Would I do the Manitou Incline hike again? A most emphatic NO. This former funicular track in Manitou Springs, Colorado, climbs 2,744 railroad-tie steps and 2,020 feet (616 m) in just 0.88 miles, with sections as steep as 68%. You might think you are fit, but the Incline will test your endurance. Below are my essential tips for reservations, parking, pacing, and getting down in one piece.
After we got back from Italy, Chris really wanted to tackle it. I reluctantly texted him one morning, “Fine. We can hike the incline.” After all, we were supposedly in the best shape of the summer. Our daughter Misha joined us, and on hike day, Chris pulled ahead almost immediately. Misha and I spent the rest of the climb stopping every 100 steps, fighting off nausea, and using our hands to scramble up steps built for much longer legs. Chris called it “Type II fun,” the kind that’s miserable in the moment and a badge of honor afterward. I agree. No need to earn that badge again.
17 Smart Tips for the Manitou Incline Hike
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You don’t have to be an elite athlete to finish the Manitou Incline, but you do need a plan. Young, old, fit, and out-of-shape hikers all make it to the top, usually with plenty of stops along the way. These tips cover everything from reservations and parking to pacing and the Barr Trail descent. If the Incline is one stop on a bigger adventure, start with my Colorado road trip guide.
1. Is the Manitou Incline Hard?
Short answer: yes. The Manitou Incline follows the path of an old narrow-gauge funicular that ran up the side of Mount Manitou until a rockslide washed out the tracks in 1990. What’s left is a straight shot of railroad ties climbing the mountain, with no switchbacks and nowhere to hide. Many steps are uneven, and some are tall enough that you’ll be using your hands to get up them.
The good news? Hikers of every age and fitness level make it to the top. Most of them just stop a lot along the way.
Manitou Incline quick facts:
- Location: Ruxton Avenue in Manitou Springs, just west of Colorado Springs
- Steps: 2,744 (the top marker says 2,768, but maintenance and wear have dropped the count since September 2025)
- Distance: 0.88 miles (1.4 km) up
- Elevation gain: 2,020 feet (616 m)
- Grade: 45% average, up to 68% in the steepest sections
- Descent: About 3.5 miles (5.6 km) down the Barr Trail
- Cost: Free, with a required reservation
- Dogs: Not allowed
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2. Book Your Manitou Incline Reservations Early
The Manitou Incline requires a free, timed reservation, and everyone in your group needs their own. The reservation system keeps the steps from turning into a traffic jam, and it costs you nothing but a few minutes online. We didn’t see an attendant checking reservations the day we went, but spot checks do happen, and getting turned away at the bottom would be a rough start. Screenshot your reservation before you go, since cell service can get spotty.
Reservations can be made up to 8 weeks in advance. On the 1st of every month, the next month’s slots open up alongside whatever is left in the current month. Want a Saturday morning in November? Mark your calendar for October 1st. Early weekend slots go fast, especially in summer and fall.
We booked a 7:30 am slot but ran an hour behind. Learn from us and build in a buffer for parking, taking the free shuttle, and arriving at the trailhead, especially on weekends.
3. Plan Your Manitou Incline Parking
Skip the lots right at the trailhead. They’re for Pikes Peak Cog Railway riders, and attendants were stopping every car the morning we went. Instead, park at one of these lots:
- Dillon Mobility Hub (134 Manitou Ave). This is where we parked.
- Hiawatha Gardens (10 Old Man’s Trail).
- Iron Springs Chateau (Ruxton Avenue). Closer to the trailhead, with flat-rate parking of about $15 for 4 hours, cash only. Check current rates before you go.
Route 33 connects Dillon and Hiawatha with downtown Manitou Springs and the Incline trailhead, so you can also hop off downtown to shop or grab lunch afterward.
Restrooms are easier to find than you’d think. The Dillon hub has them, there are porta-potties at the trailhead, and the Cog Railway station has two more. Use one before you start, because there are no restrooms along the Incline.
