This came recommended from a friend at work. We started up the incline on a March afternoon, great weather. Not too crowded but there was some ice and snow that made parts of the climb tricky. We made it but did not break any records. If you are not in shape, this is going to be VERY hard - the incline gets very steep - and after to reach the top you have to get back down. The trail down (2+ miles not on the incline) was very slippery in some areas - watch out. Amazing views and a great physical challenge.

2768 steps up! This sounded very intimidating to me, but I thought this would be memorable and that is absolutely what it was. I’m in descent shape and early 50s, and I’d say this was hard but not terrible. My husband and I would try to go 100 steps at a time and take a break. Halfway up, we were stopping more frequent. But honestly it’s nice to sit and enjoy the view as well at all the different heights. It took my husband and I exactly 2 hours to get to the top and my 2 sons (19/22) 1 hour and 20 minutes. So glad we did this. On the way back down, it’s a 3.5 miles trek down, fairly easy. We went in late May so no snow on the ground. Was a beautiful day and wore shorts and short sleeves. Saw people in long pants and they looked hot. You’ll want to put on sunscreen especially on the back of your legs and arms. If you are still unsure, there are a few places to stop and go back down if you change your mind. I’d say it’s worth doing if you’re in reasonably descent shape. Also bring plenty of water. We put electrolytes in our water.

Be sure to put on sunscreen your back with get a lot of face time with the sun!! The people we met and talked with on this hike were amazing, starting with the parking attendant. You will need to pay to park but the hike itself is free. We saw online that you need to make reservation to hike but we did not have to do that. You can walk down the stairs but I would recommend taking the path down the back side. Very beautiful also. It is ok to rest!

The Manitou Springs Incline was a tough and challenging hike. Climbing over 2700 steps at a distance of less than 1 mile, this is a unique experience to say the least. The first 30 steps lulls you into a false sense of security with somewhat even steps which then change into uneven and some very steep steps. Beware of the false summit. It may look like you are close to the top, but in reality, there are plenty of steps to go. Try to go early in the morning or later in the day to avoid the heat and bring plenty of water and a couple of snacks for energy (remember to pack out what you bring in). There are no bathrooms along the incline except at the bottom. There are 3 bailout points along the incline, but plenty of areas to rest and pull over and to allow others to pass by. Everyone is friendly and encouraging because we're all in it together and to encourage each other to get to the top. Once at the top, the views are spectacular. Take the Barr trail down and please don't try to use the stairs (unless you are well experienced). There were moments where I felt like I was almost about to fall backwards. The Barr trail is a long and windy route downwards, but the views are amazing. Just remember, it's not a race. Just get to the top safe and sound and at your own pace.