Pikes Peak

The Basics

Half a million people visit the summit of Pikes Peak each year, making it the most visited mountain peak in North America. Most visitors come on a day trip from nearby Colorado Springs or Denver and combine their visit to the famous fourteener with a stops at the artsy town of Manitou Springs and the stunning sandstone formations of the Garden of the Gods.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Pikes Peak is a must-see for adventure travelers and first-time visitors.

• Dress in warm layers—there’s a 30-degree temperature difference between the base and peak of the mountain.

• Tickets for the Pikes Peak Cog Railway can sell out during high season, so it’s best to book ahead of time.

• Drink lots of water to help prevent or minimize the effects of altitude sickness.

How to Get There

While 1850s gold miners once trekked to this area via covered wagon and made the climb by mule, modern visitors can enjoy the views while driving the scenic Pikes Peak Highway, which offers incredible views along the way to the 14,115-foot (4,302-meter) summit. Another popular way to reach the summit is aboard the historic Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the highest cog railway in the world. Active travelers might opt to make the climb on foot along the 13-mile (21-kilometer) Barr Trail.

When to Get There

Pikes Peak is open throughout the year, but the road can close in poor weather. To avoid crowds at this popular Colorado destination, plan to visit during the shoulder seasons (March through May and October through mid-December).

Avoiding Altitude Sickness

With a summit of over 14,000 feet, Pikes Peak can trigger symptoms of altitude sickness in some visitors. To minimize or even prevent these symptoms altogether, try to spend your first day in the area touring attractions below 7,000 feet and avoid strenuous exercise. Drink more water than usual, and reduce your intake of alcohol and salty foods.

How long do you need for Pikes Peak?

If you're driving the scenic drive to the top of Pikes Peak, allow about four hours for an unhurried visit. When taking the Pikes Peak Cog Railway up, you need roughly three hours. Hiking up Pikes Peak takes much longer, and most hikers allow two days to tackle this fourteener.

Where is the best place to see Pikes Peak?

High Point Overlook in the Garden of the Gods is the best for Pikes Peak views. You can also see the mountain from the park's trails. Colorado Springs is the easiest urban place to take a gander at Pikes Peak, as its peak is visible from much of the city.

Is there a shuttle to the top of Pikes Peak?

Yes, there is a free shuttle that takes visitors up to the top of Pikes Peak. The shuttle collects visitors from two parking lots, at mile markers 7 and 16. It operates due to limited parking spaces at the summit—the result of construction for a new visitor complex.

What is the closest town to Pikes Peak?

Manitou Springs is the closest town to Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods. It is west of Colorado Springs. It provides easy access to these popular attractions and offers mineral springs that you can drink and spas where you can recharge after a day in the mountains.

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

Yes, you can go to both Gardens of the Gods and Pikes Peak in one day as the two attractions are not far from one another near Manitou Springs. Tours that visit both in one day allow you to combine the attractions without worrying about the logistics or timing.

Why is Pikes Peak so famous?

Pikes Peak is the most famous of Colorado's mountains and is often called America's Mountain as it has been seen to perfectly represent the scenery of the American West. It also has the world's highest cog railway and for inspiring lyrics to “America the Beautiful” by Katharine Lee Bates.

Ways to explore

Half a million people go to the summit of Pikes Peak each year, making it the most visited mountain peak in North America. There are three options to get to the top: driving the Pikes Peak Highway, taking the Cog Railway, or hiking the Barr Trail.

Most travelers come on a day trip from nearby Colorado Springs or Denver, and combine their visit to the famous fourteener with stops at the arty town of Manitou Springs and the stunning sandstone formations of the Garden of the Gods.

Accessibility

The summit and its visitor center are fully accessible—you simply drive to the top, park, and explore the paved summit.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Water, sunscreen, layers (yes, even in the summer), snacks, camera, and plenty of gas in the tank

What to wear

Comfortable clothing and layers (the summit is much colder than in town), good shoes for walking, hat, sunglasses

Not allowed

Littering, overnight parking, disturbing plants or animals

Amenities

Multiple visitor centers, gift shops, cafés and dining areas, picnic spots, restrooms, scenic pull-offs, Wi-Fi

Address 

Pikes Peak is just outside downtown Colorado Springs, about 70 miles (112 kilometers) south of Denver. It can be reached via the scenic 19-mile Pikes Peak Highway, hiking, or riding the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. Guided tours also provide access to this famous mountain.

Driving

At mile 7 on the Pikes Peak Highway, all visitors need to purchase a $2 Timed-Entry Permit (one per vehicle). From there, you’ll be allowed access all the way to the top at mile 19.

Public transportation

The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway runs year-round from Manitou Springs to the summit (visitors can park at the depot for a fee). It’s a 3.5-hour round-trip ride.

Best times to visit

Go in the early morning, when the weather is usually calmer and clearer—afternoon thunderstorms are common.

Best days to visit

On weekdays it’s generally less crowded, though the mountain is always poppin’.

Best months to visit

If you’re hiking, come in July or August for warm weather and snow-free trails. Otherwise, September and October are lovely, with fewer visitors and still-mild temperatures (plus fall foliage).

Special events

Look out for two June events: the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC), also known as the Race to the Clouds, and Donut Day—complete with ranger talks and sweet goodies.