Have you ever heard of the Manitou Springs Incline? I hadn’t until very recently. The Manitou Springs Incline or simply the Incline, is a popular hiking trail rising above Manitou Springs, Colorado, near Colorado Springs. The trail is the remains of a former 3 ft narrow gauge railway whose tracks washed out during a rock slide in 1990. The Incline is famous for its sweeping views and steep grade, with an average grade of 45% (24°) and as steep as 68% (34°) in places. The base of the Incline sits at 6,600 feet and the trail climbs 2,000 feet in about 0.88 miles. Since its closure as a railway in 1990, the trail has steadily grown in popularity as a hiking trail and fitness challenge. This hike is rated extreme, so of course I wanted to stay far away. Scott however wanted to do it and I, reluctantly, agreed.
We got there early and I was personally very disconcerted with all the in-shape people at the bottom. What was I doing here?
See the brown trail amongst all the green? That is the Incline.
Starting out…
View looking up….
Questioning my commitment…
Success!!!
Beautiful views. You can see Garden of the Gods from here (more to come on that soon). Incidentally, a couple got engaged at the top. An interesting place to propose. Their friends brought champagne and fruit which they shared with us to celebrate the event.
So you think your done? NOPE!! The Barr Trail is the recommended way to descend. This is three more miles of hiking downhill. I was sore for days. WTHRVDOING scheduling a white water rafting trip the very next day?
5 thoughts on “Extreme Hiking in Manitou Springs”
Oh wow how beautiful and exciting. Thanks for taking us along. Love you both always, Mary Alice
Love you too!
Wow that was a hike. I fear heights so i would not even considered it…hats off to you. If you like zoo’s the zoo in Colorado Springs is great. Did you visit the Great Sand Dunes on your way to Colorado Springs? It is amazing to see these sand dunes in a place you would never expect sand dunes. Be safe and continue to enjoy the beautiful mountains. I am going to text you a you tube link to the video narrated by my granddaughter Nora…she was 9 years old when this promotional video of Chimminy Rock was filmed. Something to watch while you are on the road.
The Colorado Springs Zoo was amazing. You will see some pics of that coming up. No to the Sand Dune. Maybe our next time through. Yes send the video. Is this the same granddaughter that did the video for Pagosa Springs?
Congrats, you did it! Beautiful sight from up there👍