Colorado Springs Hiking Trails
Difficult Level

Colorado Springs hiking trails vary widely.

Here are the trails that get
our DIFFICULT rating.

These are for experienced hikers only.

Make sure you bring plenty of water!

A backpack with snacks and a first aid kit would be a great idea too.

MANITOU INCLINE

Arguably the most popular of all the Colorado Springs hiking trails, the Manitou Incline can be plainly seen from all over town. It's the "scar" that cuts down the face of Rocky Mountain.

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It's only 1 mile up, but gains 2000 feet of vertical by way of 2800 railroad ties. And it's a 4 mile stroll (or run) back down the Barr Trail's switchbacks.

Colorado Springs residents are some of the healthiest in the country, and they love to train on the Incline. In the summer especially, expect crowds.

A look down from the Manitou Incline

Colorado Springs Hiking Trails - Manitou Incline

Even if you go slow, this trail is difficult. If you're new to the altitude, maybe swallow your pride and skip this one. That's not a challenge, it's a word of warning. This is basically stair-master on a mountain.

Technically, the Incline is closed to the public and a "private property" sign is clearly displayed, also warning of the hazardous condition--loose gravel, drainage pipes, 2000 feet of vertical gain. There seems to be an unspoken exception though, as this trail is always populated.

The views from the Incline are breathtaking, and totally worth the effort.

Time: 50 minutes for Olympiads. 2-3 hours for mere mortals.

Directions: Hwy 24 west to Manitou Springs. Take Manitou Avenue to Ruxton Avenue, until you see the turnoff for the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. Just past the Cog parking lot is a sign for the Barr Trail Parking lot, where both the Barr Trail and the Manitou Incline begin.

*Read more about the Manitou Incline.

THE BARR TRAIL

We haven't attempted this one yet, so you may want to consult a Pikes Peak hiking guide or book to get the best information. But we do know this... it's the granddaddy of all Colorado Springs hiking trails!

As you may know, Colorado is full of "14'ers" or 14,000 foot mountain peaks. Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs is one of them, and the Barr Trail hike to the Pikes Peak summit just happens to be the most challenging "14'ers" climb in terms of vertical gain and distance.

The Barr Trail begins where the Manitou Incline begins, at the top of Ruxton Ave in Manitou Springs, just past the Pikes Peak Cog Railway station on the right.

Barr Trail switchbacks.

Colorado Springs Hiking Trails - Barr Trail

Some people start this trail by doing the Manitou Incline. The summit of the Incline meets up with the Barr Trail. This saves time as you don't have to hike 4 miles of switchbacks, but the Manitou Incline (as you may have read above) is no walk in the park either, it's just more direct.

This hike takes about 12 hours, and gains 7000 vertical feet.

Half-way up the mountain is Barr Camp (www.barrcamp.com) which offers shelter and clean water if hikers want to stay the night and begin their ascent earlier in the morning.

This is a nice option if you want to avoid 12 hours of straight hiking, and especially if you want to get to the summit before potential thunderstorms could bring lightning.

Beyond Barr Camp is steep forest, tundra meadows, and the "16 Golden Steps" or switchbacks that take you to the summit. (We have been to the summit, and it's the best view in town. I'm pretty sure you can see to Kansas.)

Getting back down is best done by having a friend pick you up by car at the summit house, or by advance purchasing a Pikes Peak Cog Railway ticket.

If you decide to conquer the Barr Trail, make sure you heed our HIKING TIPS. Weather, water, layers, and footwear will be of great importance on this trail.

And don't drink from the streams! They contain parasites that can make you very sick.

***INSIDER TIP: Start early to stay in the daylight. The trail is well-marked, but you can miss the trail and take a wrong turn. We have friends who started late their first time, and ended up meandering around for hours in the dark and cold. Best to get a map and follow the sun. ***

Time: 12 hours