City opens 2 new trails branching off Manitou Incline

MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Barr Trail bailout isn't the only trail that intersects with the famous Manitou Incline anymore.

The city of Colorado Springs announced the official opening Thursday of two trail sections that branch off of the Incline at various points along the way up Mt. Manitou.

That means if you don't want to complete the nearly 2,800 steps up to the top, you can take detours at steps 395 or 1,300 for the Northern Return Trails. Previously, your only bailout point was around step 1,800 at the Barr Trail connection.

Going down the stairs of the Incline isn't recommended, so the two additional points for the Northern Return provides options for climbers who may feel the giant climb is too much for them.

At the same time, another trail extension was opened at the base of the Incline to connect to the Ute Pass Regional Trail, which goes north-northwest.

If you want to climb the Incline, you'll need a free reservation, which can be made at this link.