HOW TO SURVIVE THE MANITOU INCLINE | COLORADO'S STEEPEST TRAINING TRAIL | ADVENTURE HYDROLOGY

[@abelalvarez1545]

Drove 15 hours to get to Manitou Springs from South Texas, was going to acclimate for 2 days before attempting but decided to go for it the next morning, early. It hurt but got it done in an hour and a half...hated it, but can't wait to do it again...

[@myrtlebeaching]

I am in North Texas and making this trip in July. I plan on going to acclimate for two days as well, but I feel like I'm gonna be like you and just go for it HA HA! congrats!

[@EmmaMurgatroyd]

I'm going in September, definitely training on the stair master until then!

[@thetwinswolff]

good call getting to CO early! Try to start as early as you can because July can be pretty hot and for sure just do it for fun

[@linnypoooh]

How did everyone's trip go? I'll also be driving in from North Texas and plan on taking this challenge in mid October.

[@dsboli]

My first incline trip came in 1972. I cheated and actually rode the tram to the top! Then we hiked Barr Trail to the summit of Pikes Peak. Did in the Scouts. Leave Friday afternoon, ride tram, hike to Barr Camp, spend the night then hike from camp to the summit, eat lunch then hike back down to camp. Stay the night and pack out Sunday and ride the tram back down. Lots of fun. Did it two years in a row in my teens with my younger brother. It was a blast.

[@LouiseR-d2n]

Went to Manitou a few weeks back and climbed the incline...60 years old and proud of myself for doing it!!!

[@TheGiveittomeall]

I'm proud of you for it! I'm planning on doing it November next year after I train and drop weight. I'm 55 now.

[@thetwinswolff]

Great work!!

[@jenniferfunk2760]

👏👏👏 congratulations, I use to hike this last time I was in my early 40s. Being 50 now I’m not sure I could anymore. Maybe 🤔 you have given me hope. Thank you 🙏🏻 😊

[@disco_phial]

I first hiked the Incline about 5 years ago, and I'm planning to go back for round 2 on my 40th next year! I'll definitely be more prepared this time, and I can't wait! Love that feeling of accomplishment!

[@thetwinswolff]

Great!! Good luck setting a new personal record!!

[@joellen3666]

Can you share some of the things that make you think you were not prepared enough? I am prepping myself for it.

[@disco_phial]

@@joellen3666 Hey Joelle! Yes, sure! For myself, while I was hiking some steep trails multiple times a week in advance, in CT we definitely don't have the elevation that CO has. I probably could have looked for trails here with steeper inclines to get ready! When I did the Manitou Incline I definitely needed more water/electrolytes (one 20oz bottle was not enough for me!), and would have packed more than a single protein bar to replenish some energy during the hike (some fruit or energy bites maybe). I know my body better now! Good luck and I hope you have an amazing experience! Getting to the top makes it all worth it!

[@joellen3666]

@@disco_phial Thank you!

[@scotmandel6699]

@@disco_phial one 20 oz bottle wouldn't be enough for anybody.

[@moniquet2504]

My son did it 6 times in one day a few days ago, as a personal challenge. If not for the heat, I’m guessing he would’ve done more. Watching this video, I’m even more proud of him; that thing is steep!

[@adamz0037]

I’d bet money he didn’t do it 6 times lmao

[@Coffee_and_Travels]

When I lived there, the incline would call out to me- Then right before I left I accepted the challenge and I conquered the incline. When I reached the top I said that was it for me- one and done. Now I feel the challenge to beat my original time. The incline is a beast!!! I loved it and hated it at the same time and I am so glad I did it!!!

[@trickee4262]

did it again with my dad (one of the incline regulars) for Father's Day yesterday - I got a new PR for heart rate and climbing time. He barely broke a sweat and his heart rate was like he just went out for a brisk walk. I can barely walk today. He got 2 more reps in this morning.

[@thetwinswolff]

How are you walking now?? Ready to get it again?

[@trickee4262]

@@thetwinswolff I have bad knees to begin with, so I bike to lessen the impact. I'll get another one before he hits his 500 for the year :)

[@thetwinswolff]

@@trickee4262 Awesome work!

[@laurenclark1394]

Drove from Dallas to do it. My fiance wants to do it…I’ll watch 😂

[@thetwinswolff]

you can go up the Barr trail and give support - and food and water hahah

[@glogang4445]

I'm from Denver, and the tourists always look at me crazy when they see me running down the Barr trail from the top of the incline in one go xD I love the elevation of Colorado!

