The following rules and regulations were adopted in the Manitou Incline Site Development and Management Plan (PDF) to help manage impacts to the surrounding neighborhood and for user safety:
WARNING: This is an EXTREME trail!
Use at your own risk
Do not attempt this trail if you are not used to hiking at altitude or have trouble climbing a standard flight of stairs.
Incline hours:
- 6am to 8pm (Apr thru Oct)
- 6am to 6pm (Nov thru Mar)
Be respectful of the neighbors who live on Ruxton Avenue. Would you like to be woken up with beeping and slamming of car doors? If you trip in the dark, a First Responder could as well.
No Trespassing:
No trespassing during partial or full trail closure as indicated by signage at the trail head. This is for your safety and the safety of the crews working to restore the incline.
No Tampering with Construction Equipment/ Materials
NO PETS ALLOWED
We love hiking with our pets, but dogs off leash or dogs on long leashes become hazards to other hikers and to themselves. The excessive amount of dog waste that has been left behind is becoming a health issue.
NO SMOKING!! But what if you’re on fire? No fires either!!
We’ve all been witness to Colorado’s dry season and don’t want to put our neighbors at any unnecessary risk.
NO LITTERING!
Please pack out what you’ve brought with you. If you’re feeling generous, please pack out any litter you may come across. Lets keep this jewel beautiful!
COME PREPARED: HIKER’S DISCRETION IS STRONGLY ADVISED
This high elevation incline trail is a vigorous and intense hike, complete with a false summit! The trail is recommended for physically active people and those adjusted to the elevation ONLY. Although the trail is just one mile in length, it is a 2,000 ft elevation gain straight up a steep, uneven staircase! Yes, it’s a picturesque outdoor adventure that visitors from around the world come to visit, but we want to strongly encourage following all safety rules and regulations posted about the Manitou Incline. PLEASE BE SAFE!
Check out this virtual hike from the Trails and Open Space Coalition to get an idea of what to expect.
Are you ready? Please plan ahead and prepare!
- WATER! Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen.
- Make sure to properly hydrate by drinking water the evening before your reservation.
- Check the weather. Summer thunderstorms are common in this area; you do not want to be on the Incline when lightning is present, nor when our high elevation temps soar. (Check out a live cam above!)
- Wear appropriate attire; sturdy hiking boots/tennis shoes, hat, sunscreen, and cold weather gear
- Visiting from a lower elevation? Allow your body to properly acclimate a few days before hiking the Incline.
Bail Out Points
The Manitou Incline trail is no joke, and the elevation affects everyone differently, especially if you are not acclimated to our high elevation. USE THIS TRAIL AT YOUR OWN RISK! Listen to your body and if the trail is too much, don’t be afraid to head back down using either of the below bail out points:
- At railroad tie number 396, you can connect to Ute Pass trail for a quick 1/3 of mile back to the trailhead.
- At railroad tie number 1300, the approximate halfway point of the Incline, you can again connect to the Ute Pass trail for a 1.5-mile hike back to the base.
RECOMMENDED: UPHILL ONLY!
Please use Barr Trail or the Northern Return Trail (Step 1300 bailout) for your descent.
Please be RESPECTFUL of all hikers:
- Stay on the designated trail corridor, don’t blaze your own trail to get down faster.
- Slower hikers stay to the right.
These rules and regulations were vetted during the master plan process and are required by the property owners. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in permits and agreements being revoked. If you enjoy using the Incline please respect the rules and regulations, other hikers, and the property owners. The Incline is on public and private land.
