Before I reveal the hike that stands out as my favorite in Colorado, let me elaborate on why it holds this special place in my heart. Despite the vast array of hikes in Colorado that I have yet to explore, I highly doubt any will surpass this one. The Manitou Incline remains unparalleled as it was the first hike I embarked on solo, my inaugural hike in Colorado, and undoubtedly the most demanding one I have conquered. If you're looking to test your limits, this is the hike I would recommend. The first time I did this hike, I was just a scared socially anxious 18-year-old from a small town in Wyoming who was nervous yet excited to complete her first-ever solo adventure,
Today, May 16th, 2024, commemorates three years since my first Incline hike, and I have completed it four times to date. I'll let you in on a little secret: it doesn't matter how long it takes to finish the hike, and it doesn't matter if you end up having to bail. What matters is that you listen to the signals that your body is giving you, especially with how strenuous this particular hike is.
For all the beginners considering embarking on this challenging hike, here are a few tips and some useful information about the trail;
Tip #1: Bring more water than you think you'll need
I always carry my backpack that has a water blatter compartment because it is better for me to have my hands free because I don't trust my clumsy self. This hike is a very physically draining hike so it is important to always have more water than you think you'll need. I got mine from Amazon https://amzn.to/4alRjr0 I'm not saying that it is the best option out there, but it is what I use. The features that I love about it are that it comes in two different sizes, an assortment of colors and styles, and it's affordable.
Tip #2: Use the restroom before you start
This might seem like an obvious one but make sure you use the restroom before you start this hike, there are porta potties at the base of the incline, and after that, there are no bathrooms until you make it back down and in case you were planning on sneaking off to the side to relieve yourself, that might not be an option because of how much people there are on this trail, so be prepared.
Tip #3: Pay Attention
Though the Incline hike is meant for one-way traffic there are people who choose to go back down the way they came up so be aware that there is plenty of two-way foot traffic. Watch your step, the railroad ties that create the steps are uneven, and a bit tricky to navigate at some parts so be sure to pay close attention because it takes first responders a hefty amount of time to perform a rescue on this trail.
Tip #4: Pack snacks
Another obvious tip is to make sure you pack snacks, whether to eat while you take a break or to enjoy at the top. This trail will take a lot of energy so it's important to refuel at some point.
Tip #5: Check trail conditions and be prepared for rain
Three out of the four times I've completed this hike it has rained on the way back down via the Barr Trail, so make sure you are prepared for the weather. The way I will check trail conditions is by first checking the weather then I go on the Alltrails app and check the latest reviews and photos submitted by other hikers, to make sure I am updated on any changes about the trail.
Tip #6: Go early
For the summer months, I would recommend starting this hike no later than 7:30 am because it can get very toasty, especially with the elevation gain. This morning I started the hike at 6 am which was perfect because it wasn't too hot or cold.
Tip #7: If you're afraid of heights you might want to find a different hike to do
Finally, I highly suggest being aware of your limits as this hike can be daunting for those with a fear of heights. I have a slight fear of heights and have not encountered any issues, but during my first time on this trail, I met a girl who struggled with her fear so she ended the hike crawling on all fours and not looking back. Therefore, it's important to consider this aspect before embarking on the hike.
Some information about the Manitou Incline Hike;
Parking
The most affordable option for parking is going to be the Hiawatha Gardens lot, parking rates can be found here: https://www.manitouspringsgov.com/585/Manitou-Incline. They offer a free shuttle bus up to the Incline, it runs every 20 minutes from 6 am to 6 pm.
Every time I park, I choose the Iron Springs Chateau lot, where parking costs $15 (cash only) for a 4-hour period. Parking spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and the lot tends to fill up quickly, so arriving early is advisable. In case of an event at the venue, the lot may close early, so it's recommended to check in advance.
Reservations
Depending on the time of year you'll need to make a free reservation to do the hike. Reservations can be made here: https://coloradosprings.gov/parks/page/manitou-incline.
Elevation
This hike has an elevation gain of over 2,00 feet in less than a mile. So if you're coming from a lower elevation then make sure to take a few days to adjust to the Colorado elevation before embarking on this hike.
Step count
The trail is a total of 2,768 steps so be prepared! I would advise that you train for this hike before attempting it.
I hope you all enjoyed my first blog post! I will keep you all updated on my current adventures, for more fun adventure content be sure to check out my YouTube channel:
Please consider this advice/information cautiously, as I am not an expert on this trail. There is a rich history associated with this trail, and many enthusiasts regularly hike it. Therefore, I suggest conducting further research on the trail's history and the remarkable achievements of other passionate individuals. And remember to practice leave no trace!
Thank you for reading!
For more information about the Manitou Incline Trail check out:
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