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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

Manitou Incline is an outdoor activity in Manitou Springs, CO, part of the Denver & the Front Range guide. Cost: free.

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

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