Pikes Peak - America's Mountain

One of the few 14er's that you can drive up which was so cool! My friend and I landed in Denver in the morning and decided to drive over here after stopping at Garden of Gods. Fair warning, we were not used to the elevation and definitely felt super dizzy and had a headache at the top. I recommend making sure you are hydrated and bringing ibuprofen just in case. It was definitely a bit on the scary side driving up since the roads twisted but was very scenic! It was also cool to see the temperature drop 30 degrees at the top when compared to the base. You do have to purchase an entry pass per person and per vehicle which is timed. Luckily, we were able to get one since we visited on a weekday. The person at the gate checking us in was really nice and told us to make sure we drive using low gear on the way down. This helped from our brakes getting too hot, and they do check your brakes halfway down to make sure you are good. I recommend driving up to the top first and stopping on the way down since you have to make sure your brakes cool off. Unfortunately, we got there right as the restaurant closed at the top and couldn't experience the donuts. The welcome center at the top has a cool exhibit and some clean restrooms. Definitely check it out if you're in Denver!

It was an awesome experience.Word of caution. If you just landed in Denver and you're not use to the elevation, don't go here just yet. Wait a day or two to get acclimated. The oxygen level at the top is 60%. As soon as I arrived, I got dizzy and had purple lips. It was just manageable but the experience shortened my stay. The drive up is an experience, but if you don't want to risk it on the drive, they have this train that goes from the bottom up. It is a bit pricey though. It's not very big on the peak, but enough to take about 45-60 mins of your time to wander around, shop, bask, and take photos.

Need to get time reserved for entry and each person there's a $15 entry fee The drive to the peak is well tarred so any tiny car can get there. When get down please remember to use low gear so the car brakes won't be overheating. The ranger will check every car's brakes temperature going down and will make sure you pull aside to wait for the brake cooling down. The view at the peak is awesome, we also tried the donuts, it's awesome, even for people like me who don't like donuts.Many places to take pictures at the peak, we were having headaches after 2 hours. It's mild but we were still feeling quite discomfort.

It has changed so much since I visited 15+ years ago. These changes have improved safety, resting, dining/snacks, parking, and of course... picture-perfect and viewing spots. The mile markers were helpful and our kids looked forward to each one-- even got to see Mountain Sheep on our way down, our kids were thrilled! During our visit, medics and search-and-rescue teams were there-- just want to applaud their calming presence and behavior-- as a mom with young children, this can raise many questions and worry, but they handled a challenging situation with high professionalism. I understand that resources are limited at such high altitudes, but restrooms were busy and several stalls, sinks & hand dryers were out of order. At our halfway point brake check (appreciate this!), restrooms also needed some cleanliness attention. As you plan to visit:--purchase your timed entry & admission online--fill up your gas tank--respect all road signs & ranger recommendations --respect nature all around and clean up after yourself--be prepared! (sweaters/jackets, pants, snacks for way up/down, consider oxygen-on-the-go (Walmart), blankets (especially with kids), $$ for spending, most importantly...patience) Pikes Peak is so beautiful, glad I was able to return and enjoy it all over again. *PP, have you considered selling oxygen-on-the-go?

One of my favorite 14ers to hike...sure it doesn't have the anus clenching thrill of Long's or Capital....but fear of death ain't everything.Two ways up: Barr Trail of via Crags campground (trust me you want the pleasant Barr Trail...unless you are into steep pain).The Barr trail is a wonderfully maintained trail (thank you CCC!!!) and can be done in one day ....albeit it is a 24-26 mile total round trip journey.You can also stay overnight at the Barr Camp which is a trip unto itself. You get a nice pasta ( very basic meal).I have done it in one day and also as a two day.Back before the COG rail was redone you could actually hike up and take the trail down.....great looks from all the tourists onboard.Last boring bit of detail....it is priceless finally reaching the summit and some rather rotund tourist is eating a donut and looks down to see you climb up....like you are an Alien from another planet. I believe his comment was," you climbed all the way up that?" Why yes Bucky I did...you should try it sometime.Highly Highly recommend you try it.Start early as Lightning is a true danger.PrepareCarry a pack with your ten essentials

Pikes Peak Highway and Summit was on my agenda this weekend. Thrilled that I went. I've seen so much of Colorado the past 13 years. Somehow I skipped or overlooked this destination. Heads up that you will need to purchase tickets before entering the highway and park. They have a beautiful park entrance with rangers who check for reservations. You have the option to purchase a time sensitive pass. I chose the two hour pass and a visitors pass as well. I did this on my phone prior to driving up to the main entrance.The drive up and down Pikes Peak is stunning! Another reason and place that I feel fortunate to live in this gorgeous state! There are areas to pull off and park on the way up. Down too, of course. Rangers are friendly here. I enjoyed my experience so much that I'm planning to return soon. If you haven't been here, I highly recommend it! Get online and purchase those tickets for an enjoyable experience.Can't wait till my next visit!

