This Breathtaking Colorado Hike Is One Of The Most Difficult In America

Oftentimes, when hikers envision their next trek, they conjure images of scarcely detectable trails cutting through pristine terrain. Manitou Springs Incline is not that. Given that it follows a defunct tourist cable-car track, the trail is quite noticeable. In fact, the steps of the incline are so obvious it is visible from quite some distance. However, it does lead to some amazing views of the Rocky Mountains and Manitou Springs. 

Although the vistas from the top of this trail, which climbs 2,000 feet in elevation in less than a mile, placing the summit at 8,500 feet, are quite stunning, it is the challenge of the Manitou Incline that has made it one of the most popular trails in Colorado. Over 250,000 visitors come to hike the Manitou Incline each year. Ranging from casual hikers to elite athletes, everyone is looking to complete the challenge for various reasons. Regardless of your age, experience, or motivation, there are a few things you need to know and do before attempting this breathtaking Colorado hike, which is considered one of the most difficult in America.

Before heading to the Manitou Incline, it's important to know what to expect and what steps you should take to ensure you have a chance to complete the hike. For starters, the trail is located in Manitou Springs, which is about a 15 minute drive west of Colorado Springs. Although it is free to hike the incline, a hiking permit is necessary. There are 45 slots available each half hour during the operating hours of the park. It is permitted to reserve more than one spot per day. In order to secure a spot, you should make reservations online well in advance. Although top incliners can complete the trail in a half hour or so, the typical hiker takes a couple of hours to finish.

Hikers should also be aware of the rules before attempting the Manitou Incline. While many of the rules are pretty standard — no smoking, campfires, or littering, for instance — there are some specifics that apply to this hike. For one, hikers must wear the wristbands they are issued at the trailhead throughout the entirety of the hike. Hikers also must stick to the established trails and are not allowed to descend the incline. Instead, they must use Barr Trail for their descent.

Parking is another issue to deal with when hiking Manitou Incline. There are two locations available for parking — Hiawatha Gardens Parking Lot and Iron Springs Chateau Parking. Fees are associated with parking in both lots. To get to the trailhead from the Hiawatha Gardens Parking Lot, you can either make a 1.3-mile walk or take the #33 shuttle, which is free and runs every 20 minutes.

Proper preparation is the key to successfully completing the Manitou Incline — a hike AllTrails rates as hard. Not physically preparing or taking the correct equipment is undoubtedly a hiking mistake you can avoid. If you are not already a well-conditioned, advanced hiker or incliner, you will likely need to increase your physical conditioning. Although this trail is not lengthy, getting ready for the grueling incline that consists of more than 2,700 stairs at a 45-degree average incline is akin to physically preparing for a long-distance hike. Increasing both your endurance and strength should be your focus.

For those who are inexperienced with such incline hikes, watching a virtual hike of the Manitou Incline can help gain a better understanding of what to expect. First-timers may also be comforted knowing there are bailout trails available in case they feel they are unable to complete the hike. There are three separate spots where this is possible, as well as a false summit where hikers can take an extended break if necessary.

It is also important to maintain energy throughout such a taxing hike. This means packing plenty of snacks and staying hydrated. Utilizing a hydration pack, such as the CamelBak Hydrobak, can make this task much easier. As is the case with all hikes, pack the 10 hiking essentials, as even though this is a well-used, relatively short trail, it can take first responders hours to reach you in case of an emergency. Finally, even if you have reservations to hike the incline, be sure to check the weather forecast before embarking on your adventure, as inclement weather can make this difficult hike dangerous.