Hike Log

OMG STAIRS, aka Manitou Incline + Rocky Mountain

Trailhead:

Manitou Incline

Type of Hike:

Day hike

Trail Conditions:

Trail in good condition

ROAD:

Road suitable for all vehicles

Bugs:

No bugs

Snow:

Snow free

After living in CO for over a decade and running ultras all over the state, I finally did my first traverse up the Incline! WE did the inline – my younger son, Mason, and me.

While short, it is monumental. The steps are easy and gradual at the start but quickly turn into something like a wall. Mason and I focused on the two steps in front of us – to stay focused on the here and now, but also because at points two steps in front of us was literally at eye level.

But, we did it! And we summitted Rocky Mountain as well! Mason didn’t love the steps but definitely enjoyed the rest. We are happy to have the OMG STAIRS hike knocked off our list first!

This was our first hike in our Six Peaks Challenge. We chose it as number one because we wanted to hit it before Summer – the heat and high tourist season. Also, the higher hikes still have quite a bit of snow.

TIPS

1. MAKE A RESERVATION! https://cityofcoloradosprings.aluvii.com/store/shop/productdetails?id=1&productId=1 This link also has important parking information.

2. Give yourself plenty of time to find parking. You may have to park very far away and either walk or take the shuttle.

3. BRING CASH. We were fortunate enough to get a spot right at the base at Iron Springs Chateau but they only took cash at this lot. They have an ATM machine there if you forget. $10.

4. If you have them, hiking poles are an excellent idea. We used ours and they were brilliant!

5. Pace yourself and HAVE FUN! This is a really fun adventure. Be sure to stop and turn around and enjoy the view along the way.

Responses

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    1. Thank you, Emma! So far we have done Manitou, Bergen, and Sherman. Next week we will do Elbert and then the last two a few weeks later before school starts. How about you?

      1. Nice! Keep it up 🙂 I moved to Tennessee so I may not be able to participate in the challenges this year but I’m cheering you all on from here!

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