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Pikes Peak

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Pikes Peak Review

If you want to see the view from the top of Pikes Peak, the view that Katharine Bates described in "America the Beautiful," head up this 14,115-foot-high mountain on a train, in a car, or in a pair of hiking boots if you've got the stamina. Summit House is a casual café and trading post at the very top of the mountain. Whichever route you choose to take up the prominent peak, you'll understand why the pioneers heading West via wagon train used to say: "Pikes Peak or Bust."

Pikes Peak Highway. You can drive the 19-mi Pikes Peak Highway, which rises nearly 7,000 feet in its precipitous, dizzying climb; stop at the top for lunch and to enjoy the view; then be at the base again in approximately three hours. This is the same route that leading race-car drivers follow every year in the famed Pikes Peak Hill Climb, at speeds that have reached 123 mi per hour. $10; $35 per carload.

Barr Trail. The 12.6-mi hike up Barr Trail gains 7,510 feet in elevation before you reach the summit. Halfway up the steep trail is Barr Camp, where many hikers spend the night.

    Contact Information

  • Address: U.S. 24 west to Cascade, 5 mi from Manitou Springs, Colorado Springs, CO 80901 | Map It
  • Phone: 719/684-9383
  • Hours: Summit House June--Aug., daily 7:30--7:20; Nov.--Apr., daily 9--3:30
  • Location: Colorado Springs
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    Pikes Peak Review

    Driving Tip for Pikes Peak.

    Not recommended for any driver or passenger with a nervous disposition -- very steep incline & drops. Do not undertake if weather appears poor at summit. Frequent thunder & lightning storms resulting in torrential downpours and flooding on road. 19 miles from entrance to summit - driving time approx 1 hour.

    Ensure you have at least half a tank of gasoline before heading to the summit - the drive there & back, particularly toward the end is very steep and can only be achieved in low gear resulting in high gasoline usage.

    On the return from the summit you must engage low gear in automatic or 1st in manual - use of brakes is not recommended as they will overheat due to the very steep gradient. Brake temperature is checked at a midway station by a heat sensor and you will not be permitted to continue your journey until brake temperature is back to normal.

    by silverhair, 7/29/10

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