Manitou Incline... Have a day!…read more This is an epic CO hike and *can be conquered by anyone with a little intestinal fortitude... It's virtually straight up (2200+ ft vertical) then 4 miles down, no filling stations, and no shade, but is an absolute blast of a hike. It takes about 1.5 hours up and about 2-3 hours down, depending on your individual fitness level. The best part are the summit views and if you go up another 200M and take the backside Barr Trail down, the views get even better. Make sure to bring tons of water, wear good hikers (there are lots of switchbacks on the way down), and put on sun screen because it's 90+ degrees with no shade on a normal CO summer day... Don't be "that guy" or "that girl" that shows up without any gear (there were a ton of those people out there, and it's completely mind boggling), because Vegas odds are 3/2 you'll be a casualty. My best advice is take a minimum of 3L of water (I took 4L and went through all them from top to bottom, granted I sweat like a Vegas hooker in a Catholic Church), take two "tough pills" before you start, and take it slow and steady up... #slowissmoothandsmoothisfast. Make it to the top, take some great mountain pics, enjoy the trek down, and go get a celebratory cold CO crafty at one of the cool bars in Manitou springs after words.

5/5 stars?? I know, I'd have said 0/5-do not recommend, but for this:…read more If you want a serious workout, this is for you. It's been on my bucket list for a wee bit, though I'm not sure exactly why--perhaps the grueling challenge this offers, if only to challenge myself. I had no time constraints, just get to the top and back down again. I did it! I was no record-setter by any means, and I'm okay with that. Did I "train?" No. Did I acclimatize myself (being a flatlander from Kansas), yes! I brought lots of water and electrolytes and of course SNACKS, because, hello!! It's a hike and all hikes need snacks; not to mention it's grueling and your body needs the fuel. I went up to the top the first time and down Barr Trail--that is no joke either. Switchbacks and seemingly "huge" step downs--it has its own "obstacles." The sun was shining full strength so it was toasty--doable as I had a sun hoodie on, but also a tad miserable. Second time, slightly over halfway with a friend, we walked down a hundred steps to the bailout at 1300. That was absolutely fabulous! Gorgeous scenery and that day was nice and cool and foggy! Loved it! Switchbacks too, but seemingly not as bad as what the Barr Trail has. People on this trail?? Well, they're exceptionally wonderful. Everyone--EVERYONE--was supportive, encouraging and kind. People from just about everywhere. Would I do it again? Yes. When the weather is foggy and cool. Would I want to go down the 1300 step bailout, yes. The transition of trail grades is easier than on Barr Trail IMHO, but going down the Incline is sketchy--people do it, but it's steep and the recommendation is to NOT do so. It was questionable as to whether a permit was needed. I signed up--self-proclaimed rule follower that I am--only to find no one was checking anything!! So, you do you. It might be a way to have the state of CO see how many people and from where and to sign a waiver, but otherwise no one checked. I parked at a paid lot and took a free shuttle to The Incline and back--I later found out via word of mouth that there is free parking at a park nearby where the bus stops. **As an aside, I learned the day before I was planning on going that this is no joke, people have died or have been injured on this trail--please take necessary precautions for your health and wellbeing.**

This is a moderately trafficked trail in Manitou Springs that will bring you to some beautiful…read moreviews of the city and the Incline! The trail is somewhat short (unless I was missing something...), but it does hook up with other trails and apparently is part of the trails that circle Pikes Peak (cool! Adding that to my to-do list!) It's pretty steep in areas, so make sure that you bring plenty of water! I really enjoyed the hike on this trail, and it's a good alternative if you're not feeling up to Barr Trail or the Incline.

A tad hard to find since Google maps doesn't take u to the trailhead and it's not entirely easy to…read morespot for visitors but wow it's amazing! Not too long and we only went a short way but totally loved it. Not much traffic and saw a deer not far from trail. Beautiful overlook and creek

If you find yourself in Colorado Springs, definitely take the time to visit garden of the gods…read more This park is completely free to the public. If you know the specific trail you want to hike look for the closest parking lot to that, get there early and look for that parking lot number. If you want to experience the Park for the first time, my advice would be to take yourself over to the visitor center. There is a lot at the visitor center and there is one across the street that had ample parking. Parking is also free. You can then walk from the visitor center into the central Park area, we walked around for about 3.5 miles. It was a Saturday so it was quite busy. There were people repelling, you must have a license for this. The visitor center itself is very cool too, and has clean restrooms and a museum and café Make sure to wear a hat and sunscreen if it's a sunny day and bring your water bottle Definitely a unique part of the world you should take the time to see

