The Manitou Incline

 

The trip so far.

June 9-10 2025 Manitou Springs CO

We enjoyed our stay in Los Alamos, but it was time to go, we have reservations tomorrow at a campground in Manitou Springs Colorado.

So, this morning with hugs and a few tears we said our good byes and continued on our journey. It’s a one day drive of 300+/- miles from Los Alamos to Manitou Springs Colorado. The first half is on very rural two-lane road, very desert like at first, but then mother nature treats you to a very scenic mount pass. When you get to I-25, well its like any interstate anywhere. We are now at the Garden of the Gods RV Park in Manitou Springs Colorado. 

Our site at Garden of the gods RV Park


We got to town early enough that after setting up the RV we were able to go browse in a couple thrifts stores and get something for dinner.

Tuesday June 10

This is my 2nd time on the Manitou Incline, I climbed to the top in 2023 and with no rational reason I have been longing to do it again. 

It's only 2768 steps to the top!


The Manitou Incline is the right of way of an old cog railroad. From the base at 6600 feet (above sea level) it rises 1950 feet to the peak at 8550 feet. You walk up 2768 wooden steps (I use that term loosely) The average angle of the slope is 45 degrees, the steepest is 68 degrees. It has a difficulty rating of “Extreme”.  From the top you return on a separate 3 mile trail that zig-zags down the mountain. One more important fact, there is no service road or access of any kind for emergency vehicles. If you get hurt on the mountain, the average response time for a team of rescuers is four hours.

number plates mark your progress, you learn not to look at them.

Average inclination is 45 degrees, steepest is 62 degrees


From the first moment I heard about the incline a few years ago, I knew I wanted to climb it. I guess it was just the challenge of this very unique mountain. In my 2023 accent of the mountain, mentally I knew I would not let myself fail. Physically, as a flatlander in my 70's it was a long hard exercise in endurance. I didn’t try to race to the top or time my accent, I found the pace at which my respiratory system could provide enough oxygen for me to put one foot in front of the other.

It just goes on and on!

Still a ways to go.


I did make it the top in 2023 and I left Colorado knowing I would come back to the mountain and do it again someday. Why? I don’t know, for the challenge seems a little cliche.  I had a lot of time to think about that while on this (2025) climb. Vanity, no that's not me, denying that I'm getting old, maybe my aches and pains have been telling me that for a while now. How about, affirming that you have the intestinal fortitude to face difficult situations. In the end I never did come up with a rational reason, "just because it's there" will have to do.

Don't count steps, find a partner to set the pace and enjoy the view! 

At the top

Some climbers come in waves of friends

Standing on step 2768


My second climb started easier than the first because I knew not to start in a rush, a steady pace wins the race. There are number plates every 100 steps, I try not to look at them, it's best to enjoy the moment and keep putting one foot in front of the other. You don’t need any fancy gear, just good shoes and drinking water. (There is no water on the mountain.) I did complete the 2768 steps up the mountain, I had no doubt. The trek down the Barr Trail was easier this time, I had neglected to train for the downhill last time, and the front of my thigh muscles were burning by the time I got to the bottom. 

3 miles down the Barr Trail to get off the mountain

Many scenic view points from the Barr Trail



What's next? I told Millie I doubt I will do the incline again. I’ve proven my ability twice and I’m a lot more interested in riding my bike nowadays. I’m a gravel or rail to trail rider, no helmet, no gay shirt, no rubber pants! I have my eye on a 60 mile ride in Virginia and a 50 miler in Colorado!


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