Is Manitou Incline Finally Close to Being Legal?

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

Over the years, there have been several talks about making the Manitou Incline legal. Even though it is illegal, it is the most popular hike in the Pikes Peak region.

In December, the Pikes Peak Cog manager had said there might be news by spring on an agreement to make the Incline legal. The news never came.

According to an article in the Gazette a couple weeks ago, there is now an agreement written between the Cog Railway and city of Colorado Springs. Lawyers are reviewing the document. Colorado Springs would get an easement for a trail along the Incline in return for allowing the Cog to use a small parking lot at the end of Ruxton owned by the city.

Even if Colorado Springs and the Cog sign the agreement, things need to be worked out with Manitou Springs and the Forest Service.

The area around the bottom of the Incline is in Manitou Springs and neighbors haven't been happy with parking issues from the Incline being so popular. The top part the Incline is on National Forest land. The Forest Service has indicated they would support having it officially open.

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