Driving Pikes Peak (Tips for Visiting & Driving Up Pikes Peak in 2025)
Can you drive up Pikes Peak? Yes, you can! The Pikes Peak road is a gorgeous drive and we’re going to tell you all about driving to the top of Pikes Peak.
At 14,115 feet Pikes Peak is one of Colorado’s more than 50 ‘fourteeners’ or mountains that are more than 14,000 feet above sea level.
Although, if you want to experience reaching the summit of a fourteener, you most likely will have to put in a lot of effort and hike to the top. But not with Pikes Peak!
Pikes Peak is one of the only mountains in Colorado where you can actually drive to the summit.
Driving Pikes Peak is a super fun activity and is easily accessible, but there are a few things to know first before you drive to the top of Pikes Peak.
What You’ll Find In This Driving Pikes Peak Ultimate Guide
In this article we’ll cover:
- Important things to know about driving Pikes Peak
- How to get to Pikes Peak
- Is Pikes Peak open?
- How to prepare for the road up Pikes Peak
- Is the Pikes Peak drive scary?
- And so much more!
Must-Do Activities When Visiting Pikes Peak:
Enjoy The Views On A Jeep Tour
Going on a private Jeep tour is definitely the best way to see Pikes Peak. The Pikes Peak scenic drive can only really be enjoyed when you don’t have to drive yourself or have to worry about your loved one driving. That way you can enjoy all the scenery without worry. This tour is also perfect for those who are looking to escape the crowds on the Cog Railway!
🚙 Check prices & make your reservation 🚙
Drive Up And Bike Down The Mountain
This Pikes Peak Bicycle Expedition is the most epic way to experience Pikes Peak! You will be driven up the mountain and after spending some time at the summit you will hop on a high-quality bike and wiz down the mountain.
A guide will lead you down the mountain & a support vehicle follows in case you need a break. You will end at the bottom of the mountain at a winery with an included lunch. What an epic day!
🚴 Check prices & make your reservation 🚴
See Pikes Peak From A Hot Air Balloon
One of the most epic things you can do is take a sunrise hot air balloon ride in Colorado Springs. You will see views of Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and the Rocky Mountains. This awesome tour lets you help blow up the balloons, and includes a champagne toast & light breakfast after your ride.
Different Ways to Get to Pikes Peak
Are you wondering- how do you get to Pikes Peak? There are 4 different ways that you can get to the top of Pikes Peak:
- Drive to the top of Pikes Peak
- Hike to the summit of Pikes Peak
- Take the Cog Railway to the top of Pikes Peak
- Take a guided tour to the top of Pikes Peak
Keep reading to learn all about each way to get to the top of this majestic mountain and which one is best for you.
Driving Up Pikes Peak
If you’re wondering- can you drive to the top of Pikes Peak? It’s true! You can actually DRIVE to the Pikes Peak Summit.
The new Pikes Peak Summit visitor center opened its doors in the summer of 2021 which means that you can now drive to the top of Pikes Peak.
The drive to Pikes Peak is a favorite among people looking for a beautiful scenic drive, families with kids, or anyone who doesn’t have to time or physical ability to hike to the summit.
You now need a reservation to drive to the summit of Pikes Peak. You will be given a 2-hour time slot when making your reservation and that reservation guarantees there will be a parking spot at the summit within those 2 hours.
A reservation is only required between the Friday before Memorial Day through the end of September. During June and July, a free shuttle will take guests from the 16-mile parking lot to the summit.
WHERE TO STAY NEAR PIKES PEAK:
⛰️ The Outlook Lodge (mid-range)
⛰️ Wine Gazebo Log Cabin (mid-range)
⛰️ Beaver’s Lodge (Budget)
Is Pikes Peak Highway Safe to Drive?
The drive to the Pikes Peak Summit is 19 miles long, has 156 turns, and climbs 6,715 ft from the entrance of the highway.
That might sound scary, but as long as you use common sense, are cautious, and follow the guidelines, driving to the top of Pikes Peak is not dangerous at all!
