On my own ascent, I climb slowly on, embracing the demands of the grade, which tilts to 34 degrees in some places, a 68-percent grade. The shuttle departs every 20 minutes from Memorial Park, near the corner of Old Man’s Trail and El Paso Boulevard, in Manitou Springs. The best way to reach the trailhead is by the free, year-round shuttle bus that operates daily from 6 a.m. But there are other challenges, such as finding a parking spot, that require an insider’s knowledge. The effort required to reach the Incline’s summit at 8,590 feet, is a test for all. “It seems like it’s a little steeper in some places, but the ties are not as far apart, so it seems easier, especially at the top.” “It’s not as rugged and rustic as it was,” says Mary Griego, who made her first ascent in 2011. With the final phase completed in November 2017, it looks different, cleaner, according to its regulars. Since then, the trail has been refurbished in an effort to control erosion and secure the heavy ties in place. It provides a quick escape from life’s daily grind.įollowing a years-long process of discussions and political wrangling-it literally took an act of Congress-the Incline officially opened to the public in 2013. From there, a series of railroad ties form a staircase that sweeps skyward in a steep, straight line. The Incline trailhead is nestled in the foothills near the Pikes Peak Cog Railway on the western edge of Manitou Springs. It is one of the most popular hiking trails in the West, famous for punishing cardiovascular workouts, gorgeous views and a fun, quirky community of hikers whose laughter and good-natured banter keep the vibe friendly and light. I’m a one-man band making music for myself as I slowly ascend the famous Manitou Incline, an old railroad bed that ascends 2,000 vertical feet in a little less than 1 mile. The steady thump of my pulse keeps a beat, and each breath provides harmony to the effort. I could have tried to run some of it but that seemed like a bad idea that would likely backfire on me midway up.The low din of the city begins to fade and is replaced by the rhythmic crunching of gravel beneath my feet. My strategy was to power hike the whole thing. Once I got there and started to climb, I was treated to an amazing sunrise. But that wasn't a good excuse to back out. And I had flown in from Las Vegas the night before so I was fairly tired. It wasn't too far of a drive from where I was staying in Colorado Springs, but I still had to get up early and drive there in the dark. I chose the 6:30am time slot, figuring it would be less busy, and I was also banking on being able to catch the sunrise and make it back to Colorado Springs at a reasonable time. The good news is that there is no fee to make a reservation, only a nominal charge to park near the start. Who knew when I would be back in Colorado Springs?īecause of the increased traffic on the Incline during the pandemic, you now have to reserve a time slot to do it. I knew I had to find a way to do it because this might be the only chance I would get. It wasn't too far away - just the next town over, in Manitou Springs. I happened to be attending a legislative conference in Colorado Springs and my friend and legislative colleague, Howard Watts, reminded me about the Manitou Incline because he and his partner had done it earlier that week. Fast forward to late September of 2021.
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