Manitou Incline / Mount Manitou

Distance:	2.2 - 4.5 miles
Type:	Rough Loop
Vertical Gain:	1,100 - 2,200 ft
Difficulty:	Strenuous

Topographical Map:

Elevation Profile:

Bailout Loop (Red):	2.2 Miles	1,100 Vertical feet
Standard Loop (Green):	3.7 Miles	2,000 Vertical feet
Long Loop (Blue):	4.5 Miles	2,200 Vertical feet

Trailhead:
To reach the trailhead take Business 24 through Manitou Springs. Near the center of historic Manitou Springs you will come to a round-a-bout (rotary) where you can turn onto Ruxton Avenue. Take Ruxton southwest towards the Cog Railway. On days that parking is not too busy you can go to the Barr Trail parking lot. (Currently free but a fee may apply soon.) This lot is just beyond the cog railway parking. Look for a right turn after the Manitou powerstation. This parking lot frequently fills up. If it is full, DO NOT park in the Cog Railway parking. They will tow you. If that lot is full it's best to head back down to Ruxton and find parking on the side of the road there. Be sure to park legally, lots of tickets get issued to illegally parked cars here.

Get Google directions to the Trailhead:

Trail Summary:

Warning: This trail crosses private property
Currently efforts are in progress to make this a public trail. However until then, if you hike this trail you are treaspassing.(Read more.)

If you parked in the Barr Trail Parking lot, head North up the hillside using the trail that has been developed. Continue North until you reach the old railroad bed. If you parked on Ruxton hike towards the base of the incline through a parking lot across from the Cog Railway station. Access the trail either between the old station and a chain link fence, or find an access trail at the southwest end of the parking lot.

The rails have been pulled up, however most of the old ties remain. Hike west on the railroad bed. The trail is obvious before you as it ascends the mountian. The slope of this trail will reach 50 degrees at one point, which is why so many people use this trail for a workout. It will test your strength and endurance. If the trail proves to be too much there is a bail-out point halfway up where the Barr trail is just across a gully from the incline trail. (Look for a brown log fence.) You will pass one false summit before you reach the remains of the old summit station. Most people find the views here to be all they need and head South down the hill to connect with the Barr trail and return to the parking lot. (I do not recommend hiking back down the incline trail, it's very hard on the knees and ascending hikers.) If you need more views use the map provided to find your way up to the Eagles Nest or Mount Manitou.

You are welcome to contact me with any questions regarding questions about, or problems with, this website. Just send me an e-mail at josh_friesema@hotmail.com.