Incline Friends

09/11/2026

This morning, the Incline Friends were honored to join the Manitou Springs Fire Department and members of our community for the annual 9/11 Memorial Climb on the Manitou Incline.

The climb began at 6:46 AM, marking the exact time American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower and emergency services began their response on September 11, 2001.

As we continued up the Incline, the group paused together for moments of silence at the times marking five more defining moments of that morning:

🇺🇸 7:03 AM — United Airlines Flight 175 strikes the South Tower
🇺🇸 7:37 AM — American Airlines Flight 77 strikes the Pentagon
🇺🇸 7:59 AM — The South Tower collapses
🇺🇸 8:03 AM — United Airlines Flight 93 crashes in Pennsylvania
🇺🇸 8:28 AM — The North Tower collapses

Twenty-five years later, we continue to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost, the first responders who ran toward danger, and all those whose lives were forever changed that day.

Thank you to the Manitou Springs Fire Department for continuing this meaningful tradition and bringing our community together in remembrance.

We climb to remember. We will never forget. 🇺🇸

09/09/2026

08/28/2026

Did you know that in Ruxton Canyon there are several land owners? The Forest Service, City of Manitou Springs, City of Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs Utilities, Manitou Springs Utilities, the Cog Railway, El Paso County, the Iron Springs Chateau, and the many residents who live there!
Let's all be good neighbors and be respectful of the many users of this treasured area.
And as a reminder, if you take the shuttle up Ruxton, use only designated areas to access the incline!

08/26/2026

The Incline Friends were back on the trail today working on the Barr Connector Trail!

We completed corridor clearing along more than half a mile of trail, removing exposed roots and overgrown branches while also closing several rogue/social trails.

A quick reminder when you’re out there: please stay on designated trails and avoid cutting switchbacks. Social trails and shortcuts contribute to erosion, damage vegetation, and create more work to keep these trails sustainable.

Thank you to everyone who came out and put in the work today! 💪🌲

08/07/2026

What have the Incline Friends been up to? Quite a bit. ⛰️

From repairing stairs and controlling erosion to removing graffiti, supplying water, supporting local first responders, and awarding scholarships, our work extends beyond just maintaining the steps of the Manitou Incline.

We’re proud to work alongside the City, local organizations, volunteers, and other stakeholders to help care for the Incline and the surrounding community.

And there’s plenty more ahead. We’re continuing to work toward larger projects including upper staircase repairs, erosion control, improvements to the Northern Return Trail, and permanent restroom facilities.

None of this happens without the people who volunteer, donate, partner with us, and support our mission. Thank you for helping us take care of this incredible community resource. 💚

08/05/2026

Before ➡️ After

Some graffiti at the Incline porta potties got a cleanup using supplies provided by Incline Friends.

It may not be the most glamorous work, but keeping the Incline and surrounding area clean is part of taking care of a place that means so much to our community.

05/26/2026

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Nick Jogolev.

Thank you to the bystanders and first responders that worked tirelessly to help him.

Our hearts are with Nick's family, friends, and all those who knew and loved him during this incredibly difficult time. We hope they are able to find comfort, strength, and peace in the days ahead.

For anyone who would like to support the family, a GoFundMe page has been created for donations.

Wife and mother Coral Jogolev unexpectedly lost her husband Nick Jogolev while h… Caroline Procik needs your support for Support The Jogolev Family After Loss

05/23/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 Incline Friends Scholarship winners!

Incline Friends is proud to recognize this year’s scholarship recipients and their commitment to education, community, and stewardship.

Evelyn Michaelsen of Colorado Springs attends Banning Lewis Preparatory Academy and plans to study environmental science, continuing her commitment to caring for Colorado’s natural spaces and inspiring others to be good stewards of the outdoors.

Greta Kelley of Colorado Springs is a student at William J. Palmer High School who plans to major in quantitative social science, combining a love of data with a desire to understand and strengthen communities.

Aden Kirby of Fountain is a student at Fountain-Fort Carson High School who plans to pursue a degree in environmental science, environmental studies, or engineering, turning a passion for the natural world into a career protecting and improving our environment.

Please join us in congratulating Evelyn, Greta, and Aden on this well-deserved recognition!

01/15/2026

Incline Friends is now accepting applications for our annual scholarship awards, supporting El Paso County students who demonstrate a commitment to outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship, and/or community involvement focused on preserving our natural resources. The deadline for applications is January 31st, 2026

Awards
• Up to three (3) undergraduate scholarships
• Up to $2,500 each (one-year awards)
• Funds are paid directly to the student’s educational institution

Eligibility
• High school seniors who are El Paso County residents or enrolled in an El Paso County school
• GPA 3.0+
• Not related to current Incline Friends directors or major donors

Application requirements (all required by Jan 31)
1. Completed online application form (note: there is no way to save a partial submission)
2. Two (2) letters of recommendation emailed directly by the author to [email protected]
3. Official high school transcript for the last 2 years (including GPA)
4. 200–500 word essay on qualifications + educational/career goals (PDF attached)

Questions: [email protected]
Apply on our website’s Scholarship page.

Please share with students, parents, teachers, and counselors! 🙌