How Late In The Season Can You Hike Pike’s Peak?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The time to get to the top of Pikes Peak varies by hiker, but the average time is

between 6-10 hours

. Barr Camp is 6.5 miles from the trailhead and provides picnic tables, clean restrooms and indoor seating for hikers. Overnight camping is available for those who would like to spread the hike out into two days.

Can you hike Pikes Peak in the winter?

This is a year-round route option;

hiking Pikes Peak in the winter months may require snowshoes and other considerations may be necessary

. This itinerary and route offers great high altitude training for climbers preparing for Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua, and beyond.

How late can you go up Pikes Peak?

Description May 1 to Nov. 30

Dec 1 to April 30
Per Person (ages 16 & older) $15 $10 Per Person (ages 6-15) $5 $5

Can you hike Pikes Peak in September?

There’s like 1% chance of snow at this time a year. Nick, I have climbed Pikes Peak over 50 times and

mid September is some of the best weather for doing so

.

How long does it take to hike down Pikes Peak?

On a good day, the average hiker can make it up in about

6-8 hours

. In the summer, the experienced folks at Barr Camp, which marks the middle of the hike, recommend you get to Barr Camp as early in the day as possible and try get to the top and be back below the tree line by 1 p.m. What do they recommend in the winter?

How do I train to hike Pikes Peak?


Get out a few days per week with a loaded backpack. Gradually build up from just 1 hour of sustained hiking to as many as 8 hours of total effort

. Walking on dirt or rocky trails, preferably uphill, is the best way to emulate the challenges that await you on the slopes of the Peak.

Can you hike Pikes Peak in January?

This 14,000 ft mountain is one of two in Colorado that you can drive or hike up to its summit. Pikes Peak has two main trails to reach the summit: East Slopes via Barr Trail or the Northwest slopes. Both involve long days on the mountain, but

can be hiked year round

.

Is there always snow on Pikes Peak?

Pikes Peak tends to have its own weather at any given time, and frankly, when you’re the biggest thing for miles, you can do what you want!

Occasionally it will snow on the Peak in July

, or be beautiful and sunny when it’s snowing in town.

Is Pikes Peak Open in December?

Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain is

open year round

* – weather permitting.

Can you go up Pikes Peak in March?

13 answers.

We are open year round (weather permitting)

. We may only open part of the way due to conditions above tree line but try to get open as far as we can each day. I recommend calling our pre-recorded information line at 719-385-7325 for the most current road conditions.

Can I drive up Pikes Peak in March?

png. Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain is

open year round – weather permitting

.

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.

Are there bears on Pikes Peak?

During the summer,

it’s not uncommon to see black bears roaming through local neighborhoods looking for leftovers

. If you were wondering why Coloradans have their trash locked down tighter than their mountain bikes, it’s because of these guys!

How many miles is it to the top of 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.

How long does it take to hike Crags Trail Pikes Peak?

Hiking info for Pikes Peak via Devil’s Playground and Crags Trail, located in Pike National Forest, Colorado. This is a 14.1 mile out-and-back hike with 4400 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about

6-8 hours

to complete.

Can a beginner hike Pikes Peak?

One of the most popular trails in the Pikes Peak region,

the Crags Trail (Forest Service Trail 664) in the Pike National Forest is an easy/moderate hike of less than 6 miles round trip

; it offers stunning views of the lower part of Pikes Peak and the surrounding areas.

Is Pikes Peak a difficult hike?

Overview. The Pikes Peak Barr Trail is

one of the most difficult hikes you will find in the Pikes Peak region

. It is an advanced level trail because of the 12+ mile distance to the Pikes Peak Summit and its 7,800 feet altitude gain.

Is there a hiking trail to the top of Pikes Peak?

The most popular way to get to the summit of Pikes Peak is via the

Barr Trail

. This 13-mile (one-way) hike gains 7,400 vertical feet in elevation from Manitou Springs to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak-America’s Mountain.

What should I bring to hike Pikes Peak?

  1. Wear just light footwear (Flip flops are a no-no. …
  2. Shorts are fine in the summer, but in winter long pants are better. …
  3. Water is key but here’s a tip: pack just a CamelBak about 2/3 to full and refill at Barr Camp using a filter.

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 climb a 14er without training?

If you’ve set your sights on the summit of a 14er, odds are you’re already pretty active, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to train for the trek. While some hikes to the summit are easier than others, all are arduous and will require both strength and endurance.

Can you hike Pikes Peak in April?


Yes, spring in the mountains is all about current conditions

. If the trail is dry that’s a reasonable day trip for someone who is very fit. Throw in a recent snowfall and an unconsolidated foot of snow and I wouldn’t recommend it.

Can you hike Pikes Peak in October?

Re: What 14ers can you hike in late October?

The Barr Trail on Pikes Peak (or any heavily used trail) can get a little icy with all of the foot traffic compacting the snow

. I would recommend bringing trekking poles for balance, and Katulas (mircospikes) to put over your boots for extra traction.

Which Colorado 14er is the easiest to climb?


Pikes Peak

is arguably the easiest 14er in Colorado, but if you are looking for a little more help on your first mountaineering trip, be sure to check out our Pikes Peak guided hiking tour.

What is the best time of day 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 there a Webcam on Pikes Peak?

Welcome to the Depot, where it all begins!

Our Depot webcam

will give you an idea of what life is like at the start of your journey to the summit of Pikes Peak.

Is Pikes Peak free?

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.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.