Paying at Dillon is easy. Scan the QR code on the sign in the lot and pay with Apple Pay, no app needed. It’s roughly $2 an hour. Here’s the catch: budget way more time than you think. Chris paid for 2 hours, then added another hour, then 2 more, all from his phone on the trail. That’s 5 hours total once you add up the shuttle ride, the climb, the Barr Trail descent, and the ride back. Parking enforcement was making the rounds when we got back after 1 pm, so pay for at least 4 hours up front.
4. Start Early & Beat the Heat
Morning is the best time to climb. Temperatures are cooler, the parking lots are emptier, and you’ll finish before the afternoon crowds and storms roll in. We hit the first step around 8:30, and it was already warming up by the time we reached the top.
The good news is that you’ll find more shade than you’d expect. Pine trees line long stretches of the trail and give you cool spots to catch your breath, which you’ll be doing a lot. The open sections are another story, which brings me to my next tip.
Bonus for an October Saturday: Misha and I were still climbing around 10 am when the planes flew over for the Air Force football game. They looked tiny in the sky, but it was a fun excuse for one more break.
5. Don’t Forget the Sunscreen & a Hat
The open stretches of the Incline have zero shade, and the Colorado sun is stronger than it feels. At these elevations, UV exposure climbs about 10% for every 1,000 meters you gain, and the top of the Incline sits around 8,500 feet. Cool morning air makes it easy to forget, which is exactly how we came home a little sunburnt.
The sneaky part is the descent. By the time you start down the Barr Trail, it’s close to midday, and the switchbacks put you in full sun for long stretches. I’m pretty sure that’s where I got most of my sunburn.
Before you start, put sunscreen on your face, neck, ears, arms, and the backs of your legs. Wear a hat or visor, add sunglasses, and toss SPF lip balm in your pocket. Then reapply at the top before heading down the Barr Trail. Your nose will thank you.
6. Give Yourself Time to Acclimate
The Incline starts at about 6,500 feet and tops out around 8,500. Even if you’re in decent shape, thin air plus a 45% grade is a rough combination. I live at over 7,000 feet, and I still had to stop every 100 steps to let my heart rate settle.
If you’re coming from sea level, give yourself a day or two in Colorado Springs or Manitou Springs before you tackle the Incline. Drink plenty of water the day before and the morning of, get a good night’s sleep, and keep your first day at altitude easy.
On the climb, listen to your body. Headaches, dizziness, and nausea can all come from altitude, exertion, or both. Around halfway up, I was fighting off nausea and had to stop even more often. If you feel worse instead of better after resting, take one of the bailout trails down. The steps will still be there next time.
7. Pack Light: Water, Energy Chews & Room for Layers
You don’t need much, but you will want to climb the Manitou Incline steps with your hands free. I wore a light backpack and kept my water bottles in the outside pockets so I could grab a drink without stopping to dig around. Bring more water than you think you’ll need, since you’ll be out there for hours once you add in the Barr Trail descent.
Skip the big snacks. Halfway up, I was fighting off nausea, and eating anything would have ended badly. A few energy chews were all I could handle. Ours had a little caffeine, which helped on the steepest stretches.
The backpack also gives you somewhere to stuff your layers. Even on a cool fall morning, you’ll be peeling them off within the first few hundred steps. Unless it’s a truly chilly day, I can’t imagine you would want to put anything back on.
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8. Wear the Right Shoes
Chris, Misha, and I wore hiking boots; I was glad for the ankle support. The railroad ties are uneven, some steps are tall, and the gaps between them are filled with loose dirt and gravel. Plenty of people climbed in athletic shoes and did just fine, so that works too, as long as they have good grip. Fortunately, I didn’t spot anyone in flip-flops. Please don’t be the first.
9. Pace Yourself on the Manitou Incline Steps
The Manitou Incline steps aren’t a race, no matter how many trail runners and climbers blow past you. Pick a rhythm you can repeat and stick with it. Mine was simple: climb about 100 steps, pull off to the side, and let my heart rate come back down before starting again. It’s what worked best for me.
Don’t worry about keeping up with your group, either. Chris pulled ahead almost immediately and waited at the top for at least 45 minutes. Misha and I stayed together, and we supported each other along the way. Hike with whoever matches your pace, and agree to meet at the top.
