Manitou Incline generates more trash complaints

Hikers said they’re seeing greater accumulations of trash along the Manitou Incline since it reopened this spring after a renovation project.

“(The project) has brought more people than who normally use the Incline and that means more trash,” said Susan Davies, of the Trails and Open Space Coalition. “We really wish people would pick up after themselves.”

Some hikers suspect most of the trash is being left not by locals but by tourists and visitors who are unaware of proper trail etiquette.

“It’s a noticeable difference,” said Danielle Jacobs, of Monument, who hikes the Incline weekly. “Maybe if there were more signs posted, that would make a huge difference. Lots of people are so awed by the Incline that they don’t pay attention to the sign at the trailhead.”

For visitors and tourists, it might seem easy to leave trash behind when there are no trash receptacles along the steep, nearly mile-long trail.

But Davies said it’s unrealistic to place receptacles along the trail that regularly need to be emptied and maintained.

Kurt Schroeder, parks operation manager for Colorado Springs, which shares management of the Incline with Manitou Springs, said a lack of resources make it difficult to enforce Incline rules and watch for littering.

“I’d love to be able to put a staff person out there on a regular basis,” he said.

Some volunteer groups occasionally conduct trash pickups on the Incline but Davies said it’s only on a small scale.

“It’d be nice if you pick up your own trash and maybe pick up a few other pieces while you’re at it,” she said. “We need everyone’s help.”

Davies also said hikers continue to bring their dogs — in violation of Incline rules — which add to the mess.

“We ask that you leave your dog at home,” she said. “If not, please clean up after it.”