When There’s No Elevator, We Take The 2,744 Stairs – The Manitou Incline

Imagine standing at the foot of a mountain, the crisp scent of pine filling the air, while a seemingly endless staircase stretches before you like a daunting challenge waiting to be conquered. Each step looks to test your resolve, your strength, and your determination. This is the Manitou Incline, famously dubbed the ‘Stairway to Heaven’. Each year, it beckons some 700,000 adventurers, ranging from novice hikers to seasoned athletes, to tackle its unforgiving climb. And, by checking out the live camera, it’s easy to see why!

Nestled into the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains, just a few miles west of the vibrant city of Colorado Springs, the 0.9-mile Incline boasts a staggering 2,744 steps (though the top step is numbered 2,768). Rising 1,950 feet vertically from its base at 6,600 feet to its summit at 8,550 feet, this trail is a challenge like no other. The Incline, along with the surrounding area of Colorado Springs, forms an outdoor paradise offering breathtaking views at every turn and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, biking, skiing, and climbing. Additionally, Colorado Springs is also home to numerous attractions such as the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Garden of the Gods, and Pikes Peak.

If you’re planning a visit and need a place to stay, there are many excellent options in Colorado Springs. You can find great hotels here to make your trip more comfortable.

Sure, the scenery around Colorado Springs is stunning, but let’s not lose sight of why we’re here: to climb the Manitou Incline. So, before you start dreaming of post-hike picnics and photos with those breathtaking views, let’s talk about what you need to know to tackle this beast of a trail. First, remember that Colorado Springs and the surrounding base of the Incline sit at an elevation of 6,000 feet. For those of you who haven’t encountered high altitude, less oxygen environments before, be sure to give yourself time to adjust. Most adjust within a few days, but this will directly impact your ability to hike and climb if you’re not used to it. If you experience difficulty breathing, headaches, or feel sick or dizzy during outdoor activities, it’s helpful to descend to a lower elevation, and make sure to rest and stay hydrated.

When is A Good Time to Plan This Adventure For?

Climbing the Incline is most enjoyable during the cooler parts of the day. Mornings offer crisp air and refreshing temperatures. Alternatively, late afternoons provide cooler conditions and stunning sunset views. It’s best to avoid midday heat, particularly at higher altitudes and during summer months, as it can be intense.

What Gear Should We Pack?

Regardless of when you go, it is wise to come prepared with essential gear. Consider packing a backpack with at least 2 liters of water and electrolytes to stay hydrated, energy-boosting snacks, sunscreen to protect against the sun’s rays, a basic first aid kit for emergencies, and sturdy trail shoes or hiking boots for traction. Hiking poles can also provide extra stability, especially on steep inclines like the stairs at Manitou Incline. Remember that, at higher elevations, sunburns can occur more quickly, so don’t forget to apply and reapply sunscreen throughout your hike.

Where Can We Park?

Now, onto the practical stuff. Because let’s face it, you can’t conquer the Incline if you can’t even find a spot to park your car, right? Arriving early is key to securing parking, as spots can fill up quickly. You’ll find parking available at Hiawatha Gardens Parking Lot along 10 Old Man’s Trail and Iron Springs Chateau Parking, though reservations are recommended at the former. If you opt for Hiawatha Gardens, the walk to the Incline is about 1.3 miles, but fear not – shuttle #33 offers a convenient, complimentary and year-round ride from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. here is also an easy way to reserve your parking spot online.

After parking your car, lacing up your shoes and shouldering your backpack, you’re finally ready to start the climb! As you ascend, remember to maintain a comfortable pace and avoid overexertion. Hikers who have pushed themselves to exhaustion or distress may find themselves with limited evacuation options. First Responders have rescued hundreds on the Incline, but evacuation can take up to 8 hours in some cases. Tragically, fatalities have occurred on this trail. Additionally, be mindful that bears roam the area, so stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Take these risks seriously and hike with caution.

What If We Don’t Want to Summit?

As you ascend, if you find yourself unable to summit (no shame!), there are numerous bail-out points. These trails offer alternatives for hikers who don’t want to or are unable to reach the top. The Northern Incline Return Trail can be accessed at stair 395 (with a 0.35 mile walk to base) or stair 1,300 (with a 1.5 mile walk to the base). Additionally, Barr Trail intersects the Incline at stair 1,800 and at the summit (step 2,744), providing options for descending back down. If you choose to return to the base from the summit using Barr Trail, expect a 4-mile return hike with switchbacks. Please do not descend using the stairs. Not only is this strongly discouraged, but it is also a serious hazard to you and other hikers. The last thing you want to do is trip and fall down 2,744 stairs!

However you decide to tackle the Manitou Incline, know that you’re stepping into a world of adventure shared by hikers of all experience levels, from notices to seasoned pros, since 2013!

Could You Not Climb the Incline Before 2013?

This challenging trail has a fascinating history, dating back to its inception in 1907. Over one hundred years before becoming a hiking trail, the one-mile Manitou Incline was originally constructed to aid in the building of a hydroelectric plant and waterline. Functioning as a funicular railroad, it utilized a cable system to transport supplies up and down the mountain in wooden boxcars.

