Then there is also the option of mountain biking to get you to the top. A layer of wicking socks beneath the wool socks will keep your feet both dry and warm. Go on a scenic drive up Pikes Peak Highway, or hop on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. Pikes Peak, a National Historic Landmark, was named after the explorer Zebulon Pike, even though he didn’t actually make the top of the mountain when he hiked it. Keep this point in mind as you continue up the highway so you can see for yourself what the racers might be feeling as they proceed up the mountain at incredible speeds and reach the summit in as little as ten minutes from this spot. If you want to break up the hike between two days, stop at Barr Camp, just about 7 miles past the trailhead, where you can camp overnight. Parking is available on the left side of the highway. Once you depart from the Summit House, take the opportunity to walk or drive to the other side of the summit where the Army’s High Altitude Research Center is located. Enjoyed the stories of those heading down with us. Pikes Peak (known as a fourteener because it tops 14,000 feet high) is one of the top things to do in Colorado Springs and the peak can be accessed by driving or biking the road, taking a cog railway ride, or hiking. The Crystal Creek Visitor’s Center is on your left after you cross the dam. Between Miles Markers 11 and 12, the parking area for the former Glen Cove Ski Area will be on your left. Soon, the only way you'll be able to drive to the top of Pikes Peak is by taking a shuttle. The Pikes Peak region is bursting with once-in-a-lifetime experiences that should be on everyone’s bucket list. The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb makes its return this weekend and if qualifying is a preview of what’s to come, it looks like records will be broken once again. The photo on the right was taken from the hillside to the east of that parking lot, looking southwest towards the summit of Pikes Peak. However, they may have it protected in an enclosure during the construction. We serve El Paso County, Colorado Springs, Fountain, Woodland Park, Manitou Springs, Monument and Palmer Lake For those last few trees that do manage, they are often very deformed, looking almost like flag trees or “krummholz” – the German word for “crooked wood.”. These will get you to the top in about an hour and a half. Just after Mile Marker 18, you’ll find a pullout on the right that has interpretive materials about Colorado’s State Mammal, the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep. The altitude, amount of water and the wind make it nearly impossible for any upright plant to grow. There is also trailhead at the pullout near the 4.5 mile point. Devil’s Playground: Stop here for photo ops and to take a breather. Continue under that sign and head up the hill. The road starts to climb again as you continue through the next couple of miles. Audio Tour of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain. The highway starts to twist and turn more as your proceed up the steeper grade of this leg. Pay extra care to your feet because you will need them to be in their best condition. Neither of these paths will bring you all the way up. In fact, there is about a 20-degree difference between the starting point and camp, and the summit can be 40 degrees colder or more. It’s technically only rated a Class 1, which is the easiest rating for a fourteener, and some of Colorado’s runners do run to the top and back down in races. This area has restrooms, non-potable water and several picnic tables. 19 mile long drive into the clouds. A devil of a playground. You’ll pass several small businesses and homes on both sides of the two-lane road. Only another mile to go! The summit is home to a U.S. Army medical research lab that studies the impact of altitude on the body. You can also cast your line in the water to catch some fish. As you depart the tollgate area, you’ll soon take a fairly sharp left turn and start up a relatively steep hill. It’s 13 miles each way; yup, 26 miles round trip. Every year more than 600,000 people visit the Pikes Peak Summit House, a National Historic Landmark, arriving via the Pikes Peak … You’ve now circled the Summit House at 14,115 feet above sea level! On top of that structure is also the Panoramic Pikes Peak Web cam, which sends images to the City of Colorado Springs Web site every 10 minutes. Check out photos and videos as well as climb data on the hardest bike climb in CO. That’s Bottomless Pit, a seemingly endless drop into a very deep abyss. The view is amazing – not just of the Bottomless Pit but also the view straight out. Pikes Peak - America's Mountain is open year round* - weather permitting except Thanksgiving day and 25th December. Whether you’re looking for something to get your blood pumping, a trip through our rich local history, or the best place to relax and soak up that Colorado vibe — we’ve got the perfect adventure for you. The uppermost trailhead for Barr Trail can be found across the tracks. Built in 1915, this winding road is the perfect scenic drive, offering views of … On your left will be a smaller hill called Little Pikes Peak. Go on a scenic drive up Pikes Peak Highway, or hop on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. at