Movement · Manitou Springs
The Manitou Incline
A relentless staircase climb that is genuinely hard, frequently underestimated, and not a good first outdoor workout at altitude.
We include it because people ask about it constantly, and because the honest answer matters: it is a steep, sustained climb with limited bail-out options and no shade for much of the way.
If you are new to altitude or returning from time off, build up on Red Rock Canyon or Palmer Park first. Nothing about the Incline rewards rushing that.
Access is managed and has required reservations at times. Check the current system before planning around it.
stairs hard altitude reservation may be required