With 2025 now underway, it’s time to get those healthy habits back on track. The American Lung Association reminds you that “stair-climbing is one of the healthiest activities you can do for your lungs, your heart and your glutes” — even healthier than running.
On April 12, the American Lung Association will host a fundraiser at Coors Field, where participants will climb 1,998 stairs in support of those with lung disease. In the meantime, you can train for that event at these ten stairways in metro Denver, some outside and some inside, for those who want to avoid the snow:
Carla Madison Recreation Center
2401 East Colfax Avenue
720-865-5580
If your New Year's resolution calls for a gym membership, check out Carla Madison Recreation Center. A Denver Parks & Recreation annual adult membership provides access to thirty regional rec centers, while day passes cost just $6; kids and seniors can visit for free through MY Denver programs. Walk the staircases connecting its five spacious floors or simply jump on the Stairmaster in the contemporary gym. Other amenities include an eight-lane lap pool, a leisure pool with a lazy river, a climbing boulder and more.
Challenge Hill
1375 West Plum Creek Parkway, Castle Rock
Visit Philip S. Miller Park to conquer Challenge Hill, also known as the Incline at Castle Rock. This steep, 200-step ascent gains roughly 175 feet in less than a tenth of a mile. Keep track of your progress with markers every ten steps, then descend via the gradual half-mile Blue Loop. Unlike at the Manitou Incline farther south, you can also hike down the steep portion of this trail — but don’t be surprised by sore quads the next day.
On April 12, the American Lung Association will host a fundraiser at Coors Field, where participants will climb 1,998 stairs in support of those with lung disease. In the meantime, you can train for that event at these ten stairways in metro Denver, some outside and some inside, for those who want to avoid the snow:
Carla Madison Recreation Center
2401 East Colfax Avenue
720-865-5580
If your New Year's resolution calls for a gym membership, check out Carla Madison Recreation Center. A Denver Parks & Recreation annual adult membership provides access to thirty regional rec centers, while day passes cost just $6; kids and seniors can visit for free through MY Denver programs. Walk the staircases connecting its five spacious floors or simply jump on the Stairmaster in the contemporary gym. Other amenities include an eight-lane lap pool, a leisure pool with a lazy river, a climbing boulder and more.
Challenge Hill
1375 West Plum Creek Parkway, Castle Rock
Visit Philip S. Miller Park to conquer Challenge Hill, also known as the Incline at Castle Rock. This steep, 200-step ascent gains roughly 175 feet in less than a tenth of a mile. Keep track of your progress with markers every ten steps, then descend via the gradual half-mile Blue Loop. Unlike at the Manitou Incline farther south, you can also hike down the steep portion of this trail — but don’t be surprised by sore quads the next day.
Colorado State Capitol
200 East Colfax Avenue
303-866-2604
March up to the fifteenth step at the Colorado State Capitol, where “one mile above sea level” is etched into stone; a more recent survey resulted in an additional mile-high marker on the eighteenth step (the most accurate benchmark is on the thirteenth). But don't stop there: More historic stairways lie inside the Capitol — notably, the 99-step climb above the third floor and into the iconic golden dome. Free guided tours are available hourly on a first-come, first-served basis.
Denver Art Museum
100 West 14th Avenue Parkway
720-865-5000
With its extensive makeover in 2021, the Denver Art Museum comprises the eight-floor Martin Building and the sharp, silvery Hamilton Building, which spans five floors. Take the stairs between permanent and temporary exhibitions that cover a range of mediums, styles and eras. Adult admission for Colorado residents is $22; those eighteen and younger can visit the museum for free.
200 East Colfax Avenue
303-866-2604
March up to the fifteenth step at the Colorado State Capitol, where “one mile above sea level” is etched into stone; a more recent survey resulted in an additional mile-high marker on the eighteenth step (the most accurate benchmark is on the thirteenth). But don't stop there: More historic stairways lie inside the Capitol — notably, the 99-step climb above the third floor and into the iconic golden dome. Free guided tours are available hourly on a first-come, first-served basis.
Denver Art Museum
100 West 14th Avenue Parkway
720-865-5000
With its extensive makeover in 2021, the Denver Art Museum comprises the eight-floor Martin Building and the sharp, silvery Hamilton Building, which spans five floors. Take the stairs between permanent and temporary exhibitions that cover a range of mediums, styles and eras. Adult admission for Colorado residents is $22; those eighteen and younger can visit the museum for free.
A grand staircase has replaced the Denver Central Library’s former escalators.
Catie Cheshire
Denver Central Library
10 West 14th Avenue
720-865-1111
After four years of renovations, Denver Central Library debuted its shiny new interior in October, and the main atrium's grand staircase is now open. Climb between six public floors featuring spacious reading areas, a new teen section, meeting rooms, a maker’s space and more.
