Colorado Hikes near Denver: Manitou Incline
When my personal training clients in Denver ask about the most interesting and perhaps the most challenging hike in the front range, the Manitou Incline outside of Colorado Springs comes to mind. The 2149-foot stair climb in 1.2 miles is an actual muscular and cardio endurance test. These pictures don’t give justice to the effort! Hiking the Barr Trail down is another treat on this epic experience.
If you love the Stairmaster in the personal training studio in Denver, you’ll love this stairway to the Manitou heavens.
Time of Year: Saturday, January 7th, 2023.
Weather: 31 degrees and sunny at 10:32 am, wind: 7 mph (nonfactor); 5-8 degrees cooler at the top.
Cover: 70% exposed.
Time: 10:32 am - 1:54 pm.
Distance: 4.6 miles total, 2149 foot gain (extra mileage depending on where you park).
Bathroom at Trailhead: Yes, in the coffee shop.
Route: Trailhead to up the incline and looped down on the Barr Trail.
Traffic: Heavy.
Parking: Only two spots left arriving/leaving in the 25-car lot. Some confusion over what's trail or railway parking. The Barr Trailhead has parking further down as well.
Equipment: Hiking boots and microspikes (highly recommended). Maybe hiking poles next time?
Terrain: Short, steep stairs with packed snow in several shaded areas. A few sections require a bigger step but are manageable. From the top, Barr Trail is a snowy dirt/rock 2.8-mile path back to the trailhead.
Experience: Although I typically prefer fewer people on a trail, it was nice to share the same challenge with others. Had the feel of a 5k race....everyone with the same goal of hitting the finish line. Considering the 2000-foot elevation in just 1.2 miles, the scenic Incline requires a great cardio baseline after reaching a higher elevation. The top is at 8500 feet, and you will feel the climb up if you've been dancing at sea level the day before. The Barr Trail is incredibly beautiful and offers rewarding views of our descent. This is a workout.
Cost: Make free reservations and pay a $10 cash-only parking fee.
Difficulty: Incline (hard level 2, not technical), Barr Trail down (easy level 5, 2000-foot descent over 2.8 miles with snow).
Denver Personal Trainer Notes: The views are endless on this quick incline to the elevation 8500. No doubt, a cardio session with scenic rewards. The trek down is spread over 3 miles, but it is still a deceleration practice.
My personal training clients in Denver with a strong endurance baseline will enjoy the challenge (and grade) of this hike.
I can’t say the Helix Lateral Trainer offers this same view at the Denver personal training studio in LoHi!
The panoramic reward at the top of the Manitou Incline outside of Colorado Springs.
Most personal training clients mention the Manitou Incline. You shouldn’t ignore the beauty of the Barr Trail on the way down, though!
A glimpse of the surrounding mountains from the Barr Trail (about 90 minutes from Denver).
The Barr Trail isn’t as steep as the Manitou Incline but my personal training clients should be mindful of their knees.
The beauty of the Barr Trail.
A memorable view after an epic climb on the Manitou Incline. Truly meant for the strongest personal training clients.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: MICHAEL MOODY, PERSONAL TRAINER
As an author, a personal trainer in Denver, and podcast host, Michael Moody has helped personal training clients achieve new fitness heights and incredible weight loss transformations since 2005. He also produces the wellness podcast "The Elements of Being" and has been featured on NBC, WGN Radio, and PBS.
Michael offers personal training to Denver residents who want to meet at the 2460 W 26th Ave studio….or in their homes throughout LoHi (80206), LoDo (80202), RiNo (80216), Washington Park (80209), Cherry Creek (80206, 80209, 80243, 80246, 80231), and Highlands (80202, 80211, 80212). Michael also offers experiences with a personal trainer in Jefferson Park (80211) and Sloan's Lake (80204, 80212).
If you’re looking for a personal trainer who can curate a sustainable (and adaptable) routine based on your needs and wants, Michael is the experienced practitioner you’ve been looking for. Try personal training for a month…your body will thank you!
