Hiking – Trailhead to Barr Camp

Most visitors to Barr Camp hike up Barr Trail from the trailhead in Manitou Springs.  The 6.5-mile hike gains 3800ft, with most of the elevation gain over the first three miles of the trail. Do not be discouraged by the first part of the trail.  While the trail continues to gain elevation to Barr Camp, the next three miles of the trail are less steep.

 

We recommend an early start on the trail.  In the summer months, the lower part of the trail can be brutally hot.  A cool morning start will get you up higher before the heat of the day, and will get you to Barr Camp in time for a nap, deck-sitting, or a short hike to a great overlook.

 

When departing the trailhead parking lot, be careful to start on the correct trail. Barr Trail is on the south side of the parking lot, at the large wooden Barr Trail sign.  On the other side of the lot is an unmarked trail that takes you to the incline. The incline should not be attempted unless you are aware of what you are getting into.

Kicked off Bighorn training last December with a hike up the Incline in Manitou Springs.  2000ft+ vertical gain, climbing one mile of  stairs [Garmin read .97].  It’s a butt kicker.  Seemed only fitting I’d return, after Bighorn said-n-done.

every June weekend

Early a.m. start, 2 hour drive to Colorado Springs, ‘nother 20 minutes to Manitou.  Parking’s now $10 & completely gone by 7am.  Summer season.  Incline on a lotta bucket lists.  Fee paid good for 4 hours.  Not ending at the Incline today, hiking on.  Barr Camp, day’s destination.

16 marathons completed since my last Incline ascent.  Result: still sucked wind.  It’s a steep climb.  Topped 20 minutes faster than December.  Couple long intakes of oxygen, then down the backside of the staircase tenth-mile, reconnected with Barr Trail.

Hiked the entire 29-mile Barr Trail in 2013, summited Pikes Peak, later napped against a tree truck on the hike return.  Never ever again.  Too much.  Never say never, but not today 😊

Insert: Chesapeake Tom.  Marylander renting in Manitou, training for the Pikes Peak Marathon.  Met him at the Connector junction.  Confirmed I was bearing west, hiking the Barr Trail.  Notta lotta traffic hiking UP Pikes generally but with the Cog closed, many more than normal.

Tom had a time goal in mind.  3 hours to Barr Camp, first time cutoff in his Pikes Challenge.  Hiked Barr Trail first time last weekend.  3:20 to Barr Camp.  Would need to shave an hour if he hoped to hit tree line 4:30 in, summit before 6 hours.  After that, it’s a generous 4 hour clock to Manitou.  Sailboat captain, flatlander, dropped 40 pounds.  His goal race.  I get it.

Keenan had a time goal too.  4 hours up-n-back before his Jeep gets towed.  Yikes!

Conversation made time fly.  Power-hiked thru long stretches of Ponderosa pine, later Aspen.  Strava map shows we climbed another 1500ft, who knew?  I heart Aspen.

Chesapeake Tom sailed 16 days across the Atlantic.  Maryland to the Azores, Azores to Ireland, Ireland to Scotland, then down the lock system to Dover.  Last Fall, moved his boat to Chicago (son’s home).  mid-America Chicago?  Chesapeake Bay to the ocean, up NY’s Hudson, past the Statue of Liberty, utilized locks thru the Great Lakes – touched all ‘cept Lake Ontario.  double WOW, right?

Never before stopped at Barr Camp, thought it was a Boy Scout retreat.  Open 365/year (even Christmas), cots house 15-17 indoors, campsites & biveys outdoor.  $30 to sleep under roof, price includes pasta dinner & oatmeal breakfast (one-pot group meal).

Next time I top Pikes, sleeping at Barr.  Halfway point (6 miles more to Summit), chocolate brownies for purchase.  Just saying.

Fast trot back.  Just missed 4 hours but found my Jeep parked where I left it (thanks Parking Police).  Chesapeake Tom however hit his time goal, 2:49 to Barr Camp.  Never know WHO you’ll meet on a day hike.  Thanks for the stories, friend.