I’ve been wanting to go to Denver, CO for some time now (in general mostly) but a few years ago when I saw someone highlight the Manitou Incline on Facebook I remember saying, “I want to do that.” I knew whenever I made it that that was going to be something I checked off my list. I arrived in town late last night and had set up a rental for my stay while here (that was a good decision). Me and the grey Chevy Malibu easily found my Airbnb and I got settled in for the night. I don’t have much planned for my stay here and that was intentional. Aside from the Manitou Incline and another hike this trip is about relaxation and pampering.

My reservation (it was free but times are assigned) was at 8am for the Manitou Incline and I knew I was going to end up showing up later (I arrived around 10am). I drove 85 miles to Colorado Springs to get to the Manitou Incline. It’s better to park offsite at Hiawatha Gardens, pay a few dollars to park and take the free shuttle to the Incline. There were a good group of us that loaded the shuttle and before we knew it we were at the basecamp of the Incline. Though I was a solo traveler I did my best to stay in sight of groups throughout the hike up and down.

I was nervous, my main thing was I didn’t want to fall or get sick from the elevation and thankfully neither happened. I love the stairmaster at the gym and I saw this as one very tall stairmaster and that’s essentially what it was. I did pop two Ibuprofen a few hours before as I heard that will help steer off altitude sickness but I had no issues. I took many breaks along the way to gain control of my breathing. I had my inhaler just in case but thankfully didn’t need it. At one point I thought, “I’ve climbed snow capped mountains and volcanoes before, I can do this.”

On my way up I listened to Sunday service and when that ended my Spotify. I met people along the way and we chatted when we stopped and encouraged each other along. I lugged with me a tote bag of snacks and water which definitely came in handy. The hardest part of the climb were the steep steps and the steps that were so small that I found myself climbing up those as to make sure I wouldn’t fall. I didn’t like those as I recall my knees and legs shaking at one point because that portion was out of my comfort zone.

There are 3 different areas where if you need to tap out on your climb you can and can take a trail to go back down, I however was determined to make it to the top. A little more than 2 hours later I saw the last step at the top step 2,768 and crossed it to see everyone who had finished up resting at the summit; I did it! Many people offered to snap photos for me so I took a few to commemorate my win. It stayed on the summit for about 20 minutes and took the Barr Trail back down.

I had read to be ready to hike about 2 hours back down once you reach the top and they told no lie. I almost feel like going down the trail was harder than going up the steps and found myself crawling coming down at points so as not to slip. If people behind me seemed in a hurry I would just let them pass. I was so happy to finally reach the bottom. I’m so grateful for the experience and once is enough for me (I feel no need to do it again). I awaited with others for the shuttle back to parking.

By now I was tired and hungry for some food food so I stopped to get some Chinese and headed back to my Airbnb 85 miles away. The drive both going and coming was so peaceful as the flow of traffic was smooth. The only difference is going it was foggy and coming back the sun was shining and it was clear. I’m back at my Airbnb for the rest of the day and I’m going to just relax. Tomorrow I have an Infrared Sauna session with Himalayan Salt and hopefully a mani/pedi. After today I’m sure my body will thank me tomorrow.