Pikes Peak America's Mountain-General Information

2008 Programs

Interpretive Programs 2008

Zebulon Pike, The Man - The Mountain
This program is free; however you must pay the entrance fee at the tollgate. Contact Ranger Barbara French-Pfeifer (719-385-7706 or bfrench-pfeifer@springsgov.com) for more information

Dates:
Monday, May 26
Tuesday, July 15
Monday, September 1
Time: 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. (weather permitting). Program is 45 minutes.
Location: Outside on the patio at Crystal Reservoir Visitors Center.
Description: This presentation will take visitors back in time to discover the life of early day explorers. See some of the items Pike and his men carried in their packs on their Southwestern Expedition in 1806.

**********************************************************************

Critter Hike
Pre-registration is required. This program is free; however you must pay the entrance fee at the tollgate. Contact Ranger Barbara French-Pfeifer (719-385-7706 or bfrench-pfeifer@springsgov.com) for more information. If no one is available to take your call, leave your name, number of persons attending, and a phone number where you can be reached.

Dates:
Tuesday, May 20
Tuesday, June 17
Wednesday, July 16
Tuesday, August 12
Time: 9:00 a.m. and (weather permitting). All of these hikes are on a Tuesday except for Wednesday, July 16.
Location: Meet at the Crystal Reservoir Visitors Center, don't forget your hiking boots! Be sure to bring plenty of drinking water.
Description: Summer is a wonderful time of year to explore the various habitats on Pikes Peak. Join a ranger on an interesting and fun hike along the contour of Crystal Reservoir. This is a great family experience. Observe the busy bluebirds searching for their favorite nesting areas, migratory waterfowl taking a dip in Crystal Reservoir, and blooming wildflowers that are brightening up our forests and fields. Because you will be hiking at just under 9,400 ft. in elevation, this is a moderately strenuous 3-4 mile hike, 2-3 hours duration. Pack a lunch and picnic with a ranger in the woods.

**********************************************************************

Bear Aware Nature Hike
Pre-registration is required. This program is free; however you must pay the entrance fee at the tollgate. Contact Ranger Barbara French-Pfeifer (719-385-7706 or bfrench-pfeifer@springsgov.com) for more information. If no one is available to take your call, leave your name, number of persons attending, and a phone number where you can be reached.

Dates:
Tuesday, May 6
Wednesday, June 11
Wednesday, July 9
Tuesday, August 26
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Meet at Crystal Visitors Center parking lot.
Description: 'Beware of Close Encounters' - all the woodland residents of Pikes Peak have shaken out of their slumbering stages and are wandering around in full force with a new generation of young...in particular, our black bears! Join us on our 'bear walk' to learn more about our biggest predators of the forest, and what signs to look for! Hands-on display of items before the hike includes a Black Bear pelt, bear scat and other mammal scat. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable hiking shoes. This is a moderately strenuous 4 mile hike at just under 9,400 ft. in elevation. Pack a lunch and picnic with a ranger among the wildflowers!

**********************************************************************

Wildflower Discovery Hike
Pre-registration is required. This program is free; however, you must pay the entrance fee at the tollgate. Contact Ranger Barbara French-Pfeifer (719-385-7706 or bfrench-pfeifer@springsgov.com) for more information. If no one is available to take your call, leave your name, number of persons attending, and a phone number where you can be reached.
Dates:
Friday, May 30
Friday, June 20
Friday, July 18
Friday, August 8
Time: 9:30 a.m. (weather permitting). All of these hikes are on a Friday.
Location: Meet at the Crystal Reservoir Visitor Center, and don't forget your hiking boots! Be sure to bring plenty of drinking water.
Description: Summer is a wonderful time of year to get out and explore the forests for the little jewels we call "Wild Flowers" on Pikes Peak. Join a ranger on an interesting and fun hike along the contour of Crystal Reservoir or another interesting trail the ranger has picked out for the day. If you have your favorite flower book please bring it along so you can help identify our little friends. Because you will be hiking at just under 9,400 ft. in elevation, this is a moderately strenuous 3-4 mile hike, 2-3 hours duration. Pack a lunch and picnic with a ranger. Maybe you will even see our State Flower, the Columbine!

**********************************************************************

June 7, 2008 marks the 60th anniversary of The City of Colorado Springs operating the Pikes Peak Toll Road. We are planning a Historic CHAUTAUQUA from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Crystal Reservoir parking lot. Contact Ranger Barbara French-Pfeifer (719-385-7706 orbfrench-pfeifer@springsgov.com) for more information or if you would like to make a short presentation. Bring your lawn chair. A list of presentations will be announced later.

This year also marks the 150th anniversary of Julia Archibald Holmes, the first woman recorded to hike up Pikes Peak. There will be celebrations August 1-5 to mark her historic hike. Activities will be announced later.

**********************************************************************