[@jillianwilliams1]

I'm a native and you are AMAZING!

[@thetwinswolff]

Crazy can be a good thing!

[@glogang4445]

i try to go once a week :) thank you guys!

[@thetwinswolff]

@@glogang4445 Cheers!! Keep adventuring!!

[@thetwinswolff]

@@cringecommentcalculator5381 Hahah! Nope, but thanks for the comment!

[@arlingtonfreeman6028]

I hiked this in 2011, ran down the trail on the other side. Crazy 😆 The crazy part about running down the step incline is that there are natural obstacles on the trail like roots and large pieces of rock pertruding from the trail. You have to plan your steps while running to avoid these or you can really hurt yourself. Did this with a friend who recently retired from the Air Force there. Be safe my friends 😆

[@thetwinswolff]

Right?!!! Crazy kinda fun dodging nature

[@gotouguts2066]

I'm from Iowa and I hiked the Manitou Incline back in 2020. It was super difficult for me until about 1000 steps in, but it seemed to get easier the more I got acclimated to the altitude. Unless you physically can't go any further, don't turn around. It's very satisfying to finish and the view from the top is incredible.

[@thetwinswolff]

Excellent work!! And we totally agree. Once your body gets into a rhythm and you’re taking in the views, it’s worth the finish line!

[@JenTheHealthCoach]

I really want to try the incline. I live in Colorado Springs but I haven't been hiking at the Manitou incline yet.

[@lil.kaiakreations]

Just moved to Manitou Springs and just learning of this incline. Holy Crayola!! I'm getting winded just walking from my car to my front door, ha! Gotta give kudos to everyone who can make this hike!! 🧸❄️

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

At age 62 did in 1 hr 17 mins

[@tallicafan85]

ive climbed mt washington,NH 8 times. a fun hike but this one is going to be a challenge for me.. cant wait.

[@thetwinswolff]

The incline is super fun!! Take water and a hat… then rock it! 🙌

[@mikeoh712]

Coming to Colorado in June for Spartan Races. We're absolutely adding this! Cant wait. AROO

[@thetwinswolff]

That’s awesome! And you for sure need to add the incline to the list. It’s a great hike/run and worth the sweat 🙌🏽

[@tniia_6771]

Just a heads up to anyone who goes I felt really lightheaded and dizzy the first time I went up with my family so If u pass out easily then I would take the into account

[@thetwinswolff]

Great suggestion!

[@officiallykms]

Im in the Army and it was a pretty good challenge.

[@thetwinswolff]

Right?! And a fun challenge too!

[@culio544]

I hate the incline. My dad used to make me climb it for football training ... and back then it was closed to the public with a no tresspasing sign . I'm glad they fixed it up it used to be pretty run down and dangerous.

[@vackert31415]

Looking forward to following your channel.... I usually watch KZbin every morning and so I will be excited to see your new posts.... Susan from Colorado Springs....

[@thetwinswolff]

Thanks Susan! Looking forward to sharing new adventures soon! Stay tuned!

[@matthewkaltenhauser4224]

First time hiking the incline was as a kid, hated it. Boutta go back and do it againnn 👌🏻

[@virgo714]

Is this hike worst than the Stairway To Heaven from Oahu??

[@thetwinswolff]

The stairway to Heaven is for sure steep… and super humid with some scary side steps. This one isn’t too long but it’s silly steep with really big steps. No danger of falling off or slipping. But it can get pretty hot during the summer and elevation is a factor for sure. So I’d say it’s equally as hard if not a bit harder.

[@tyleryoung6374]

about to do this hike and then after drive pikes peak, hopefully legs wont be shivering too much lol

[@thetwinswolff]

Good luck!! 🙌🙌

[@KCM1]

I’m a Colorado Native and after getting sick with a really bad infection, it impacted my lungs severely. I have asthma now and it’s really hard for me when it comes to cardio/incline/run now 😔 I’m only 20. Idk how to increase my stamina or do better with breathing. I badly want to do this (I work out everyday) but my breathing control sucks. Anyone got tips for this??

