The Manitou Incline is one of Colorado's most iconic and challenging hikes. This former cable railway climbs 2,000 vertical feet in less than one mile, following the remnants of old railway ties up the steep eastern slope above Manitou Springs. Staying at The Outrider Hotel puts you just an 8-minute drive (2 miles) from the trailhead.
Originally built in 1907 as a funicular railway to haul materials for a hydroelectric pipeline project, the Incline was later opened as a tourist attraction carrying passengers up the mountain. After a rockslide destroyed the tracks in 1990, the exposed wooden ties remained and hikers began using them as a trail. After years of unofficial use, it officially opened as a managed recreational trail in February 2013.
The Incline's average grade is 41%, with some sections reaching a breathtaking 68%. It consists of roughly 2,744 steps (the count varies slightly with maintenance) and gains about 2,000 feet of elevation in just 0.88 miles. Most hikers complete the ascent in one to two hours, though elite athletes have set speed records under 18 minutes.
What to Do at Manitou Incline
Challenge yourself on the roughly 2,744 steps gaining 2,000 feet of elevation
Take in panoramic views of Manitou Springs, Colorado Springs, and the eastern plains from the top
Descend via the scenic Barr Trail (about 4 miles) through shaded forest back to the base
Time your hike for sunrise to beat the heat and watch the sun light up the Front Range
Compare your time to the record holders on the Incline's unofficial leaderboard
Reward yourself with brunch in downtown Manitou Springs afterward
How to Get to Manitou Incline from The Outrider
From The Outrider Hotel, head south on Manitou Avenue to the traffic circle at Ruxton Avenue, turn left onto Ruxton Avenue and follow it to the trailhead near 444 Ruxton Avenue. The trailhead is approximately 2 miles from the hotel (8-minute drive). Note: parking on Ruxton Avenue requires a residential permit. Use the Dillon Mobility Hub (134 Manitou Ave, $5/day) or Hiawatha Gardens and take the free Route 33 shuttle to the trailhead. Free reservations are required year-round and can be made at coloradosprings.gov/incline several weeks in advance.
Tips for Visiting Manitou Incline
Free reservations are required — book your time slot several weeks in advance at coloradosprings.gov/incline
Start before 7am in summer to avoid the heat on the exposed steps
Bring at least 1 liter of water per person; there are no water sources on the Incline
Wear shoes with good traction — the railway ties can be slippery when wet
The descent is via Barr Trail only — descending the Incline steps is prohibited
Park at the Dillon Mobility Hub or Hiawatha Gardens and take the free shuttle — do not park on Ruxton Avenue without a permit
Allow 2-4 hours total for the roundtrip including the Barr Trail descent