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| - Okay! Before yinz get all mad at me for being so harsh on a burgh icon, allow me to explain! I'm comparing this to the Monongahela incline (which I think has the better and wider views).
SETTING
Parking lot at the foot of the incline and a short red bridge that connects the lot across the road to the waiting section at the foot of the incline. Very classic-looking gondola on a track that takes you up the mountain. Once you get off, you're inside the museum/gift shop indoors.
Remember that Narnia scene? The one where the kids open the magic door deep inside that closet? I felt like I was living that moment! It was as if I was transported into San Francisco. The hills, the houses, the roads. It was beautiful. We walked into the observation deck, and that's where the magic came to a slightly abrupt halt. The fencing was tall enough that it obstructed my view of the rivers and skyline. WHAT THE HECK!
You actually can get a better view when INSIDE the gondola (but that window glare is the worst for pictures). Thankfully I've been up the Monongahela incline and have had views from that side, so we started walking in that direction. Very walkable, probably less than 1 mile away (but with medium hills). That side is much more worth it though. The views are a lot more unobstructed, with lower railings and platforms that jut out.
I would suggest going up the Duquesne incline (they have better gondolas, and I believe are the originals?) and then walk towards the Monongahela incline for better views while taking in Mt. Washington (admiring the fancy houses, eating places, etc).
IMPRESSIONS
In my opinion, not the better observation deck out of the two inclines. Exact change needed: $2.50 each way for an adult. The ride up is better than that of the Monongahela incline and is more "classic", but that's about it. For better views, you need to walk a bit further. Still, it's a wonderful experience that everyone who is visiting Pittsburgh or living here must do to appreciate what a beautiful city we have.
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