[@thetwinswolff]

Have you asked your Dr about getting an inhaler? That could help! And maybe biking could help. it allows for passive recovery and your gears can help lessen the aerobic burden. And recovery from a bad infection takes time. The incline isn't going anywhere. Nor are our Colorado mountains. ease back into adventure... it will be waiting for you.

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

Try Golden Colorado hikes and get used to altitude...try biking Green Mt in Golden or Dakota Ridge with the added attraction of Dinosaur Footprints...also there s a shorter easier Incline in Castle Rock between Manitou and Denver

[@Stacy-y4g]

How can I train for this living in Texas where there is no elevation? I’m a 120 pound female and not sure I have the leg strength to make it to the top. I need some kind of training before attempting it.

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

Nope lots of women do...just walk up lots of stairs...but you need to get used to the altitude for a few days and get lots of water...They do have some bailout points if you can't make the top

[@Stacy-y4g]

@@DENVEROUTDOORMAN Ok. Thank you! It’s on my list to do this fall.

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

@user-ck4el2cc9b and in Parker halfway to Springs is a park with the little incline...shorter not as steep and easier...with ziplines to go down (for an added price) although the hike itself is free..you could test yourself on that

[@whoatethechocolate]

What kind of shoes were y'all wearing? Would a light hiking shoe be good or do your legs feel like tree trunks no matter what you wear?

[@thetwinswolff]

We wore trail running shoes to get extra traction. And yep, Tree trunk legs either way but any incremental help, never hurts! Happy climbing!

[@whoatethechocolate]

@@thetwinswolff Thanks so much. Loved the video.I'll be heading out there in November😁

[@proverbalizer]

I plan to do it in 45 minutes

[@pologrj]

How long does it take to get to the top?

[@lizbethrodriguez7550]

Do you have to be athletic or in real good shape to be able to do the incline ? Or will you have trouble breathing & other bigger issues ? I want to do it for my first time

[@thetwinswolff]

Being athletic can help but you don't have to be super fit to do the incline. The trail is quite exposed and gets hot so we recommend you start early. Stretch beforehand because you have a bunch of big steps to tackle. Bring lots of water!! At least 1 liter but I recommend more (again it gets hot and you can always water a plant if you feel like it's too heavy or better yet, pour it on yourself to cool off). Wear comfy close toe shoes - no sandals and a hat. Eat breakfast (remember early start) and take some Tylenol to preempt a headache/muscle aches. Just know you don't have to rush so take your time and enjoy the climb!!

[@AquarianNomadic]

Take your time and you'll be okay. The trail back down takes a lot longer than you think it should and it's also a hike.

[@DLIX2DCLI]

If you're a smoker don't try it, unless you just want to walk up to a certain point and turn back it's fine. If you don't smoke and like to go out for walks give it a try. I'm not an athlete and don't have much of a stamina but I made it to the top of the Incline! 😁

[@DLIX2DCLI]

@bballfan1021 I would not recommend it though, because you could be huffing and puffing in the middle of the climb.

[@culio544]

Dependes on fitness, if you're out of shape you might puke a few times but you can always take the halfway point down

[@donaldtrumpy5914]

It's like Kokohead Hiking Trail in Hawaii

[@macbrebonicks8668]

If the incline does not kill an allergic reaction or unknown heart condition will. People each time I have hiked the incline Emergency services have been called.

[@wesleylittleton2946]

the mountain hat is cool. Do you sell them?

[@thetwinswolff]

We don't but you can use our discount code to snag one from SundayAfternoons Hats! The code is: adventurehydrology22

[@Blue_collar_Training432]

I’m coming from sea level can I do the incline the same day I arrive in Denver ? I’m in pretty good shape and do middle distance triathlons

[@thetwinswolff]

Yep! It’s a short hike (.8 miles). Just take your time on the up (2,000 feet). Start early. Bring lots of water, snacks, and a hat. Take pauses when you need to, which should be often. It’s not about conquering the incline… it’s about surviving. Since it’s your first time, you will set a PR either way! 🙌🏼 Good luck!

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

Probably...there is a Incline in Castlerock shorter, not as steep, and has also ziplines

[@johnziccarelli8823]

And I thought climbing The Willis Tower in Chicago was tough...ha!

[@bxndsmartin]

I went up the incline when I was 8 or 9 and I went down the bair trail

[@c976061]

do have to go down the barr trail or can you go back down the stairs?

