Pikes Peak

This four'teener rises 7400 feet above us, greets us in the morning, tucks us in at night, forecasts the weather, entertains us passively with amazing sunsets or while we actively spend a day climbing the switchbacks as we sweat through a mid day sun and wait out an afternoon thunderstorm.
The Peak warns of the changing seasons whether it is the snow melting away of spring, an appearance of the white blanket of winter, the green and gray of summer or the yellow and gold of autumn. I have risen to the Peak every morning for over 25 years and still am astounded by the shades of pink in the morning or the hues of orange and blue in the dusk. The Peak shelters us from a hot July sun making for cool evenings and protects us from the vicious Front Range blizzards that threaten in the winter. It has challenged many climbers, runners, and hikers. Pikes Peak hosts car races every Fourth of July and don’t be surprised if it snows on you the evening of the race! Katherine Lee Bates sat atop Pikes Peak and the breathtaking views inspired her to pen America the Beautiful. Drive, race or run the Peak invites all to visit and appreciate the vast changes in her terrain and views. She is the welcome wagon to the Rocky Mountains and all who want to explore the wonders of Colorado.

ü  Only 15 minutes from Colorado Springs accessing this amazing mountain can be accomplished in a variety of ways:

Driving

Cog Railway

Barr Trail

ü  What you can find on the Peak:

The Hill Climb: 12.42 mile gravel road which starts around the 6 1/2 mile mark on the highway. Rod Millen from New Zealand holds the fastest time record since 1994, 10 minutes and 4.6 seconds.

The Summit House:

The Pikes Peak Marathon: The Pikes Peak Marathon, a 26 mile round trip foot race up Barr Trail and then back down each August, draws thousands of runners from all over the world. The top round trip finishing time is three hours and 16 minutes.

AdAmAn Club: New Years Fireworks display on December 31, 12:00 a.m.

North and South Catamount Reservoirs:

Driving:

The Pikes Peak Highway is open year round though you may want to depending on our weather and snow accumulation.  From Memorial Day through Labor Day the gates open at 7:30 a.m. and close at 6:00 p.m.  Give yourself time to get down the mountain if you make a late trip as the Summit closes at 7:00 p.m. and the downhill gate closes at 8:00 p.m. A driving trip will take about 2-3 hours.  There are general admission fees so take some cash.  (You will also want a tasty donut at the Summit House)  This is a two lane highway with a speed limit of 25 miles per hour (unless otherwise posted) and there are quite a few safety precautions when driving this highway so pay attention to signs and postings!

          How to get there:  If you are on I-25 take exit 141 to Highway 24 West. Follow Highway 24 West to Cascade. (about 10 miles). On your way to Cascade keep in mind that you may also want to visit the eclectic Manitou Springs, Cave of the Winds, and the Cliff Dwellings. While driving enjoy the views of our beloved Ute Pass with all of its twists and turns. Turn left at the traffic signal in Cascade. You will see signs directing you that the Pikes Peak Highway will be coming up. Turn left at the Cascade Traffic Signal and follow the signs to Pikes Peak Highway. The restaurant on the left called, "The Wines of Colorado" is a local favorite that turns out some of the best smoked prime rib I have ever tasted. Last I heard it's only offered Friday nights and get there early. The rest of their menu is superb and selection of Colorado Wines is amazing. Oh, got distracted - back to Pikes Peak. Follow the signs to the Pikes Peak Highway. 

         

What can I do here:

Hiking: Barr Trail is my first personal experience with Pikes Peak. I was about 15 years old when I made my trek up the Peak. The sense of accomplishment when you climb the Peak is like no other. Keep in mind this trail isn’t for novices, Barr Trail is a tough customer with switchbacks, steep climbs and misleading weather. So if the last time you have hiked was when Clinton didn’t inhale, then consider the Railway or the Highway and take an easier hike in Cheyenne Canyon.  The view and sense of accomplishment make the trail worth it if your body can take the workout. The 13 mile trail (one way) is different terrain from mile to mile as you ascend from Manitou Springs on up. The temperature and weather can change from sun, to rain, to snow as you ascend so be prepared.  About halfway up the trail is Barr Camp.  The hosts who live in Barr Camp year round are there for you so make sure to stop in and say hello.  This cute little cabin offers overnight accommodations by reservation and also offers information about the trail and weather as you take a break by the stream.  Of all the 14’ers in Colorado, Barr Trail is the longest and you will also gain more elevation on one trail than any of the other 14’ers because you will ascend 7400 feet.  

If you attempt this trail you will be among the 15,000 people per year who also leave their footprints behind.

How to get there: Take Highway 24 to Manitou Springs.  Turn onto Ruxton Avenue and up Hydro Street, pass the Cog Depot and there is a parking lot on your right.  It is usually packed and you will have to go back down to one of Manitou’s City Lots and find parking there.  If you get lucky with a parking spot, then points to you!  Folks are pretty touchy about parking up there so pay attention to signs that are posted.  The last thing you would want is getting back from your hike to find your car has been towed away. 

At the parking lot you will see quite a few folks climbing up what looks like an extremely steep set of stairs.  This is the Manitou Incline and climbs 2000 feet in 1 mile and is what the locals here call going to the gym.

Pikes Peak Cog Railway: The 8.9 mile cog railroad typically operates April through December.