The road is paved the entire way and there are lots of established pull-offs where you can pull over, take a break, check out the scenery, and adjust to the altitude.
The Pikes Peak Highway is open year-round, weather permitting. If there is ever a situation where the weather would make driving the road dangerous, the Pikes Peak Highway will be closed.
So if you’re wondering- Is it safe to drive up Pikes Peak? Just know that you wouldn’t be allowed to drive if it wasn’t safe.
The highway also closes when the snow is too hard to plow near the summit, so it’s always a good idea to check first before heading to the mountain.
Make sure that you call in advance to check road conditions: 719-385-7325
Driving Pikes Peak Tips
There are just a couple of things to know before heading up the mountain. Here are some tips for how to drive up Pikes Peak.
- Make sure that you have plenty of gas before you head out. The drive to Pikes Peak is only 39 miles round trip but you will use more than ½ a tank of gas. (The closest gas station is 7 miles away from the Pikes Peak Highway entrance in Manitou Springs.)
- Never pass other vehicles, especially on turns.
- Only stop at designated stopping areas to take pictures on your way up or down.
- Make sure that you downshift on the way down to avoid your brakes heating up too much.
- Have someone designated for driving and another for taking photos. Make sure the driver is 100% focused on the road.
The gate attendant went over all the Pikes Peak driving instructions with us before we began our trip. This made us feel confident to do the drive to the summit. After reading this article and listening to the driving instructions at the gate, we’re sure you’ll feel confident too!
Visiting Pikes Peak Tips
Besides driving up Pikes Peak tips, it’s important to be adequately prepared for your time on the mountain. Here are a few tips to make sure you have the best time:
- The summit is on average 30 degrees colder than the temperature at the gate. Make sure you dress in layers!
- Bring sunscreen and a hat- the sun can be intense the higher up you go no matter what time of year you’re doing the Pikes Peak drive.
- Take your time taking pictures and on your stops to help with adjusting to the altitude.
Pikes Peak Elevation & Altitude Sickness
You might be wondering- how high is Pikes Peak above sea level? At the summit, you will be standing at an elevation that is more than double what it was down in Colorado Springs, which is already over 6,000 feet (1,828.8 meters) above sea level!
The Pikes Peak summit is at an elevation of 14,115 feet. Not a lot of people are used to this high of an elevation so it’s important to know going into your drive that it’s possible to feel the effects of altitude sickness the higher you go.
There is no rhyme or reason for why one person feels dizzy or lightheaded at a higher altitude and another doesn’t. The best way to combat altitude sickness is to make sure you take your time driving up Pikes Peak by taking plenty of stops and walking around a bit at each stop.
If you feel extremely lightheaded or dizzy, the best way to start feeling better is to get to a lower elevation. So just head back down the mountain as soon as possible.
How Long Does it Take to Drive Up Pikes Peak?
If you’re wondering how long does it take to drive Pikes Peak Highway? It takes a little more than one hour to get to the Pikes Peak lookout and approximately a half hour to drive back down.
This Pikes Peak drive time is without taking any stops along the way. It will probably take you longer to drive the Pikes Peak mountain drive because you will stop along the way for pictures.
The average time to drive up Pikes Peak is 2-3 hours round trip for most people.
If you are planning on driving to the top of Pikes Peak- I would recommend taking the entire day (or most of the day) to explore. The drive to Pikes Peak summit is beautiful and you are bound to want to stop every 2 seconds to take in the view.
What is the Best Time of Day to Drive Up Pikes Peak?
When driving Pikes Peak Highway you’re going to want to make sure that you are driving at the best time of day. The best time to visit Pikes Peak is when it is not too crowded but also leaves you enough time to get off the mountain before sunset.
We recommend you start the Pikes Peak summit drive either very early in the morning right when the gates open or in the afternoon after lunchtime. This is the best time to drive Pikes Peak for fewer crowds & plenty of daylight.
The road up to Pikes Peak can be dangerous in the dark as no lights are lighting up the road so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to drive back down.
