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. Though many sections of Barr Tail are considered to be easy, the full hike to the summit of Pikes Peak is quite advanced.
Is Pikes Peak a difficult hike?
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.
How long does it take to go up Pikes Peak?
Quick Facts About Pikes Peak Highway
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.
How many miles is it to the top of Pikes Peak?
The drive to the top of Pikes Peak is
19 winding miles
.
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!
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.
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.
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 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 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.
Is Garden of the Gods worth seeing?
Garden of the Gods is
a nice day trip for families
. It has pretty views and represents what Colorado is all about. It’s a short drive from downtown Denver and the drive to the attraction is also nice.
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.
What class is Pikes Peak?
Pikes Peak is a very busy mountain, largely due to its proximity to Colorado Springs and its
class 1
route.
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 animals live at the top of Pikes Peak?
Pikes Peak abounds with fascinating wildlife, and visitors frequently see
elk, deer, and yellow-bellied marmot
en route, plus Pikes Peak is home to one of Colorado’s largest bighorn sheep herds.
Are there moose on Pikes Peak?
Pike National Forest is home to some of the most abundant wildlife viewing in the region that range from turkeys to Moose
.
Are there mountain goats on Pikes Peak?
A must see for all Colorado visitors!
We were fortunate to encounter a herd of mountain goats who stopped traffic as they meandered across the road
. Great vistas from the top as well as many of the pullouts along the way.
Is it cold at the top of Pikes Peak?
When you’re at the summit of Pikes Peak, you can expect the temperature to be
about 30 degrees cooler than it is at the depot in Manitou Springs
, and don’t be surprised if you experience all four seasons during your visit.
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 |
|---|
Why is Pikes Peak famous?
Pikes Peak is the 31st highest peak out of 54 Colorado peaks. It is the farthest east of the big peaks in the Rocky Mountain chain, which
contributed to its early fame among explorers, pioneers and immigrants and made it the symbol of the 1859 Gold Rush to Colorado with the slogan, “Pikes Peak or Bust”
.
How many steps does it take to climb Pikes Peak?
The once railroad track now consists of approximately
2,744 steps
made entirely of railroad ties! Although it’s only one mile in length, the ascension averages a 41% incline (68% at its highest) and a 2,000 foot climb in elevation! Phew! That’s a lot of stairs!
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.
Where do you park to hike Pikes Peak?
Getting Back Down the Mountain
Rocky Mountain Ride provides daily shuttles from the summit of Pikes Peak back to the
Barr Trail trailhead parking lot in Manitou Springs
.
Do people get sick at Pikes Peak?
Because of this, few of our visitors experience altitude sickness on our trips, but they can if they venture to nearby Pikes Peak before or after. Fortunately,
altitude sickness is not inevitable for most people
. All you need to do to protect yourself is take certain steps ahead of time.
Is the Pikes Peak cog railway worth it?
Each experience is worth it
! However, if you are visiting the area, I recommend you put the Pikes Peak visit as late in your visit as possible. This is not something you want to do the second you step off the plane from Florida or Ohio. I recommend driving: it costs less than the individual train tickets.
Does Dramamine help with altitude sickness?
It’s most effective if you’re taking it as a preventative, before you get altitude sick
—kind of like how Dramamine works better before you’re motion sick. If you feel symptoms of altitude sickness, you should assume you have it and then monitor your situation closely.
