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Manitou Incline, Manitou Springs, CO

Photo: Ixbrian, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sport & OutdoorOutdoor AdventureFree

Manitou Incline

Top of Ruxton Ave · Manitou Springs, CO

Why you should go…

The Incline follows the bed of a funicular railway built in 1907, whose track was damaged by a rock slide in 1990. Today it is a climb of 2,768 steps that gains about 2,000 feet in less than a mile, at an average grade of 45 percent. Hiking is free with an online reservation and a signed waiver, and you come down by Barr Trail or the Northern Return Trail, not the steps. Pets are not allowed, and a free shuttle runs to the base from Hiawatha Gardens parking.

  • #hiking
  • #stair climb
  • #fitness challenge
  • #pikes peak region

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Manitou Incline, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Manitou Cliff Dwellings Museum

    Under $25

    Walk through relocated Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and browse Native American artifact exhibits near Pikes Peak.

    1.1 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Manitou Springs

    Free

    Historic mineral-spring mountain town near Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods, with walkable arts and dining.

    1.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Tours
    Outdoor Adventure

    Cave of the Winds Mountain Park

    $25–$50

    Daily cave tours through limestone chambers above Manitou Springs, plus zip lines and a canyon swing.

    1.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Iconic

    Garden of the Gods

    Free

    Towering red sandstone formations rise against Pikes Peak in this free Colorado Springs park.

    3.6 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Open Road Rentals

    $50+

    Rent motorcycles, scooters, and adventure bikes near Garden of the Gods for self-guided rides.

    3.7 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Iconic

    Pikes Peak - America's Mountain

    Under $25

    Drive, ride the cog railway, or hike to the 14,115-foot summit that inspired 'America the Beautiful.'

    5.4 mi awayMore like this