Climbing the Manitou Incline: 2,768 Steps of Grit and Glory
If there’s one challenge that perfectly blends grit, sweat, and a breathtaking payoff, it’s the Manitou Incline — one of Colorado’s most iconic climbs. This trail isn’t really a trail at all, but a staircase of 2,768 steps straight up a former cable car track in Manitou Springs, CO.
Hikers, athletes, and everyday adventurers come from all over to test their limits here. And trust me — the Incline has a way of humbling even the fittest. Short in distance but brutal in effort, it’s the kind of adventure that humbles you, strengthens you, and leaves you at the top with a story to tell and an unforgettable sense of accomplishment.
Why Do It?
Because the Manitou Incline is more than just a climb. It’s short enough to tackle in a morning, but steep and humbling enough to leave a lasting mark on your memory.
It’s also the perfect micro-adventure — short in mileage but packed with challenge, grit, and reward. In just a couple of hours, you’ll feel like you’ve lived a whole epic journey and walked away stronger for it.
Yes, it’s brutal. Yes, you’ll probably question your life choices somewhere around step 1,500.
But it forces you to dig deep, silence the doubts, and keep moving upward — step after relentless step.
And when you finally stand at the top, sweaty, tired, and buzzing with adrenaline, you realize you’ve conquered a challenge that tested every ounce of grit you had. If that’s not a metaphor for life’s toughest trials, I don’t know what is.
The Climb
The trail is straight up from the very first step. It eases you in — but only a little. The first stretch feels slightly more manageable, but don’t be fooled. The average grade hovers around 45%, with the steepest sections hitting a dizzying 68%.
The Incline starts at 6,530 ft elevation and tops out near 8,550 ft — that’s a 2,020 ft gain in under a mile (just 0.9 miles up).
At step 1,795, things shift from tough to downright mental. The steps grow taller, your legs burn, your lungs tighten — and it becomes all about willpower. The good news? By then you’re already two-thirds of the way done.
Beware the False Summit
Just when you think the finish line is within reach, beware the false summit. About three-quarters of the way up, the Incline tricks you — you’ll see what looks like the top, only to realize the stairs continue beyond it. Pace yourself and save strength for the final push.
How Long Does It Take?
- Average hiker: 60–90 minutes
- Fastest recorded time: 17 minutes, 16 seconds
- Others: 2–4 hours (and that’s perfectly fine — this climb is about perseverance, not pace)
Getting Down
As tempting as it might be to descend the stairs, don’t. It’s punishing on the knees, and you’ll be dodging the steady stream of climbers coming up.
Instead, take the Barr Trail down. This 3-mile path winds through gentle switchbacks, giving your legs a much kinder descent — and making room for the crowds still climbing up.
My Experience Climbing the Manitou Incline
I climbed the Incline on June 9, 2025. Knowing how exposed it is, I started at 6 AM to beat both the heat and the crowds. Even then, plenty of determined hikers were already filing onto the staircase, headlamps off, determination on.
The afternoon before, I felt an irresistible tug toward the Incline and almost attempted an impromptu climb — but the mountains had other plans. As I walked past the trailhead, the skies opened. Rain poured down, thunder cracked, and lightning lit up the ridge. My instincts told me to wait.
Instead, I spent the afternoon wandering the charming town of Manitou Springs.
Pro tip: The town is famous for its natural mineral springs, each with a unique flavor from varying mineral content. Stop by the Manitou Springs Visitor Center, grab a cup and a map, and go spring-hopping. It’s quirky, refreshing, and a fun way to acclimate before tackling the Incline.
The next morning, I felt ready. I’m fit, I love adventure, and I knew this wasn’t just a physical climb but a mental one too. Still, the Incline humbled me. I paced myself, stopping a few times to catch my breath and slow my heart rate. Even though I live at 7,200 ft in Northern New Mexico, the thin air still pressed heavy as I climbed higher.
Near step 1,800, survival mode kicked in — one steep step, a pause to catch my breath, then another burning push. It was proof that even the smallest progress, focusing on one single step at a time, can carry you all the way to the top.
The crowd was a fascinating mix: people clawing up the last stretch on all fours, and elite athletes cruising by as if gravity didn’t apply. Honestly, I was equally inspired by both — those grinding it out step by step and those sprinting with superhuman ease.
When I finally crested the last step, legs shaking and lungs heaving, the view down the staircase and across the valley was pure exhilaration. The Incline is no casual walk — but it’s proof that the hardest challenges are always worth chasing. It’s not just about the view at the top; sometimes it’s the reminder of what we’re capable of.
Practical Tips for Tackling the Incline
- Start early → Beat the heat and biggest crowds.
- Acclimate → Coming from sea level? Spend a day or two adjusting. This is as much a test of lungs and mindset as of legs.
- Bailout points → Exits onto Barr Trail exist at several points if you need to cut your climb short.
- Parking → Paid parking at the Iron Springs Chateau lot ($15), or park downtown and catch the free shuttle.
- Permits → The website says reservations are required, but this rule is no longer enforced (for now).
- Bathrooms → Facilities at the base, but none on the Incline itself.
- Water & sun protection → No shade, no water sources — bring your own and pace yourself.
- Safety → A sign at the trailhead warns: rescues can take up to 8 hours, and fatalities have occurred. Respect the trail, prepare well, and know your limits.
Final Thoughts
If you like testing your limits and want a bucket-list adventure you’ll never forget, climbing the Manitou Incline absolutely belongs on your list.
Would you take it on — or prefer to admire it from below? 👀✨
Looking for some inspiration? Scroll down for other epic bucket list adventures to add to your list.
Just getting your toes wet with adventuring? Try exploring some easier but breathtakingly beautiful waterfall hikes in Oregon…
Looking for other bucket list adventures in the Southwest? Check out these two blogs for some epic days in New Mexico…
Or if hot springs are more your jam, Riverbend Hot Spring Resort is always a solid choice!
