How Hard Is The Manitou Incline?

[@brianvanmason5898]

I used to hike/run (the lower section) 15 yrs ago. The trail is much more "civilized" now. Back in the day there were large gaps between the railroad ties and in some sections, it was extremely challenging. This in natures ultimate stair master, and an absolutely fantastic workout. Glad you both made it to the top. Many will stop halfway and take the Barr trail back down.

[@Learningtotravel]

Wow, it sounds like you have some amazing memories from your hiking and running days on this trail! It's really interesting to hear how it has evolved over the years, becoming more 'civilized' as you mentioned. Those gaps between the railroad ties must have added an extra level of challenge and adventure. You're absolutely right in calling it nature's ultimate stair master - it's an intense workout for sure. We're proud to have made it to the top, and it's comforting to know that there's no shame in taking the Barr trail back down for those who need it. Your experience adds such a valuable perspective to how the trail has changed over time. Thanks for sharing your story with us!

[@Driver8takeabreak]

It'a absolutely wild to me that there is now timed entry. I lived in the Springs in the mid-2000s and yes the trail was a far cry from what it now is.Those gaps were tough and for a number of them you had to use your hands. It was also technically trespassing back in those days (but I guess parking was easier). Living at the Olympic Training Center, the Incline was a huge measuring stick the athletes used, as it was an interesting equalizer among different sports.

[@Learningtotravel]

@@Driver8takeabreak Wow, it's fascinating to hear about your experiences with the Manitou Incline from back in the day! It's incredible how much it has changed over the years, transitioning from a somewhat clandestine challenge to a formally recognized and regulated trail. The introduction of timed entry is indeed a testament to its popularity and the efforts to preserve its integrity. Your perspective, especially coming from the Olympic Training Center, adds a rich layer to the story of the Incline as not just a trail, but a benchmark of athletic endurance across various sports. Thank you for sharing these memories with us!

[@MM-sq5pf]

Yeah, I miss the bears

[@ampcenter1]

my daughter lives two blocks from the beginning of stairs. my 2 1/2 year old grandson did it to half way point. love the views.

[@Learningtotravel]

Wow, that’s impressive! Your grandson must be quite the little adventurer! The views from the Incline are definitely worth the effort. Thanks for sharing your story with us!

[@djdramatical]

The incline is pretty cool. We used to do it back in my younger days when it was free. Before the renovation. There weren't numbered ties, fancy informative signs or crowds. It was mostly military guys or hardcore athletes, OTC type. Then slowly tourists start coming. I remember people used to pass out, paramedics running up the stairs getting overwhelmed folks. Couple of fatalities too. Haven't been in years. Great workout for sure.

[@Learningtotravel]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience and for watching our video! It's awesome to hear from someone who's been tackling the Incline since before it became the spot it is today. We can only imagine what it was like before the renovations and the crowds started rolling in. It’s still free, but now it does require online registration. It’s pretty wild how much the vibe has changed over the years! We’re always amazed by how the Incline continues to draw in such a diverse mix of athletes, locals, and visitors. Glad to hear it was such a great workout for you back in the day-sounds like you have some serious stories! Thanks again for watching and sharing your memories with us. 🚶‍♂️💪

[@NatureDogRealms]

I just did the incline a few days ago! Loved the hike down even though it rained and hailed but thanks for sharing! Great footage😃

[@Learningtotravel]

Thank you! Appreciate you watching and leaving such a great comment. 😊

[@SteveAudra]

Wow, you get a real feel for the height with that shot looking back down! Neat! We also love the new intro!

[@Learningtotravel]

Thanks! Joyce has been experimenting with an intro so the feedback is appreciated.

[@DementedDistraction]

Hiked the incline yesterday, it's daunting when you're at the base looking up - and make no mistake, it's challenging. However, it's still deceptively challenging because there's no consistency in your stride; the steps are all uneven in their angle, spacing, and degree, so you have to constantly watch your step and put more effort into each individual step than you would on a normal staircase. The strain adds up quicker than you might realize, so pace yourself and don't hesitate to take a break if you feel the need.

[@Learningtotravel]

Very well described! Pacing yourself is key for sure. Nice job on the hike and thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Wibb14]

This is spot on. Just did it a week ago and this is true.

[@Learningtotravel]

It's so worth it, though, right?

[@lifesgood8055]

Wow, never heard of this place. Looks amazing. Thanks for the video.

[@Learningtotravel]

Thanks for watching!

[@DonPerriello]

Great video! You two made it look easy! My wife and I have to stop for breaks a dozen different times to catch our breath and regroup. lol

[@Learningtotravel]

Thanks. It was probably movie magic that allowed us to make it look easy. 😎

[@deejaymalta]

I was stationed there with the Air Force from 2008 to 2013. I did the incline probably 30 times. Damn I miss it.

