How Long To Drive Up Pikes Peak?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Time: The round-trip journey takes about

2-3 hours

, not including stops for photos, time spent at the summit and other activities. Fuel: There are no gas stations along the highway. Be sure that you have at least 1/2 tank of gas before you start your scenic drive.

Is driving up Pikes Peak worth it?


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?

December 1 to April 30
Adults (16 and Over)


$10


per person
Children (6 to 15) $5 per person Carload Discount Rate (Up to 5 passengers) $35 per car Carload Rate Additional Adults $7 per adult

Is the drive up 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.

Do you need a 4×4 to drive Pikes Peak?


You do not need a 4WD

. There are no gas stations but no reason to have one. It’s simply a short drive up a mountain. The only issue you need to be aware of it not riding your brakes too much on the way down.

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.

Can you drive all the way up Pikes Peak?


Drive the 19-mile paved toll road to the summit of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain

. Built in 1915, this winding road is the perfect scenic drive, offering views of lakes, mountains, wildlife and the surrounding area.

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 Pikes Peak Open all year?

Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain is

open year round* – weather permitting

. Conditions change frequently, it is recommended to call our pre-recorded information line. The staff updates the info approximately 30 minutes prior to opening and then as conditions change throughout the day.

Is the Peak to Peak Highway open?

A two hour drive starting from Golden, Colorado the ‘Peak to Peak’ byway is

open year-round

and has small service stops along the way.

What’s the temperature on top of Pikes Peak?

CURRENT WEATHER CONDITIONS Pikes Peak – 14,115 feet – 4302 meters 38° 50′ 27′′N – 105° 02′ 31′′W 4/15/2022 04:05 AM Updated and refreshed every 5 minutes. Current Today’s Lows and Highs Temperature

9.9


10.1 @ 12:03 AM 8.5 @ 2:13 AM
Wind Chill 10 min. avg. -7.4 -12.7 @ 2:14 AM Wind Speed 10 min. avg. 22.7 E 29.2 @ 4:00 AM

How do you drive down Pikes Peak?

  1. Drive down the mountain in low gear or low range. …
  2. Apply brakes firmly to reduce speed. …
  3. Stay on your own side of the road at all times -do not cut corners.
  4. Uphill traffic has the right-of-way at all times.

What is the best way to see Pikes Peak?


Go on a scenic drive up Pikes Peak Highway, or hop on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway

. These will get you to the top in about an hour and a half. Including the drive back down, plan at least three hours for the drive.

Can you do Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak in one day?


Yes you can visit both Garden of the Gods Park and Pikes Peak in one day

. The trip up Pikes Peak via the Cog Railway or the Pikes Peak highway takes approx. 3 hours round trip.

Does anyone live on Pikes Peak?

Share:

Husband and wife Neal and Teresa Taylor

have been living their dream for the last eight years. They’ve been the caretakers at Barr Camp, halfway up Pikes Peak.

Do you need oxygen on Pikes Peak?

The summits of Pikes Peak and Mount Quandary are roughly the same, both at

about 41 to 42 percent less oxygen compared to sea level

. Mount Everest, the highest summit in the world, has around 67% less oxygen than sea level! That’s why so many people need additional oxygen as they summit Everest.

What is the best time of year to visit Pikes Peak?

The best way to avoid crowds at the more popular destinations, such as Rocky Mountain National Park, Garden of the Gods, and Pikes Peak, is to try to visit during the shoulder seasons of

March through May and October through mid-December

.

Do you need oxygen to climb Pikes Peak?

It’s a long, hard, 13.5-mile climb uphill with a gain of about 7,400+ feet in elevation. Basically, it’s a half-marathon in hiking form. Please only attempt hiking Pikes Peak if you are healthy, able to hike long distances, able to navigate difficult terrain and able to perform high-cardio activity with

low oxygen

.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.