Referred to by locals as simply ‘the Incline’, this popular but strenuous hike is not for the faint of heart. After climbing the 2,000 vertical feet, you’ll finally reach the summit. At the top, the Incline Trail connects to Barr Trail, which offers a steep but scenic 3-mile path back down to the base.

The Bailout: A false summit ⅔ of the way to the top is the closest some come to tackling the Incline. Here, the Incline Trail meets up with Barr Trail for the first time and offers exhausted hikers a reprieve. If you think you need to bail, we won’t tell anyone. But if you can muster enough energy, you’re almost to the top!

This incredible hike is free to use, but please consider making a donation to Incline Friends to help keep the Incline in good condition for years to come.

Parking at the base of the Incline is not free, though the free Rt. 33 shuttle runs from downtown Manitou Springs to the base of the trail (and if you work up an appetite it will drop you off downtown to grab drinks or a bite to eat on your way back!).

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