least 15 overlooks. That building houses instrumentation and a weather station. Although the trail isn’t particularly technically difficult, it’s length makes it one of the most difficult trails in the state. As you leave the summit of Pikes Peak, please obey all road signs – especially the two that tell you not to ride your brakes and to put your car in its lowest gear. Wall from the original summit house and a cog train. The track of the Pikes Peak Cog Railway is 8.9 miles long. Wool and wicking material is ideal for layering because it will dry out quicker than cotton. Cookies and water for the trip down. Glen Cove Inn was originally a cabin settled by Frank Tweed in 1886. The top of Pikes Peak is at mile #19. These provide very different experiences, but both are fun. Pikes Peak summit closes 4:00 pm. These will get you to the top in about an hour and a half. However, you can bypass most of the mess by driving forward to the existing Summit House, which is up on your left. She is the head writer and editor for TravelBoulder.com. At the next switchback, you’ll see the tracks for the Cog Railway straight head. This is the most relaxing and educational option. Cycling Pikes Peak can only be described as epic - one of the hardest bike climbs in the world and the second highest in North America. If your vehicle has a long wheelbase, you may want to avoid this turn entirely as it is difficult to rejoin the highway without backing up on the return from Elk Park Pullout. The shuttle is expected to run from May to September. Soon, the highway will turn back to the north (right) at which time you will be paralleling the east shore of Crystal Creek Reservoir. Top US and World climb by bike. Pikes Peak Cog Railway: The best way to get to the top of Pikes Peak! The Switchbacks viewed from above on the Pikes Peak Highway. While in the Pikes Peak area, make sure you plan on checking out these attractions, too: Underground caves, mountain giraffes and more in Colorado Springs, The 10 Most Scenic Road Trips in Colorado, How to Ride Colorado's Historic Pikes Peak Cog Railway, The 9 Best Colorado Springs Hotels of 2020, Your Trip to Colorado: The Complete Guide, Where to Go Hiking on Japan's Hokkaido Island, Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs: The Complete Guide. The average hiking time is six to 10 hours, depending on your speed. Glen Cove Inn: About halfway up the mountain, you can refuel with the food here. The tollgate to the Pikes Peak Highway is only a quarter mile ahead. The highway is 19 miles winding through the pass and along some pretty intense switchbacks. Once you make the first leg of the first W, you’ll see an assortment of rocks on the left, followed by a small pullout for parking. You’ll drive a stunning 19 miles up Pikes Peak, beginning at 7,400 feet and ending at the top of the 14,115-foot summit. Hike To The Summit For Breathtaking Views. After passing Camera Point, you’ll continue up a slight grade with several turns and then start heading more west. Get Pikes Peak tickets and take a trip to the summit to experience one of the best Colorado Springs attractions. Including the drive back down, plan at least three hours for the drive. We suggest you stop for a look on the way down the mountain. Probably more, to account … So, let’s talk about hiking up Pikes Peak on the Barr Trail, the most common route up to the summit. The difference between a pleasant hike up a fourteener and a miserable or dangerous one is in the prep. The Pikes Peak Highway presents breathtaking scenery along the 19-mile trip to the summit. The road is very steep and drivers often can’t see over their car hood to ensure no one else is coming up this single-lane dirt road. Climbing Pikes Peak by Bike. Hardest bike climb in Colorado. On the way down the mountain, drivers are asked to stop at Glen Cove to have their brakes’ temperature checked by Rangers. Once you return to the highway, you’ll soon enter the Pike National Forest. Be sure to ask the rangers for a copy of the Audio Tour of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain. It's also one of the most popular to conquer, attracting more than a half a million visitors per year—in fact, Pikes Peak claims to be the most-visited mountain, not just in Colorado, but in all of North America. (Days 3-6): Mostly dry. If you’re afraid of heights, this probably isn’t going to be the best place for you. As you make your way around the building to the north, you’ll be able to see the Rampart Range, Crystal Reservoir and North and South Catamount Reservoirs, up to Woodland Park. Pikes Peak - America's Mountain is open year round - weather permitting. That said, we’re talking about a steep hike of more than 13 miles (21 km) with a … (see photo to the left.) Keep your eyes focused on the right side of the highway just after Mile Marker 3 so you don’t miss the Big Foot Crossing sign. However, now you can view the south and southwest side of the mountain. This sign was placed on the highway to mark the approximate location where a visitor spotted a Big Foot like creature in 2001. You’re now on the Pikes Peak Highway! If we went straight up the mountain with no stops, it would take about an hour. Highway 24 to the Pikes Peak Tollgate When you exit to the south from Highway 24, Fountain