A must to visit while in Colorado Springs. The visitor center is kid friendly and has lots of…read moreeducational fun facts for kids. We took a 45 min guided shuttle tour, which was a perfect amount of time for kids! Lots of trails, I will try next time

We went to CO to visit family and experience the beautiful outdoors, and a Geological Hike, the…read moreVolcanic Gems Geology Hike, with Dr. Rox was our first excursion on the weekend. Dr. Rox was fantastic. Both my wife and I are teachers, and so we loved how academic the hike was as Dr. Rox would pause and explain the rock cycle, tectonic movement, or the birth of the Rocky Mountains. We were also delighted that our two teenage sons asked a bunch of questions and were obviously engaged in, not only the Geology lesson, but also the local flora and fauna. Dr. Rox answered every question, and, when she didn't know the name of a plant, she pulled out a trusty book and looked it up. She kept things light, but we definitely learned a lot as well. When we reached the end of the hike where the zeolite crystals had grown in the geodes, we climbed all over the rocks finding crystal after crystal. It was certainly an impressive site. We really loved both the scenery and our guide, and I would recommend this hike to anyone with any interested in geology. A big thanks to Dr. Rox for making our hike so fun and educational!

The overview summary of Trail Gems encapsulates it for me: "guiding you through the incredible…read morebeauty of Colorado's wilderness." I live in Colorado, but I do not appreciate its beauty enough. I also never knew the story behind the beautiful rock formations and natural landscapes I pass by everyday. Rox provides context and explanation for a natural history of the beautiful sights of Colorado. Rox is also very organized and thoughtful, making sure we had water, snacks, and umbrellas. We got to look, touch, break, and collect all different kinds of rocks in a variety of gorgeous locations. It was fun to explore and engage in a tactile activity. In our modern world where so much of our lives are spent behind screens, this was a truly relaxing yet exciting activity and exploration tour in the outdoors. It was creative and fun. I felt like a kid again!

I love this trail so much! It's a beautiful and perfect running or hiking loop conveniently located…read morein Cheyenne mountain. It offers beautiful views at the top after a tough climb and then a wonderful and gradual decline back down to a dirt road (also leads to trail 666) and then to the main road.

I love this trail! To do the whole loop it's about 6 miles. I've only done it counter-clockwise…read more So it starts with a good two miles of mostly uphill before you start a gentle downhill stroll through the woods. The trail is popular, but rarely packed. Great views. Wonderful workout or super chill walk, depending on how you feel like going.

We didn't stay here, but we walked over to the lounge from the RV Resort next door and I'm so glad…read morewe did. It was a Saturday night and there was live music. We ended up having great conversation with both the staff and the other patrons, the beer selection was great, and I'm so happy we stumbled across this place. Next visit to the area, we'll be staying here for sure!

We went on a Sunday afternoon to the Bluegrass Jam from 3-6. According to my mom and sister they…read moreremodel and upgrades look amazing. We were eager to sit outside and listen to some wonderful music. I am from the Midwest, so any time I can be outside in low humidity I am on it! It was a beautiful evening. Unfortunately only 2 musicians came out to play for us. They others were all inside. I know my toddler granddaughter was the enticement to head outside. I sure was happy I brought her. They were so entertaining, but went back in after less than 30 minutes. Again, it was such a gorgeous night out. I hope in the future others realize we are all not from the area and cherish our time outside during the summer months. Especially when one is from a place with 110% humidity. Yes, I am being hyperbolic. I will definitely go back later this summer when I return. The place looks like such a fun environment to stay. I hope I get a chance in the future.

Nice place for Incline souvenir stickers, fridge magnets and shirts. cool designs with decent…read moreprices. They also offer food, coffee and drinks

Where would you get that bottle of thirst quenching drink when you are totally needing it after the…read moreincline hike? you guessed it right. this is the place to get the coldest drink at this part of the town, use the restroom where you don't have to see the things floating from previous user. better yet, grab some attire or souvenirs to remember your grueling hike up to the top. got ice creams too!