Can You Bicycle Up Pikes Peak In October?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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For cyclists, though,

access to the climb has historically been restricted to a single organised race per year

. That was until 2013 when the authorities opened the Pikes Peak Highway to cyclists all year round. As bike climbs go, Pikes Peak is very long indeed.

How hard is it to cycle Pikes Peak?

If you are looking for a challenge, then cycling up and down the Pikes Peak Highway is perfect for you. The route is fully paved and

incredibly intense

, ascending more than 4,800 vertical feet with more than 150 turns leading to the 14,115-foot summit.

Is Pikes Peak open to cyclists?


Bicycle use is permitted on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain during normal operating hour only

. Bicyclists are subject to all tolls and hours of operation. The winding and scenic road will challenge the most experienced riders, but the ascent to the 14,115ft summit is worth the experience.

How long does it take to bike down Pikes Peak?

Cog Up/Bike Down Pikes Peak Adventure

Feel the rush of adrenaline on this 19.5-mile downhill adventure from the summit of the country’s most famous mountain, Pikes Peak. During this

5.5 hour

adventure you travel to the top of Pikes Peak on the Manitou and Pike Peak Cog Railway.

What is the best time to go up Pikes Peak?

The day of your hike, start early-early, like before the sun comes up. You want to be off the mountain by the afternoon. 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.

Is the drive up to Pikes Peak scary?

The Pikes Peak scenic drive is nothing short of spectacular while being

very scary for some

. At times, it appears to be heading straight to the clouds.

Can you bicycle to the top of Pikes Peak?

If you are looking for a challenge, then

cycling up and down the Pikes Peak Highway is perfect for you

. The route is fully paved and incredibly intense, ascending more than 4,800 vertical feet with more than 150 turns leading to the 14,115-foot summit.

How do you bike up Pikes Peak?

How long does it take to ride up Pikes Peak?

But because of afternoon thunderstorms, participants must make it to Glen Cove (11,440 feet) in

3.5 hours and summit in six

—or get pulled off the course—so I didn’t wait long. The route through Manitou Springs was a breeze, past antique shops and brunching tourists.

What is the average gradient of Pikes Peak?

The average gradient is

7%

, and the summit sits at 4,301m of altitude. It’s the second highest paved road in the US, a few metres short of the neighbouring Mount Evans.

What class hike is Pikes Peak?

Routes Routes Pikes Peak – East Slopes Difficulty:

Class 1

Total Elevation Gain: 7,600 feet Round-trip Distance: 24.00 miles Pikes Peak – East Slopes
Pikes Peak – Northwest Slopes Difficulty: Class 2 Total Elevation Gain: 4,300 feet Round-trip Distance: 14.00 miles Pikes Peak – Northwest Slopes

Where is Pikes Peak Hill Climb?

First staged in 1916, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is the second oldest race in America. The invitation-only event, often referred to as the Race to the Clouds is held annually on

Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, near Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA

.

How many miles is Pikes Peak Highway?

19.26 mi

Is there snow year-round on Pikes Peak?

While not unheard of, since

it can snow all year at 14,115 feet

, so much snow is definitely unusual.

Can you drive up Pikes Peak in the winter?

It’s Open All the Time

The Pike’s Peak Highway is open year-round, with the keywords “weather permitting.”

They do keep the road plowed during the winter

, but you definitely want to check weather and road conditions before you go, especially if you aren’t going during the summer.

Is Pikes Peak Highway Safe?


The drive to the summit is safe

. The paved 19-mile highway is driven by thousands each year. There are amazing views and pull outs along the way to the summit so guests can take their time as they make the ascent to the summit.

Is it hard to breathe on Pikes Peak?

It’s high enough to get altitude sickness

Unless you’re acclimated to this altitude, you’re bound to feel the effects.

The air is thin at the summit and holds about 60% of the oxygen your body is used to

. Prepare to feel out of breath as soon as you get out of your car.

Is Pikes Peak worth the drive?


Driving up Pikes Peak Highway is definitely more of an adventure than taking the railway

. The 19-mile highway is lots of fun and you may even feel a little bit of an adrenaline rush driving up the steep curvy mountain roads with death drops on both sides. Or at the very least it will get your heart pounding.

How much does it cost to drive up Pikes Peak?

Hi, If you are planning to drive the Pikes Peak Highway the cost is

$15 per adult (16 and older) $5 per child (6-15)

. We do offer a carload discounted rate of $50 for up to five passengers and a reduced fee for additional passengers.

How tall is Pikes Peak in Colorado?

14,115′

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.