Manitou Incline

Whew. I'm writing this four hours after my first trip up the Manitou Incline, and I'm still tired. This is one serious workout.

One mile up. 2800 railroad ties. 2000 feet of vertical. And four miles back down the Barr trail.

This trail can be reached by taking Manitou Avenue through Manitou Springs to Ruxton Avenue, take 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.

This is a very popular trail, so either get there early or be prepared to wait. We waited about ten minutes on a Sunday in late autumn, and soon enough some hikers came down and gave up a spot. But the summers are much busier.

You can see the Manitou Incline from quite a distance--it's very clear from Hwy 24 between Manitou and Colorado Springs. It looks like a scar cut through the trees, which is exactly what it is.

What you're seeing is actually the old railbed from the Mount Manitou Scenic Incline railway.
Technically, the trail is closed to the public, and there is a warning sign prominently displayed along the beginning of the trail that alerts you to its private property status and the hazardous conditions that exist ahead.

Still, there seems to be an unspoken exception here, as the trail is always full of people trudging or dashing up those wooden beams.

The climb is difficult, but the views are stunning. And while most of the time you're looking at dirt and beams and gravel and drainage pipes, when you stop for oxygen and look around, it's worth it. You're above 7,000 feet, and your neighbors are pine trees and giant boulders.

There's a false summit, so if you're new to the trail, don't celebrate too early. About half-way up, there is a place where you can sneak over on the Barr Trail back down if it's too intense for you. Don't forget to bring water. You will need it.

A lot of people train on this trail, chugging up to the top in 40 minutes and racing back down in another 20. So be mindful of your speed (or lack thereof) and the pace of others behind you.

I'd give yourself a good hour or longer to make it to the top if you're new to the incline.

Don't forget to stop and take in the views. Be safe, and have a great time at the Manitou Incline.

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