A mile long, 1,900 ft. elevation gain. It lures us in, then breaks our legs and burns our lungs. Click START DISCUSSION to write your story and add photos. Post your best time, name and age in the comment box. We'll add you to our Incline Honor Roll.
If you have a pair of yaktrax, or better yet, some microspikes, you can do the Incline and Barr Trail on the snow and probably enjoy it even more than when its dry. Just be careful... don't MAKE us come get you!! :D
My New Year's resolution to do the incline 1x/week is still intact. Best time last week: 32:02. Waiting for some warmer weather towards the end of the week to get back out there.
Hey Josh, time yourself from the bottom tie on the Inline to the top, then post a comment here and tell us your time, the date you did it and your age. We don't get all that fancy...just making a fun list for people to look at.
I saw your comment about being "worthy" - let's put it this way...I entered the Triple Crown and completed the Ascent with having only been running LESS than a year starting 9/2009 @ age 44 - I completed the Ascent at age 45 and not w/o injury to include having my leg lanced twice due to a softball injury but I kept going so if I can do it w/all that then of course you ARE worthy...I hope to see you at the races for the Triple Crown! I was going to try for Ascent Marathon but my car accident has probably reduced me to the Ascent only..but I'm ok w/that...take care!
Josh, Where there's a will, there's a way. Just approach it sensibly and safely! We're all 'contenders'! We want to ensure we are still at it for decades to come; so be sure you have some guidance so that you Train Injury Free!
I was up Thursday night. Barr Trail seemed to have a little less ice than a week earlier but what was there seemed slicker. Looked like water from snow along the trail had run over the old ice on the trail and froze as nice slick ice.
I just heard that the upper Barr Trail parking lot will be closed from April 25-29 for paving. I figured something like this was coming when I saw the trees and rocks being removed from the edges of the lot.
Please, please stay on Barr trail after coming down from the top of the Incline. Please make no new 'trails'. CRC maintains Barr Trail for the 2 miles down from the top and it is in sad shape from all the people NOT staying on the trail.
To the CRC's comment, I AGREE, thank you!!!!! Especially the "erosion cut" made by hikers/runners shortcutting the route on the south-facing hillside from the last RR tie down to Barr, rather than continuing the easy 1/2 mile up the 4wd road to the true junction with Barr Trail, which, by the way, is far more gentle and scenic and rewarding. And the sections between switchbacks for those 2 miles down are badly shredded, as CRC says. As a long-time Barr Trail hiker, its really sad to see the careless destruction.
I didn't even KNOW about that option!! That 'trench with moving skree is so nasty and dangerous! Not sure I understand "People NOT staying on the trail". Meaning the steep trench with the skree? Thanks for the tip! I did go up to Barr Camp once, so I MUST have gone that way, yes?
Lynne, if you are asking about the 4wd road? From the last RR tie, continue uphill through the old building foundation. There are 3 routes up there above the foundation. One to the left dead-ends at a fence and pipeline. One to the right is a foot trail that goes... somewhere... I've never taken it. The one straight uphill with some rainwater erosion down the middle is the 4wd road. It climbs about another 100-200 ft elevation, then levels out for a very pleasant stroll, probably about 1/2 mile. It ultimately meets up with the Barr Trail at an obvious junction with 2 metal signs, one on the Barr Trail side and one on the 4wd road side. You are forced to either turn left or right. Left takes you back down, through the rock "arch", past the erosion cut, ~3 miles back to the trailhead. Right takes you to the "experimental forest" junction and ultimately on up to Barr Camp. And, doing it this way, you aren't contributing to the problem with forming "new trails" or sliding down the moving scree. Hope that helps! (I avoid the erosion cut completely by always taking this scenic & pleasant route, which only adds about 1 mile of mostly flat or downhill to the round trip)
Thanks, Debbie! I was asking about the correct one to take!! So, take the middle, yes? Thank you SO much; the moving skree terrifies me! Really appreciate your specificity!! See you out there! Who doesn't want the extra mile <wink>!
Lynne, yes, and if it isn't clear which one is the middle, its the wide route heading straight up the hill, same direction as the Incline. The left "road" that dead-ends is flat, and the right "path" is just that, a path. The middle one that goes straight uphill, wide enough for a vehicle, is the right way. Also, after it flattens and curves left in the trees, there's a signpost marking a foot trail on the right. That takes you up Mt Manitou (or is it Rocky Mount?). Just stay on the road to meet up with Barr Trail at the main intersection. Its worth doing! :)
Thanks so much Debbie! I think I did this (unknowingly) about 4 yrs ago, after asking someone at the top; I merely followed. Detail is great to know. Thanks so much!
