🥾 Manitou Incline Hike + Dakota Hot Springs ♨️🏔️

Ready for a challenging hike followed by a well-earned relaxing soak? 😅🥾♨️
Join us in Manitou Springs to take on the famous Manitou Incline! We’ll climb thousands of steps up the mountainside, enjoy incredible views, and descend via Barr Trail. There are also alternative hike options for those who prefer a different route.
Afterward, anyone interested can join us at Dakota Hot Springs for a relaxing mineral-water soak. ♨️😌
Expect a day of challenge, mountain views, good company, and relaxation!

♨️ HOT SPRINGS UPDATE

We’re switching our planned soak from SunWater Spa to Dakota Hot Springs. Please make your Dakota Hot Springs reservation for 3:00 PM.
🚗 Dakota Hot Springs is approximately an hour’s drive from Manitou Springs, so please factor the additional travel time into your plans, especially if you’re carpooling.

🥾 THE HIKE

The full Manitou Incline is short but very strenuous, gaining roughly 2,000 feet of elevation in less than a mile. Expect lots—and lots—of stairs! 😅
We are not racing to the top. Hike at a comfortable pace, take breaks, and don’t feel pressured to keep up with anyone else. We’ll plan to regroup at the top before descending via Barr Trail.
Allow approximately 2–3 hours, depending on your route and pace. Please choose an option that suits your fitness and comfort level. Some routes may take longer, as noted below.
If you’re joining the 3:00 PM soak, plan your hike accordingly—we’ll need time to return to our cars and drive approximately an hour to Dakota Hot Springs.

🗺️ HIKE OPTIONS

1️⃣ Barr Trail — Out & Back
🥾 6.5 miles • ⛰️ 2,159 ft elevation gain • ⏱️ 2–4 hours
View route on AllTrails
2️⃣ Half Manitou Incline + Barr Trail
🥾 4.1 miles • ⛰️ 2,113 ft elevation gain • ⏱️ 2–4 hours
View route on AllTrails
3️⃣ Full Manitou Incline — Loop
🥾 4.1 miles • ⛰️ 2,020 ft elevation gain • ⏱️ 2–4 hours
View route on AllTrails
4️⃣ Half Manitou Incline — Loop
🥾 2.4 miles • ⛰️ 1,213 ft elevation gain • ⏱️ Approximately 2 hours
View route on AllTrails
Distances, elevation gains, and times are approximate. Please review your chosen route beforehand and let us know which option you plan to take.

🎒 WHAT TO BRING

💧 Plenty of water and electrolytes
🍫 Snacks or energy food
🥾 Good hiking shoes
🧢 Hat and sunglasses
🧴 Sunscreen
🧥 Warm layers and a rain jacket
🎒 Small daypack

Colorado mountain weather can change quickly, so come prepared! ⛈️☀️

🍽️ FOOD

We’ll decide as a group where to grab a bite after the hike before heading to Dakota Hot Springs for our 3:00 PM soak.

♨️ DAKOTA HOT SPRINGS AFTERWARD

After putting our legs to work, we’ll head to Dakota Hot Springs for an optional relaxing soak at 3:00 PM. 😌
Bring:

🩱 Swimwear
🧺 Towel
🩴 Sandals or flip-flops
👕 Change of clothes

You’re welcome to join us just for the hike!
⚠️ Please make your reservation for 3:00 PM in advance. Everyone joining the soak is responsible for their own reservation and admission. I cannot guarantee same-day availability.

🚗👥 CARPOOLING FROM DENVER

We’ll meet at Arapahoe at Village Center Station to carpool.
📍 Carpool meeting location
🕣 Meet: 8:30 AM
🕣 Depart: 8:45 AM
Our planned parking location in Manitou Springs is Dillon Mobility Hub, 134 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs, CO 80829. From there, we’ll take the free Route 33 shuttle to the trailhead.
Please plan to chip in for gas and any parking fees.
Comment below with:

Whether you’d like to drive or need a ride
How many passengers you can take if driving
Whether you’re joining the soak or returning after the hike

Please coordinate with your driver so everyone in the car agrees on the plan, including the additional drive to Dakota Hot Springs.

📍 DRIVING SEPARATELY?

Please meet us at the trailhead, ready to start hiking at 10:30 AM.

⚠️ SAFETY

This is a strenuous hike at elevation. Please know your abilities, choose an appropriate route, and participate at your own risk.
Take breaks, stay hydrated, and let someone know if you change your route or turn back. Don’t rush your hike to make the soaking reservation. The goal is to challenge ourselves while enjoying a safe, fun day together.
🥾🏔️♨️ Come for the hike, stay for the soak, and enjoy a day outdoors with the group!