The Manitou Incline - First Completion of the Year

The Manitou Incline

The Manitou Incline is a beast! No matter how good of shape you are in, it is still a beast. Last year was the first time I ever successfully made it up the incline. I had walked up to it once, and turned around and walked away, it was that daunting. But last year I did get to the top, on one of the hottest days of the year, right after eating sushi, and cried and moaned the whole time. Luckily Jenna was with me and kicked my butt to the top. I got to the top 7 more times last year. Barely, but I did.

This year, it was a different story.  This year, I am in better shape and Susie called yesterday morning and said, "Let's Go!." I was sick and in bed, but she was right, I needed some Vitamin D and fresh air. So off we went on the first incline adventure of the year. We are now planning on at least twice a week through the summer. I burned 1554 calories in the time it took me to get up and down. AWESOME!

What is the Manitou Incline? And what is the big deal?

Completed in 1907 the Manitou Incline was a 1 mile cable tram built to support the construction of a hydroelectric plant and it's waterline. After performing this service the railway was then purchased by Dr. Brumbach and turned into a tourist attraction. The incline boasted a 16 minute ride to "scenic splendors", 10 miles of hiking trails in Mount Manitou Park, and claimed to be the "longest and highest incline on the globe."

How many steps on the Incline?

Hard to say because some have been added and others have washed away. An unscientific field survey measured 2,740:

628 steps to the “Private Property of Manitou & P.P. Ry., No Trespassing” sign.

700 steps to a wall of sandbags and boulders used to slow erosion on the sides.

1,384 steps to the first big washout of ties.

1,605 steps to the beginning of the steep section, where walls of rebar, boards, and chain-link fence hold back the gravelly hillside.

1,700 steps to the heart of the steeps, where ties are scattered, crooked and sometimes loose.

1,821 steps to the “half-way” exit (actually closer to two-thirds) to Barr Trail.

2,122 steps to the false summit.

2,609 steps to the middle of the second steep section, where some ties are so eroded they float above the ground on their anchors.

What I can tell you is true though, and you feel every single step of it:

  The Manitou Incline averaged almost a 40% grade—gaining 2,011 feet (613 m) in elevation over a length of approximately 1 mile (1.6 km)-with the maximum grade being 68%.

 Below is Alex's first glimpse of the incline up close. She did so well! She made it to the first bailout point yesterday which is a huge huge accomplishment. Next time she will make it all the way!

 

 It is an amazing feeling the first time you stand at the bottom, but even better is the first time you stand at the top and KNOW you did it! There will be many many more incline trips this year. But the first of the year is always just a little more special because you realize that you can still do it, you are thankful that you are blessed with health, and you have lived through another trip up the incline!

Directions: Exit from US-24 to Manitou Avenue and drive to downtown Manitou Springs. On the roundabout turn on to Ruxton Avenue. Drive all the way up past the Cog rail train station and turn right on Hydro St. This is the parking lot for Barr trail. Unfortunately it is full most of the time and you might have to park somewhere along the Ruxton Avenue. Make sure you are not parking on private property. Under no circumstances park in the Cog parking lot or you will be towed. 

Happy Hiking!!!!