Living

7 ‘staircase hikes' around Colorado that are sure to test your endurance

By Spencer McKee, The Gazette The Tribune Content Agency

Updated May 7, 2026 4:48 AM

Hikers explore the Manitou Incline hike in Manitou Springs, Colorado on Sept. 15, 2020. (Dreamstime/TNS) Dreamstime TNS

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - It's time to get those leg muscles back in shape for peak hiking season, and one of the best ways to do so may be climbing stairs. Obviously, there are plenty of gyms around Colorado that feature stair-climbing equipment, but it's still hard to beat training outside.

Looking to take your stair-climbing effort to the trail? Here are a few options you'll find around Colorado.

1. The Manitou Incline

- Step Count: 2,768 steps

- Elevation gain: 2,000 feet

Obviously, this Colorado Springs-area option has to be first on this list - it's the largest outdoor staircase in the state and known for offering a one-of-a-kind workout on the mountainside above Manitou Springs thanks to its steep grade and how it climbs about 2,000 feet of elevation in just less than a mile. Most hikers opt to return via the three or so miles down Barr Trail opposed to the steps, which is highly recommended for safety and to save the knees.

2. Challenge Hill

- Step Count: 200 steps

- Elevation Gain: 178 feet

Found at Castle Rock's Philip S. Miller Park, Challenge Hill poses a similar challenge as the Manitou Incline, but on a much smaller scale. It consists of 200 steps and has a vertical gain of about 178 feet. The staircase portion of a 0.6 mile loop is less than 0.1 miles long.

3. Seven Falls

- Step Count: 224 steps

- Elevation Gain: About 180 feet

Accessing this Colorado Springs-area spot comes with a fee, but visitors get to see a stunning sight. Book a trip via The Broadmoor - and don't skip out on exploring other trails aside from just the staircase, too.

4. The Rueter-Hess Incline

- Step Count: 132 steps

- Elevation Gain: 232 feet

Found in Parker, this trail offers a quick and convenient option when it comes to getting a good workout. Stretching views can be seen from the top.

5. Devil's Head Lookout Tower

- Step Count: 143 steps

- Elevation Gain: Final stretch is about 100 feet of gain

Located near Sedalia, reaching this historic spot means a hike of about three miles round-trip with an elevation gain that's close to 900 feet. It ends with a staircase that travels up to the tower itself - double-check that it's open before planning to reach the true finish of this route.

6. Bishop Castle

- Step Count: 199 steps

- Elevation Gain: 160 feet

Not so much a hike and more of a tourist destination, Bishop Castle is located near Rye. It stands about 160 feet tall and the climb to the top of its main tower means traveling up 199 steps.

7. Stairway to Heaven

- Step Count: 311 steps

- Elevation Gain: 211 feet

Find this trail on Air Force Academy grounds, just north of Colorado Springs. Note that access can vary, and the route may be restricted to military ID holders. That said, those who are able to climb this route can get a couple hundred feet of elevation gain in less than 0.2 miles.

BONUS: Star and Hidden Dunes

- Step Count: TBD

- Elevation Gain: About 750 feet

Two sand dunes at Great Sand Dunes National Park are tied as the two tallest sand dunes in North America - Star Dune and Hidden Dune. While there aren't stairs to the top of these dunes, that's part of the challenge. Both measure at about 750 feet and walking up steep sandy slopes can have it feeling like each step forward is a half-step back. Reaching the top of these dunes - and many other at the park - can be a very strenuous endeavor.

Thomas Carlson/Dreamstime/TNS Thomas Carlson TNS

This story was originally published May 7, 2026 at 4:42 AM.