Be sure to bring your confirmation, either on your phone or printed. City of Colorado Springs Parks’ staff will greet you and check you in at the base of the Incline. 

• You may also reserve a time slot for another person, but please limit group reservations to four hikers per timeslot. Please select May 29th at 8:30 am.

• You can reserve more than one slot at a time, however, please only reserve days and times you plan to use.
• You only need to make a reservation for the time you wish to check-in to start your climb.

Preparation and Safety

This is a vigorous and intense hike, complete with a false summit! The trail is recommended for physically active people and those adjusted to the elevation. Although the trail is just one mile in length, it is a 2,000 ft elevation gain straight up a steep, uneven staircase! Are you ready? Plan ahead and prepare!

• Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen.
• Make sure to properly hydrate by drinking water the evening before your reservation.
• Check the weather. Ice develops quickly near the top of the Incline after wintery weather events. Microspikes strongly recommended!
• Do you have proper clothes and footwear? Sneakers or sturdy hiking shoes are strongly recommended. Dress in layers.
• Visiting from a lower elevation? Allow your body to properly acclimate a few days before hiking the Incline.
• Due to safety reasons, dogs are not permitted on the Incline. Remember to leave your pet at home.

Incline Parking

Plan to arrive in time to find parking and allow plenty of time to get to the base on the Incline. Parking is available at:

Hiawatha Gardens Parking Lot (10 Old Man’s Trail)

• Parking costs $1/hour - Make sure to get a parking pass from the meter, tear the ticket on the marked line, leave the top part of your ticket on your dash and take the bottom section with you as your proof of parking.
• Enter your phone number when paying for parking to receive alerts when your parking is about to expire and extend if needed.
• The free shuttle runs from Hiawatha Gardens to the Incline between the hours of 6:00am and 6:00pm:
  • Approximately every 20 minutes between these times
  • Masks are still required to ride the shuttle to and from the Incline
  • The shuttle does not run on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day or New Years Day
• If you do not wish to wait why not walk to the Incline and add to your hike! A map from parking to the Incline can be found here

Iron Springs Chateau Parking (444 Ruxton Ave)

• Fee-based parking - Make sure to get a parking pass from the attendant.
• Parking is $10 per car for 4 hours - cash only
• April 1st to August 31st – Reservations preferred via ISC Hiking Parking (Note this is separate to your Incline Reservation)
• September 1st to April 1st - Parking is on a first come first served basis
• May close early if a show is scheduled. Follow them on facebook for closure announcements.

Proof of parking is required at check-in! 

Incline Rules

• Smoking prohibited
• No pets allowed
• Littering prohibited - reusable water bottles are recommended
• Creation or use of undesignated trails prohibited.  DO NOT shortcut your journey down the Barr Trail or Northern Return Trail
• Open fires and burning prohibited
• For your safety and the safety of others, do not climb down the Incline (use alternate trails for your downhill journey)
• Do not feed any of the wildlife you encounter on your hike.  Feeding wildlife decreases their life span and disrupts the ecosystem
• Respect other visitors; keep a safe distance whenever possible and use headphones if listening to music

Plan Ahead and Prepare

• Bring your reservation confirmation, proof of parking, plenty of water, and snacks as well as a face covering
• Wear appropriate attire; hiking boots/tennis shoes, hat, and sunscreen
• Check weather forecast
• Are you acclimated? The Incline is an extreme workout; DO NOT attempt to climb if you are not physically prepared