Drive Pikes Peak Highway

Location

The Pikes Peak Highway Gateway is in Cascade, Colorado, just west of Colorado Springs. To get there from Colorado Springs, go west on Highway US-24 and turn left onto Fountain Ave. You will see signs for the Pikes Peak Highway.

Reservations

All visitors driving past Mile 7 on Pikes Peak Highway are required to purchase a $2 Timed-Entry Permit. Those without an Annual Pass, must purchase a One-Day Admission Ticket (discounts available for a carload of up to 5 people). Reservations are required May 23 – September 30. For more details and to make a reservation online, visit www.drivepikespeak.com. Reservations are not required from October 1 – May 22.

Drive Time

The round-trip journey takes approximately 2-3 hours, not including stops for photos, time spent at the summit and other activities. To get the most out of your Pikes Peak Highway experience, 3-4 hours is recommended.

Fuel

There are no gas stations along the highway. It is recommended that you have at least 1/2 tank of gas before you start your scenic drive.

Elevation Gain

The highway's entrance begins at 7,400 feet and climbs all the way up to 14,115 feet to the summit of the mountain.

Health

It is recommended if you have heart or respiratory issues to consult with your physician before visiting.

Infants

Please, no infants under 6 months old.

Fishing

There are two lakes currently available for fishing. Crystal Reservoir and North Catamount Reservoir, both located in what is called the North Slope Recreation Area. For more information about fishing in and around Colorado Springs, as well as local fishing outfitters, like Angler's Covey and Pikes Peak Fly Fishing Tours, click here.

• South Catamount Reservoir will remain closed through 2025 for dam rehabilitation.
• Visitors who are only wanting to visit Crystal Creek Reservoir on the Pikes Peak Highway need to purchase a $1 Daily Parking Permit and an NSRA One-Day Admission. Tickets are available for purchase at the Gateway on the day of your visit, however, we recommend purchasing online beforehand as tickets do sell out.
• North Catamount Reservoir remains open to the public, but is not accessible from the Pikes Peak Highway. North Catamount can be reached via hike-in access from the Catamount Recreation Area Trailhead, Teller County (Edlowe Rd).

Hiking

Hiking trails can be found off the highway or you can choose to hike up Pikes Peak via Barr Trail or the Crags/Devils Playground rather than drive. Hiking on the highway is not permitted.

Biking

Cycling is permitted both up and down Pikes Peak Highway. Learn more.

Visit our main guide page for more things to do near Pikes Peak.

Food can be purchased at the Crystal Reservoir Visitor Center, Glen Cove Inn and the Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center. Each of these locations also include Gift shops.

• The Crystal Reservoir Visitor Center is found just after mile marker 6. It's a good place to stop and grab a snack or purchase bait to go fishing. Ranger-led classes and paddle boat rentals are available in the summer months.
• Glen Cove Inn is found at mile marker 13, about half way up the mountain. Here you can find restrooms and a nice sit down area with food for purchase.
• The Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center sits at the top of Pikes Peak at 14,115 feet above sea level. Immerse yourself in the new interpretive experience or browse the extensive gift shop, use the restroom and grab some food. Options include salads, sandwiches and sides. Be sure to try the world-famous donuts, the only donuts made at an altitude over 14,000 feet. These donuts have special, high-altitude ingredients. So, make sure to eat these at the top of the mountain, as the change in altitude will change the texture of the donut.

• Definitely stop at Crystal Reservoir (mile 6) on your scenic drive up or down the Pikes Peak Highway. The water and peak create a perfect picturesque moment.
• Devils Playground (mile 16) also makes for a great stop to get out, walk around and take some beautiful photos.
• At the Summit Visitor Center (mile 19), you'll want to take photos at the Summit Market or the dramatic north overlook near the edge where you can see for miles upon miles.

Current Hours of Operation

October 1 - May 22

• Uphill Gates: open at 9am
• Uphill Gates: close at 3pm
• Pikes Peak Summit: closes at 4pm
• Downhill Gates: close at 5pm
  

General Admission Fee - Starting May 1, 2025

• Adults (ages 16+): $18 per person
• Children (ages 6-15): $8 per person

Visitors can also take advantage of a special Carload Discount Rate (up to 5 passengers) for $65 per car, with $13 per additional adult and $5 per additional child.

The Northslope Recreational Area opens May 1 for fishing and is accessible for $5 per adult (free for children ages 6-15). Due to parking limitations at the NSRA, a daily entry parking permit ($1) in addition to your NSRA ONLY ticket is required. Tickets and permits can be reserved via the online store, and the remaining will be distributed daily on a space-available basis at the Pikes Peak Highway Gateway.

For the latest updates and information on hours and rates, including details on annual passes, group rates and more, click here.

Payment

Accepted forms of payment are Visa, MasterCard, Discover and cash. Find a coupon for $2 off in the back of the Official Vacation Planner.

Weather

Be sure to check the weather before you go. Part of the highway could be closed due to snow. Always bring a jacket, even in the summer months. The temperature is, on average, close to 30 degrees cooler at the top. Find the Pikes Peak Summit forecast here: National Weather Service

Picnic Areas

Picnic areas can be found along the highway. Look for the pull-offs with the picnic signs on the side of the road and on the map that you will receive at the tollgate.

Vehicle Restrictions

Visit the official Pikes Peak - America's Mountain website for a list of vehicles permitted on the highway.

The following are prohibited on Pikes Peak Highway:

• Pull-behind trailers or campers of any size, including bicycle and motorcycle trailers
• ATVs or OHVs
• Mopeds or scooters that do not meet the listed requirements
• Skateboards or longboards

Safety

For safety information visit the Pikes Peak – America's Mountain website.