At Hotel Polaris, we celebrate the explorer in all of us - that inner pull to go further, reach higher, and chase the horizon. Few adventures embody that spirit quite like the Manitou Incline, a short drive from the hotel and a bucket-list climb for adventurers worldwide.
Located about 30 minutes from our doors, this legendary stair-step hike in Manitou Springs is the kind of journey that challenges your limits and rewards you with panoramic views and a story worth telling. And when your ascent is over, Hotel Polaris is exactly where you’ll want to land.
The Manitou Incline
At first glance, the incline looks almost unreal - a dramatic line of railroad ties rising nearly vertically up the mountain. With over 2,000 vertical feet in less than a mile, this hike is one of the most iconic and demanding routes in the United States.
Quick Stats:
- Steps: Over 2,700
- Difficulty: Extreme (not your average hike)
- Reservations Required: Book your hike in advance
It’s steep. It’s intense. It’s absolutely worth every step.
Before You Hike: Rest and Prepare at Hotel Polaris
Adventures like the incline start well before you hit the trail - and the best journeys begin with purpose and preparation. At Hotel Polaris, we help you launch with intention.
Fuel Up at Pamela’s:
Located right on-site, Pamela’s is the perfect place to power up for your climb. Serving fresh, elevated takes on American classics, it’s your go-to for a pre-hike breakfast or energizing lunch with views.
Stop at The Lobby Coffee Shop:
Need a caffeine boost before sunrise? We have you covered with rich coffee, fresh pastries, and light bites made to fuel movement.
Rest Up in Explorer-Inspired Rooms:
Our rooms are a study in balance - mid-century design meets modern comfort. Unwind in plush bedding and wake up refreshed, knowing your home base is as inspiring as the peaks you're about to conquer.
Once You’ve Conquered the Incline: Return to Something Bigger
Making it to the top of the incline is a personal triumph. But your experience doesn’t end at the summit. At Hotel Polaris, we make sure the after feels just as rewarding.
Relaxation & Rejuvenation
Ascend Spa & Wellness:
Treat tired legs and shoulders at Ascend Spa, where targeted recovery treatments, massages, and total-body relaxation await. You earned this moment of stillness.
In-Room Comforts:
Every guestroom features a Lavazza coffee machine, a custom robe, Verso bath amenities, plus panoramic views of Colorado Springs. There’s no better place to reflect on your ascent.
Private Lounges & Scenic Spaces:
Find your post-hike moment of zen in one of our lounges or outdoor patios, perfect for sipping a drink, journaling your experience, or simply breathing in the mountain air.
Celebrate With Food & Flavor
Toast Your Triumph at The Aviator Rooftop:
The Aviator offers handcrafted cocktails and sweeping U.S. Air Force Academy views and beyond. It’s the perfect place to toast a job well done - preferably with your favorite drink in hand and the Rockies on the horizon.
Unwind With Playful Energy at Doolies:
Want to keep the energy high? Head to Doolies, our fifties-style soda shop, where you can snack on comfort food, challenge your friends to retro games, or hop into a flight simulator just for fun.
Explore More Than a Trail - Explore the Region
While the Manitou Incline might be the centerpiece of your trip, it’s just the beginning when you stay at Hotel Polaris. Our location, neighboring the U.S. Air Force Academy grounds, puts you close to some of Colorado Springs’ most iconic destinations:
- Garden of the Gods – A 25-minute drive brings you to towering red rock formations and accessible trails.
- Downtown Manitou Springs – Eclectic shops, mineral springs, and post-hike ice cream await.
Need help with logistics or transportation? Just ask - our team is happy to help coordinate your plans.
What to Know Before You Climb
- Seasonality: Open year-round, but expect snow and ice in colder months. Traction cleats are essential in winter.
- Weather: Conditions change quickly in Colorado - layers are key.
- What to Bring: Water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, sturdy shoes, and a sense of humor.
Follow Your North Star
At Hotel Polaris, we don’t just offer a place to stay - we offer a philosophy of movement. We believe in forward momentum, in pursuing awe, in pushing limits, and in celebrating the results. The Manitou Incline may be steep, but so is the path to progress. And once you’ve summited, we’ll be here to welcome you back - refreshed, inspired, and ready for what’s next.
Ready to climb higher, then unwind deeper?
Book your stay at Hotel Polaris and let your adventure come full circle.