[@thetwinswolff]

You can go back down the stairs but but its highly recommended that you take the Barr. That said, check local rules as things are always a bit dynamic at the Incline. :)

[@ashleygutierrez8305]

Local here- you can take the stairs down but as he said it’s super steep, and recommended and super beautiful for to you take Barr. You can run down Barr or walk it’s a lovely reward for the incline climbers!!

[@dystopiaisutopia]

You can't go down the Incline, it's against the rules.

[@rayoloco1728]

Iam going there in a month, my main concern is to miss a step or lose my balance and fall down, will I keep rolling down and hurt my self bad?

[@thetwinswolff]

Not at all! They’ve done a great job making sure that the trail/steps are solid and open. Just take your time and you should be fine

[@heyitstyler5194]

I just did it three times in one day today

[@thetwinswolff]

Great work! We plan to go back and do the same

[@mfenix911]

my record was 40 minutes in the Army when I was 19 back in 2005....lol

[@thetwinswolff]

Awesome!! What do you think your time would be now??

[@mfenix911]

@@thetwinswolff I'd probably have a heart attack 1/4 of the way up lol. last time i did it 10 years ago in 1.5 hours

[@thetwinswolff]

@@mfenix911 let’s go back then!! We can all have a heart attack. Then beers afterwards 😜

[@mfenix911]

@@thetwinswolff lol, I'll go up again in may when it's not covered in snow >D

[@rico760]

Let’s race up

[@thetwinswolff]

Lets!

[@DavidIrthum]

Whoa, you got my respect 🙏 👏 🙌!

[@thetwinswolff]

Cheers!! 🙌🏽🙌🏽 Going back this summer to repeat the leg destruction and talk adventure! Hope to catch ya there

[@panhialee8588]

I did koko head in Hawaii. Do you think this one is more extreme?

[@thetwinswolff]

I don't think the Incline is extreme... just very steep and elevation can really get to you. All in all it's a safe-ish trail!

[@BrianaFohn]

For school I have to do 30 minutes of excersize, and we did a small one and I was dead

[@thetwinswolff]

You have to go back and do it again! It will make you stronger!

[@junkmail4819]

I’m from Colorado and hoping to hike it this weekend. Been wanting to but get scared every time! 🤞🏾

[@thetwinswolff]

Don’t be scared!! It’s a blast! Carry a bunch of water (minimum of 2 liters - think big soda bottle), bring a hat, extra layers (fleece/jacket), maybe some extra socks, and snacks. Then take your time, enjoy the view and conquer the incline! 🙌

[@husky2423]

Did you do it!

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

Just run up it's easy

[@FullBelief]

How long was the hike back down

[@trickee4262]

Some come back down the incline, others come back on the Barr trail, about 3-3.5 miles back to the base of the mountain.

[@thetwinswolff]

Took us about an hour and 15 minutes to get down via the Barr Trail

[@appliedknowledgepro]

Going on my first hike this weekend. Any tips?

[@thetwinswolff]

Of course!! Bring extra water, a change of socks (in case your feet get muddy / wet), carry healthy (or unhealthy) snacks to keep your energy up, and make sure someone knows where you’re going and when you will be back. If you’re tackling the incline, take your time, enjoy the view and bring extra layers (something you can add to the tips above). Once you start going you will warm up. But when you take breaks, it’s great to throw on a layer to stay toasty and make sure the sweat / chill doesn’t get to you. Happy adventuring!! 🙌🙌

[@appliedknowledgepro]

@@thetwinswolff wow. It's no game at all. Thank you

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

Life insurance and note from next of kin

[@appliedknowledgepro]

@@DENVEROUTDOORMAN 😄🤣

[@tylernero6671]

The incline is pikes peak granite

[@thetwinswolff]

Very true! Thanks for adding that to the comments!

[@hardchooligan]

I just noticed a typo in the boxes that pop up(I've watched this several times) lol

[@thetwinswolff]

Hahah! Oops! Appreciate both the heads up on the typo and your rewatching the adventure!! Hope you keep coming back! Cheers. :)

[@cherylwurtz3787]

.88 Not .08

[@positivitytravels]

Omg some of the fire guys and I will be doing it soon! That looks like no joke 🤣

[@thetwinswolff]

It is not!But It's blast to try!

