Video Story
Watch VideoThe Incline: legal access in the works
Story By: Bill Folsom
Source: KOAA
Published Tue Aug 19, 2008, 06:19 PM MDT
Updated Tue Aug 19, 2008, 10:56 PM MDT
One of the most challenging spots for a workout in the Pikes Peak area, is also technically illegal for runners and hikers. Soon, that may change. After years of negotiations over access to the Incline above Manitou Springs a deal could be just months away from happening.
A two thousand foot rise of elevation in just a mile, the incline attracts people looking for a fitness challenge. “It's just the workout. Can't say it's fun. It's grueling." says Corna Gossage who comes to the incline once a week with friends.
When you’re on it, you also can’t miss a big no trespassing sign. There are several reasons it’s in place. Part of the incline is privately owned by The Cog Railway so there are liability issues. There’s also a parking issue. The Cog needs parking spaces for paying customers.
Soon that no trespassing sign could be taken down. " The parties are very, very receptive to making this work." says Colorado Springs City Councilman, Scott Hente who’s been pushing for a deal to open the incline to the public.
It’s one route with many players. Consider you access the incline through Manitou springs; it's owned by the National Forest Service at the top; Colorado Springs Utilities at the bottom, and the Cog Railway in the center. A no cost deal with Colorado Springs, would exchange easements so the cog gets rights to a parking area, the incline itself transfers to government. "Which would relieve the cog of their liability concerns of getting sued obviously because the liability would transfer to the city." according the Hente
A deal requiring many uphill steps appears in sight. If everything falls in place the deal could happen in the next two to six months.
