Summer success brings concern in Manitou Springs

The absence of worry about wildfires and flash flooding has produced mixed results for tourism in Manitou Springs this summer.

Sales at The Loop, a popular restaurant for 25 years, are better then ever, according to owner Matthew Gray.

But some residents and town leaders are concerned about increased traffic congestion and larger crowds. The congestion is particularly visible at the intersection of Manitou and Ruxton avenues, where many visitors turn to board the Cog Railway to Pikes Peak, or hike the Manitou Incline and Barr Trail.

Recent improvements to the Incline, and a shortage of parking, are cited as the biggest factors in summer congestion.

“It can take a resident 20 minutes to drive through Manitou Avenue,” Manitou Springs resident Steve Morath said. “It’s definitely too much of a good thing — for tourists and locals.”

But one visitor doesn’t think the situation calls for concern.

“I don’t think the congestion ruins anything,” said Ian Kallenbach of Colorado Springs. “This is still a great place to come. You find a way to figure it out.”

Yet Kallenbach confessed it took him and his family longer to find a parking spot Sunday than it usually does.

“We heard multiple people complaining about parking at the Incline,” he said.

Ron Ilgen, an organizer with the upcoming Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon, said town leaders should consider charging a fee for Incline users to pay for maintenance, and hire a staff to supervise the trail and enforce rules.

“I think everyone’s trying to do the best they can, but it’s overwhelming,” he said.

One businessman said he plans to bring his concerns to the City Council soon.