Different Ways to 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
For everyone wondering- can you drive to the top of Pikes Peak? It's true! You can actually DRIVE to the Pikes Peak Summit.
Hiking all day up the side of a mountain is great if you’re 22 and built like an action figure. But what about the rest of us? What about families with small kids?
What if you’re simply in a time crunch and don’t want to sacrifice your time when you only have one or two days for vacation? That's why being able to drive Pikes Peak is awesome.
The list of reasons why you won’t want to miss out on driving Pikes Peak pass is just about as long as the mountain is high. So let’s focus on just the main one, time. If you’re looking for a day trip or even a half-day trip, Pikes Peak highway is for you.
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 the 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 breaks 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 will review all other Pikes Peak driving instructions with you before you begin your trip- no need to worry!
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 to why one person feels dizzy or lightheaded at a higher altitude. 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.
Pikes Peak Gate Hours
If you're wondering- is Pikes Peak open? Check out this handy 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.
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 is able to 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 actually an easier route. Crags Trail is 14 miles round trip 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 railways 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.
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 actually 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.
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