email your name and transaction ID to: InclineCancellation@coloradosprings.gov

Hours & Additional Details

Summer reservations are available between 6 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. from March 13 through November 5, 2023. During the summer season, reservations are available for:

• 65 people per half hour from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.
• 45 people per half hour from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• 25 people per half hour from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Winter reservations are available between 6 a.m. – 3 p.m. from November 6, 2023 through March 12, 2024. During the winter season, reservations are available for:

• 25 people per half hour from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m.
• 45 people per half hour from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
• 65 people per half hour from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• 45 people per half hour from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
• 25 people per half hour from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

How many miles is the Manitou Incline?

The Incline is just under one mile in length.

How difficult is the trail?

The trail is rated as difficult and recommended for physically active people and advanced hikers only. The Manitou Incline is not ADA accessible. Please be advised that it can take first responders up to 3-4 hours to reach you if you should have a medical issue on the trail.

How many steps are there on Manitou Incline?

Oh, just 2,768 steps - but who’s counting?

How steep is the Incline?

The Manitou Incline gains 2,000 feet in elevation from start to finish. The average grade for the trail is 45 percent and, in some places, it is as steep as 68 percent.

How long does it take to climb the Manitou Incline?

The average hiker completes the Manitou Incline hike in about 1-2 hours.

What is the best time to do the Manitou Incline?

Hiking the Manitou Incline in the morning (the Incline opens at 6 a.m.) or later in the afternoon (the Incline closes at 6:30 p.m. in the summer, 3 p.m. in the winter) allows hikers to avoid hiking in the heat of the day, therefore reducing the risk of dehydration. For more tips for hiking the Incline, click here.

Is it free to hike the Manitou Incline?

Yes, the incline is FREE and open to the public. However, be sure and bring your wallet because you will likely have to pay for parking.

Do you need a reservation?

Yes, all hikers must make a free reservation for the time you wish to start your climb. Click here to learn more about the Manitou Incline reservation system. Reservations are available 4 to 8 weeks in advance of your planned climb.

Where can I park?

Please use the FREE Manitou Springs shuttle to avoid congestion on Ruxton Avenue. The shuttle and parking can be found at 10 Old Man's Trail at the Hiawatha Gardens building. The parking at Hiawatha Gardens costs $1.50/hour Monday-Thursday and $1.75/hour Friday-Sunday. The free shuttle runs approximately every 20 minutes between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Other parking options include the Iron Springs Chateau at 444 Ruxton Ave for $10 per car. This cash-only lot is available on a first come, first served basis and limits parking to 4 hours per vehicle.

How do you get back down?

Once you've made it to the top - or rather if you make it to the top - you can hike down the bottom four miles of the Barr Trail. Downhill use of the Incline is strongly discouraged.

Is there a "bailout" point?

Hikers who want a shorter loop or may have underestimated the difficulty of hiking the Incline can now hop off on the new Northern Incline Return Trail. This new trail will also be helpful for first responders in emergency situations and is the start of providing needed relief to the historic and heavily-trafficked Barr Trail. The Northern Incline Return Trail offers two new return options for hikers, both located in the bottom half of the Incline.

The first return is located at railroad tie #395 and the second is at #1300, the Inclines approximate midway point. From the new midway connection at tie #1300, located 500 stairs below the existing cut through to Barr Trail, hikers follow a new 1-mile, naturally-surfaced section to the existing Ute Pass Regional Trail. Once hikers reach Ute Pass, it’s roughly an additional half mile to the base of the Incline. From tie #395, there is 0.15 mile of new trail before connecting with Ute Pass for an additional 0.2-mile hike down to the trailhead.

What is the false summit?

Don't be fooled by the false summit about three-quarters of the way up. At this point, the Manitou Incline intersects with Barr Trail and if you can't make it to the top, then you can take that way back down if you'd like. After you crest the false summit, there are approximately 300 steps to go before you reach the top.

Are dogs allowed?

No dogs are allowed on the Incline. This trail is not safe for even the most athletic dogs. The extreme exertion required is too hard on their little hearts, lungs and paws!

What is the record time for hiking the Manitou Incline?

Record holders include Joseph Gray, who summited at 17:45 and Allie McLaughlin who finished at 20:07. Get the Incline App and track your time and rank against other Manitou Incline users and win rewards for completing this tough workout.

What are the hours of operation for the Manitou Incline?

The trail is open from 6 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. during the regular season (March 13, 2023 through November 5, 2023). During the winter season (November 6, 2023 through March 12, 2024), the trail is open from 6 a.m. - 3 p.m. No access is permitted outside of the posted hours. For the latest updates on hours, click here.

What should I pack or bring when hiking the Manitou Incline?

For a successful experience, consult your physician, bring plenty of water and energy snacks and be sure you've adjusted to the high altitude of Colorado Springs (6,035 ft) before you attempt this trail. Pace yourself and rest when you need to.

Can a beginner do the Manitou Incline?

Absolutely! Hikers of all skill levels travel to Colorado Springs to tackle the Incline. For beginner hikers, it's important to remember to take on the challenge at your own pace, pause for breaks when you need to, and stay to the right side of the trail to allow ample room for others to pass you along the way. Also, don't be fooled by the aforementioned false summit (which doubles as a perfect bailout point onto the Barr Trail for a quick return back to the bottom).

What is the altitude of the Manitou Incline?

The base elevation is 6,530 feet, while the summit elevation is 8,500 feet — resulting in an elevation gain of just over 2,000 feet!

What time of day is best for Manitou Incline hikes?

Early morning hikes are recommended for a number of reasons. You can avoid the crowds, get a head start on the warmer weather if hiking during the summer, and save plenty of time in the afternoon to refuel at one of our local restaurants. For more tips, click here.

For more detailed information, maintenance details, volunteer opportunities and updates, visit the Incline Friends website.