Person Dies After Medical Rescue on Manitou Springs Incline

Overview

• Local officials first announced a closure of the Manitou Springs Incline on Saturday after first responders and El Paso County deputies responded to a medical emergency on the trail.
• Deputies initially said the shutdown could last about eight hours but then updated the public that the Incline would remain closed until further notice while responders worked the scene.
• Hikers on the trail were told to avoid the 1,000-step rest area and to use exit points at steps 395, 1,300, or 1,800 or descend via the Northern Incline Trail or Barr Trail.
• Authorities later reported that the person who had reported breathing problems died after a medical response and rescue, and the Incline was reopened following the incident.
• The closure disrupted Memorial Day weekend plans on a heavily used route and highlights how responders route traffic on steep, high-traffic trails to protect both patients and rescue personnel.