Pikes Peak America's Mountain-General Information

Introduction

The most visited mountain in North America and the second most visited mountain in the world behind Japan's Mount Fuji, Pikes Peak forms a stunning backdrop for Colorado Springs and the Garden of the Gods. At an altitude of 14,110 feet above sea level, 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". The 8.9 mile Cog Railway started operating year round in 2007 weather permitting.

Over a half million people reach the summit house every year by the Pikes Peak Highway, Barr Trail or the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. The 19-mile Pikes Peak Highway, paved part of the way, is open year round, weather permitting. Barr Trail is the longest of any trails leading to the top of the 54 mountains in Colorado that are over 14,000 feet, and offers the greatest base-to-summit elevation gain in the state: 7,400 feet. About 15,000 people a year attempt to climb Pikes Peak on foot. The 13-mile trail begins at the base of Pikes Peak in Manitou Springs.

Three notable events take place on the mountain each year. The Pikes Peak Marathon, a 26 mile round trip foot race up Barr Trail and then back down each August, draws thousands of runners from all over the world. The current Pikes Peak Marathon record which was set in 1993 is 3 hours 16 minutes 30 seconds. The second event, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on Sunday July 20, 2008 is a race on the 12.42 mile gravel road which starts around the 6 1/2 mile mark on the highway. In 2007 Nobuhiro Tajima set a new record of 10 minutes 1 second. The third event is the AdAmAn Club New Years Fireworks display on December 31 at midnight.

Tips for Your Trip

Take Your Time and Enjoy Your Trip

Allow at least two hours to make the 38-mile round trip to the summit. Uphill traffic has the right-of-way at all times. Watch for maintenance equipment working on the road, and do not straddle rocks or grader ridges.

Stopping

Whenever possible, use the turnouts provided. If you must stop on the roadway, choose a straight section where your vehicle is clearly visible to the other motorists. If you plan to be away from your vehicle for an extended period, leave a plainly visible note on the windshield saying where you are going and when you will return.

On The Way Up

If your engine begins to labor on steeper grades, shift to a lower gear to maintain speed and engine cooling. Shift your automatic transmission manually to stay in a lower gear. When you reach the summit, run your engine at fast idle for a few minutes to dissipate engine heat.

If You Need Help

Pikes Peak Ranger personnel are on duty and patrol the road at all times when the Highway is open. If you have any kind of trouble, send another motorist for assistance or wait for a Ranger. Stay with your vehicle. Call 719-684-9138 from your cell phone to reach a Ranger.

On The Way Down

Use your lowest gear to allow your engine to brake your vehicle. Don't ride your brakes; this will cause them to overheat and cause problems.

Be Kind To The Mountain

Please avoid polluting streams and reservoirs, and dispose of litter in trash receptacles or vehicle litter bags.

Be Courteous

If you have several vehicles behind you, pull over and allow them to pass. Do not pass on corners. Do not speed.

Please Help Prevent Forest Fires

Fire is the main threat to this watershed, the main source of water for the Colorado Springs area. If you smoke, use your ashtray. Fires are allowed only in designated grills - make sure fires are out before you leave.

Overheating

If your engine overheats, run it at a fast idle. You may wish to run water on the radiator core. Water stations are located approximately 3, 10, 11 and 13 miles past the Gateway.

Health Tips

If you have a history of severe cardiac or respiratory problems, we recommend that you do not make the ascent to the summit. Babies under 4 months of age should not make the ascent, either.

Driving Tips

2 hour round trip
Use lower gears
1/2 tank of fuel

Special Events

Rates:

Toll Road $10.00 per adult (16 and over $5.00 per child (6 - 15) or total $35.00 per car
Credit Cards accepted: Visa Master Card

Additional Information

Restaurant on site
Gift Shop
Handicapped Access
Pets: On leash; not allowed in reservoirs.

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