Manitou Incline - Hiker POV

by Dan
(Wisconsin)

This photo is what it looks like when you're hiking the Manitou Incline. It's all beams and trees.

The first time I tried this trail, my wife got tired (okay, so did I, but she gave in first) so we cut over at the half-way point.

The second time, I was determined to make it to the top. Just past the half-way point, I kept thinking "why am I doing this?" as my lungs and legs are burning. But I pushed through and made it. A great feeling, to get to the top.

Lots of people training on this trail, flying past me, some even going back down the beams. Yikes.

Next time I'm bringing some tissues because my nose tends to run. My goal is to get to the top in under 50 minutes. It can be done, because some retirees ran right past me. These Colorado people are crazy about their exercise.


EDITOR'S NOTE: Dan, thanks for the great review! 50 minutes to the summit of the Manitou Incline would be a very impressive feat. Good luck! It's worth mentioning to readers again that there is a false summit near the real summit, and just when you think you're at the top, you need to hike up just a little bit further. But the view alone is worth the challenge. It's also funny that you mention how passionate Coloradans are about their exercise. It's really true--all ages are out there getting fit, so don't be surprised if someone decades older whooshes past.