Why Colorado's Manitou Incline Hike Is One Of America's Most Difficult
By Hillary Louise Johnson
VACATIONS
Colorado's Manitou Incline hike is all about challenging yourself with its mega-steep set of stairs built of railroad ties that rise nearly 2,000 feet in less than a mile.
This trail, which started as a cable rail line for shuttling building supplies up the flank of Pike's Peak, attracts serious athletes worldwide who want to train at altitude.
The trailhead sits at over 6,500 feet, so the air is thin, and if you've just arrived in town, you should take a day or two to acclimate before attempting the hike.
The Incline's 2,768 steps average 45 degrees, but sometimes become almost ladder-like at 68 degrees. The terrain isn't technically difficult, but has a very strenuous nature.
If you overestimate your stamina, "bail out" side trails have been added to the incline, allowing you to tap out and traverse over to a gentler slope that also goes to the top.