Visit Pikes Peak! 8 Important Things You Need To Know

Pikes Peak is an iconic mountain in the United States. The mountains of America offer a combination of cultural significance, a thrilling journey and spectacular views. The Pike’s Peak Fourteener is part of the Colorado State Forest, which is located in Pike National Forest, 12 miles west of downtown Colorado Springs, Colorado. There are many ways to get to the highest point to enjoy the breathtaking views. We visited Pikes Peak in the past year and drove the entire way there. Pikes Peak is also the site of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, one of the most famous car races in the world. You owe it to yourself and your family to make Pikes Peak and Colorado Springs your vacation destination! 

FYI: The closest gas station is 7 miles away from the Pikes Peak Highway entrance in Manitou Springs. Manitou Springs is the best little town in Colorado and has an amazing hot springs!

8 Important Things You Need To Know For Driving Pikes Peak Highway:

1. What is the highest point on Pikes Peak America’s Mountain?

The summit of Pikes Peak is 14,115 feet above sea level. With a high altitude of 14,115 feet above sea level, Pikes Peak forms a magnificent visual backdrop for Colorado Springs CO, Woodland Park, Fort Carson, the U.S. Air Force Academy, Garden of the Gods, Cripple Creek and many other regional cities and attractions.

2. Is driving up Pikes Peak scenic drive worth it?

The 19-mile round trip Pikes Peak Highway is a 2-lane road all the way ascending more than 6,000 feet in elevation to 14,115 feet. The road is pretty windy along the way and there are a few steep sections, but overall it’s not too bad. You’ll definitely want to take your time driving up so you don’t miss any of the amazing views.

3. Pikes Peak Open Hours & Rates?

The Pikes Peak Highway is a toll road, so you’ll need to pay $10-15/adult (depending time of year see chart below)& $5/child. You can buy your tickets online or at the toll booths on the way up.

4. Is it easy to drive up Pikes Peak Summit?

As long as you take your time driving Pikes Peak Highway, it’s not too difficult to make it to the top of Pikes Peak. Just be sure to watch out for other drivers and be prepared for the winding roads.

5. How long to drive up and down Pikes Peak?

Driving Pikes Peak Highway is about 26 miles long and the round trip journey to the summit takes 2-3 hours. The road is pretty windy and there are a few steep sections, but overall it’s not too bad. You’ll definitely want to take your time driving up so you don’t miss any of the amazing views.

6. Is there a break check point?

As a courtesy to descending visitors, the Pikes Peak Highway Rangers conducts a brake check at Glen Cove during peak periods. They will check the temperature of your brakes for excessive brake heat.

7. Can you still drive to the top of Pikes Peak?

Yes, you can still drive to the top of Pikes Peak.

8. Where are the best views of Pikes Peak drive?

There are several stops on the way to the top that are all worth your time (which is good because you need to stop and adjust to avoid altitude sickness).

Along the way, you’ll discover the North Slope Recreation Area, Crystal Reservoir Gift Shop, Historic Glen Cove Inn, and finally the Summit House. All offer visitor services and basic necessities to make your day both enjoyable and memorable. Fish at one of three lakes, enjoy one of our many picnic areas and hiking trails. The most popular route for climbing to the summit is Barr Trail, a 13-mile trek with a gain of 8,000 feet in elevation that starts in Manitou Springs. 

Learn about the mountain at one of our “Meet the Ranger” interpretive programs and hear about the history, myths, flora and fauna of PIkes Peak – America’s Mountain. And take in breathtaking views at every stop.

There’s also the Crystal Reservoir Visitor Center, the historic Glen Cove Inn, a dining area and gift shop at mile marker 13 and the new Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center is now open to the public with construction to be completed by September 2022.

If you’re looking for a more adventurous way to get to the summit, you can also try sun mountain biking. Pikes Peak has some of the best mountain biking trails in the country and there are trails for all levels of riders.

Pikes Peak Cog Railway

If driving up Pikes Peak isn’t your thing, you can also take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, which is a historic train that climbs to the summit.

The Pikes Peak Cog Railway was built in 1891 and is the world’s highest cog railway. It’s a 3-hour roundtrip journey to the summit and costs for a standard admission $58.50/adult & $48.50/child ($10 more for reserved admission).

Whether traveling by car on the Pikes Peak Highway, by train on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway or by foot on the Barr Trail, more than a half million people reach the summit every year.

If you’re looking for an adventure and want to see some of the most beautiful views in the United States, then Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs is definitely worth a visit. Just be sure to prepare for the drive and take your time so you can enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Pikes Peak isn’t the only attraction in the Colorado Springs area. You can also visit Garden of the Gods, which is a beautiful park with red rock formations. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Pikes Peak and admission is free.

The Pikes Peak region is a great place to visit all year round. In the summer, you can enjoy hiking, biking, and camping. And in the winter, you can ski and snowboard at one of the many resorts in the area.

You may also enjoy reading:15 Fun & Exciting Things To Do in Estes Park Colorado.