Get your hiking boots out! The Manitou Incline is now open with a free reservation system in place.
For many Coloradans under stay-at-home orders, hiking has been a great way to get outdoors, but the Manitou Incline remained closed for several months. The local favorite is finally reopening with measures in place. As of August 6, hikers can get their Incline fix.
In a press release on Wednesday, August 5, the City of Colorado Springs announced the Incline would open at 6 a.m. the next day. Organizers put a free reservation system in place as part of an agreement between Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs.
The reopening announcement garnered a lot of attention from avid hikers in the area:
THE INCLINE IS OPEN!!!! https://t.co/Y5kRvA1szf
— Visit Manitou (@Visit_Manitou) August 6, 2020
Missing the #ManitouIncline? It reopens TOMORROW. Reserve your spot and challenge yourself to this one-of-a-kind hike. https://t.co/mFj5W6LjuN pic.twitter.com/KYahA2L9wN
— VisitCOS (@VisitCOS) August 5, 2020
Before hiking up the steep mile-long trail, visitors need to show proof of their reservation to an onsite attendant. Reservations are available from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Once making a reservation, a welcome email informs users of parking areas and rules while using the Incline. Parking is currently available in two areas. The Hiawatha Gardens lot is free, but visitors must walk 1.3 miles to the base of the Incline until the shuttle returns on August 24. The Iron Springs Chateau lot costs $10, and reservations are recommended.
Upon checking in, hikers will receive a wristband that they must wear during the entire hike. Hikers must adhere to COVID-19 guidelines, including wearing a face covering and keeping six feet from others when possible.
"We want to thank all Incline users for their patience and continued patronage of this incredible trail that is such an asset to our region," said Karen Palus, the director for Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services. "Since climbing the Incline is no small feat, we hope you view the reservation wristband as a token of accomplishment that you wear with pride during and after your hike!"
The long-awaited reopening has a lot of locals and visitors excited, and reservations are going quickly. Find more information and make a reservation online here.
Are you excited to hike the Manitou Incline again? Leave a comment below.
