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Pikes Peak National Landmark

Pikes Peak National Landmark, Colorado Vacation Directory
 
 

Though not the highest peak in the state, Pikes Peak is the most traveled to mountain in North America and second in the world to Mt. Fuji in Japan. Those who have reached the summit understand what Kathy Lee Bates felt when she reached the summit, and was inspired to write the poem "America the Beautiful."

There is a toll to drive the highway ranging from $5 to $50. Those who have National Park passes will still have to pay the toll, as it is not a designated National Park. The highway may be closed during winter for bad weather.

Fun color cartoon map of Pikes Peak, Colorado created by The Colorado Vacation Directory Inc
 
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Zebulon Pike was the first white man to see the peak in 1806 but unfortunately, he was never able to reach the summit. He even predicted that no one would ever be able to scale this mountain. In 1820, Stephen Long and 3 others climbed the mountain and reached the summit. Today, over 6 million people reach the summit each year, either by foot, automobile, or railroad.

There are a few ways to reach the summit:

  • Hike - Barr Trail leads up the mountain to the summit. The trail starts in Manitou Springs and winds 13 miles to the top. The hike is very strenuous, as it has a 7,400' gain from the bottom and the average slope is about 11%.
  • Bike - If you're feeling super adventurous, try biking to the top of Pikes Peak. Be careful as you will have to share the road with vehicles using the Pikes Peak Highway. The highway was built in 1915, at a cost of $350,000 at the time.
  • Drive - Not in the physical condition to hike or bike up, drive the highway to the summit. Be conscious of bicyclists on the road, as you will have to share.
  • Railroad - Let someone else do the driving and take the Pikes Peak Cog Railroad to the summit. The Cog Railroad was opened on June 30, 1891, carrying a church choir to the summit as its first passengers. Though the track is only 8.9 miles long, it takes over 3 hours to travel round trip on the train.

Pikes Peak hosts three major events every year:

  • The Pikes Peak Marathon is held in August. Thousands of runners come to this event, racing on Barr Trail round trip. The fastest time is 3 hours 16 minutes.
  • The Pikes Peak Auto Climb takes place on the last Saturday of June. Car racers travel 12.42 miles around 156 turns for a 5,000' elevation change on a gravel road to the summit. The fastest time is 10 minutes 4.6 seconds.
  • The New Years Eve fireworks; a local climbing group hikes the mountain, and then sets off fireworks that can be seen as far away as Denver.

Location: Pikes Peak is just west of Colorado Springs. From I-25, turn west onto US 24 and continue for about 9.5 miles.

Places to Stay & Fun Things to Do

Green Mountain Falls Vacation Rentals Photos on page icon New Colorado business icon
OUTDOOR HOT TUBS! Green Mountain Falls is central to Manitou Springs, Woodland Park, Colorado Springs. Lakeside cottage vacation rentals. Walk to lake fishing, winter ice staking, in our mountain town.
Pikes Peak Bike Tours -- An Unforgettable Journey Web page link icon Photos on page icon
We cater to all skill levels. Breathtaking views of Pikes Peak by mountain bike! Our Tours are fun, safe, adventures for all who LOVE the great outdoors. Necessary equipment and transportation are provided.

More Activities & Information

Pikes Peak Area, Colorado includes: Cascade, Chipita Park, Deckers, Green Mountain Falls, Manitou Springs, Woodland Park

National Historic Sites and Landmarks in Colorado


Argo Mill and Tunnel • Aztec Ruins National Monument • Bandelier National Monument • Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site • Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park • Blue Mesa Reservoir/Curecanti National Recreation Area • Browns Canyon National Monument • Canyons of the Ancients National Monument • Chaco Culture National Historical Park • Chimney Rock National Monument • Colorado National Monument • Comanche National Grassland • Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad • Dinosaur National Monument • Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument • Garden of the Gods Recreation Area • Garden Park Fossil Area • Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

Click to return to main Colorado National Park Map

• Hanging Lake National Natural Landmark • Hovenweep National Monument • Indian Springs Trace Fossil Site • Lost Creek Scenic Area • Mesa Verde National Park • Morrison-Golden Fossil Areas Natural National Landmark • Pawnee National Grasslands • Pikes Peak National Landmark • Raton Mesa and Pass National Landmark • Red Rocks Park National Historic Landmark • Rocky Mountain National Park • Roxborough State Park National Natural Landmark • Russell Lakes National Natural Landmark • Slumgullion Earthflow • Spanish Peaks National Natural Landmark • Summit Lake National Natural Landmark • The United States Air Force Academy
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