Manitou Incline
2,744 steps straight up the mountain.
Table of Contents
- What It Is
- Who Should Attempt It
- Preparation
- Logistics
- The Climb
- The Descent
- What to Bring
- Safety
- With Teens
- After the Incline
- Alternative: Hiking Barr Trail
What It Is
The Manitou Incline is a former funicular railway track converted into one of the most challenging hikes in Colorado. Starting at 6,600 feet and climbing to 8,590 feet, the mile-long trail gains nearly 2,000 feet of elevation—an average grade of 45% with sections exceeding 68%.
It’s famous, it’s brutal, and it’s incredibly rewarding.
By the Numbers
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 0.9 miles |
| Elevation gain | 1,990 feet |
| Starting elevation | 6,600 feet |
| Summit elevation | 8,590 feet |
| Number of steps | 2,744 |
| Average grade | 45% |
| Maximum grade | 68% |
| Average completion time | 1–2 hours |
Who Should Attempt It
Good Candidates
- Fit teens and adults
- Those who’ve acclimatized 4+ days at altitude
- People who train on stairs regularly
- Those seeking a genuine physical challenge
Not Recommended For
- Children under 10 (exceptions for very active kids)
- Those with heart, knee, or respiratory conditions
- Anyone struggling with altitude at Eleven Mile
- Those who haven’t exercised in weeks/months
- First or second day at altitude
Be Honest With Yourself
This is not a casual hike. People train specifically for the Incline. If you’re coming from sea level and haven’t been physically active, you will struggle severely. That’s not a judgment—it’s physics and physiology.
Preparation
Physical Training (Ideal: 6+ Weeks Before Trip)
Stair-specific:
- Find a tall building, stadium, or stair machine
- Start with 15 minutes continuous climbing
- Build to 45+ minutes
- Add a weighted pack (10–20 lbs) in final weeks
Leg strength:
- Squats (bodyweight, then weighted)
- Lunges (forward, backward, walking)
- Calf raises
- Step-ups
Cardiovascular:
- Running or hiking uphill
- Any sustained cardio that elevates heart rate
Acclimatization at Eleven Mile
By Day 5 or 6 of your trip, you should be reasonably acclimatized to 8,600 feet. The Incline starts lower (6,600 feet) but summits at similar elevation (8,590 feet). If you’ve been feeling good at Eleven Mile, you’re likely ready.
Warning signs you’re not ready:
- Still getting headaches at camp
- Shortness of breath at rest
- Difficulty sleeping
- Poor appetite
If these persist, skip the Incline.
Logistics
Getting There
From Eleven Mile: ~50 miles, ~1 hour
- Drive south toward Colorado Springs on US-24
- Take US-24 through Woodland Park
- Continue to Manitou Springs
- Follow signs to Incline parking
Parking
Parking is extremely limited and regulated. As of recent years:
Options:
- Free Incline Parking Lot: Limited spots, fills early
- Downtown Manitou: Street parking with shuttle to trailhead
- Iron Springs Parking: Fee parking near trailhead
Strategy: Arrive before 7 AM for best parking. Weekends are worse.
Reservations (Check Current Requirements)
The Incline has implemented a reservation system during peak times. Check manitouincline.net or Pikes Peak COG Railway for current requirements.
Cost
As of recent information:
- Incline itself is free
- Parking may have fees
- Reservations (if required) may have fees
Verify current costs before your trip.
The Climb
What to Expect
First section (Steps 1–500): Steep but manageable. You’ll find your rhythm. Don’t start too fast—you have 2,200+ steps to go.
Middle section (Steps 500–1,500): The grind. Steep, relentless. This is where most people slow dramatically. The “false flat” around step 1,200 provides brief relief.
Upper section (Steps 1,500–2,500): Brutally steep. Many people are on hands and knees here. Take breaks as needed. Look up and see the summit getting closer.
Final push (Steps 2,500–2,744): You can see the top. It doesn’t get easier, but it gets shorter. Push through.
Summit: Flat area with spectacular views of Manitou Springs, Colorado Springs, and the plains beyond. Catch your breath. Celebrate. Take photos.
