UpaDowna Happy Hour
UpaDowna Incline Happy Hour
This is the first Thursday since the Manitou Incline was legalized. It means there will be the first legal UpaDowna Incline Happy hour. However until time change next month, the dawn to dusk rule will be broken.
The Incline Happy Hour was started a few years ago by the great folks at UpaDowna. Their motto is “Up a Mountain, Downa a Beer”. Their goal is to get more people in the outdoors.
Now that the Manitou Incline is legal, UpaDowna is encouraging more people to join them. They start at the bottom tie of the Incline (directions) at 6 PM and hike to the top of the Incline.
The hike takes place year round but know your limitations as the Incline can get icy and treacherous in the winter. It’s a self paced hike and not a race. It doesn’t matter what your fitness level. Generally people hang out at the top for a bit and then most head down Barr Trail.
Until time change you’ll need a headlamp to be able to see in the dark. You can also get by with a flashlight but then your hands aren’t free for balance.
Afterwards head to Kinfolks Mountain Shop in Manitou Springs. Enjoy one of the micro brews they have on tap or us hang out with other outdoor lovers. It’s located just east of Ruxton at 950 Manitou Avenue.
Although it’s free to join the Incline Happy Hour, you need to register and sign the waiver on Eventbrite. Not only is it a fun time, but there may be prizes for signing up and staying motivated throughout the year.
UpaDowna Incline Happy Hour
Incline Happy Hour from Alpine Studio LLC on Vimeo.
Although hiking the Manitou Incline is still illegal, it hasn’t stopped a group of beer and outdoor lovers from meeting every Thursday evening to hike it. It’s the informal UpaDowna Incline Happy group.
There’s no set start time although some meet at the No Trespassing sign at 5 PM. At an average pace, the sign is 6-7 minutes from the parking lot. The goal is to be at the top around 6 PM and then meet around 7 back down at Kinfolks. Some people carry a PBR up for a celebratory drink at the top.
The gathering was started by the guys from the UpaDowna outdoor blog. UpaDowna is short for Up a Mountain, Down a Beer. They also have a Facebook page.
