Conquering the Manitou Incline
…..on my 35th Birthday
I’m not sure when I first came across the Manitou Incline—it may have been through an article or someone’s Facebook. But the moment I saw it, I knew it would be the perfect challenge to mark my 35th birthday. Once I decided to do it, the incline appeared everywhere, as if the universe (or maybe just the algorithms) wanted me to take on this legendary hike.
The Manitou Incline, a trail of 2,744 steps climbing over 2,000 feet in elevation, is known for being one of the most challenging hikes in Colorado. While I am a beginner hiker… I live an active lifestyle, with years of CrossFit, running, and wellness-focused habits. Still, I knew this hike would test both my physical endurance & my mental strength.
Tackling the Include on my birthday wasn’t just about the hike, it was my commitment to make every year more epic than the last. Since I quit drinking, I’ve aimed to celebrate each birthday in a way that feels meaningful, challenging, and reflective of my personal growth. For me, this hike was a chance to push myself beyond my comfort zone and celebrate strength.
Preparing for the Manitou Include
If you’re planning to tackle the Manitou Incline, here are some tips based on my experience:
Pick a Special Day: Choose a date that feels significant or gives you plenty of time to enjoy the experience fully.
Make a Reservation: Booking a spot on the Incline is free, and while no one checked ours, reserving is the right thing to do.
Stay Close: If you’re not local, I’d recommend staying in Colorado Springs or Manitou Springs the night before to get an early start.
The Morning of the Hike
On the morning of my birthday, I ate a big breakfast of eggs over rice (…do not judge me, it’s one of my favorite meals) and drove about an hour and 15 minutes from Denver to Manitou Springs. After parking, we hopped on the shuttle, which takes you through the quirky town before dropping you at the base of the Incline. Along the way, we even met a friendly woman who guided us in the right direction after we almost went the wrong way—a small but memorable start to our journey. She was super sweet, wearing a hat that said “Peace” and a hamsa necklace. 🪬
Step by Step: Hiking the Incline
Starting the hike almost felt surreal. I promised myself to take it slow, focusing on consistency rather than speed. Along the way, we met people from all walks of life, from young kids to parents carrying little ones, to friends laughing and encouraging each other. I found it amazing how a physical challenge like this could create such a powerful sense of community.
Reaching the Summit
After about an hour and a half, we finally made it to the top, collapsing onto the rocks surrounded by other who were equally exhausted & exhilarated. I loved people watching… people taking pictures, high-fiving each other, and sharing their times. One dude had completed the Include in under an under - it was his first time and I couldn’t help but ask to take his photo and give him a high-five. I wanted him to know I was proud too. I took some photos for a group of girlfriends, and for a moment, I felt a little nostalgic, thinking of my own friends and how fun it would. have been to invite them along. Still, connecting with strangers on this shared journey felt surprisingly fulfilling.
The Barr Trail Descent
While some people choose to go back down the Include (which I believe is frowned upon), we chose the safer and more scenic option, taking Barr Trail. This path down took longer than expected - probably two hours - but it gave us a chance to savor the experience, chat about our favorite parts, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Celebrating with Burgers, Free Ice Cream, and New Friends
After finishing, we took the shuttle back downtown and hopped off a few blocks before The Keg in downtown Manitou Springs for a well-deserved burger and fries. It was the perfect end to an intense physical challenge. Later, we wandered through the town’s eclectic shops, where we met a kind soul named Bud at a soap shop. He shared thoughtful insights about relationships and self-love and even wished me a happy birthday—a meaningful interaction that made the day even more special.
Pro tip: check out the Penny Arcade hiding amongst the crystal shops.
Before heading home, we stopped at an ice cream shop, where I treated myself to a rare indulgence: a scoop of yellow cake-flavored ice cream. The gentleman behind the counter gifted it to me, adding one last touch of birthday magic to an unforgettable day.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate a milestone or push yourself outside your comfort zone, I can’t recommend the Manitou Incline enough. It’s an experience that challenges your physical and mental limits, fills you with awe, and leaves you with a deep sense of accomplishment. Who knows - maybe I’ll make it an annual tradition, or maybe next year, I’ll discover another adventure that calls my name. But for now, I know this was exactly where I needed to be.
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If you have any questions, need more info, or want to share your experience hiking in Colorado, send an email to hello@michelleplante.com
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