10. Don’t Be Afraid to Use Your Hands on the Trail Steps
Some of the Manitou Incline steps are tall. Really tall. For my short legs, a few felt more like climbing onto a kitchen counter than taking a step. Putting my hands on the railroad tie above me and pulling myself up made a huge difference, and I wasn’t the only one doing it. On the steepest sections, half the people around us were scrambling on all fours.
Using your hands spreads the work from your legs to your arms and keeps you steady on uneven ties. You don’t need gloves. I didn’t see a single person wearing them. You may wish to pack a little hand sanitizer for the summit, since the ties are dusty and have seen a lot of hands.
11. Follow Incline Etiquette
The Incline is narrow, steep, and busy, so a little courtesy goes a long way. The signs at the trailhead spell out most of it:
- Stay to one side, especially in a group, and leave room for others to pass.
- Step off the stairs when you stop to rest. There are plenty of spots along the sides where you can sit down and catch your breath without blocking anyone.
- Never climb down the steps. Descending is strictly prohibited, and the people who did it anyway just got in the way of everyone coming up.
- Use headphones if you want to listen to music as you climb.
- Leave your dog at home. Pets aren’t allowed on the Incline.
- Don’t feed the wildlife, no matter how cute. As the sign says, a fed squirrel is a dead squirrel.
- Pack out everything you bring, including those empty energy chew wrappers.
- Smile and cheer people on. A quick “You’ve got this!” goes a long way at step 2,000.
12. Know Where the Bailout Points Are
There’s no shame in tapping out. The Incline has three bailout points that let you leave the steps and hike back down on an easier trail. Not every tie is numbered, but milestone markers along the way (400, 1,000, 1,400, and so on) help you keep track of where you are.
- Step 395: The first bailout connects to the Ute Pass Trail on the right side of the Incline, a short 1/3-mile walk back to the base.
- Step 1,300: Around the halfway point, this one also connects to the Ute Pass Trail on the right side of the steps, with a 1.5-mile hike back down to the trailhead.
- Step 1,800: About two-thirds of the way up, the last bailout connects to the Barr Trail on the left of the Incline.
After step 1,800, you’re committed. The only way out is up, then down the Barr Trail. If you’re feeling rough around the halfway mark, take an honest gut check at step 1,300 before pushing on.
13. Beware the False Summit
From the bottom, the top looks closer than it is. What you’re actually seeing is a false summit. The closer you get, the more obvious it becomes that the steps keep going well beyond it. It’s a cruel little trick, and it gets almost everyone.
Don’t save your last burst of energy for what you think is the finish. Keep the same steady pace you’ve been using, and treat the false summit as a milestone, not the end. When you crest it and see more steps, take a break, have some water, and keep going. You’re closer than you were.
14. Take Photo Breaks (Your Excuse to Rest)
Nobody has to know you stopped because your glutes were on fire. Stop for a photo instead. The Incline has some of the best views around Colorado Springs, and most people never see them because they’re staring at the step in front of their face.
Every so often, turn around. Looking back down the steps, you’ll see Manitou Springs tucked into the valley, with the plains stretching all the way to the horizon. The higher you climb, the better it gets.
A few instagrammable shots to grab:
- The whole Incline from the trailhead, before you start (and before you know better).
- The long staircase from the lower section, with hikers for scale.
- Looking back down a steep stretch, with the town and plains below.
- Fall colors along the trail if you go in late September or October.
- The summit sign. You earned that one.
Keep your phone in an easy-to-reach pocket so you’re not digging through your pack. Step off to the side to shoot so you’re not blocking anyone.
15. Celebrate at the Summit
You made it. Take a minute to soak it in, because the view from the top of the Manitou Incline is the real reward. Colorado Springs and the plains stretch out below you, and in the fall, golden aspens frame the final steps like a finish-line banner.
Chris was already waiting at the top by the time Misha and I crested that last step. Nobody cared how long it took. Find the top marker for your summit photo (even though it says 2,768 instead of 2,744), drink some water, and reapply sunscreen before you head down. You’ve earned the bragging rights. Type II fun counts.