[@positivitytravels]

@@thetwinswolff we did it on 9/11 in bunker gear! It was terrible. Soo hot! Everyone crashes afterwards hahahaha

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

Nah it's easy...especially when you get to the maximum steepness of 68% and you can't see the top cause of the false summit

[@redrojo22911]

Is the only way back down the same way you came up?

[@thetwinswolff]

Once you reach the top you can hike down the Barr Trail... nice and easy way down.

[@scotmandel6699]

@@thetwinswolff It more like you must, you cannot go down the way you came up.

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

Nope just take chairlift down

[@sandravasquez4458]

What shoes do you recommend for that hiking?

[@thetwinswolff]

Any broken-in tennis shoes should be fine. The dust and rocks can be a bit annoying so we recommend "higher than ankle" socks but generally you should be just fine with your normal walkabout gear!

[@jennyhuynh8785]

wondering how you guys come down?? Zip line?

[@thetwinswolff]

the Barr trail meets at the top and is a super easy hike down. but a zip line wound be a blast

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

Chairlift down wanna bye a ticket lol...Barr trail is easy

[@AquarianNomadic]

There's a trail that winds down around the back of the mountain. However your legs will be rubber and hiking down gets a little ugly 😂

[@miggetymike1]

3-minute time lapse of the incline: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6vMgYKogdRnrJI

[@Deathbyomega]

I’m from Texas and went to Colorado to spend time with a girlfriend for a few weeks and I had to back out a little over halfway thru at the last checkpoint 😂 I forgot what it’s called but somebody told me it was the pussy exit. It was so steep I had an anxiety attack looking back down so I had to stop.

[@thetwinswolff]

The INCLINE will be waiting for your triumphant return! Rock it next round

[@shellyc1981]

What was your time?

[@thetwinswolff]

Videotaping the second round, 1.5 hours. First time up, 55 min. :)

[@mannybjj]

Is this open during the winter time?

[@thetwinswolff]

I believe it is but is very condition dependent. Also, check COVID restrictions since they randomly close it if the need arises.

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

Yup everyday

[@mikacruz7531]

Is there a second way down after you get to the top

[@thetwinswolff]

Yep! It’s the Barr Trail. Easy way down on a nice solid (not crazy steep) down hill

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

Parachute or hang glide or take Barr Trail up Pikes Peak and bike or take train down

[@williambreen4290]

How far exactly is the incline from Colorado Springs?

[@thetwinswolff]

Not far. About 6 miles or so if you drive. We recommend biking! 33 min via two wheels :)

[@Trebor-gw8lt]

Lawd!

[@johnnierodriguez8364]

How do you get back down ?

[@user-kl5gm8nm6r]

Same way you came up

[@2jfairladyz]

The Barr Trail goes from the base all the way to Pikes Peak. The Incline cuts in around mile 4 of the Barr Trail. So you could continue the other 8 miles up the trail to the peak or just take the short 4 miles down to the bottom.

[@thetwinswolff]

Actually down the Barr Trail...it runs along the steep incline

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

Jump

[@dystopiaisutopia]

Lol that's nothing. Mountain bike up Barr trail to the summit, do it! Only 7,750' of climbing. I did the Incline in 30 minutes.

[@thetwinswolff]

Love to go back and ride up the top with ya! Challenge?

[@dystopiaisutopia]

@@thetwinswolff Sounds fun but I already did it twice. Mount Elbert is more enjoyable. Plus there's no road on Elbert so you have to bike up. Little late in the year, maybe next July.

[@thetwinswolff]

@@dystopiaisutopia Summer it is! Been wanting to mtn bike Elbert for an adventure. Cheers!

[@blackhawks1870]

Has anyone ever seen a bear ?

[@thetwinswolff]

not sure! It’s a pretty busy trail so I would imagine bears avoid the area… That said I bet you someone seen one

[@TheRealPaul_Morphy]

Good content. I feel like the video could have been compiled and presented a little better, but it's still a 7 out of ten for me.

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

Nope should have been longer

[@onewithin1chava949]

Feel free to climb only if your lungs is able

[@Ilovecats-bb8de]

Oh hell naw!

[@thetwinswolff]

Hahah! yep

[@brennancahill6569]

Forget the past and live in the present with Christ or if you’ve not yet, turn to Him now! He’s waiting with open arms. He’s always been chasing you through every up and down. All you gotta do is turn around. 🙏✝️

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

No I'm God