Embrace the Elevation on the Manitou Incline

There are adventures galore when it comes to exploring the mountains of Colorado Springs. But you don’t have to go deep into the backcountry to experience the adrenaline rush of the Rockies’ elevations and trails. In the nearby town of Manitou, the Incline — considered Colorado’s Holy Grail of cardio, perhaps the most challenging trail in the country, and a physical push even for pro athletes — is a bucket list, bragging rights draw for locals, visitors, and Olympians alike. The former cable car railroad once used to cart materials up Pikes Peak for pipelines, is now a trail made up of the remaining railroad ties. In other words, the one-mile trail consists of 2,744 steps that carry its hikers up a 2,000-foot elevation gain with an average (keyword!) incline of 41%. Don’t let the numbers make you nervous though, the views from the top and the satisfaction of seeing where your body can take you is a reward well worth earning!