Manitou Incline

The Manitou Incline, located in Manitou Springs, Colorado, is a steep hiking trail that offers a challenging physical experience with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Originally constructed in 1907 as a narrow-gauge funicular railway to transport materials for a hydroelectric plant, the incline later served as a tourist attraction before operations ceased in 1990. Today, visitors navigate 2,768 steps that ascend nearly 2,000 vertical feet over a distance of less than a mile. The trail features steep grades ranging from 43% to 68%, making it a demanding workout for hikers, runners, and athletes.

Access to the Incline is free, though a free advance reservation is required, and it is open daily with seasonal hours. The trailhead is at the top of Ruxton Avenue in Manitou Springs, beside the Pikes Peak Cog Railway depot. As you climb, the trail provides sweeping vistas of Colorado Springs and the eastern plains, offering a rewarding perspective for those who complete the ascent. The site remains a significant landmark in the region, visible from many vantage points in the area. While the original railway rails have been removed, the remaining railroad ties form the steps that locals and visitors use for recreation. The Incline attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, serving as a popular destination for those seeking an extreme outdoor challenge. Its history as both an industrial transport route and a scenic ride adds cultural depth to the hiking experience, connecting modern visitors to the area’s past.