Welcome to the Manitou Incline!

The Manitou Incline—affectionately known as “The Incline”—is one of Colorado’s most iconic and challenging hiking trails. Gaining 2,000 feet of elevation in less than a mile via 2,768 steep steps, it offers a heart-pounding workout with unmatched views as your reward.
Originally constructed as a cable car track to transport materials for building pipelines on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, the Incline later became a scenic ride for visitors eager to take in the panoramic views of Colorado Springs and the eastern plains.
In 1990, a rockslide damaged part of the track, leading to its closure. The rails were removed, but the remaining railroad ties soon became an unofficial stairway for adventurous locals seeking a serious physical challenge. For years, access was limited due to private property concerns—until February 2013, when a unique public-private partnership finally made the Incline legally accessible to all.
Today, the Manitou Incline stands as a bucket-list experience for fitness enthusiasts, travelers, and locals alike—offering both a demanding ascent and a deep connection to the region’s natural and historical landscape.
Free Reservations Required
Hours & Reservations
Hours of Operation | |
---|---|
Winter Hours - November 1 - April 30: 6 a.m. - 3 p.m. | 45 reservations per 1/2 hour |
Summer Hours - May 1 - October 31: 6 a.m.- 6 p.m. | 45 reservations per 1/2 hour |
Access to the Manitou Incline is not permitted outside of the above posted hours. Please be advised: The Manitou Incline has occasional closures due to special events or maintenance. For closure announcements, click here.
Reservations Required for the Manitou Incline
To help preserve the trail and enhance the experience for all visitors, a free online reservation is required before hiking the Manitou Incline. This system helps manage the number of users on the trail throughout the day.
Reservation Schedule
Reservations for the upcoming month become available on the 1st of each month.
Arrival Window
- The 30-minute time slot you choose is simply your arrival window, giving you enough time to make final preparations for the difficult hike ahead. There is no time limit to complete your climb—hike at your own pace and enjoy the journey.
Cancellations
If you can no longer make it to your reservation, no further action is required. Please feel free to come back another time that works for you and be sure to make a reservation accordingly.
Parking
Plan to arrive in time to find parking and allow plenty of time to get to the base on the Incline.
Where to park:
Dillon Mobility Hub (Preferred option)
- Location: 134 Manitou Ave.
- 91 parking spaces, including four ADA-accessible spots and is open 5:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Parking is $5 daily for the duration of a vehicle’s stay (no overnight parking is permitted)
Transit & Shuttle Connections:
To support alternative transportation and reduce vehicle traffic downtown, Mountain Metropolitan Transit (MMT) and local shuttles will serve the Dillon Mobility Hub:
Route 3: Dillon Mobility Hub to Hiawatha Lot
- Mon–Fri: 5:38 AM – 10:04 PM (Every 30 minutes)
- Sat: 6:38 AM (early shuttle), 7:34 AM – 6:34 PM (every 30 minutes), 6:34 PM – 9:34 PM (every 60 minutes)
- Sun: 8:34 AM – 5:34 PM (Every 30 minutes)
Fare: $1.75 per adult (discounts available)
- Free Summer Fares for all MMT rides run June 1, 2025 - August 31, 2025
- Riders will return to the Dillon Mobility Hub by utilizing the stop at Manitou Ave & Beckers Lane and walk ½ block west to the lot
Manitou Springs Dillon Mobility Hub Info Video
Hiawatha Gardens Parking Lot
- Location: 10 Old Man’s Trail
- See Parking Rates - Make sure to get a parking pass from the meter, tear the ticket on the marked line, leave the top part of your ticket on your dash and take the bottom section with you as your proof of parking. Enter your phone number when making your reservation to receive alerts when your parking is about to expire and extend if needed. Visit the Manitou Springs website for more information regarding parking at the Hiawatha Gardens lot.
- The free shuttle runs from Hiawatha Gardens to the Incline between the hours of 6:00am and 6:00pm:
- Approximately every 20 minutes between these times
- Masks are no longer required to board the bus, but riders are welcome and encouraged to wear them
- The shuttle does not run on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day or New Year’s Day
- If you do not wish to wait why not walk to the Incline and add to your hike! A map from parking to the Incline can be found here.
Iron Springs Chateau Parking
- Location: 444 Ruxton Avenue
- Fee-based parking - Make sure to get a parking pass from the attendant.
- Parking is $15 per car for 4 hours - cash only
- Parking is on a first come first served system
- May close early if a show is scheduled. Follow them on Facebook for closure announcements.
Where not to park:
- Incline users are not allowed to park in Barr Lot. Barr Lot is only available to users seeking access to the National Forest, via Barr Trail. You will not be granted access to the Incline if you park in Barr Lot.
- Parking along Ruxton Avenue and Winter St. is only for Residential Parking Permits (RPPs), which are issued by Manitou Springs. Parking on Ruxton Avenue and Winter St. without a Residential Parking Permit will result in a parking ticket.
Rules
- Smoking prohibited
- No pets allowed
- Littering prohibited - reusable water bottles are recommended
- Creation or use of undesignated trails prohibited. Please DO NOT shortcut your journey as you come down Barr Trail or the Northern Return Trail.
- Open fires and burning prohibited
- For your safety and the safety of others, do not climb down the Manitou Incline (use alternate trails for your downhill journey)
- Do not feed any of the wildlife you encounter on your hike. Feeding wildlife decreases their life span & disrupts the ecosystem.
- Respect other visitors; keep a safe distance whenever possible and use headphones if listening to music
Be Prepared & Plan Ahead
This is a vigorous and intense hike, complete with a false summit! The trail is recommended for physically active people and those adjusted to the elevation. Although the trail is just one mile in length, it is a 2,000 ft elevation gain straight up a steep, uneven staircase!
Watch this virtual hike from the Trails and Open Space Coalition to get an idea of what to expect.
Are you ready? Please plan ahead and prepare!
- Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen.
- Make sure to properly hydrate by drinking water the evening before your reservation.
Check the weather. Summer thunderstorms are common in this area; you do not want to be on the Incline when lightning is present.
- Wear appropriate attire; sturdy hiking boots/tennis shoes, hat, and sunscreen
- Visiting from a lower elevation? Allow your body to properly acclimate a few days before hiking the Incline.
- Due to safety reasons, dogs are not permitted on the Incline. Remember to leave your pet at home.
Bail Out Points
This trail is no joke, and the elevation affects everyone differently. Listen to your body and if the trail is too much, don't be afraid to head back down using either of the below bail out points:
- At railroad tie number 396, you can connect to Ute Pass trail for a quick 1/3 of mile back to the trailhead.
- At railroad tie number 1300, the approximate halfway point of the Incline, you can again connect to the Ute Pass trail for a 1.5-mile hike back to the base.
Leave No Trace
The City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services department is proudly partnered with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics in order to promote environmental stewardship and safeguard the natural, cultural, and historical resources that make Colorado Springs such a fantastic place to live and visit. Follow the Leave No Trace Seven Principles to help keep our parks, trails, and open spaces healthy and sustainable. Learn more at lnt.org
![]() | Plan ahead and prepare. A little preparation goes a long way! Do you have enough water and snacks? Are you acclimated to the elevation? Checking the forecast and reading the Manitou Incline regulations will help prepare you for your ascent. |
![]() | Travel on durable surfaces. The only thing easy about this trail is that you never have to worry about getting lost! As you make your way up, please stay on the clear path of travel. Veering off-trail contributes to erosion which could cause a slippery slope indeed. |
![]() | Dispose of waste properly. Use trash receptacles or pack out what you packed in to ensure a beautiful experience for all to enjoy. Plastic water bottles and chewing gum remain the most littered items on the trail; set a good example for other users by packing yours out! Food scraps, such as orange peels and nut shells, are litter too and should be packed out. |
![]() | Leave what you find. From cool looking rocks to historical railroad features, the Manitou Incline is full of fascinating finds! Remember to take pictures of these fun items and leave them where they are for other trail users to discover and enjoy. |
![]() | Be careful with fire. Sparks and thickly vegetated areas do not mix well. Fires, grilling, and smoking are prohibited at the Manitou Incline. Help us protect this unique area from unnecessary wildfires. |
![]() | Respect wildlife. Please observe all wildlife, including those cute chipmunks, from safe distances and never feed them. Feeding wildlife ruins their health, alters their natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers. |
![]() | Be considerate of others. Practice recreational empathy! Enhance the experience of other Incline visitors by sharing the trail and putting in headphones to reduce noise pollution for wildlife and other hikers. |
Incline Friends