Drove to the top of pikes peak on a sunny day, but the higher we got, the cloudeir it got. But it was still worth it! It was a little chilly at the top, but I was okay in shorts.Had so much fun in the gift shop, but they were all out of post cards. They had so many stickers and magnets to choose from. I had to try the donuts. They were a little dry and crumbly but not expensive. The restrooms were so clean, and there were so many stalls you didn't have to wait. But only 2 hand dryers were working, so I did have to wait to dry my hands. You also need a reservation to drive up, and it costs about $50 for 1 car. It takes about 1 hour to drive to the top, and on the way down, they have a ranger station to check breaks, and if yours are too hot, they will ask you to pull over. If you are scared of heights, I recommend not being the driver due to cliff faces. I highly recommend driving up there at least once. Beautiful views and visitor center is so clean.

The Drive up the Mountain was so beautiful. The day was not so warm yet and the beauty of rhe area was a place i need to re visit. We stated at a beautuful Hotel in town and made this drive the next morning. There was more to see byt i was glad we stopped at rhe Vista point to take in the view. A definite place i will be returning to.

Pikes Peak - America's Mountain, is one of the most popular landmarks not just in Colorado, but in all the United States. And yet, standing at the summit at 14,115 feet, Pike's Peak is only the 31st tallest peak out of 54 in Colorado!To experience getting to the top, you have multiple options...1. You can hike, which they say takes 6 - 8 hours. That doesn't sound so bad, but I believe there are more interesting ways to get there.2. Cog Railway - this is an old fashioned red train that will transport you around the windy and twisty curves of Pike's Peak arriving in VIP fashion right next to the Summit Visitor Center.This Cog Railway is certainly the touristy way to go. And along the way it's scenic with 360-degree views and overall a fun family experience. It's $59 for a Standard Admission Ticket and general admission seating onto the train. But for $72, you can pick your exact seat. Purchase tickets at cograilway.com.3. Drive your own vehicle to the summit. This is what I chose. It's a 19-mile drive and allows you to start and stop at your own leisure without being hostage to anyone's schedule.Well, let me back up there. Because of Pikes Peaks' popularity, it is highly suggested that you visit coloradosprings.gov and make a timed reservation slot for when you'd like to enter the 19-mile roadway.Because...if you randomly show up at the entrance gates during peak summer hours, capacity on the drive may be full and then you'll either be turned away or forced to pay and ride a shuttle bus. It's simple to book a timed slot online, and it's better to have peace of mind knowing you're guaranteed of getting to the summit.Now...for reserving your private vehicle online, each adult is $15, or up to one full carload of 5 passengers for $50.Also, when reserving your specific timeslot, it's another $2.Time slots are...10am - 12pm, 12pm - 2pm, 2pm - 4pm, 4pm - 6pm.The earlier times get sold out the quickest and afternoon times are what remain if booking at the last minute.After completing your reservation, they'll email you a QR Code to be scanned at the entrance.Sorry for all these details about just trying to make it to the summit. Let me talk about what you can expect out of Pikes Peak...- Along the 19-mile drive to and from the top, there's not much to see. I barely stopped at any roadside overlooks, which was a little bit of a letdown.- They make sure you arrive at the entrance gates with at least 3/4th's full tank of gas because the drive up is all inclined, you car will burn a lot of gas. Also before entering, you're instructed to return back down the mountain in 1st and 2nd gears. - On the drive up and down, it's advised to make stops on the way down because the road pull-offs will be from the righthand side accessible to returning cars.- Within the last few miles before getting to the top, the road was filled with switchbacks. It could be scary at times with no guardrails, so I'd suggest being alert.- Lol, finally at the summit, the views were wide open. They were nice, but not fantastic.You have a brownish looking alpine landscape with hovering peaks in the distance. It was a typical Colorado type of setting. Honestly, I feel like I had been there before and done it, like driving Independence Pass to the summit, a similar type of experience as here at Pikes Peak.- There's a landmark sign that you should take a photo with. It says..."14,115 feet - Pikes Peak Summit". It's hidden but located walking away from the Summit Visitor Center. It officially announces that you made it to the top, a memorable part of the journey.- You'll see the Cog Railway pulling in and out of the station here. Look to venture off the Cog Railway platform from the back section (which is permitted) and I believe you'll discover the best sights from high above, especially if you're here in the afternoon time with the sun behind you.- The Visitor Center has a gift shop but prices were outrageously high for souvenirs. I was content with keeping the park brochure I received back at the entrance as my little memento.- There's a cafeteria for eating lunch. Also, there's a walk through museum for better insight into what Pikes Peak is about. Btw, I had no cell reception at the summit, but the VC had terrific working WiFi.- Come prepared with a jacket. It was freezing walking around, lol. In total, maybe you'll need half the day to drive to the top of Pikes Peak and enjoy the sights and surroundings from 14,115 feet, and then making your way back down towards the base.One last thing...about halfway down Pikes Peak, there'll be a mandatory brake check to make sure your brakes aren't overheated or otherwise authorities will ask you to pull off the road and wait for your car to cool down.Pike's Peak is "America's Mountain". I had fun, but its personality didn't leave me speechless. But, within the context of all the great activities around Colorado Springs, it's still a worthwhile attraction.

Went on an excursion yesterday to Pikes Peak. Words cannot describe it. So here are the pictures. Breathtaking was an understatement.