What could be so hard about a bunch of stairs???

by Mark Lombardo
(Springfield, Missouri)

I hiked the incline last week with 9 others... we were in Colorado Springs for the Desperation Conference and thought we would get used to the altitude with a hike.

This was pure torture from the start. We were winded from the hike up the hill from where we parked the car just to get to the Incline!

Actually, we almost backed out of the hike. But then when we got there, we thought, "How hard could this actually be?" Once we started, we decided we could not turn back.

Take 10 steps, stop and breathe, drink water, and go again...It turned out to be one of the best work-outs ever. Some of us actually jogged back down the switch-back to 'cool down'.

Next time I want to do it more than just once- we were in Colorado Springs for a week, and from Missouri, it was quite a shocker... Only 10 of our group of about 53 actually took the challenge. Great memories!


EDITOR'S NOTE: Dan, great review of the Manitou Incline trail! It actually made me laugh while I was reading it--when we first arrived in Colorado Springs and tackled this unique hiking trail, we too were totally winded just getting to that first railroad tie. But it sounds like you approached it perfectly, one step at a time with lots of water and rest. The water is especially essential for folks arriving from lower altitudes. Stay hydrated! Also good to note to readers who jog back down the switchbacks on Barr Trail-- there is a lot of loose gravel on your way down, so be mindful of your step and speed. And most importantly, have a blast!