Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > United States
Reload this Page >

How long does it take to drive up Pike's Peak?

How long does it take to drive up Pike's Peak?

Old Jun 22nd, 2005, 07:25 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 332
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
How long does it take to drive up Pike's Peak?

I have been up Pike's Peak, but never paid attention to how long it took. Approximately how long will it take to drive up? We like to stop and enjoy the scenery at the overlook areas. I am trying to incorporate Pike's Peak into our day driving from Lamar to Leadville - we don't mind long days in the car. Thanks!
beckers2482 is offline  
Old Jun 22nd, 2005, 08:37 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,088
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Since it depends how fast you drive and how many stops you make, your guess is as good as mine.
ronkala is offline  
Old Jun 22nd, 2005, 09:00 AM
  #3  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 332
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Ok, I am just looking for an estimate here. 3 hours? 6 hours? That's why I said "approximately".
beckers2482 is offline  
Old Jun 22nd, 2005, 09:06 AM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 357
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
beckers2482,

If you're going up Pikes Peak Highway on a summer weekend, expect a steady string of cars for the entire 17 mile trip. Add to this the fact that some of it's paved, some graded dirt and I would allow about 2 1/2 hours to get to the top (less during the week). By the way, the steepest stretch--around tree line--angles up at 10-1/2 percent and no hiking is allowed along the roadway.

It's a good idea to get to the top before noon--especially during summer, when thunderheads pile up on the summit. People pile up, too, particularly on the toll road.

One last thing: as you probably remember, be prepared for any weather.

Have fun!

AL

Al_LaCarte is offline  
Old Jun 22nd, 2005, 09:11 AM
  #5  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 332
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks AL - that's precisely what I needed to know!
beckers2482 is offline  
Old Jun 22nd, 2005, 09:31 AM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 357
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
My pleasure.

By the way, I know you live in the area but where? Breck?

Just curious.

AL
Al_LaCarte is offline  
Old Jun 22nd, 2005, 09:41 AM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 23,073
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
About 10 minutes. That's for the fastest vehicles during the hillclimb competition.
rkkwan is offline  
Old Jun 22nd, 2005, 10:03 AM
  #8  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 332
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Awesome, rkkwan. I will see what I can do.

AL - I wish. I live in Missouri.
beckers2482 is offline  
Old Jun 22nd, 2005, 10:10 AM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Give it a couple of hours, and time for the rest stop. I'm in good health and young, but had trouble breathing at the top and got altitude sickness. Very cold and windy in June when I was there. Was great trip though. Cog rail to top is a good option to driving.
arizonadesertdog is offline  
Old Jun 22nd, 2005, 10:44 AM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 670
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I would just go straight thru to the Summit which should take at least an hour. When we were there, we were delayed 45 minutes b/c the snow plows & de-icers had to go first -- IN AUGUST!!!!!
laurieb_nyny is offline  
Old Jun 22nd, 2005, 12:40 PM
  #11  
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,503
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
you should look into the cog train to the summit. it's just over 1 1/2 hours on the train one way, and so worth it. driving will be stressful i imagine. and, there is at least a 30 degree difference between the bottom and the top. dress appropriatly in layers! (i learned the hardway)
otto is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Heeththersmyther
Road Trips
13
Nov 4th, 2016 07:56 AM
nycgirl1
Europe
7
Apr 22nd, 2007 05:51 AM
lmavolio
United States
14
Jun 20th, 2005 06:40 PM
Jocelyn_P
United States
4
Apr 24th, 2005 06:10 AM
teach905
United States
6
Mar 17th, 2003 04:41 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -