The Pikes Peak parking lot at the summit was a construction site in because they were building a new visitor center. The shuttle stops just outside the small visitor center which has a gift shop, a small cafe that was closed , and a restroom. Most importantly the visitor center has water to refill bottles. In those high altitudes, water, chapsticks, and moisturizers are your best friends. Behind the visitor center is the triangle structure for the brave hearts. Luckily a ranger stopped me on the way down to check the brake temperature.
He showed me how to switch to the lowest gear. If my brake was heating up, I would need to stop at the ranger station and wait until they cooled down. Pikes Peak hiking trail is definitely for the brave hearts and well-trained hikers. Do not attempt without training. However, it is treacherous as Pikes Peak weather changes quickly and oxygen levels drop as you climb.
The weather could change from a hot summer afternoon at the trailhead to snow at the top. For the inexperienced and unprepared, Pikes Peak hike can be deadly with the combination of mountain weather and altitude sickness. The hike starts at Manitou Springs and goes up an elevation gain of 7, feet 2, m. Pikes Peak hike can take hours to get to the top and one could hitch a ride back to base. Its best to start very early in the morning at about am. The trail is well-traveled and well managed so you might make some friends along the way.
To handle the low oxygen level, you must walk slowly and drink a ton of water. If you run out of water during the hike up, they say there are some streams along the way. Take a water purifier to clean the water so you can refill your water bottle.
As you get closer to the peak, every step becomes harder as the muscles crave oxygen. Take it easy. Walk one step at a time, rest, breathe and soak in the views. The Cog Railway is one of the most fun and relaxing ways to get to the top of Pikes Peak. It has been taking visitors up the mountain since ! The Cog train slowly takes the passengers up the mountain through forests, waterfalls, and magical views of mountains and lakes.
During my visit in , the Cog Railway was under construction. Before shutting down for construction, the Cog train used to run 8 times a day, once every hour and 20 min. There were 4 big trains and 4 small trains. The Cog Railway was very popular with locals and visitors alike. It would fill to capacity, taking about , people in a year, up the mountain.
In summer the Cog Railway goes all the way to Pikes Peak, which is 3 miles above the treeline. In winter it goes just above the treeline so visitors can still see the gorgeous views that seduced them up the mountain. Along the train ride, the conductor shares information and history of Pikes Peak, its flora and fauna. They also explain the engineering marvel of the Cog Railway itself. Be sure to walk the full circle for views from all angles. Pikes Peak weather and time permitting, have a seat, meditate, and be mesmerized by the views.
Enthusiasts have raced cars for over a hundred years, well before the paved roads were built. The race cars today, drive these scary W-turns at over 90 miles an hour. It has a rich exhibition with many artifacts related to the race. The Pikes Peak Highway was built in As seen in my video the museum has a beautiful display of race times starting in when it took over 22 minutes for the winning car.
In , the race was won at 7 minutes and All the records can be seen in my video of Cheyenne Canyon at min mark. Pikes Peak Highway was a dirt road for a century of thrilling races. During that time 70, metric tons of gravel washed off causing a huge impact on the ecology of the mountains and forests. The race organizers feared that a change would kill the race so they refused to pave it. In the Sierra Club sued for damages. Even in winter you can get sunbathing with strong sun.
In addition, snow reflects light, so the glasses protect your eyesight. Remember to stay hydrated, drink water with electrolytes or electrolytes drinks.
From Mile 16 is a free shuttle bus to the summit. It is also a great option for those who want to drive Pikes Peak but want to avoid the gnarliest switchbacks near the top. The Pikes Peak Cog Railway has been in operation since and is the highest cog railway in the world. The round trip is about three hours one hour up, 40 minutes at the summit, and one hour and 10 minutes back down to the Depot.
But check actual rates and book your ride on the official website. In the summer season, it is worth booking tickets in advance. A great idea to get to the summit is also with a guided tour. They use modern Jeeps, which are comfortable with modern amenities.
Experienced guides tell you a lot about the area. You will have a lot of stops on the way to take amazing photos and enjoy views. Another option is to combine two main attractions in the area and booking a Private Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak Tour. Details about Garden of the Gods, photos, and tips you can check in our separate post.
