🥾 Manitou Incline Hike + SunWater Spa Soak ♨️🏔️

Ready for a challenging hike followed by a well-earned relaxing soak? 😅🥾♨️
Join us for a day in Manitou Springs as we take on the famous Manitou Incline! We’ll climb thousands of steps straight up the mountainside, enjoy some incredible views along the way, and then make our way back down via Barr Trail.
After putting our legs to work, we’ll head over to SunWater Spa in Manitou Springs for a relaxing mineral-water soak. ♨️😌
It should be a great combination of challenge, mountain views, good company, and relaxation afterward!

## ⚠️ DATE & TIME ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

The date and time for this event are subject to change.
♨️ Please DO NOT make your SunWater Spa reservation yet. I’ll confirm the final date and time before everyone books their spa reservation.
Once everything is confirmed, I’ll post an update here with the recommended reservation time so we can hopefully soak together after the hike. 🥾🏔️➡️♨️

## 🥾 THE HIKE

The Manitou Incline is short in distance but very strenuous. The climb gains roughly 2,000 feet of elevation in less than a mile, so expect lots—and lots—of stairs! 😅
We are not racing to the top. Everyone should hike at a pace that is comfortable for them, and we can regroup along the way and at the top.
After reaching the top, we’ll descend using Barr Trail rather than walking back down the Incline.
⛰️ Difficulty: Strenuous
🥾 Terrain: Steep stairs + mountain trail
📈 Elevation gain: Approximately 2,000 ft
📏 Total outing: Approximately 4 miles with the descent
⏱️ Time: Allow approximately 2–3+ hours depending on the group
Please make sure you're comfortable with a steep and physically demanding hike before joining.

## 🎒 WHAT TO BRING

💧 Plenty of water
🥤 Electrolytes
🍫 Snacks/energy food
🥾 Good hiking shoes
🧢 Hat
🕶️ Sunglasses
🧴 Sunscreen
🧥 Light layer/rain jacket
🎒 Small daypack
Colorado mountain weather can change quickly, so come prepared for changing conditions. ⛈️☀️

## ♨️ SUNWATER SPA AFTERWARD

After conquering the Incline, it’s time for the reward! 😌
Anyone interested can join us afterward at SunWater Spa in Manitou Springs for a relaxing soak.
Bring your:
🩱 Swimwear
🩴 Sandals/flip-flops
👕 Change of clothes
The spa is optional, so you're welcome to join us just for the hike.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Everyone who wants to join the spa portion should make their own SunWater Spa reservation in advance. Space can be limited, and I cannot guarantee same-day availability.
I’ll post the soaking time/reservation window for our group once we decide on the hike start time.

## 🚗👥 CARPOOLING FROM DENVER

For anyone coming from Denver, we can coordinate a carpool to Manitou Springs so we don’t all have to drive separately. 🚙🏔️
If you’d like to drive or ride with someone, please post in the comments and let us know:

## 📍 MEETING LOCATION

We’ll meet near the Manitou Incline trailhead. I’ll share our exact meeting spot and any parking/shuttle information before the event.
Please arrive early enough to park, get your gear together, and be ready to start hiking at the scheduled time. ⏰

## ⚠️ SAFETY

This is a strenuous hike at elevation. Please know your abilities and participate at your own risk.
Take breaks when you need them, stay hydrated, and don't feel pressured to keep someone else's pace. The goal is to challenge ourselves while still having a fun and safe day together.

## 🏔️🥾➡️♨️

Climb thousands of steps, take in the Colorado mountain views, then reward those tired legs with a relaxing soak!
Come for the challenge, stay for the spa, and enjoy a fun day in Manitou Springs with the group. 🥾🏔️♨️😎