Manitou Incline
Manitou Springs
No stair climb in Colorado is more famous than the Manitou Incline, an extreme hike involving 2,744 grueling steps and little reprieve. With an average grade of 41 percent, the trail begins at 6,600 feet elevation and climbs to 8,550 feet. That’s nearly a 2,000-foot elevation gain across roughly 0.9 miles. While serious endurance athletes can accomplish this in thirty minutes, the average hiker should plan for a three-hour journey up the Incline and down Barr Trail switchbacks. Note that there are bail-out points at step 1,300 and step 1,600; given the risk of a dangerous fall, hiking down is not permitted. Book your free online reservation.
Millennium Bridge
16th Street Mall
The Millennium Bridge connects the 16th Street Mall and the Riverfront Park neighborhood, with train tracks 25 feet below and a futuristic ship's mast stretching above. While glass elevators bookend the pedestrian bridge, get your steps in along the two broad staircases. According to one diligent TripAdvisor user, it’s a quick 45-step ascent. When built in 2002, this cable-stayed bridge was the only of its kind in the world, making it one of Denver's most notable 21st-century landmarks.
10 West 14th Avenue
720-865-1111
After four years of renovations, Denver Central Library debuted its shiny new interior in October, and the main atrium's grand staircase is now open. Climb between six public floors featuring spacious reading areas, a new teen section, meeting rooms, a maker’s space and more.
Manitou Incline
Manitou Springs
No stair climb in Colorado is more famous than the Manitou Incline, an extreme hike involving 2,744 grueling steps and little reprieve. With an average grade of 41 percent, the trail begins at 6,600 feet elevation and climbs to 8,550 feet. That’s nearly a 2,000-foot elevation gain across roughly 0.9 miles. While serious endurance athletes can accomplish this in thirty minutes, the average hiker should plan for a three-hour journey up the Incline and down Barr Trail switchbacks. Note that there are bail-out points at step 1,300 and step 1,600; given the risk of a dangerous fall, hiking down is not permitted. Book your free online reservation.
Millennium Bridge
16th Street Mall
The Millennium Bridge connects the 16th Street Mall and the Riverfront Park neighborhood, with train tracks 25 feet below and a futuristic ship's mast stretching above. While glass elevators bookend the pedestrian bridge, get your steps in along the two broad staircases. According to one diligent TripAdvisor user, it’s a quick 45-step ascent. When built in 2002, this cable-stayed bridge was the only of its kind in the world, making it one of Denver's most notable 21st-century landmarks.
Mother Cabrini Shrine
20189 Cabrini Boulevard, Golden
303-526-0758
Climb 373 steps to the 22-foot-tall Sacred Heart of Jesus statue at Mother Cabrini Shrine, a complex dedicated to Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini. Born in Italy in 1850, she was the first American to be canonized and later named the Patron Saint of Immigrants. Upon emigrating to the States in 1889, Mother Cabrini established a hospital in New York, as well as schools and orphanages in various places, including north Denver. She later opened a summer camp at what is now Mother Cabrini Shrine, set on the east slope of Lookout Mountain. The Stairway of Prayer is open to the public daily from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; admission is free.
20189 Cabrini Boulevard, Golden
303-526-0758
Climb 373 steps to the 22-foot-tall Sacred Heart of Jesus statue at Mother Cabrini Shrine, a complex dedicated to Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini. Born in Italy in 1850, she was the first American to be canonized and later named the Patron Saint of Immigrants. Upon emigrating to the States in 1889, Mother Cabrini established a hospital in New York, as well as schools and orphanages in various places, including north Denver. She later opened a summer camp at what is now Mother Cabrini Shrine, set on the east slope of Lookout Mountain. The Stairway of Prayer is open to the public daily from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; admission is free.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
303-319 CO-8, Morrison
Where better to get a free workout? From the stage for Red Rocks Amphitheatre to the top platform, you'll climb 145 stairs. Bonus points if you park at the venue’s lower north lot and climb up the east stairway from Trading Post Road, which adds an extra 49 steps to the scenic ascent. Racking up miles here is easy, with hiking trails throughout Red Rocks, one of Denver's Mountain Parks.
Rueter-Hess Incline
13930 Ancestry Drive, Parker
720-733-6990
The Rueter-Hess Incline trail starts off mellow, but quickly approaches a steep 132-step staircase. This challenging section gains 232 feet of elevation in less than 0.2 miles. Descending the incline is permitted, but a single ascent will likely leave your legs a bit shaky; for the quickest return, follow the 1.2-mile lollipop loop back to the trailhead.
303-319 CO-8, Morrison
Where better to get a free workout? From the stage for Red Rocks Amphitheatre to the top platform, you'll climb 145 stairs. Bonus points if you park at the venue’s lower north lot and climb up the east stairway from Trading Post Road, which adds an extra 49 steps to the scenic ascent. Racking up miles here is easy, with hiking trails throughout Red Rocks, one of Denver's Mountain Parks.
Climb 194 steps from the east stairway to the top of Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
Ross Jones
13930 Ancestry Drive, Parker
720-733-6990
The Rueter-Hess Incline trail starts off mellow, but quickly approaches a steep 132-step staircase. This challenging section gains 232 feet of elevation in less than 0.2 miles. Descending the incline is permitted, but a single ascent will likely leave your legs a bit shaky; for the quickest return, follow the 1.2-mile lollipop loop back to the trailhead.
