The Barr Trail doubles its parking lot fee

Starting Monday, parking for the Barr Trail has increased in price, going from five to ten dollars.

The fee increase will be used to help two things: create more revenue for programs and improvements supporting the hiking public, and to cut down on the congestion due to the popularity of the trail.

“I’m not surprised just because of supply and demand. It’s such a popular place and there are so many people out here, it probably needs the help,” said Cody Costra, a hiker we spoke with,

However, some people hike either the Barr Trail or the Incline multiple times a month. This new price for parking could make that very expensive.

Josh Borden said, “We will come up here for PT like once a month or so. We got a carpool and we are still spending 50-60 bucks on parking.”

Eric Batteiger added, “I understand that they got to charge but I’m not going to pay that because I come here two to three times a week. That’s 20-30 bucks a week.”

However, there are ways around it. You can use the free shuttle which brings you in from town, or if you make it to Barr Camp you can get a $5 refundable coupon. Some people, however, choose to avoid it altogether.

“It means we have to come early and we have to earn our place here by getting up at like 5 [a.m.] in order to find good parking. Show up later than that, you got to pay,” said Ramon Flores.

The city of Manitou Springs has provided over $100,000 from the Barr Parking Lot, and the new increase will only continue to help.