Incline Friends is a volunteer-based nonprofit that partners with the Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department to help maintain and protect the Manitou Incline. Their mission is to preserve this iconic trail as a premier outdoor destination while promoting responsible use and community stewardship.
Incline Friends hosts regular volunteer events focused on trail maintenance, sustainability, and education—inviting the community to play an active role in caring for the Incline. Through advocacy and hands-on support, they help ensure this beloved trail remains a valued resource for generations to come.
FAQs
When is a reservation required to hike the Manitou Incline?
The City of Colorado Springs requires a reservation 7 days a week between the hours of 6:00am and 6:00pm May1st-October 31st, and between 6:00am and 3:00pm November 1st-April 30th. Accessing the Incline outside these hours year-round is prohibited.
Where do I check in?
The reservation system is a tool that allows staff to forecast volume and communicate with Incline users, it is not a ticketing system, therefore attendants do not check reservations on-site and cancellations are not needed.
How far in advance can I make a reservation?
The Reservation system allows for reservations to be made up to 8 weeks in advance. On the 1st of every month, the following month’s reservations are open and available, along with the current month. Make a reservation here.
How much does a reservation cost?
A reservation to hike the Manitou Incline is free.
I have a big group that would like to hike the Incline. Do you allow for larger parties?
We do not allow parties larger than 8 people.
We're running a little behind schedule. What should we do?
No worries! Take your time and arrive safely.
What if we can’t make it to our reservation, how do we cancel?
If you can no longer make it to your reservation, no further action is required. Please feel free to come back another time that works for you and be sure to make a reservation accordingly.
Can I still hike the Incline if there are no more reservations available for the date/time I need?
No. In order to hike the Incline, a reservation is required.
Where do we park?
There are several parking options. Check out the Parking Tab on this webpage to view all the options.
Are pets allowed? What if I can carry them in my backpack during my hike?
There are no pets allowed on the Incline. This is a very highly trafficked hike that is dangerous for pets.
Are there trash cans on the Incline?
There are no trash receptacles on the incline. Pack it in pack it out: take your trash out with you and dispose of it on your way out at the trashcan located at the trailhead.
Is there a Management Plan for the Manitou Incline?
There is a Management Plan is in place for the Manitou Incline to guide its long-term care, sustainability, and user experience through coordinated efforts among partner agencies. You can view the Manitou Incline Management Plan and the Plan Appendices here.

By receiving this highest standard of recognition, Gold Standard Sites are exemplary models, encouraging other public lands to ensure that Leave No Trace education is part of everyone’s experience when spending time outdoors. Learn more about what it means to be a Gold Standard Site here.