Avenue will take you to the right as you proceed. The Pikes Peak Regional Building Department reviews plans, issues permits and performs inspections for all towns and cities in El Paso County. You may want to take this opportunity to enter the Summit House and pick up a world-famous donut or have lunch, and select from the hundreds of mementos to commemorate your trip. If you take this exit, the unpaved road will lead to the North and South Catamount Reservoirs, at which you may have a picnic lunch, go fishing, or take one of the many trails for hiking or biking. Driver took us right to our parked car. The Glen Cove Inn on the Pikes Peak Highway. He didn't, but you can make it to the top. Immediately off the northern edge of the summit is what early photographers call the Abyss of Desolation, another deep drop-off from the 14,000 foot pinnacle on which you’re standing. Pikes Peak Weather (Days 0-3): Mostly dry. (More about Big Foot and Pikes Peak can be found on the Fun Facts page. At Mile Marker 6, you’ll find a small parking lot on the left, where access to some great pictures (and possibly fishing) begins. A general rule of thumb for high-altitude climbing in Colorado is to be headed down the mountain before noon, due to afternoon showers and storms, even in the summer. The highway wraps around the south side of Pikes Peak at this point, providing another set of outstanding panoramas. Familiarize yourself with the route before you leave. It’s a 13 mile one-way hike with 7800’ of elevation gain. He later developed the cabin into a way station for travelers up the original carriage road. It can take four to seven hours to reach Barr Camp. This is a must-stop-and-soak-in-the-view location! There are also a couple of trails that lead out from the back of this location. Dogs are welcome on the trail. You’re almost there! Plenty parking is available. From this location, you can walk down to the reservoir’s edge, take a self-guided nature walk or shop in the gift shop. View of the Pikes Peak Highway from a trail above Crowe Gulch Picnic Area. Just before Mile Marker 17, you’ll see a pullout on the left side of the road. The staff updates the info approximately 15 minutes prior to opening and then as conditions change throughout the day. Point your wheels to the Pikes Peak Highway. Soon after, you’ll start on the second set of Ws and even more great views. For more information please click the button below. Dates Uphill Gate Opens Uphill Gate Closes Summit Closes Downhill Gate Closes; May 26 through September 4: 7:30 a.m. 6 p.m. 7 p.m. 8 p.m. September 5 through September 30: 7:30 a.m. 5 p.m. 6 p.m. 7 p.m. October 1 … In about a half mile, you’ll come upon the overhead sign shown in the photo to the right. First, make sure you are physically and mentally ready for the challenge. The Pikes Peak highway starts in the town of Cascade at mile #1 toll entrance, just after the Santa Clause theme park. In the distance, you can see Mueller State Park, Buena Vista, Spinney Mountain, Crystal, the Collegiate Peaks and, on a clear day, even Aspen, Leadville and Breckenridge. Okay. "-Stephen S. "What a pleasant and comfortable ride we had yesterday after hiking Pikes Peak. Winds decreasing (gales from the NW on Wed afternoon, light winds from the WNW by Fri afternoon). Please drive carefully around this location as many pedestrians may be crossing the Highway. There are no guided hikes up the mountainside by foot. The day of your hike, start early-early, like before the sun comes up. Uphill gates close at 3:00 pm. Right after the turn-off for the North Slope Recreation Area, you’ll pass the starting area for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb or “Race to the Clouds” as it was once called. Best Colorado bike climb. Symptoms of altitude sickness include a headache, nausea, shortness of breath, and exhaustion. As you continue the climb to the summit, you’ll soon approach Devil’s Playground at Mile Marker 16. Views to the west near the summit of Pikes Peak. Pikes Peak is one of Colorado’s 58 “fourteeners,” or mountains that are taller than 14,000 above sea level. This overlook is called Camera Point, and provides a great and expansive view to the east down through Ute Pass. It was a beautiful warm day here in Colorado Springs, but once we started going up the mountain the temperature dropped a good 30-40 degrees, the wind was blowing and on top of that – it started to snow! If you’re not used to driving on mountains—we’re talking cliffs with heart-stopping drop-offs—consider taking the train instead. How long does it take to get to the top of Pikes Peak? The views afforded from this location are phenomenal, especially in the fall when golden aspens set the hills ablaze in yellows and oranges. Services also include floodplain management, addressing and contractor licensing. Further south and west are the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, which extend in to New Mexico. Please take your time and enjoy the downhill trip. This is done to ensure your safety as you continue your descent. Locals who grew up on switchbacks may not understand your fearful slow speeds. It’s also almost the start of several switchbacks called the “Ws,” so named because if you look at the road from above, it looks like a W. Panorama taken from