Experienced hikers can, of course, ascend the summit of Pikes Peaks. But prepare yourself for this hike. Check our Day Hiking Packing List before you hit the trail. The Pikes Peak hike is 13 miles 21 km each way with a vertical climb of 7, feet to the 14, feet summit. Trailhead starts from Barrs Trail near Manitou Springs. It is also possible to get to the top by bike.
But due to the hefty car traffic on this road, take special care. Be sure your breaks are in good condition. Pikes Peak Highway offers stunning views. The best stops on the way to the Pikes Peak Summit are. The best option is to stay in Colorado Springs, which offers a wide selection of accommodation for any budget. The photos are simply magnificent. It proves to us how nature can amaze and inspire us. I will definitely ensure to take that shuttle to Pikes peak summit.
Its lovelythat they have free shuttles. The mountain looks amazing and its awesome that the roads are constructed at that height.
I have never been to Colorado before but will surely add Pikes Peak Highway to my list. I would love to see those snow capped mountains. What a challenging and adventurous drive up the mountain!
I would love to do this. That image showing views from the top is simply stunning. I would love to sit on top and enjoy the views. The railway route also may be a good idea for a different experience.
I have not been to Colorado yet, but keeping this in mind for sure. Great blog post! I sure hope that border restrictions and pandemic state let us head home from the west coast and stop in Colorado.
Share this page:. To make your trip more pleasant, review these hints and techniques. Take your time and enjoy the drive. The trip to the summit and back is 38 miles. Please plan on a minimum of 2-hours for the round trip drive and have at least a half of tank of gas. We recommend that you drive up to the summit and save picture stops and points of interest for the drive down, this will be easier on your vehicle. Skip to main content. Alerts Maintenance and repair work to start June 1 on Crystal Creek dam.
Hiker Notice. Mountain Driving Tips Share this page: To make your trip more pleasant, review these hints and techniques. Speed Limit is 30mph unless otherwise posted; Maximum Speed Limit 30mph where posted; Uphill traffic has the right of way at all times; Ascending the Mountain: Drive the first two miles past the tollgate in low gear or the low range to allow your vehicle to operate properly. Drive easy grades and short level stretches in intermediate gears to keep your vehicle from overheating.
I cannot seem to get past it. Skip to content Post author: Anne Post published: November 22, Post comments: 45 Comments Reading time: 11 mins read Post last modified: August 7, We may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Contents 1.
Pikes Peak is easy to reach 2. Pikes Peak is an American Icon 3. This is not a National Park 4. Climbing up Pikes Peak on foot can be dangerous Be prepared Taking the fast route 4.
Driving up Pikes Peak can also be dangerous What about regular driving though? The weather can be challenging 6.
Shuja 25 Jun Reply. Anne 29 Jul Reply. Pam Leidenbor 25 May Reply. Anne 16 Jun Reply. Sherri 29 Jun Reply. Bob Pal 20 Jun Reply. Anne Moss 24 Jun Reply. Hai Knepper 26 Jun Reply.
Wow, sounds like quite the ordeal and adventure! Thanks for sharing your story! Robin Schaff 13 Jun Reply. Anne Moss 13 Jun Reply. Thank you! VRH 27 Jun Reply. Connolly Family 19 Jul Reply. Anne Moss 20 Jul Reply. Dave Noonan 24 Aug Reply. Anne Moss 26 Aug Reply. Chantel 23 Sep Reply. Sandra Watkins 22 Apr Reply. Vince Habel 9 May Reply. I drove this in It was not paved all the way back then. I an planning on returning soon.
Jeff Brazeel 29 Mar Reply. Anne Moss 14 Apr Reply. Wow, what a story. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! Michelle 15 Jun Reply. Melissa L. Welch 13 Mar Reply. Anne Moss 18 Mar Reply. Thank you so much for sharing your experience, Melissa! Much appreciated! Judy Ganser 22 Feb Reply. Heather Bovat 10 Feb Reply. Anne Moss 12 Feb Reply. Jose P 3 Dec Reply. Anne Moss 7 Dec Reply. Elizabeth 9 Sep Reply. Did your friend have heart or lung problems?
Anne Moss 21 Sep Reply. Ross 27 Aug Reply. Is there any time of the year when the summit is less likely to be clouded over? Anne Moss 28 Aug Reply. Hugh G. Anne Moss 17 Mar Reply. Amanda 13 Nov Reply. Anne Moss 13 Nov Reply. Anne Moss 29 Aug Reply.
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