Is Pikes Peak Open? Pikes Peak Hours
If you’re wondering- is the road to the top of Pikes Peak open? Check out this chart we made for the dates and hours Pikes Peak is open.
Of course, it’s always a good idea to double-check the hours on the park’s website before heading there.
| Dates | Uphill Gate Opens | Uphill Gate Closes | Summit Closes | Downhill Gate Closes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 1st to the Thursday before Memorial Day | 9:00 am | 3:00 pm | 4:00 pm | 5:00 pm |
| Friday before Memorial Day to Labor Day | 7:30 am | 6:00 pm | 7:00 pm | 8:00 pm |
| Thursday After Labor Day to September 30th | 7:30 am | 5:00 pm | 6:00 pm | 7:00 pm |
How Much Does it Cost to Drive Up Pikes Peak?
Does it cost to drive up Pikes Peak? It does, but the prices are very reasonable in our opinion. Head on over to the Pikes Peak coupon page to save a bit of money on your tickets.
FYI: If you are a rockstar at planning and know you’ll be visiting Pikes Peak ahead of time, you can grab tickets at the winter price at a discounted rate. Tickets are honored 365 days after purchase!
Here are the ticket prices during the summer and winter months:
| December 1st to April 30th: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Adults (16 & over) | $10 | per person |
| Children (6-15 years old) | $5 | per child |
| Carloud Discount Rate (Up to 5 passengers) | $35 | per car |
| Carload Additional Adults | $8 | per adult |
| Carload Additional Children | $2 | per child |
| May 1st to November 30th: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Adults (16 & over) | $15 | per adult |
| Children (6-15 years old) | $5 | per child |
| Carloud Discount Rate (Up to 5 passengers) | $50 | per car |
| Carload Additional Adults | $10 | per adult |
| Carload additional Children | $2 | per child |
Hiking to the Summit of Pikes Peak
Hiking to the top of Pikes Peak is not for the faint of heart. It’s a 13.5-mile hike to the summit and a 7,400+ feet elevation gain.
It is recommended that you are a strong, healthy person who can hike long distances, navigate difficult terrain, and do so at a high cardio level with low oxygen. If it sounds like you’re up for the challenge, here’s the info you need to know about hiking to the summit of Pikes Peak.
Summiting Pikes Peak Via The Barr Trail
The Barr Trail is one of the only trails that will take you to the summit of Pikes Peak. It was created by Fred Barr in the 1900s and redone by the Forest Service in the 1950s. It is 13.5 miles one way and a steep, hard climb to the top.
If you are interested in doing the climb over two days, it’s possible to stop at the halfway point, Barr Camp. Barr Camp is a hostel-style cabin where you can make reservations to spend the night and even get breakfast or dinner.
Summiting Pikes Peak Via The Crags Trail
The Crags Trail is a lesser-known route to the top of Pikes Peak but is an easier route. Crags Trail is a 14-mile round-trip hike with a 4,300-foot elevation gain.
The trail is described as relatively easy until the last 500 feet where it gets pretty steep. There are also camping options on this route at Crags Campground.
If you have your heart set on summiting Pikes Peak but aren’t into a grueling 24-mile climb, check out the Crags Trail instead.
Taking the Cog Railway to the Top of Pikes Peak
Not interested in driving to Pikes Peak Summit? That’s okay! You can take advantage of the Pikes Peak Cog Railway instead of driving to the top of Pikes Peak.
The Pikes Peak Cog Railway has been in operation since 1891 and is the highest-cog railway in the world. The train will take you past waterfalls, pine and aspen forests, and spectacular mountain scenery.
The Cog train will take you up the side of the mountain on a special track with a grade of 12% and sometimes even hitting a 24% grade!
New in 2021, the Cog Railway, now known as the Broadmoor Cog Railways, has been completely redone due to failing infrastructure and is an upgraded, amazing experience.
The best time of day to ride the Pikes Peak Cog Railway is either very early in the morning when it first opens or one of the last railway slots before the sun goes down.