Pacing Strategy
Go slower than you think necessary. Most people start too fast and pay for it in the middle section.
Recommended approach:
- Aim for 1.5–2 hours total
- Take short standing breaks (30 seconds) frequently rather than long seated breaks rarely
- Drink water at every 500-step marker
- If your heart rate is maxed, stop and recover before continuing
Bailout Options
The Bailout: Approximately halfway up, a trail exits left that connects to Barr Trail. If you’re struggling badly, this is your escape route. No shame—it’s there for a reason.
The Descent
Critical: You cannot descend the Incline. Descent on the stairs is prohibited and dangerous.
Descent route: Barr Trail
From the summit, follow signs to Barr Trail, which winds down the mountain at a reasonable grade. The descent is approximately 3 miles and takes 45–90 minutes.
Barr Trail tips:
- It’s a real hike, not a sidewalk
- Rocky and rooted in places
- Beautiful scenery (enjoy it—you earned it)
- Bring enough water for both up and down
What to Bring
Essential
- Running shoes or light hiking shoes (good grip)
- Water (at least 1 liter, 2 recommended)
- Sunscreen (no shade on the Incline)
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Small pack or running vest
- Phone (for photos and emergency)
- ID and cash
Optional
- Gloves (for steadying on steps)
- Trekking poles (some love them, some hate them here)
- Energy gels or snacks
- Change of shirt (you will sweat)
- Camera
Leave at the Car
- Heavy backpacks
- Unnecessary gear
- Anything you don’t want to carry for 3 miles of hiking
Safety
Heat and Sun
The Incline faces east and has zero shade. In summer:
- Start early (before 8 AM ideal)
- Apply sunscreen before starting
- Wear a hat
- Hydrate constantly
Weather
Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. The Incline is fully exposed. Do not be on the Incline during lightning.
Plan: Start early, summit by 10–11 AM, off the mountain by early afternoon.
Medical Considerations
- Heart conditions: Consult doctor first
- Knee problems: This will aggravate them
- Asthma: Bring inhaler
- Heat sensitivity: Go very early or skip
Emergency
- 911 works from most of the Incline
- Manitou Springs Fire Department responds to Incline emergencies
- Don’t let pride override safety
With Teens
The Manitou Incline is a legitimate achievement. For athletic teens, it’s:
- A memorable challenge
- A story to tell friends
- Proof of capability
- A shared accomplishment
Preparation for Teen Attempts
- Be honest about fitness level
- Don’t pressure unwilling teens
- Let them set their own pace
- Stay together (don’t leave them behind)
- Celebrate regardless of outcome
What If They Struggle?
- Remind them of the bailout option
- Offer to turn back together (no shame)
- Validate the difficulty (it IS hard)
- Make it clear you’re proud of the attempt
What If They Crush It?
- Let them brag (they earned it)
- Take summit photos
- Get ice cream in Manitou Springs after
- Share the experience as a family memory
After the Incline
In Manitou Springs
After descending, you’re in charming Manitou Springs:
Food:
- Multiple restaurants and cafes
- Excellent pizza, sandwiches, coffee
- Treat yourself—you earned it
Attractions:
- Eclectic downtown shops
- Penny arcade (classic games)
- Natural mineral springs (drinkable, each tastes different)
- Garden of the Gods is 10 minutes away
Combining with Garden of the Gods
If energy permits, Garden of the Gods makes an excellent afternoon addition:
- Low-effort walking after the high-effort climb
- Stunning scenery
- Different type of beauty
- See Garden of the Gods for details
Alternative: Hiking Barr Trail
If the Incline seems too extreme, consider hiking Barr Trail itself:
To the Incline summit (via Barr): 3 miles, ~2,000 feet gain, 2–3 hours To Barr Camp: 6 miles, 3,500 feet gain, 4–5 hours
Barr Trail is the standard route up Pikes Peak and is a beautiful, well-maintained trail that avoids the stair-climbing intensity of the Incline.
This Is Not a Casual Activity: The Manitou Incline has injured overconfident people. It’s led to cardiac events. It’s humbled elite athletes. Respect it, prepare for it, and don’t let ego make decisions your body can’t back up.