Climbing the Incline with my mom

September 1, 2023

This summer, my mom came to visit us here in Colorado. She had never experienced summer in Colorado before, so we were excited to make the most of her time here. Over the years, we’ve come to treasure our time together, and we’ve found that sharing unique experiences brings us closer.

One of the most memorable things we did? Climbing the Manitou Incline—a hike that’s not for the faint of heart but absolutely worth every step.

Why We Chose the Incline

While searching for things to do in Colorado Springs, I stumbled upon videos of people hiking the Manitou Incline, a 2,768-step climb with over 2,000 feet of elevation gain. After watching a few clips, I thought, “There’s no way we’ll finish this, but we can at least try!”

Let me tell you—those videos didn’t even come close to preparing us for what was ahead. The Incline is a mental and physical challenge unlike anything I’ve done before, but it was also one of the most exhilarating experiences I’ve ever had.

The Climb: A Journey of Doubt and Triumph

From the start, my mom and I faced moments of doubt, exhaustion, and some serious gasping for air. I had to keep repeating to myself, “You can do this.” Step by step, we pushed through the fatigue, encouraging each other to keep going.

When we finally reached the top and locked arms, the joy we felt was indescribable. It wasn’t just about the view (which was incredible)—it was about accomplishing something so challenging together.

What You Need to Know Before Hiking the Incline

If you’re planning to hike the Manitou Incline, here are some tips and insights from our experience:

Schedule Your Hike: We booked our hike HERE. I recommend reserving the earliest time slot you can manage because the climb gets significantly harder as the day heats up.
Parking Options: We parked at a meter in downtown Manitou Springs and walked about a mile to the trailhead. There are also two main parking lots:
- Hiawatha Gardens Parking Lot (10 Old Man’s Trail)
- Iron Springs Chateau (444 Ruxton Ave)
  Make a reservation ahead of time because these lots fill up fast!
Bathroom and Lockers: Before starting the climb, we stopped at the indoor restroom near the Barr Trail trailhead. I HIGHLY recommend it if you’re not a fan of porta-potties. They also have lockers available if you bring your own lock.
Bring the Essentials:
- Plenty of water (you’ll need it!)
- Snacks for a quick energy boost
- Sunscreen and layers (the weather can change quickly)
Pace Yourself: The Incline is a marathon, not a sprint. Take breaks when you need to and enjoy the views along the way.

Falling in Love with Colorado

With every new experience, Colorado wins me over a little more. The scenery, the adventures, and the memories we’re creating here make me so grateful to call this place home.

Have You Climbed the Incline?

If you’ve visited Colorado or live in the area, I’d love to hear about your favorite adventures! Have you climbed the Manitou Incline, or is it on your bucket list? Let me know in the comments!

xoxo,
B