Incline Friends

Incline Friends The nonprofit Incline Friends group is dedicated to making the Incline sustainable and open to the public.

Visit us at: www.inclinefriends.org
Merch Store: www.inclinefriends.org/shop
Instagram: incline_friends

Incline Friends is now accepting applications for our annual scholarship awards, supporting El Paso County students who ...
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! 🙌

Four of our board members, Andrew, Eric, Katharine, and Renee packed up tools, headed up the stairs, and filled ~50 hole...
12/21/2025

Four of our board members, Andrew, Eric, Katharine, and Renee packed up tools, headed up the stairs, and filled ~50 holes to help keep the route safer and more durable for everyone.

And with December being unusually dry, it’s been a great window to get proactive maintenance done before winter weather really arrives. ⛄️

🅿️ Where to Park for the InclinePlanning your visit to the Manitou Incline? Here’s how to make parking easy and enjoy ev...
11/06/2025

🅿️ Where to Park for the Incline
Planning your visit to the Manitou Incline? Here’s how to make parking easy and enjoy everything Manitou Springs has to offer.

Main Parking Lots
Hiawatha Gardens (10 Old Man’s Trail) and Dillon Parking Lot (134 Manitou Ave) are the primary spots for Incline visitors. Both connect to the free Route 33 shuttle, which runs about every 20 minutes and takes you directly to the base of the Incline.

While you ride, you can also hop on and off along Manitou Avenue to explore the local shops, cafés, and restaurants that make Manitou so special.

If you prefer to park closer to the trailhead, Iron Springs Chateau (444 Ruxton Ave) offers cash-only parking for $15 for up to four hours. Spaces are limited and fill up quickly.

Tips for Visitors
• Arrive early for the best spots at Hiawatha or Dillon.
• Walking from Hiawatha Gardens to the Incline is about 1.3 miles if you prefer to skip the shuttle.
• Watch for residential parking restrictions along Ruxton Avenue and Winter Street.
• Shuttle service may vary during severe weather.

On the 24th anniversary of 9/11, our community came together on the Manitou Incline to climb in honor of the lives lost ...
09/11/2025

On the 24th anniversary of 9/11, our community came together on the Manitou Incline to climb in honor of the lives lost and the heroes who answered the call. Firefighters, first responders, military personnel, and community members carried flags, gear, and memories up 2,768 steps to ensure we never forget. 🇺🇸 Thank you to everyone who joined us in remembrance and solidarity.

09/11/2025

On the 24th anniversary of 9/11, Manitou Springs Fire Chief Keith Buckmiller shared powerful words during our annual Memorial Climb. Thank you to the firefighters, first responders, and community members who joined us in honoring the lives lost and the heroes who answered the call that day. 🇺🇸🚒

Incline Friends would like to extend a huge thank you to the incredible volunteers who came out today for our maintenanc...
09/07/2025

Incline Friends would like to extend a huge thank you to the incredible volunteers who came out today for our maintenance event. Together, we moved 2 tons of rock, carefully pruned bushes and trees, and worked on rock setting to help stabilize and protect the Incline.

Your hard work keeps the Incline strong and safe for the entire community. We couldn’t do it without you!

Join us on Sunday, September 7th from 8:00–12:00 for a morning of maintenance on the Manitou Incline. Rock is our best t...
09/04/2025

Join us on Sunday, September 7th from 8:00–12:00 for a morning of maintenance on the Manitou Incline. Rock is our best tool to combat erosion, and the structures we build can protect the Incline for a lifetime.

The only way to get rocks up the Incline is human power so we’ll be carrying rocks in buckets from the drop site to around step 800. It’s very hard, physical work, but also an opportunity for those who want a big challenge and a great workout! ⛰️💪

We’ll meet at the bottom of the Incline, just below step 1, at 8:00 AM. Please bring plenty of water and snacks, wear long pants (yes, even in the heat!), work gloves, and closed-toe shoes.

The Incline will remain open to the public during this event. Please be mindful of volunteers working on the trail.

