Explore the breathtaking Pikes Peak with our guide on enjoying everything that this geological feat has to offer.
Pikes Peak is America's Mountain. Named for Lt. Zebulon Pike — who never actually reached the peak — and the inspiration for Katharine Lee Bates' iconic American anthem, "America the Beautiful," Pikes Peak is an American icon whose 14,115-foot summit challenges and inspires visitors from around the globe.
Whether you're looking for an outdoor adventure or seeking Instagram-worthy spots, we've got you covered with special details about America's Mountain.
The North Slope Recreation Area on Pikes Peak offers a serene escape with breathtaking views and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy fishing in crystal-clear reservoirs, hiking scenic trails, kayaking and paddle boarding on still waters and picnicking amidst beautiful alpine scenery. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like white tale deer, bald eagles, black bears, raccoons and more! It's a perfect spot for nature lovers looking to experience the tranquility and rugged beauty of Colorado's high country.
To enjoy recreation on the North Slope, be sure to secure an advanced parking permit through the mountain's website. These sell out regularly, so be sure to plan ahead. Here, you can also purchase individual admission for the area. If you ONLY intend to recreate here, you will not need to pay the gate admission for the summit in addition.
There are several ways — all awe-inspiring — to explore Pikes Peak and reach the summit:
No matter which activity you choose, your time on Pikes Peak – America's Mountain is sure to be memorable.
The summit of Pikes Peak is typically 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit colder than Colorado Springs. If you're hiking or biking in the fall and winter months, don't forget to bring extra layers, snacks, water, and plenty of sunscreen. Don't forget to check out our guide on the forecast around the Pikes Peak Region.
Opened in June 2021, the new Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center (also known as the Summit House) offers unobstructed views from the east to the southwest. Reminiscent of the crags and rock formations found above tree line, the design uses materials harmonious with Pikes Peak granite, shade, shadows and fragmentation to integrate into the peak. The new structure acts as a “Living Building,” mimicking nature and natural systems and operate sustainably.
New permanent indoor and outdoor interpretive exhibits educate visitors about the mountain’s history, climate and geography, recreational opportunities and conservation initiatives. The exhibit gallery includes interactive digital features that bring the mountain to life and allow visitors to weave their own personal experiences into the mountain’s story. Outside, interpretive rails around the summit will describe the environment and the views while identifying key landscape features.
Upon reaching the Summit House, be it by foot, car, jeep or bicycle, be sure to reward yourself with a hot, fresh donut — a tradition among those who've ascended America's Mountain.
Before driving your car to Pikes Peak, reserve your place from May 23 – September 30. Reservations are not required during the off-season (October 1 - May 22). Tickets cost $2 per car.
Reserve your two-hour window at the Gateway of Pikes Peak here.
September 19 — 22, 2024
The Pikes Peak Marathon and Pikes Peak Ascent are arguably the world's most elevating marathon and half marathon races.
June 7–9, 2024
Explore the Pikes Peak APEX with event information on tickets, special courses, and more.
June 23, 2024
Brave drivers have been racing to the top of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain since 1916.
Pikes Peak in Colorado is an American icon. From Native American tribes to early settlers to modern day travelers, this mountain resonates differently with each individual. Composed of granite and shaped by glaciers over millions of years, Pikes Peak mountain is a stunning backdrop for the modern city of Colorado Springs. The Ute Indians called it "Ta-Wa-Ah-Gath" or “Sun Mountain Sitting Big” and passed by the mountain as they traveled from their summer encampments to their winter hunting grounds. It was discovered by Spanish settlers during the 1700s.
In 1803, Pikes Peak mountain became part of the United States as part of the vast Louisiana Purchase. Three years later in 1806, Lt. Zebulon Pike was sent to explore the borders of the new territory. Pike’s journey was a companion to the Lewis and Clark expedition. On November 24, 1806, Lt. Zebulon Montgomery Pike set out from his stop near modern-day Pueblo, Colorado, to climb the mountain. He was forced back by a blizzard and declared that no man would ever reach the 14,110-foot summit that now bears his name.
Since the time when Lt. Pike first saw the mountain that would eventually carry his name, Pikes Peak mountain has played a significant role in the development and allure of the Pikes Peak region. In the 1850s, gold seekers heading west emblazoned “Pikes Peak or Bust” on the canvas of their covered wagons. Katharine Lee Bates, inspired by what she saw when she arrived at the summit of Pikes Peak in Colorado in 1893, immortalized the mountain in her beloved anthem “America the Beautiful.” It is an ageless sentinel that overlooks the peaks and plains of Colorado, an enduring symbol of mountain majesty and western spirit.
Pikes Peak is located in the Rocky Mountains, West of Colorado Springs.
Pikes Peak is 95 miles away from Denver, Colorado.
Pikes Peak's elevation is 14,115 feet above sea level and it stands 8,000 feet above Colorado Springs.
Round trip, to drive up to the summit and back, on Pikes Peak Highway is 38 miles so plan to spend a minimum of 2-3 hours to complete the drive.
To drive the Pikes Peak Highway this is a $15 fee per adult and $5 fee per child (ages 6-15). There is a carload rate of $50 for up to 5 passengers.
It can take roughly 8-14 hours to hike to the summit of Pikes Peak via the Barr Trail.
It is highly recommended hikers begin their ascent before sunrise so they can begin their descent before noon.
Uphill Gates opens: 7:30am
Uphill Gates closes: 6:00pm
Pikes Peak Summit closes: 7:00pm
Downhill Gate closes: 8:00pm
Check back on more information about the 2025 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.
Pikes Peak is named after Lieutenant Zebulon Pike.
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