Be sure to bring your confirmation, either on your phone or printed. City of Colorado Springs Parks’ staff will greet you and check you in at the base of the Incline.
- Reservations are available Reservations are available 6:00am to 6:30pm (April - October) or 6am - 3:30pm (November - March). There is no access permitted outside these hours. There is no access permitted outside these hours.
- You can reserve more than one slot at a time, however, please only reserve days and times you plan to use.
- You only need to make a reservation for the time you wish to check-in to start your climb.
- Each hiker must register individually.
Parking:
Plan to arrive in time to find parking and allow plenty of time to get to the base on the Incline. Proof of parking from one of these locations must be presented during check-in at the base of the Incline.
Where to park:
Hiawatha Gardens Parking Lot located at 10 Old Man’s Trail:
- Parking costs $1/hour - Make sure to get a parking pass from the meter, tear the ticket on the marked line, leave the top part of your ticket on your dash and take the bottom section with you as your proof of parking. Enter your phone number when making your reservation to receive alerts when your parking is about to expire and extend if needed.
- The free shuttle runs from Hiawatha Gardens to the Incline between the hours of 6:00am and 8:00pm:
- Approximately every 20 minutes between these times
- Sat/Sun approximately every 10 minutes between 6:00am and 4:00pm
- Masks are still required to ride the shuttle to and from the Incline.
- If you do not wish to wait why not walk to the Incline and add to your hike! A map from parking to the Incline can be found here.
Iron Springs Chateau Parking 444 Ruxton Ave:
- Fee-based parking - Make sure to get a parking pass from the attendant.
- Parking is $10 per car for 4 hours - cash only
- April 1st to August 31st – Reservations preferred via ISC Hiking Parking (Note this is separate to your Incline Reservation) September 1st to April 1st - Parking is on a first come first served system
May close early if a show is scheduled. Follow them on facebook for closure announcements.
Where not to park:
- Incline users are not allowed to park in Barr Lot. Barr Lot is only available to users seeking access to the National Forest, via Barr Trail. You will not be granted access to the Incline if you park in Barr Lot.
- Parking along Ruxton Avenue and Winter St. is only for Residential Parking Permits (RPPs), which are issued by Manitou Springs. Parking on Ruxton Avenue and Winter St. without a Residential Parking Permit will result in a parking ticket.
Safety:
This is a vigorous and intense hike, complete with a false summit! The trail is recommended for physically active people and those adjusted to the elevation. Although the trail is just one mile in length, it is a 2,000 ft elevation gain straight up a steep, uneven staircase!
Watch this virtual hike from the Trails and Open Space Coalition to get an idea of what to expect.
Are you ready? Please plan ahead and prepare.
- Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen.
- Make sure to properly hydrate by drinking water the evening before your reservation.
- Check the weather. Summer thunderstorms are common in this area; you do not want to be on the Incline when lightning is present.
- Do you have proper clothes and footwear? Sneakers or sturdy hiking shoes are strongly recommended.
- Visiting from a lower elevation? Allow your body to properly acclimate a few days before hiking the Incline.
Rules and Regulations:
- Smoking prohibited
- No pets allowed
- Littering prohibited
- Creation of rogue trails prohibited
- Open fires and burning prohibited
- Do not climb down the Incline. Use the Barr Trail for your downhill journey
- Stay on the trail at all times
- Do not feed any of the wildlife you encounter on your hike
- Respect other visitors; keep a safe distance whenever possible and if listening to music bring headphones
Photo Credit: @andysinclair81 (IG)