If you’d like to volunteer, please register here: https://volunteer.coloradosprings.gov/acts/console.php?console_id=0132&console_type=event_list&res_code=exOxvV&ht=1

The Incline Friends are deeply saddened by the recent incident at the Cog Railway. Regardless of the circumstances, we d...
08/19/2025

The Incline Friends are deeply saddened by the recent incident at the Cog Railway. Regardless of the circumstances, we do not condone violence. We wish the Cog Attendant a swift and full recovery.

We hope the community can come together to support and care for one another, especially as so many of us gather to recreate in the beautiful area of Manitou Springs. With that in mind, a few friendly reminders:

🚷 Always use the dedicated entrance to the Incline. There are multiple private property owners in the area, so please stay on designated paths (see below).

👥 Be respectful of the residents. We are fortunate to have access to such an incredible hiking area—please show consideration to those who live nearby.

🫶 Take care of each other. If you notice something wrong, report it. We’re all in this together, and a little kindness and grace go a long way.

Huge thanks to everyone who came out to volunteer on the incline this morning. We cleaned out the grates and filled in t...
07/10/2025

Huge thanks to everyone who came out to volunteer on the incline this morning. We cleaned out the grates and filled in the holes on the stairs up to step 1700. These maintenance efforts might not be glamorous, but they’re essential for keeping the Incline safe, sustainable, and enjoyable for all.

Want to join us next time? Drop a comment below and we’ll add you to our mailing list for upcoming volunteer days!

Love the Incline? Help preserve it! 🛠️✨ Join Incline Friends and community volunteers tomorrow on the iconic Manitou Inc...
07/09/2025

Love the Incline? Help preserve it! 🛠️✨ Join Incline Friends and community volunteers tomorrow on the iconic Manitou Incline for a trail maintenance day. It’s a great way to give back, meet fellow trail lovers, and show our stunning landmark some love.

📅 Date: Thursday, July 10th
📍 Location: Manitou Incline
🕒 Time: 7am-10am
👍 What to expect:
• Trail upkeep & erosion control
• Brush clearing and debris removal
• Chances to learn trail‑care techniques

What to bring:
• Sturdy shoes or boots
• Work gloves & layered clothing
• Water & snacks
• A can‑do attitude (tools will be provided)

Why? These monthly maintenance events are crucial for keeping the Incline safe, accessible, and beautiful for everyone. You’ll be making a real difference in preserving this local treasure!

🔗 RSVP with the link in comments

Let’s come together tomorrow and protect one of our region’s most beloved hikes. Tag a friend who’d love to help—and see you on the trail! 🙌

As graduation week wraps up across the Pikes Peak region, Incline Friends extends a heartfelt congratulations to the ent...
05/25/2025

As graduation week wraps up across the Pikes Peak region, Incline Friends extends a heartfelt congratulations to the entire Class of 2025! We celebrate your accomplishments, your resilience, and the exciting path ahead.

Today, we’re especially proud to recognize the three recipients of the 2025 Incline Friends Scholarship—students who have demonstrated not only academic excellence, but also a deep commitment to protecting and preserving the natural world:

Aubriella Kane – Discovery Canyon Campus High School
Aubriella is passionate about wildlife biology and conservation. She will major in Zoology and hopes to continue her studies in graduate school, eventually working in veterinary medicine or wildlife research.

Ethan Longwill – Cheyenne Mountain High School
Ethan aims to study Environmental Engineering, focusing on water systems and sustainable infrastructure. He envisions a career designing creative, outdoor-focused projects that support environmental stewardship.

Owen Carr – Lewis-Palmer High School
Owen plans to pursue a degree in Environmental/Mechanical Engineering, with the goal of using technology to protect native ecosystems. His long-term vision includes earning a PhD to lead advanced research in energy and the environment.

These students exemplify the spirit of the Incline with dedication, strength, and a drive to leave the world better than they found it. We are honored to support their journeys.

Here’s to the next generation of trailblazers!

Address

Manitou Springs, CO
80829

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