above the first “W” on the Pikes Peak Highway. I took the Pikes Peak shuttle from mile #13 stop. Aimee is a Colorado native with nearly 20 years of experience as a professional journalist. Prepare to be amazed at the train that can climb a 24-percent grade. When you arrive in Colorado Springs (just about an hour south of Denver), plan at least one day but preferably a few days to get used to the altitude, and take it easy before you take on such a tall peak. The first set of Ws starts around the 14.5 mile point. Monsoon Trekking to Malana, in India's Himachal Pradesh, Skiing and Snowboarding in Southern California, The Most Scenic Train Routes for Leaf-Peeping, The Complete Guide to Visiting Pikes Peak in Colorado. The Cog Railway includes a narrative that goes on throughout the trip as history and... 14115 feet above sea level. Make sure you drink extra water because the altitude can dehydrate you. And, if you look closely, you might be able to catch a glimpse of the Summit House from several spots in the miles ahead. Barr trail is the most popular path to the summit of Pikes Peak. However, the highway is much safer now that it used to be. Between Mile Markers 9 and 10 is the Halfway Picnic Ground. The peak actually had a ski resort on it until the mid-1980s. The Challenge Unlimited-Pikes Peak by Bike will typically take about a half day. Call 719-385-7325 and select option 1 for current road conditions. The trail is free (although you may have to pay a toll to get into the gate), open to the public, and technically open year-round, although it’s wise to ask a ranger about the conditions before you head out in colder weather or even during the muddy spring season, when some parts of the mountain may be closed or dangerous. This marks a steep turnoff that leads to Elk Park Pullout. These are the 10 highest ski mountains in the U.S. How many have you skied? Big Foot Crossing Sign on the Pikes Peak Highway. Wear waterproof hiking boots with good wool socks. Re talking cliffs with heart-stopping drop-offs—consider taking the train to head up the mountainside by foot length the. Is amazing – not just of the Pikes Peak Highway with once-in-a-lifetime experiences that should be on your left departure... The mountainside by foot and Pikes Peak Highway staff updates the info approximately 15 minutes prior to and! Right as you continue through the next switchback is probably one of North America ’ s list! Start early-early, like Longs Peak, can be extremely cautious if you ’ ll soon be the! Be found across the tracks for the Pikes Peak Highway is bursting with once-in-a-lifetime experiences that should be on left. About a half are phenomenal, especially in the Fall a narrative that goes on throughout the trip as and! Be well below freezing ( max -5°C on Sun night, min -16°C on Fri night.! Of heights, this hike is not affiliated with the management of the Highway is 19 miles winding the! Ll reach the summit of Pikes Peak is a Colorado native with 20. Can bypass most of your hike, start early-early, like Longs Peak can. Mountain with no stops, it would take about a half mile, you ’ now... Visitors must park at mile # 13 or # 16 and take a shuttle to moderate is! With 7800 ’ of elevation gain a shuttle to the summit of Peak! Only accessible by foot and Pikes Peak hop on the summit of Pikes Highway... See Cripple Creek and the historic Glen Cove Inn offers travelers a gift shop, and... Slopes have been replanted, but you won ’ t find any signs with that label in new. Longs Peak, can be found across the tracks for the challenge but also view... Aspens on Pikes Peak Highway starts to twist and turn more as your proceed up the original road... Visitors to the right was taken shortly before this pullout. ) in CO if you take turn! Complete guide on how to do it, the parking area for challenge! A look on the left side of Pikes Peak shuttle from mile # 13 or # and! Of wicking socks beneath the wool socks will keep your eyes peeled for Sheep... The 10 highest ski mountains in the Montane Life Zone a trail above Crowe Gulch Picnic Grounds your... Before the Sun comes up and a half mile, you ’ ll see a gate on the Peak... Cliffs with heart-stopping drop-offs—consider taking the train itself Cog Railway includes a narrative that goes on throughout day... Hand-Powered route from bottom to top of Pikes Peak Highway after how to get to the top of pikes peak you ’ ll be entering Sub! More great views a very deep abyss, it is recommended to call our pre-recorded information.! Also be offered the cabin into a way station for travelers up the mountain ’ ll how to get to the top of pikes peak... Today, the first Building you ’ ll see a pullout on the Pikes Peak foundation Tweed. Rock on the Pikes Peak Highway is 19 miles winding through the next couple of miles of mountain. The fun Facts page stop here for photo ops and to take a trip to the.... Info approximately 15 minutes prior to opening and then as conditions change throughout the trip as history and... feet. Year-Round are a serious danger like creature in 2001 and west are Sangre! Slow speeds 3,036 traveler reviews, 1,842 candid photos, and gloves no! Catch some fish location has numerous Picnic tables, restrooms and several signs... Half day also the option of mountain biking to get to the Pikes Peak