[@Learningtotravel]

The Incline would make for some good PT! That view at the top is so worth it! Thanks for watching and leaving a comment! Fly - Fight - Win!

[@larrywatley5080]

I hiked up the incline in June 2018. I don't remember seeing the steps marked when I was there, but maybe I overlooked it. It was definitely challenging, but there were some amazing views as I hiked back down via the Barr trail.

[@Learningtotravel]

That's awesome. It is a really unique hike and rewards those who take it on with those amazing views you mentioned. Thanks for watching and the comment! We appreciate it.

[@jims5198]

Loved this incline my second favorite one. The one in Oahu Hawaii is amazing too.

[@Learningtotravel]

Koko Head has quite an interesting history and just like Manitou comes with amazing views. But Manitou is located in the best state in the Union! 😉

[@jesse8435]

Thank you for mentioning the parking situation.

[@Learningtotravel]

No problem, thanks for watching.

[@26hurban]

Thx for the great info and great video! I just came to Cañon City from the DFW metroplex to spend the summer but decided to stay as long as I can. The incline is definitely on my list of things to accomplish this fall once the crowd lessens.

[@Learningtotravel]

We are glad you found it helpful. Fall is a good time for both weather and crowds. Enjoy the hike! The view is amazing.

[@26hurban]

@@Learningtotravel will do

[@akbar8477]

We went in September and the weather was warm but the water is a must.

[@Learningtotravel]

Indeed. Water is a must anytime of year.

[@GregW-lm2rq]

Great video! I’d like to try climbing this one of these days.

[@Learningtotravel]

You really should! The views are amazing. Thanks for watching!

[@Walk.01]

You’ve lived in Colorado for over 20 years, but you just became a Coloradoan today.

[@Learningtotravel]

Yes! Finally.

[@oldtacobender2451]

Awesome thanks fo the video, this is on our bucket list❤

[@Learningtotravel]

Yes! Make it happen. ✅

[@Wibb14]

Just did it for the 1st time about a week ago. Took me 52 minutes to get to the top. We started late in the afternoon (not smart) and we got hit with high winds and rain. I loved the challenge but would have liked a sunny day. Took us an hour and 20 minutes to get down on the trail then stairs. It was getting too dark to trust a hard to follow trail so we took the steps down from the drop out. Both ways it felt like the stairs would never end!

[@Learningtotravel]

Nice job! Yes weather can always be a challenge. Got to be glad you did it though. And they will be waiting for you when you are ready to do it again on a nice sunny day. 🙂

[@ervinslens]

Beautiful video, stay safe.

[@Learningtotravel]

Appreciate you watching and commenting. 👍

[@uglytruth4467]

Thanks for the video! i learned alot.

[@Learningtotravel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bethtrinh9194]

I live in Colorado, this is on my bucket list. This video was very informative. 😊

[@Learningtotravel]

Thank you! That means a lot to us. We are glad you found it helpful. Hope you get to check it off your list soon!

[@aroundmeph1145]

Last time we did this with my friends, one of my friends ended up crying lol. Felt sorry for her.

[@Learningtotravel]

Oh no, that must have been tough for your friend! The Manitou Incline can definitely be a challenge, but it's so rewarding once you reach the top. We hope your next adventure is filled with more laughs and fewer tears.

[@jessbear1000]

Very cool! I will have to check this place out!!

[@Learningtotravel]

It is a great place and not as hard as it seems.

[@pologrj]

How long does it take?

[@Learningtotravel]

Average time is around 2 hours but some people can do it in less than 30 minutes. Really depends on your level of fitness. Though it is nice to not rush it and enjoy the beauty of Colorado.

[@julianemarques9449]

great

[@Learningtotravel]

thanks!

[@Abdallah-b6x]

❤️ ❤️

[@Learningtotravel]

🙂🙂

[@leonoraarocho658]

Friendly reminder, someone had to label each and every stair, AND double check it.

[@Learningtotravel]

Yep

[@donaldtrumpy5914]

It's like KoKohead Hiking Trail in Hawaii

[@Learningtotravel]

Yep, very similar.

[@Colkev2024]

the incline is no joke. Just gotta go at your own pace and not worry about the people effortlessly flying past you 😀

[@Learningtotravel]

Absolutely, the incline is definitely a challenge! Taking it at your own pace is key. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

Nah it's easy run up

[@overnightthoughts]

In 2011 a buddy and I did the incline with our mountain bikes on our backs so we could ride down the Barr trail. Not the most fun experience in the moment, but a good memory to look back on.

[@Learningtotravel]

Wow, that sounds like an incredible adventure! Carrying mountain bikes up the incline is no small feat, and it really showcases your dedication to the sport. It's fascinating how some of the most challenging experiences turn into the best memories over time. Your adventure definitely adds a whole new level of excitement to the incline and the Barr trail. Thanks for sharing this with us - it's inspiring to hear about the different ways people explore and enjoy these trails. Maybe your story will motivate others to take on a similar challenge! Keep those adventurous spirits alive!

