Manitou Incline

The Manitou Incline is arguably the most brutally intense short hike in Colorado, climbing 2,000 feet in less than one mile along the bed of an abandoned funicular railway that once carried construction materials to a water pipeline on Pikes Peak. The route ascends 2,768 weathered railroad ties at an average grade of 45 percent, with sections reaching 68 percent near the top. What was once a tourist attraction operating from 1907 to 1990 is now one of the steepest and most popular fitness challenges on the Front Range, drawing athletes, military units, and determined visitors from around the world. Reservations are required and capacity is carefully managed to protect the fragile slope and ensure a safe experience. The ties are spaced unevenly, demanding careful foot placement throughout the ascent. Views improve dramatically with each step, eventually encompassing Manitou Springs, Colorado Springs, and the sweeping plains beyond. Most hikers descend via the Barr Trail rather than reversing the incline, adding a gentler mile of return trail through pine forest. Finishing the incline even once is a genuine accomplishment, and the fitness community surrounding it has created a culture of mutual encouragement that makes the climb feel festive despite the suffering involved. Arrive early to secure parking and avoid midday heat.