Today's trash update: 6 more plastic bottles and a huge pile of dog crap 30 yards from the first tie directly in the middle of the trail.
My wife made a suggestion, and I'm curious to know who might agree. She said I should put a container of plastic bags at the first tie. I can attach a sign to it that tells people that they need to pack out their trash and dog crap.
I have been climbing the INcline for 14 years now. I have never seen it this bad. Way too many inconsiderate people who think it's not their job to clean up after themselves. Comments? I will repost on other Incline sites.
Michael thanks for the report. I'll never know why or how people can leave their garbage behind on a mountain trail, at park or the Manitou Incline.
I don't get how they can allow their dogs to crap in the middle of the trail - and then fail to bag it or even kick it off to the side. These folks certainly think differently than I do. How do you even communicate with somebody like that?
Michael, there is a new group forming called Incline Friends. The group will raise funds for Incline improvements, organize volunteer efforts and work to educate the public about the new Incline Management Plan - which will finally make it legal to climb. We'll keep you updated. The Incline Friends may be able to help solve the garbage problem.
Also, under the new management plan, no dogs will be allowed on the Incline. The stakeholders - private property owners and the City of Colorado Springs - who developed the plan made the 'no dogs' decision based on safety and sanitation concerns.
While I'm sad that the new management plan doesn't allow for dogs, I can understand why. It's awful that the choices of a few have ruined it for those of us who would have acted responsibly. I went up (ok..halfway) last week for the first time, and came into contact with SEVERAL well-behaved, beautiful dogs and responsible owners--a few had their dog's business tied to their packs so they could take it back out with them. Just common sense.
@ Teresa: I agree with you that most owners take care of their dogs' business. Unfortunately, some people treat the Inlcine as their dumping ground not only for dog crap, but their trash. If I ever see anyone dumping trash or leaving a dog pile, I will tell them to pick it up.
Yes I've never seen anyone drop a bottle but if I do they will be taking it with th ... I spoke with mike at the cog today and people are being ticketed for dogs not on leash ... The fine for dog poo I'd pretty high .. Pack out trash and leave the dog home if you can't clean up after it ..
@Micheal Leaving some bags for others to use is a great idea although I'm sure the worst offenders won't use them. There used to be bags stashed on a sign near the Barr Trail parking lot but haven't seen any in a long time. I try to remember a bag for my dog but occasionally forget it.
A little over a month ago I took a scooper with me and cleaned dog poop along the trail from the Barr lot. I think I only made it about half way up to where it joins the Incline and I think I had over 20 lbs.
I really don't like the dog rule but unfortunately the poop has become an issue. I used to not leash my dog but and it was never a problem. In the last year though I've run into several aggressive dogs so I started leashing mine except sometimes near the top.
I was back in the springs a few weeks ago on leave and did the incline twice. I thought I was in the best shape of my life (although I had been in san antonio near sea level with little to no hills for 6 months) but I hadnt felt as much pain since the first time I ever tried it. I learned nothing can get you in shape for the incline except for actually doing it on a regular basis.
Did a double today. Up the Incline 29:50 then jogged back down the Incline. Back up the Incline 34:46 then jogged back down the Barr Trail. Blogged about it on my page if interested.
Thanks Tim/Jill... I will certainly keep going.. I am a little addicted, and have to get my early morning climbs in twice a week.. also, the weight is dropping from all this climbing, so that certainly helps! I'm guessing you can climb throughout most of the winter (major snowstorms aside)?
Debbie Rhuby
Dec 31, 2010
Cameron Chambers
Jan 5, 2011
Tim Bergsten
Jan 5, 2011
Chrissy Steigerwald
My New Year's resolution to do the incline 1x/week is still intact. Best time last week: 32:02. Waiting for some warmer weather towards the end of the week to get back out there.
Feb 2, 2011
Tim Bergsten
Feb 2, 2011
Joe Grossi
Feb 2, 2011
Brian McCarrie
Feb 2, 2011
Josh Baker
Feb 19, 2011
Tim Bergsten
Hey Josh, time yourself from the bottom tie on the Inline to the top, then post a comment here and tell us your time, the date you did it and your age. We don't get all that fancy...just making a fun list for people to look at.
And Matt H.! That's a good time. Way to go.
