PIKES PEAK- AMERICA'S MOUNTAIN

The most visited mountain in North America and the second most visited mountain in the world behind Japan's Mount Fuji, Pikes Peak forms a stunning backdrop for Colorado Springs and the Garden of the Gods. At an altitude of 14,115 feet above sea level, Pikes Peak is the 31st highest peak out of 54 Colorado peaks. It is the farthest east of the big peaks in the Rocky Mountain chain, which contributed to its early fame among explorers, pioneers and immigrants and made it the symbol of the 1859 Gold Rush to Colorado with the slogan, "Pikes Peak or Bust".

Over a half million people reach the summit house every year by the Pikes Peak Highway, many of whom take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. The 19-mile Pikes Peak Highway is open year round, weather permitting. Barr Trail is the longest of any trails leading to the top of the 54 mountains in Colorado that are over 14,000 feet, and offers the greatest base-to-summit elevation gain in the state: 7,400 feet. About 15,000 people a year attempt to climb Pikes Peak on foot. The 13-mile trail begins at the base of Pikes Peak in Manitou Springs. The 8.9 mile cog railroad typically operates April through December.

There are three fun options to explore Pikes Peak: 

To learn about guided rock climbing and tours in Garden of the Gods, Cheyenne Canyon, Elevenmile Canyon, Pikes Peak Rock and Glen Cove, visit Pikes Peak Alpine School, LLC, the only permitted guide service to operate year-round on Pikes Peak.