DESCRIPTION: From the Barr Trail Parking lot, head north
up a trail that begins at the northeast corner of the parking lot.
Climb until you reach the ties, which look like stairsteps to the
clouds. If you parked near or below the Cog Railway station, walk
through the railway parking lot. The very bottom of the Incline is
on the north side of the lot. The Incline pitch will reach 45
degrees plus and you'll have to lift your knees high on some of the
steps. This is a great workout, known by athletes across the
country. But almost anyone can reach the top if you pace yourself.
Barr Trail touches the Inline about halfway up (you can see the
wood-rail fencing to the left) offering a nice bailout point if you
are really tired or out of time. Barr trail will take you back to
the trailhead and your vehicle. Once past the Barr Trail bailout,
the Incline becomes very steep. A false summit with torment you
when you realize there is still about 1/4-mile (maybe a little
more) to climb, but the grade is easier on the final push to the
top. Once there, the view makes all the work worth the effort. A
social trail, that leads to Barr Trail can be accessed immediately
to the left of the Incline summit. For a longer trip down, continue
to walk west/northwest and access a service road which winds to the
southwest and eventually connects with Barr. Hang a left to return
(three miles) to the Barr Trail trailhead. Go right to Barr Camp
and the summit of Pikes Peak.
DIRECTIONS: Take Manitou Blvd. west through downtown
Manitou Springs. Hang a left on Ruxton and drive toward Cog Railway
station. To find the Barr Trail parking lot and trailhead, drive
past the railway station about 1/8 of a mile to Hydro St. and take
a right up this very short and steep paved road. Good luck finding
a parking spot, as the area has become extremely popular, even on
weekdays. Parking below on Ruxton may be a better plan. Don't park
in the Cog Railway parking areas. That's asking for trouble.
BACK TO THE TRAIL
& ROAD RIDE GUIDE
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