Manitou Springs Incline

DESCRIPTION: From the Barr Trail Parking lot, head north up a trail that begins at the northeast corner of the parking lot. Climb until you reach the ties, which look like stairsteps to the clouds. If you parked near or below the Cog Railway station, walk through the railway parking lot. The very bottom of the Incline is on the north side of the lot. The Incline pitch will reach 45 degrees plus and you'll have to lift your knees high on some of the steps. This is a great workout, known by athletes across the country. But almost anyone can reach the top if you pace yourself. Barr Trail touches the Inline about halfway up (you can see the wood-rail fencing to the left) offering a nice bailout point if you are really tired or out of time. Barr trail will take you back to the trailhead and your vehicle. Once past the Barr Trail bailout, the Incline becomes very steep. A false summit with torment you when you realize there is still about 1/4-mile (maybe a little more) to climb, but the grade is easier on the final push to the top. Once there, the view makes all the work worth the effort. A social trail, that leads to Barr Trail can be accessed immediately to the left of the Incline summit. For a longer trip down, continue to walk west/northwest and access a service road which winds to the southwest and eventually connects with Barr. Hang a left to return (three miles) to the Barr Trail trailhead. Go right to Barr Camp and the summit of Pikes Peak.

DIRECTIONS: Take Manitou Blvd. west through downtown Manitou Springs. Hang a left on Ruxton and drive toward Cog Railway station. To find the Barr Trail parking lot and trailhead, drive past the railway station about 1/8 of a mile to Hydro St. and take a right up this very short and steep paved road. Good luck finding a parking spot, as the area has become extremely popular, even on weekdays. Parking below on Ruxton may be a better plan. Don't park in the Cog Railway parking areas. That's asking for trouble.

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