Will Colorado’s Challenging Manitou Incline Make a Big Change?

It's one of the most-popular hikes in all of Colorado, and one of the state's toughest. It takes a lot to go up 2,000 feet in less than one mile.

Will Death Regarding Manitou Incline Prompt Changes at the Site?

It took me and my friend over 2 12/ hours to climb the 2,744 steps of Manitou Incline. You see many people actually running up the steps, which to me seems crazy, because they could get seriously hurt.

A 65-year-old man died from, what appears, attempting the hike.

The Manitou Incline, as a hike, has existed since 1990. It starts at 6,600 feet above sea level and ends at nearly 7,000 feet. I can't imagine how difficult the climb was before the Manitou Incline Improvement Project of 2014. 

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In the 30+ years that the Incline has been open for hiking, there have been more than a few injuries and there have been a few deaths. Deaths including a 64-year-old man from Oregon who died in April of 2025.

It is a hike that is not for those who are not in (at least) average health, and it's very difficult to get medical help while on the Incline.

READ MORE: 7 Things to Know About Hiking the Manitou Incline

It seems to me, that sooner or later, the Colorado Springs Parks and Wildlife Department, will  be implementing a waiver of some kind. Something that you sign on- site or online (when you make your reservation,) stating you understand the danger.

Yes, there are people at the trailhead to verify your reservation and maybe they give you a "once over" regarding whether you're healthy/able enough for the hike (I'm not sure they do or don't.)

An extra step, though simple, may dissuade a person from attempting something they're really not up for.