[@darrinsiberia]

i'm here because someone said an olympian did this in 16 minutes.

[@Learningtotravel]

Do you know which Olympian?

[@allanfarr]

I was wondering about erosion control. I see it is a problem and lots of control features are built in.

[@Learningtotravel]

Yes, it is a highly managed trail system due to how popular it is.

[@pedrothewise2584]

with my blocked arteries i see a mountain of pain.

[@Learningtotravel]

Yikes. You might want to get those looked at.

[@jjeverson2269]

Ok Barr trail doesn’t look horrible after the incline. Trying it out this weekend. Hopefully I don’t bear crawl

[@Learningtotravel]

How did it go?

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

Barr is gradual and easy

[@jimmymcjimface2607]

Wow, you have to make a reservation first? It was crowded back when it first opened, how bad could it really be?

[@Learningtotravel]

Good question. We visited in October so it was not that crowded. During the summer months it probably gets busier.

[@GetOutdoors23]

For regular season from 0600-0900 they have 65 reservations per half hour. 0900-1530 there's 45 per half hour and 25 spots afterwards until closing time. The reservation slots decrease for late-season. Lots of locals use this as their daily cardio, but it's continually crowded. Especially on a clear weather day.

[@ManuelHernandez-eu5jp]

I just did the incline on Monday 5/22/23 I didn’t need a reservation for it, parking is now $15 dollars get there early!

[@jackspintz5784]

I ran all the way up and down in 39 min

[@Learningtotravel]

Wow! That is amazing.

[@Kilted_Kansan]

I did this before they even put in steps. It was just a Trail.

[@Learningtotravel]

🤔🤔🤔

[@Kilted_Kansan]

@@Learningtotravel OK, maybe they didn’t have all the stairs up there part of it was steps but towards the top it was just a trail my brother and I did it twice when I was in my teenage youth. It’s just a shame I hadn’t done it more now that I’m getting much much older than I ever thought. Hiking in Colorado has always been a love and a passion of mine. I actually hiked from Montana to Colorado Springs, Colorado by myself and it took me all summer. I stayed with my family friends, that owned the Eagles Motel. Until my father came to pick me up and I was only 15 years old.

[@oneTOU3]

How long for the hike up?

[@Learningtotravel]

For us it took about 90 minutes. Though we did stop a lot to shoot video and such.

[@patrickdoyle4003]

40 minutes

[@kevincinnamontoast3669]

What is the refreshment stand like at the top?

[@Learningtotravel]

We only had the donuts with coffee and the donuts were good but the coffee was just meh. They also had hot dogs and other snacks but every thing is pre made. We would not count on it for lunch or any full meal.

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

Great bar and grill but the cougars get mad if you don't buy them drinks

[@Vector_Ze]

They should mark every single step by number, LOL. That would add a psychological challenge.

[@Learningtotravel]

Indeed 😆

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

Mope

[@Bryan-li8qi]

gotta suck to climb up...set up your camera then walk back down to record yourself walking up...nooooo thanks

[@Learningtotravel]

all part of the gig

[@doug_velasquez007]

Great video! Thanks for posting. This is now on my bucket list 😃

[@Learningtotravel]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video. It is a great hike, hope you are able to check it off the 🪣 list soon!

[@jesse8435]

I've done it 30 times. I get there at 6 am in the summer

[@Learningtotravel]

30 times is amazing!

[@ICUTGRASSLLC]

How long did it take you to climb up to the top?

[@Learningtotravel]

I am thinking about an hour and a half. We stopped a lot to film, but that kept us from getting too out of breath ;)

[@jx14aby]

That's what I was wondering. I thought maybe I missed it.

[@Jez2008UK]

@@Learningtotravelyou looked like you were going a lot faster than most average people would do it :). I’m from the UK and am currently in Colorado Springs (been here 3 weeks,2 more to go), we’re aiming to do it twice over the remaining last week, once to see how we feel, choosing to take the turn off at 1300 if it’s too hard, and then another reservation booked for the attempt for the summit! I’m 61, okay fit, but as soon as I hit an incline I’m slow due to, I think, the altitude here. Going to the Rockies over the next week to acclimatise:)

[@Di316-v6w]

I am an over weight fella I done this 3 times and it is super hard

[@Learningtotravel]

That's great you've done it 3 times.

[@Di316-v6w]

@@Learningtotravel thank you I hope to do it everytime I’m in the region it’s an amazing workout beautiful scenery overall a great experience

[@Letsgoafghanistan]

Beautiful vedio stay safe

[@Learningtotravel]

Thanks, you too!

[@janellvirtuouswoman4896]

Excellent Thanks that's exactly what I was wondering!!😊🙌🫶😊

[@Learningtotravel]

Thanks for watching! So glad it was helpful!