5 Ways to Reach the Summit of Pikes Peak

5 Ways to Reach the Summit of Pikes Peak

There’s something about momentous mountains that drives humans to conquer them. Pikes Peak—America’s Mountain — is unique in that it is surmountable by people of many ages and abilities. It is a truly accessible fourteener, with multiple routes to the top. Do you want to challenge yourself and test your strength by ascending the mountain on foot? Or would you prefer to let someone else do the work as you relax and watch the world go by? Both are valid options and available to Pikes Peak visitors. We’ve created a list of five ways to reach the Summit of Pikes Peak, ranked from most difficult to least difficult. Pick your favorite or try all five — the mountain is not going anywhere anytime soon.

1. Hike to the Pikes Peak Summit Via Barr Trail

Difficulty: Hard | Time: 6-10 hours

The most difficult way to summit Pikes Peak is to hike to the top. There are multiple routes to the summit, including one via the popular Crags, located along the route to Cripple Creek. The most popular route by far is Barr Trail in Manitou Springs. This route is challenging, with 7,000 feet of elevation gain and 13.5 miles of uphill hiking. The benefit of the trail’s popularity is that you are very likely to encounter help if you find yourself injured or ill along the trail. It also decreases the likelihood you will get lost.

If you want to make the climb, it is highly recommended that you park in a free lot and take a shuttle to the trailhead. Extended parking is extremely limited during warmer months, and all rules and meters are strictly observed. You will need at least 2 liters of water, adequate shoes, sun protection, snacks, and layers of clothing for your hike. Get an early start, no matter the time of year you go, and always, always, have a backup plan to get down the mountain.

A Note About Combining the Incline with Your Pikes Peak Ascent

If you want to complete your Colorado campaign in Legendary mode, we are certainly not here to stand in your way. However, we will caution you that the Incline itself is a lengthy and intense workout. Hiking to the summit after ascending 2,000 stairs may not be the best decision unless you are in peak physical condition. 

Even in the best condition, you risk injury, exhaustion, and altitude sickness when pairing two such challenging activities together. If you insist, do not go in the winter, bring adequate water and fuel, dress for inclement weather, and tell a buddy before you leave. Take a realistic assessment of your strength at the Incline summit. It won’t be nearly as painful to your pride to hike down Barr Trail and go another day as it would be to be airlifted off the mountain with an injury. 

2. Adventures Out West: Pikes Peak by Bike

Difficulty: Intermediate | Time: 4-5 hours

Adventures Out West is arguably one of the coolest ways to tour the Pikes Peak Highway. The seasoned outfitter takes riders to the summit via van or private Jeep, then lets them ride down the 19.5-mile highway at their own pace. Despite the ride to the top and the fact that the ride is pretty much all downhill, we’ve listed it as an intermediate challenge because it does require you to balance, pedal, brake, and steer for all 19.5 of those miles.

Adventures Out West books tours in advance, and riders meet at a central location before hitting the highway. The ride is for individuals ages 12 and over, and the outfitter can accommodate up to 40 riders in an excursion. Adventures Out West provides the bikes and the gear; you provide the pedaling and determination.

3. Driving to the Pikes Peak Summit Via the Pikes Peak Highway

Difficulty: Easy-Intermediate | 2 hours

The Pikes Peak Highway is an extremely popular route to the summit of Pikes Peak. In fact, the highway is so popular that the attraction now uses timed entry during peak season. The entire highway is paved, with plenty of places to stop to hike, take photos of incredible views, or simply take a breather from driving. Ascending the highway is safe, but some drivers find the switchbacks and limited guardrails quite intimidating, which explains the intermediate difficulty rating. Descending the mountain on the Pikes Peak Highway also takes care so you don’t overheat your brakes or rear-end another driver who has stopped to snap a photo from the middle of the road.

The entrance to the Pikes Peak Highway is located west of Manitou Springs off of Highway 24. There is ample signage to direct you there. Purchase your timed entry and your tickets ahead of time and have them ready on your phone. We recommend that you save your registration offline or screenshot/print a physical copy, as you never know how well your phone will connect at the base of the mountain.

4. Summiting Pikes Peak Via the Pikes Peak Cog Railway

Difficulty: Easy | Time: 3 hours

The Pikes Peak Cog Railway is the oldest mobile route to the summit of America’s Mountain. Construction began on the famous route in 1889, and the first tourists reached the summit in 1891. The route begins in Manitou Springs and ascends 9 miles, traveling through Pike National Forest, past historic landmarks, and across multiple life zones. Your ride includes interesting facts about the local flora and fauna, historic points of interest, and a 40-minute stop at the summit to give you time to take pictures, stretch your legs, and try the hot, fresh donuts cranked out daily.

Book your ride on the Cog Railway in advance to ensure you can ride during the time that is perfect for you. There is limited parking for Cog riders at the rail station, or you can park in a free lot or pay lot and take the shuttle. As with parking for the Incline, take care to pay attention to where you park and how long you are allowed to be there.

5. Pikes Peak by Jeep with Adventures Out West Outfitters

Difficulty: Easy | Time: 4 hours

In a tie for the absolute easiest way to summit Pikes Peak is Adventures Out West’s Jeep tour. The outfitter’s Pikes Peak or Bust Jeep tour kicks off early in the morning to allow you to maximize your experience on the mountain. You get to ride in a custom open-air Jeep with a clear/lifted roof that lets you see every tree and every mountain as you make your breathtaking ascent. Tours are led by friendly, humorous, and experienced guides who provide the perfect balance of knowledge, safety, and fun. You get a nice amount of time at the Summit house to explore, snack, and pick up fun gifts for anyone unlucky enough to get left behind.

You can schedule your tour with Adventures Out West year-round. The outfitter does offer winter rides, which is a great time to let someone else take the wheel. Ask them about packages — Adventures Out West also offers hot-air balloon rides, zip-line tours, and other fun activities.

The way you choose to summit Pikes Peak is up to you! If that means a day-long hike to the summit and back, we salute you. If it means chilling in a train with a cup of hot cocoa, that’s just fine, too. However you make it to the top, we hope the experience is a memorable and meaningful part of your Colorado adventure.