As someone who has always loved hiking, I first heard about the Manitou Incline years ago—and from that moment on, it never left my mind. The Manitou Incline is one of the most well-known and challenging hikes in Colorado, and ever since learning about it, I knew I wanted to climb it someday.

My job has sent me to Denver every couple of years, and every time I visit, I find myself debating whether I should extend my trip and finally head down to Colorado Springs. Over the years, I joined several Manitou Incline Facebook groups to follow trail conditions, weather updates, and success stories. I cheered on strangers, celebrated their accomplishments, and quietly waited for the day I could say I finally did it myself.

Finally Making the Trip to Colorado Springs

In July 2025, I decided to stop putting it off. While visiting Denver for work, I extended my stay and traveled south to Colorado Springs. I spent several days exploring the area, including visits to Garden of the Gods and Red Rock Canyon, but climbing the Manitou Incline was the highlight of the trip.

Seeing the Manitou Incline for the First Time

If you have never seen the Manitou Incline in person, it is hard to fully grasp how steep it is. You can spot it from a distance while driving into Colorado Springs, and it looks like a straight line carved into the side of the mountain. As you get closer, you start to see hikers moving upward, which somehow makes it feel even more intimidating.

Even as an experienced and active hiker, my heart was racing the first time I saw it up close. I knew this was going to be one of the most physically demanding hikes I had ever attempted.

Because I was visiting from a lower elevation, I spent a few days in Colorado Springs acclimating before attempting the climb. Taking that extra time helped me feel more confident and prepared on hike day.

Planning Your Manitou Incline Visit: Parking and Transportation

Planning the logistics for hiking the Manitou Incline can feel overwhelming, especially if you are visiting from out of town. I spent a significant amount of time researching where to park, how much it would cost, and what time the shuttles began running.

Here is what I learned about parking near the Incline:

• Base parking lot: There is a lot at the base of the Incline, but it is reserved for Pikes Peak Cog Railway visitors and is monitored.
• Dillon Mobility Hub: $5 daily fee (includes in-and-out privileges).
• Iron Springs Chateau Parking: $15 for four hours.
• Hiawatha Gardens Parking Lot: $20 daily.

*Prices are as of summer 2025. Visit the Manitou Springs Parking website for the most accurate info.

Because I was visiting in July, starting early was a priority. The summer heat builds quickly, so I wanted to be on the steps as early as possible. During the week, shuttles begin running around 5:30 a.m. and typically arrive at the Dillon Mobility Hub around 5:45–5:50 a.m., which puts hikers at the Incline shortly after 6:10 a.m. Weekend shuttle service starts later, so I intentionally planned my hike for a weekday to secure that earlier start time.

I chose to park at the Dillon Mobility Hub and catch the first shuttle of the morning. The pay station in the lot was easy to use and clearly marked. For $5, I had full-day parking with the flexibility to leave and return if needed, which made it the most budget-friendly option.

The shuttle system itself was simple and efficient. The drivers are familiar with Incline hikers and can answer questions about where to exit or transfer if needed. The ride was smooth, and the early-morning timing meant there was minimal wait time.

Once I arrived near the base, clear signage directed hikers to the Incline entrance. Although it might seem quicker to walk directly through the parking lot, posted signs ask visitors to walk around it instead. I followed the designated route, which only added a couple of extra minutes and helped maintain good trail etiquette.

Standing at the Base of the Manitou Incline

Walking from the bus stop to the base of the Incline was surreal. After more than five years of waiting, planning, and watching others complete this climb, I was finally there. My heart was racing, and I could not stop smiling.

I took the classic selfies at the Manitou Incline signs, took a deep breath, and started climbing.

What It’s Like Climbing the Manitou Incline for the First Time

The Manitou Incline wastes no time reminding you how challenging it is. The first few steps feel manageable, but within minutes, I was already breathing hard. The Incline gains approximately 2,000ft of elevation in less than a mile and includes roughly 2,768 uneven steps, making it one of the most intense hikes in Colorado.

I started my climb at 6:35 am and reached the top at 8:00 am. Not bad for my first time climbing the Manitou Incline!

I was lucky to have excellent weather during my hike. The morning temperatures were cool, and while it warmed up as the sun rose, it never became uncomfortable. That made a huge difference in how the climb felt.

There were more people on the Incline than I expected at that early hour, but the energy was motivating. I moved slowly and steadily, reminding myself that my goal was simply to finish. One thought I continued to have to motivate myself along the way was that “no matter how long it took me to finish the hike, I’d be setting a personal record because it was the only time I’d finished the hike!” That helped.

Breaks, Balance, and Steep Steps

Like most hikers, I took several short breaks along the way. One surprising challenge was how difficult it felt to stand upright while resting. The Incline is so steep that standing straight made me feel dizzy, so I often leaned forward into the mountain to catch my breath.

The steps themselves are wildly inconsistent. Some sections allow you to take two or three steps at once, while others require pulling yourself up large wooden beams. This constant change makes it difficult to settle into a rhythm and forces you to stay focused on every single step.

The Community on the Manitou Incline

One of the most memorable parts of climbing the Manitou Incline was the sense of community. People encouraged each other constantly, offering motivational words and reminders to keep going. Compared to many hikes where people barely acknowledge one another, the Incline felt welcoming and supportive.

Along the way, I also spotted several chipmunks darting around the steps, which added a fun and unexpected moment of joy during the climb.

Reaching the Top of the Manitou Incline

As I neared the summit, I could hear cheering from above. A group of people at the top clapped for every climber and celebrated each person who finished. Reaching the top brought an overwhelming sense of accomplishment.

After years of anticipation, I was surprised by how achievable the climb felt. It was absolutely challenging, but the mental build-up over the years made it feel scarier than it actually was. Finishing made the experience even more rewarding.

The only downside was the crowd at the summit. I happened to finish at the same time as a local high school football team, which made taking the classic summit photo feel rushed and slightly awkward. Everyone was respectful, but the crowd at the top definitely put a damper on my photo ops.

Taking the Barr Trail Down

Hikers are encouraged to descend using the Barr Trail rather than going back down the Incline. This helps reduce congestion and creates a safer experience for everyone.

I loved taking the Barr Trail down. It felt quieter, more scenic, and much more relaxed after the intensity of the Incline. The trail winds through the forest with gentle switchbacks and beautiful views, making it a perfect cool-down hike. I just kept thinking about how lucky I was to be out there and how proud of myself I was for completing this hike.

Final Thoughts on Climbing the Manitou Incline for the First Time

Climbing the Manitou Incline for the first time is an experience I will never forget. It challenged me physically and mentally, and crossing it off my bucket list felt incredibly meaningful.

If you are visiting Colorado Springs and enjoy a physical challenge, the Manitou Incline is absolutely worth adding to your itinerary. Take your time, stay hydrated, listen to your body, and be proud of yourself for trying. Even attempting the Incline is an accomplishment in itself.

The only real failure is never trying—and standing at the top of the Manitou Incline makes every step worth it.