Feb 22, 2011
Trudy L DeCoronado
Hey Josh
I saw your comment about being "worthy" - let's put it this way...I entered the Triple Crown and completed the Ascent with having only been running LESS than a year starting 9/2009 @ age 44 - I completed the Ascent at age 45 and not w/o injury to include having my leg lanced twice due to a softball injury but I kept going so if I can do it w/all that then of course you ARE worthy...I hope to see you at the races for the Triple Crown! I was going to try for Ascent Marathon but my car accident has probably reduced me to the Ascent only..but I'm ok w/that...take care!
Feb 23, 2011
Lynne Fonda
Feb 23, 2011
Lynne Fonda
Feb 23, 2011
Lynne Fonda
Feb 27, 2011
Rob Lucas
Feb 27, 2011
Michael Everson
Age 46, 28:16 on April 14, 2011 from the first tie.
That's 2 seconds faster than previous PR
Apr 15, 2011
Debbie Rhuby
Apr 20, 2011
Michael Everson
May 3, 2011
The Colorado Running Company
May 4, 2011
Debbie Rhuby
May 4, 2011
Lynne Fonda
May 4, 2011
Debbie Rhuby
May 4, 2011
Ty
May 4, 2011
Lynne Fonda
May 4, 2011
The Colorado Running Company
May 4, 2011
Debbie Rhuby
May 4, 2011
Lynne Fonda
May 4, 2011
Jill Suarez
May 4, 2011
Josh Baker
May 5, 2011
Mark Modisette
May 7, 2011
Michael Everson
May 31, 2011
Michael Everson
Today's trash update: 6 more plastic bottles and a huge pile of dog crap 30 yards from the first tie directly in the middle of the trail.
My wife made a suggestion, and I'm curious to know who might agree. She said I should put a container of plastic bags at the first tie. I can attach a sign to it that tells people that they need to pack out their trash and dog crap.
I have been climbing the INcline for 14 years now. I have never seen it this bad. Way too many inconsiderate people who think it's not their job to clean up after themselves. Comments? I will repost on other Incline sites.
Jun 14, 2011
Tim Bergsten
Michael thanks for the report. I'll never know why or how people can leave their garbage behind on a mountain trail, at park or the Manitou Incline.
I don't get how they can allow their dogs to crap in the middle of the trail - and then fail to bag it or even kick it off to the side. These folks certainly think differently than I do. How do you even communicate with somebody like that?
Michael, there is a new group forming called Incline Friends. The group will raise funds for Incline improvements, organize volunteer efforts and work to educate the public about the new Incline Management Plan - which will finally make it legal to climb. We'll keep you updated. The Incline Friends may be able to help solve the garbage problem.
Also, under the new management plan, no dogs will be allowed on the Incline. The stakeholders - private property owners and the City of Colorado Springs - who developed the plan made the 'no dogs' decision based on safety and sanitation concerns.
Jun 14, 2011
Teresa Brown
Jun 14, 2011
Michael Everson
@ Tim: I have signed up for Friends of Incline.
@ Teresa: I agree with you that most owners take care of their dogs' business. Unfortunately, some people treat the Inlcine as their dumping ground not only for dog crap, but their trash. If I ever see anyone dumping trash or leaving a dog pile, I will tell them to pick it up.
Jun 14, 2011
Michael Everson
Jun 14, 2011
Jill Suarez
Jun 14, 2011
Rob Lucas
@Micheal Leaving some bags for others to use is a great idea although I'm sure the worst offenders won't use them. There used to be bags stashed on a sign near the Barr Trail parking lot but haven't seen any in a long time. I try to remember a bag for my dog but occasionally forget it.
A little over a month ago I took a scooper with me and cleaned dog poop along the trail from the Barr lot. I think I only made it about half way up to where it joins the Incline and I think I had over 20 lbs.
I really don't like the dog rule but unfortunately the poop has become an issue. I used to not leash my dog but and it was never a problem. In the last year though I've run into several aggressive dogs so I started leashing mine except sometimes near the top.
Jun 14, 2011
Brad Poppele
24:25 from the first tie 7/05/11
Thanks Fred Baxter for pushing me to my best time.
Jul 5, 2011
Jill Suarez
Jul 5, 2011
Mark Modisette
Jul 18, 2011
Brad Poppele
Aug 10, 2011
Nick Wilson
Sep 15, 2011
Michael Capshaw
Sep 21, 2011
Michael Capshaw
Sep 24, 2011
Michael Everson
Sep 26, 2011
Tim Bergsten
Sep 27, 2011
Jeff Gallup
Sep 27, 2011
Jill Suarez
Sep 27, 2011
Tim Bergsten
Sep 27, 2011
Jeff Gallup
Sep 27, 2011