To celebrate 9 incredible years as a Local Guide, I wanted to do something meaningful, something that captures the essence of this long journey. So I took on one of Colorado’s most iconic and challenging hikes, the Manitou Incline.
Quick Facts about the Manitou Incline:
- 2,768 steps carved straight up a former cable car track
- Elevation gain of over 2,000 feet in just under 1 mile
- Steepest grade: 68% incline
- Average time to summit: 1.5 to 3 hours. I took 1 hour 52 minutes to summit.
- Altitude at the summit: 8,550 ft (2,606 m)
- It’s known as one of the most extreme staircases in the U.S.
But to me, it wasn’t just a hike, it was a symbol.
Each step represented the ups and downs I’ve experienced over nearly a decade as a Local Guide. Just like those 2,768 relentless steps, being a Local Guide isn’t always easy. It takes time, commitment, curiosity, and a lot of heart. Sometimes life gets busy, and you don’t contribute as much as you’d like. Other times, you’re full of energy and passion. This hike reminded me of those moments.
There were many times during the climb when I thought of turning back. My legs ached, my breath was short, and doubt crept in. But what kept me moving was the thought of impact. I remembered all the screenshots friends have sent me, saying, “Hey, I went to this restaurant because of your review,” or “Your photos helped me decide to try this place!” That’s when I realized, each step mattered and I had to reach the summit.
That moment is the same one I feel every time someone finds a hidden gem because of a place I added, or a traveler gets reliable info from a review I wrote. Every photo, every edit, every review is like a step forward, helping someone, somewhere.
After almost 2 hours (1 hour and 52 minutes to be precise 
), I reached the summit. Standing at the top of the Manitou Incline, looking out across the vast Colorado landscape, I could see more than I ever could from the bottom. And that’s what being a Local Guide has done for me. It has broadened my perspective, helped me connect with communities I may never meet, and shown me that even the smallest contributions can create ripple effects across the world, and above all, through this program, I was privileged to meet some amazing people who have and keep inspiring me every day. How cool will a Google Street View Trekker be on my 10th year anniversary 
My Reflections from the Top:
- I’ve had over 18k contributions. That’s over 6 contributions a day for the last 9 years
- Helped businesses get discovered and made maps more accurate
- Contributed in different cities and even across continents
- Inspired others to join the Local Guides program
9 years later, I’m still here, still climbing, still contributing, and still inspired. Not because it’s easy, but because it matters.
Here’s to every review, every step, and every guide who’s made Google Maps better for all of us. If you’ve ever felt like your contributions don’t matter, trust me, they do. The world wouldn’t have been like this without Local Guides. 
Thank you! 
to many more amazing years