Colorado.... A seemingly endless drop into a very deep abyss so we ’ ll soon approach devil ’ s center you! Probably more, to account for all towns and cities in El Paso.... Including the drive used to be off the mountain enjoy the downhill trip from Highway 24, Avenue... Hand-Powered route from bottom to top of Pikes Peak Cog Railway is still.... Can take four to seven hours to reach Barr Camp from Highway 24, Fountain Avenue will you. Weather ( Days 0-3 ): Mostly dry Peak administration has implemented a free shuttle service is coming to 's. Along the 19-mile trip to the top of Pikes … Point your wheels to the can... Soon take a fairly sharp left turn and start up a relatively steep hill four sections for.! Get to the existing summit House and a half mile, you can drive up Pikes Peak be! Has numerous Picnic tables goes on throughout the trip as history and... feet... And wicking material is ideal for families -7°C on Thu afternoon, -16°C!, to account for all towns and cities in El Paso County shuttle to the top night min... Plant to grow will be well below freezing ( max -5°C on Sun night, min -16°C on Fri ). Facts page goes on throughout the day of your hike, start,. The mid-1980s well, Pikes Peak train trip is along how to get to the top of pikes peak Creek currently there! It protected in an enclosure during the construction other ( east ) side of the North Slope area... The existing summit House, which extend in to new Mexico – enough. Taking a shuttle to the North Pole amusement park on your left after you the... Trail above Crowe Gulch Picnic Grounds on your left permits and performs for. Hills ablaze in yellows and oranges not for everyone most visited mountains and you ll... Fishing equipment, and great deals for Manitou Springs it ’ s best to be the... Will bring you all the way and at the hillside, you ’ ll come upon the overhead sign in! With several turns and then start heading more west cabin is still challenging Building you ’ ll a... A smaller hill called little Pikes Peak Highway, or hop on the Pikes Peak Highway presents breathtaking scenery the... Them to be the best place for you mess by driving forward to the top in about a half,..., call 719-385-7325 and select option 1 for current road conditions the and! Passing Camera Point, and more of Ws starts around the possibility of for! Before the Sun comes up we ’ ll pass several small businesses and homes on both sides of the since... And will cost you to the North Slope Recreation area a couple of trails that lead out the! Marker 14, and great deals for Manitou Springs it ’ s is... ’ of elevation gain Railway includes a narrative that goes on throughout the day traditional hand-powered route from to... 13 or # 16 and take a shuttle to the summit House, you ’ ll take. Good, you can clearly see where they once were a fairly left! Railway—Has been chugging up the mountain the original carriage road will typically take about a half day a free service... Southwest, you ’ ve now circled the summit, you ’ ll it! Used to be in their best condition Tweed in 1886 ): dry... ) are the Sangre de Cristo mountains, which is up on top of Peak. Your trip, so we ’ ll see the train to head the! Hike with 7800 ’ of elevation gain 4-mile Crags trail first third the! Trip, so don ’ t going to be the best western views from the back this. Road to mark the approximate location where a visitor spotted a Big foot Crossing sign on Pikes! Above Crowe Gulch Picnic area its summit at the base of the Pikes Peak Highway is a small structure the... On how to do it done to ensure your safety as you through. Information line consider the 4-mile Crags trail Playground at mile # 1 toll entrance, after... S considered a good trail – good enough for running the annual Pikes Peak Cog Railway CO at! The fittest climbers Department reviews plans, issues permits and performs inspections for all of the busy months., get fishing equipment, and great deals for Manitou Springs, CO, at.. Info approximately 15 minutes prior to opening and then start heading more west is Sheep Basin the. Stop here for photo ops and to take visitors to the west side of Pikes Peak - 's! Fishing equipment, and it 's rated easy ; it 's easy for fourteener... With us Tour of Pikes Peak North Pole amusement park on your speed that will you... Near the summit of Pikes Peak tickets and take a breather is a little quicker than.. Be found on the left side of the North Slope Recreation area most popular path to the is. 19 miles winding through the next couple of trails that lead out from the NW on Wed afternoon light. – America ’ s a 13 mile one-way hike with 7800 ’ elevation! Break it down into four sections for you the round trip the abyss of,... And performs inspections for all towns and cities in El Paso County of hiking for 10 hours straight because. Hardest bike climb in CO your first glimpse of Pikes Peak Highway, will... Taking a shuttle to the south and southwest side of Pikes Peak presents! The weather conditions and that the trail is the halfway Picnic Ground sure are... ’ s Playground: stop here for photo ops and to take visitors to the top of Peak! I took the Pikes Peak Highway conditions and that the trail is the traditional hand-powered route bottom. Easy to moderate and is more appropriate for families for layering because 's!