Outbound Collective logo

Manitou Incline

Cascade, Colorado

4.7/5
based on 15 reviews

Details

Distance

3.8 miles

Elevation Gain

1949 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Brian Lewis

Tackle one of the great fitness challenges in the Rocky Mountain Region, the famous Manitou Incline. Climbing this old cog railroad bed, gaining over 2,000 feet in less than a mile, will lead you to an 8,950 foot summit. You can use the Incline app to go for a speed record against local Olympic athletes, military members and fitness freaks.

If you're ready for a fitness challenge like no other, look no further than the Manitou Incline. The trail climbs the remnants of an old cog railway bed, gaining 2000 feet of elevation in less than a mile. Busy all year round, the popular trail is used by everyone from Army Rangers and Olympic hopefuls to local families and vacationing flatlanders looking for a Rocky Mountain workout.

From the parking lot, the trail climbs gradually on wooden railroad ties. It's virtually impossible to get lost...up is the only way to go! After about a third of a mile the grade steepens significantly until the gnarliest sections, which are between the halfway point and around the two-thirds mark. This section is very steep, with grades of almost 70% and some areas where users might feel more comfortable on all fours.

Around two-thirds of the way up there is a convenient "bailout" point where the Incline intersects with the Barr Trail and those not up to the task of summitting can easily shorten their ascent and return to the parking lot on a much more gradual trail.

Beware the dreaded false summit up ahead and know there are still a few hundred feet of climbing beyond it. But, those who persevere will top out at just under 9,000 feet, greeted with a birds-eye view of Manitou Springs and sweeping vistas of Colorado Springs and the plains to the east.

Rather than stumbling down the Incline, continue on to the newly-built Barr Trail connector for a longer, but easier-on-the-knees descent on the famous Barr Trail back to the trailhead. Just keep an ear out for for the "on your left" of trail runners who use this popular route as a hill workout. Returning via Barr makes a nice four-mile loop back to the car.

Parking Tips

Parking can be a challenge (read: impossible on weekends) in the tiny lot near the trailhead or along narrow Ruxton Avenue. Pay close attention to parking lot signs and meters - you will get a ticket (or worse) if you ignore them. Many locals park in downtown Manitou and extend their workout by jogging up Ruxton to the trailhead. Or better yet, use the free shuttle that runs from downtown to the trailhead every 20 minutes from 10:00am to 8:00pm during the summer months.

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app
Download GPX File

Features

Fitness
Running
Bathrooms
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Forest
Groups
Scenic

Manitou Incline Reviews

This is no joke! Just steps straight up the side of a mountain.

Oh man! I definitely can't run up and down this thing, but will cheer all others that do. One time, I was hiking with a buddy and he told me to continue on because he was "too slow." So when I got to the top, I waited. Turned out, he had turned around and went into town to wait for me at the bottom with a margarita in hand. This hike is not for everyone. If you're not used to climbing stairs, it will knock the wind out of you. Definitely rewarding and a Colorado staple.

Couldn't agree more that this is a killer butt kick of a workout/hike. The climb up is intense and I like to always shoot for a new personal record. The hike down is nice and easy as well, very enjoyable. I like to do this several times at the beginning of the summer to get back in hiking/climbing shape for the bigger adventures in summer! It's also nice to stop at Rudy's BBQ on the way home before getting back in i25. ;)

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike Barr Trail to Pikes Peak Summit

Hike Red Mountain

Manitou Springs' Mineral Springs

Walk to Rainbow Falls

Siamese Twins Loop

Climb and Hike in the Garden of the Gods