After the completion of the plant and waterline construction, the railway was purchased by Dr. Newton M. Brumback. Recognizing the potential of the existing infrastructure, Dr. Brumback transformed it into a tourist attraction. Visitors could purchase tickets for a 16-minute ride up to Mount Manitou Park, boasting the title of the ‘longest and highest incline on the globe.’ From 1923 to 1958, the attraction underwent various upgrades, including the addition of comfortable benches, retractable roofs, and an upgraded station offering high-end dining and breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

However, in 1990, the railway faced several challenges. Operating costs were high, and a significant rock slide damaged part of the track. Consequently, the Manitou Incline was shut down, and while the infrastructure such as carts and rails were removed, the wooden railroad ties remained. These ties now form the iconic steps of the ‘Stairway to Heaven.’

For over two decades, part of the Incline remained private property. It wasn’t until 2013 when the land became public, finally allowing legal access for hikers to conquer this legendary ascent.

What Was The Incline Like?

This is a difficult, but manageable hike. The view of Colorado Springs and the feelings of accomplishment are totally worth it!

We arrived in Colorado Springs on May 28th, 2023, and settled into a cozy Airbnb just south of Briargate. With only two days to explore before continuing our road trip to Mount Rainier National Park in Washington state, we prioritized two must-do activities: exploring the mesmerizing landscapes of Great Sand Dunes National Park and conquering the iconic Manitou Incline. While our first day was spent marveling at the vast sand dunes, we reserved the following day, May 29th, for our ascent up the Incline.

A few days prior, we secured our spot to tackle the Incline. Although we had hoped for an early morning climb, the available slots pushed us toward a 1 p.m. ascent. Determined and well-prepared, we spent the preceding night and morning hydrating and packing our backpacks. Anticipating the workout ahead, we loaded up with 4 liters of water, packed a first aid kit for emergencies, donned our hats and sunglasses to shield ourselves from the sun, packed salty snacks and energy gels for fuel, and grabbed our hiking poles for stability.

As we drove to the trailhead, we underestimated the parking situation, assuming ample free spaces would be available. However, we lucked out and managed to snag a parking spot outside the Iron Springs Chateau for a $15 fee for four hours. With backpacks, poles, sunglasses, and hats in tow, we embarked on our Incline adventure.

As we had read that parking for the Incline was free, we made the mistake of thinking that there would be plenty of available parking. As we drove to the base, somehow we were lucky enough to park right outside the Iron Springs Chateau with no reservations at a cost of $15 for four hours of parking. From there, we donned out backpacks, hiking poles, sunglasses and hats and made our way to the Incline.

Seeing the Incline in photos did not prepare us for the awe-inspiring sight of the sprawling staircase in person. As a former student at Eau Claire, Wisconsin, known for its challenging hill of 95 stairs connecting lower and upper campus, I thought I was no stranger to stairs. Yet, the magnitude of the Manitou Incline was a whole new challenge.

We began our climb, one step at a time. Though we started in the afternoon, the early time of year spared us from intense heat. In May, the average high hovers around 70 degrees F—a welcome change from the warmer temperatures we were accustomed to in Alabama! The initial part of the ascent felt relatively easy; the stairs were low and spaced farther apart, creating a more gradual incline compared to what awaited us later on. Initially, the steps were not steep, akin to walking up a regular flight of stairs, with each step being a few feet deep.

However, as we progressed higher up the Incline, the steps became taller and taller. As there are no handrails on the hike, we relied on our hiking poles to maintain balance and ease our ascent. They proved invaluable for climbing taller steps further along the trail.

Some might look at the Incline and think that it’s similar to using a StairMaster for a workout. However, the reality is quite different. The stairs are placed at irregular intervals, making it difficult to get into a steady rhythm. This inconsistency tired us out both physically and mentally much faster. Deciding not to push ourselves out of our comfort zones, we found ourselves taking frequent breaks to hydrate and snack, often pulling off to the side of the stairs for these pit stops.

We saw that many hikers of the Incline came in pairs or even as families. While solitary hikers were also common, there was a surprisingly large number of couples and families tacking the Incline together. It’s an activity that seems to bring people together. For us, we relied on each other for motivation, encouraging one another to conquer each step. Our mantra, “one step at a time,” truly resonated throughout the hike. It’s one of those experiences where, when you look directly in front of you, you see all the progress yet to be made. But if you turn around and glance behind you, you’re amazed with the progress that you’ve made. Having someone there to encourage you truly makes a difference.

We reached the summit around 2:30 p.m., a little over an hour into the climb. A wave of accomplishment washed over us, mingled with excitement for capturing the breathtaking views in photos and videos. Those who reached the summit before us offered words of encouragement, and as we made our final steps to the top, we found ourselves cheering on others still making their ascent. It was a remarkable moment of unity among hikers of all ages, from kids and teens to young adults and seniors, each sharing in the triumph of reaching the peak. The view of Colorado Springs from the summit is truly breathtaking!

After catching our breath, we began our descent down Barr Trail, a 3.5-mile switchback journey to base. Along the way, we noticed something surprising—we had barely broken a sweat all day and had finished all our water without needing a restroom break. So, please bring plenty of water with you! Despite the physical exertion, the descent was a time for reflection. As we made our way back to our starting point, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to experience such a remarkable adventure together. As we stood at the bottom of the staircase one last time, we didn’t feel intimidated. Instead, we felt a profound sense of accomplishment and pride in what we had achieved together.