Manitou Incline at Dusk/ December

I decided to do the Incline on my own since I was heading down that way in the afternoon. This was my second time completing the incline.

There was snow here and there so I was glad I brought my spikes.

As I got further up the rails were covered in snow.

On the way down I started taking the trail but it was getting so cold and I didnt bring extra layers. It was also getting dark and I neglected to bring a headlight. I guess I forgot what time it gets dark and how long it would take.

I decided to head back to the incline to go down because it was warmer. It was harder than coming up so I took my time. Colorado Springs in the distance looked so cool as it glowed with the snowfall- like a fire burning with embers.  I was never so happy to see my car parked at the bottom of the trail. By the way, no crowds or parking issues in December!

Manitou Springs Incline- 2500 steps in 2 miles!

We drove to climb the Manitou Incline in the middle of the week after trying on Saturdays. It is just too crazy busy to find a parking space.  This pic tells of some of the people trying to climb that were out of shape.

As you look up stairs as far as you can see.

At the halfway point they give you the opportunity to quit and take the Barr trail down from here.

I decided to take my poles and they really helped on some of the steeper steps. It took me 70 minutes and my friend did it in an hour.

When you get to the top you take the Barr Trail down. It is much more gradual of a descent and pretty with trees and rocks.

It was foggy and so helped with the heat. I would recommend to do this in the spring or fall. Summer it gets too hot.

Finally we could see the town in the distance.

Parking is very difficult. Turn right at this sign on Ruxton Avenue.  This is past the parking lot for the cog railway where you cannot park.  It is all the way at the end of the street.  This lot is for the hiking.