Looking down the Manitou Incline from the Barr Trail bailout

Trip blueprint

Climb the Manitou Incline

The Manitou Incline looks almost too obvious: a line of stairs rising straight up the slope. That is why people underestimate it. Treat it as a serious outdoor effort with reservations, water, known bailout points, and a real descent.

What it really is

Why the short route is difficult

The Incline’s distance is not the point. The sustained grade, altitude, and exposure make the route difficult. Its straight line up the slope makes that effort look deceptively simple from below.

Before starting, confirm the reservation, parking or shuttle plan, water, layers, both bailout points, and the Barr Trail descent. Leave the afternoon open until everyone is safely back at the trailhead.

Route effort

The stairs are only half the calculation.

Colorado Springs describes the Incline as a vigorous, intense hike: less than a mile, 2,768 steps, and about 2,000 feet of gain. The bailout and Barr Trail descent are part of the route, not backup trivia.

Vigorous / intense

Full Incline ascent

Distance: Less than 1 mile up the ties
Time: 60–120+ minutes up, depending on fitness and altitude
Effort: 2,768 steps and about 2,000 feet of gain

This is the bucket-list version for physically active hikers who are acclimated, hydrated, and ready to move slowly.

Hard start, easier exit

Early bailout

Distance: Tie 396 links to Ute Pass Trail for about 1/3 mile back
Time: A short exit once the climb is clearly wrong for the group
Effort: Enough stairs to test breathing and legs before the steeper upper route

Know the first Ute Pass Trail exit and use it when breathing, legs, heat, or altitude make continuing unsafe.

Strenuous

Halfway bailout

Distance: Tie 1300 connects to about 1.5 miles back to the trailhead
Time: Plan at least another hour once the group leaves the stairs
Effort: A real descent after a hard first half of the Incline

This is still a hike, not a quick escape; tired legs need daylight, water, and patience.

Moderate to strenuous

Barr Trail descent

Distance: Several downhill miles after the summit; do not descend the Incline
Time: Often 60–90+ minutes after topping out
Effort: Sustained downhill on trail after the stair climb

Reaching the top is only the midpoint. Save knees, water, and daylight for the Barr Trail return.

Four choices decide the climb

Reservation first

Use the official reservation system and check current rules before the trip. The Incline is popular because it is simple to understand, not because it is casual.

Start slower than the stairs suggest

The first steps can feel manageable before the sustained grade takes over. Carry water, begin conservatively, and let faster hikers pass.

Know the bailout

The tie 396 and tie 1300 exits connect to Ute Pass Trail. Learn both before starting and take one if the climb is wrong for the group.

Descend correctly

The usual descent is Barr Trail, not turning around on the ties. Save enough legs and daylight for the walk down.

Cal's rule

Start early and keep the afternoon light

Morning usually brings cooler temperatures and fewer competing commitments. If the group finishes strong, walk Manitou Avenue. If the climb takes everything, sit down for water and a meal.

Breakfast before

Choose coffee and food early enough that the reservation is not a scramble.

Water after

Return to town and sit down before making the next decision.

Save Garden of the Gods for another morning

Do Garden of the Gods on another morning if the Incline takes the group to its limit.

Who should skip it

Skip the Incline if anyone in the group is treating it as a photo errand, has not prepared for a hard climb, or needs substantial energy for later plans. Garden of the Gods, the Cog Railway, Red Rock Canyon Open Space, and downtown Manitou all give better returns for travelers who want scenery without a test.

Where to recover

Come back into Manitou for coffee, breakfast, or a slow lunch. The goal is not only reaching the top; it is completing Barr Trail safely and having enough energy to enjoy lunch.

Find the recovery meal