At Our Peak: Ain't No Mountain High Enough!

On Saturday, January 29, Marc and I decided that we would climb The Incline. We've been told ever since we arrived here that we had to do it--I guess you're not a true "Springer" until you have conquered this part of the city. It was a beautiful day! In the mid-60's and clear, blue skies! (Not a typical winter day considering less than a week later it has been in the negative digits here--no school the past 2 days---Brrrr!)

Here's a little background on The Incline:
Completed in 1907, the Manitou Incline was a 1 mile cable tram built to support the construction of a hydroelectric plant and its waterline. After performing this service, the railway was then purchased by Dr. Brumbach and turned into a tourist attraction. The Incline boasted a 16 minute ride to "scenic splendors", 10 miles of hiking trails in Mount Manitou Park, and claimed to be the "longest and highest incline on the globe".

In 1990, the Manitou Incline closed after a rock slide damaged the tracks and the railway decided to cease the failing operation. Ever since then, the route has seen a steady stream of climbers. The route is steep, gaining nearly 2000 feet of elevation in 3/4 of a mile. It is truly a Colorado workout!

So...here is our ascent to the the top of The Incline...and our descent down Barr Trail--about a 4 mile hike. We did well considering it was our first time. Our strategy was "slow and steady"...and that proved to be true. We finished in about 2 1/2 hours...but definitely proud of our effort. Let's just say...the views were worth every step!