Take a Guided Tour to the Top of Pikes Peak
The fourth way to get to the road up Pikes Peak is to take a guided tour. Many people don’t want to drive up to Pikes Peak on their own, so they would rather take a tour.
Visiting Pikes Peak by car is great, but a Pikes Peak driving tour allows you to relax and soak everything in without worrying about doing the driving yourself.
On this small-group guided tour, you will have the opportunity to visit two of the area’s most scenic places, Garden of the Gods & Pikes Peak.
Your tour guide, Jason, will make sure that you have an awesome time so you can relax and enjoy some of Colorado’s most beautiful scenery.
What’s at the Top of Pikes Peak?
At the top of Pikes Peak, you’ll first find an incredible view out over the Colorado mountains. On a clear day, you can see 5 states from the summit, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Kansas!
There are 6 different overlooks at the summit where you can look out and see varying scenery. There is also a gift shop, as well as a donut house.
The donuts made at the donut house are a super popular treat to get when summiting Pikes Peak. The donuts are made with a special technique since the altitude causes issues when using traditional methods. If you’re wondering- is driving up Pikes Peak is worth it? I’d say it’s worth it just for the donuts!
Pikes Peak Directions
Looking for directions to Pikes Peak? How to get to Pikes Peak will vary depending on where you’re coming from.
Pikes Peak from Colorado Springs:
- Go west on US-24 for 11 miles
- Once you see the sign for Pike’s Peak Highway turn left
- You will pay at the entrance station & then you’ll be on your way to the summit of Pikes Peak!
Pikes Peak from Denver:
- Head south on I-25 for 81 miles
- Merge onto US-24 east
- Take US-24 for 11 miles
- Once you see the sign for Pike’s Peak Highway turn left
- You will pay at the entrance station & then you’ll be on your way to the summit of Pikes Peak!
The Best Stops on a Pikes Peak Drive to the Top
On your drive to the top of Pikes Peak Colorado, you want to be sure to pull over at these best spots:
- Crystal Reservoir – Crystal Reservoir is at the start of your drive up Pikes Peak and is one of the prettiest lakes on the whole drive.
- Devil’s Playground – Devil’s Playground is the start of a trailhead and a great place to walk around and admire the views.
- The Pikes Peak Summit – of course, you’ll want to stop and walk around at the summit and get some of the tasty donuts.
Where To Stay Near Pikes Peak Highway
The Outlook Lodge is a bed-and-breakfast-inspired lodge that has cozy rooms, incredible views, and the best staff. The lodge has 5-star accommodations for really great prices as well.
One of our favorite parts of the Outlook Lodge is the beautiful grounds where you can cozy up by the outdoor fire pit or walk around the gorgeous lake.
Rockhaven Retreat with Hot Tub
This cabin with incredible views is the perfect getaway for any looking for a relaxing trip in the mountains. The cabin is completely renovated and has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
The best part is the main bedroom has a walk-out deck with a hot tub! We know where we’d be spending all our time if we rented this place. Besides the hot tub, this cabin has everything you could need to have a comfortable stay.
Tiny Home Cottage with Mountain Views
This adorable tiny house cottage is a perfect stay for anyone looking for a unique Airbnb. Just minutes away from the town of Woodland Park, this tiny house is nestled among the mountains and has gorgeous views around every corner.
The house comes with a full kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, living area, and even a washer & dryer! So even though it’s tiny- you’ll have everything you could need.
This is a great stay for someone looking to explore Pikes Peak on a budget and disconnect while reconnecting to nature.
Wrap-Up: Pikes Peak Drive
For anyone looking to drive Pikes Peak, we hope this article helped answer all your questions. The Pikes Peak drive is an incredible way to see some of Colorado’s best mountain views.
With just a few safety precautions and a dedicated drive, you shouldn’t have any trouble on your drive up Pikes Peak. Enjoy your time and remember to take lots of pictures!
We hope this article about driving to the summit of Pikes Peak helps you plan your trip. We would love to connect with you! You can learn more about us here or read more of our recent blog posts here. Also, follow us on Instagram (@UnearthTheVoyage) and Facebook to see what we are up to next!