16. Hike Down Barr Trail, Not the Incline
Climbing down the Incline is strictly prohibited, and honestly, why would you want to? The steps are even scarier going down, and you’ll just get in the way of everyone still climbing up. Instead, follow the trail from the summit to the Barr Trail for the roughly 3.5-mile hike back down.
It’s a completely different experience. The Barr Trail is a well-graded dirt path that switchbacks gently down the side of Mount Manitou, with plenty of room to spread out. We loved the fall colors at the higher elevations. Just remember it’s long, it’s sunny, and it’s where I got most of my sunburn. Plan on another hour or more before you’re back at the trailhead.
17. Watch the Weather
Check the forecast a few days out, while you can still adjust your reservation, and again the morning of your climb. Colorado mountain weather changes fast, and the Incline gives you nowhere to hide.
- Afternoon thunderstorms: in summer, storms often build by early afternoon. The Incline is steep and exposed, so lightning is a real risk. Another reason to start early.
- Heat: hot days make the open stretches brutal. Plan for extra water, or choose a cooler day.
- Rain: wet railroad ties get slick, especially on the steepest sections and the tall steps.
- Snow & ice: winter and early spring can leave ties icy. Save your climb for a dry day.
- Temperature swings: it can be noticeably cooler and windier at the top, so stash a light layer in your pack.
What to Bring on the Manitou Incline Hike
You don’t need much for the Incline, but forgetting one of these can make a hard climb harder. Screenshot this list before you go.
Manitou Incline Essentials
- Water bottles in easy-to-reach pockets
- CamelBak Hydration Reservoir
- Light backpack for water & shed layers
- Sunscreen
- Hat or visor
- Sunglasses
- SPF lip balm
- Energy chews
- Hiking boots or athletic shoes with good grip
- A light layer for the summit on a chilly day
- Phone with your reservation screenshot (and Apple Pay for parking)
- Apple Watch to track your steps, heart rate, and elevation
- Hand sanitizer
Frequently Asked Questions
How many steps is the Manitou Incline?
The Manitou Incline has 2,744 steps. They climb 2,020 feet (616 m) in about a mile, and the steepest sections reach a 68% grade.
Do you need a reservation for the Manitou Incline?
Yes. Everyone in your group needs a free, timed reservation from Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services. Book ahead, especially for weekend mornings.
Is the Manitou Incline free?
The hike is free, but parking isn’t. Lots near the trailhead charge by the hour or offer flat-rate cash parking. A free shuttle from downtown Manitou Springs lets you skip the parking hassle.
How long does it take to climb the Manitou Incline?
Most hikers take one to two hours to reach the top. Allow another hour or so for the 3.5 miles (5.6 km) Barr Trail descent.
Can you hike down the Manitou Incline?
No. Hiking down the Incline isn’t allowed. Everyone should descend on the Barr Trail, which is longer but much easier on your knees.
Where do you park for the Manitou Incline?
Park at the Dillon Mobility Hub or Hiawatha Gardens and take the free Route 33 shuttle to the trailhead. Iron Springs Chateau is closer, with cash-only flat-rate parking. Skip the trailhead lots, which are reserved for Cog Railway riders.
Can beginners do the Manitou Incline?
Yes, if you pace yourself and take plenty of breaks. It’s steep and relentless, but there are three bailout points along the way, at steps 395, 1,300, and 1,800.
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Your Turn to Conquer the Manitou Incline Steps
The Manitou Incline hike is everything people say it is: steep, relentless, and absolutely worth bragging about once you’re back on flat ground. I’m glad I climbed it, I’m proud I finished, and I have zero plans to do it again. Now it’s your turn. Book your reservation, start early, pace yourself, and don’t be shy about using your hands.
If you want spectacular Colorado views without the 2,744 steps, there’s an easier way. This Pikes Peak Cog Railway & Garden of the Gods tour takes you to the top of America’s Mountain and through one of Colorado’s most iconic parks, no railroad ties or glute burn required.
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