|
There are three ways to ascend Pikes Peak – by cog
railway, drive to the summit via the Pikes Peak Highway, or by foot, hiking the
Barr Trail. The cog railway, which is the second-highest cog railroad in the
world (the highest is in Switzerland), starts from Manitou Springs, only few
miles from downtown Colorado Springs. The Pikes Peak Highway begins up the Ute
Pass, some thirty minutes up the front range highway. From here it’s 20 miles to
the summit on an unpaved road with treacherous switchbacks, home to the Pikes
Peak International Hill Climb race. If you want to hike the trial to the summit,
be ware that Pikes Peak has the greatest vertical gain of all the Colorado
14er's, which from the trailhead in Manitou Springs to the summit is almost 7500
feet! Considering that the roundtrip distance is 26 miles, hence why it’s the
site of the annual Pikes Peak Marathon, the ascend is a solid 12-hour day if you
dare to tackle the mountain both ways.
Travel info in summary:
Pikes Peak Cog Railway operates roughly from April to early November. The 9-mile
ride up takes more than 3 hours and if you opt for the roundtrip you have about
30 minutes at the top to admire the views and scenery. Please note that
reservations are required and limitations apply; for more on the cog railway,
click here.
To drive up/down Pikes Peak from Colorado Springs takes approx 3 hours one way
with brief stops for sightseeing. The road is open year round, weather
permitting.
To summit Pikes Peak by the Barr Trail takes about 6 hours one way; actual time
will depend on your ability as well as weather.
Drive Denver - Colorado Springs is approx 2 hours
one way.
|
Total roundtrip drive between Denver and
Colorado Springs is about 3.5 to 4 hours, hence based on the options
above we'll need full day of 8 to 12 hours. The Pikes Peak 26-mile
roundtrip hike can only be done with a very early start from Denver,
thus hiking one-way is not only a more time-manageable option but also
more realistic one given most people's ability.
Tour Option: as 1 night / 2 day tour with overnight
in
Colorado Springs (Antler's Plaza Hotel or luxury Broadmoor Hotel)
Add-on Options: 1890s mining towns in the shadow of Pikes Peak - Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Town tour; Royal Gorge
Bridge.
Any tour can be customized per
your wish, either combining it with additional Colorado destination or tailoring
in activities such as hiking, rafting or fishing - email us your request! |
|
