Hiking Incline Trail

Only a week late.. but I had to blog about my wonderful hike up the Manitou Incline trail last Saturday with my friend Keron.  This is some serious hiking and not for the faint of hearts. If the extreme trail warning sign doesn't deter you then the view of the 2,000 feet elevation will.

 

 

 

 

 

 I have done this trail last summer with Jeffrey and we did not know what we were in for then. But this time I was more prepared- mentally and little physically. This trip was Keron's first. Although she is a Colorado Native, I got the joy of showing something really fun and exciting in her home state.

 

 

 

 

 

The incline starts at 6,000 feet elevation and gains over 2,000 feet in approximately 3/4 mile (great info provided from internet), so although the weather was a sunny 55 degrees at base on trail, the snow had not yet melted at the top of trail. I'm proud to say that I have become acclimated to the cold weather here in CO, but I do enjoy the sunny warm days above 50 degrees. Funny that I say that, if it was below 60 degrees in Texas you would have most likely found me bundled in sweaters and bringing out the fall-like boots. But here, when it's above 50 almost everyone is wearing tank tops and capris to soak up those warm rays. I won't say that I'm a Coloradan yet... just better acclimated to it.

We went pretty slow and took lots and lots of breaks, but made it to the top in about 1 1/2 hours . Not to bad all things considered. I'm good with going nice & slow. About 2/3 way up there is a cut off that will lead to the Bahr trail which takes you down the mountain. But I can't ever chicken out once I've made it that far. Just gotta keep going to the summit. The views are so beautiful once you get to the top and can actually enjoy them while you eat a little energy packed snack. I never recommend to go down the stairs, but rather on the Bahr trail that loops back down the mountain. It's much safer this way. I'm to clumsy for that anyways. I do good just to get up those darn stairs.

 

After our energy snack, we headed down the trail. Of course, a few pics and a selfie were required at this point. It was a nice slow walk filled with fun conversations and accomplishments all the way down trail. Glad I got to take Keron along and more than tickled that I got in such a great workout for last Saturday. In fact, it was so fun and I felt so  great about myself so I went again today (Saturday). Flew solo this time, so my time was much better. Shaved a whole hour off (30 mins up and 30 mins down). Great views and a great workout!