Pikes Peak
Mountain Prominent Colorado mountain with scenic summit highway
Rising above Colorado Springs to 14,115 feet, Pikes Peak offers roadway and hiking access to alpine views, day trips and the annual hill-climb motorsport. Summit weather changes rapidly.
Pikes Peak is a prominent mountain in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains near Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States. The summit reaches 4,302 metres (14,115 feet) and is one of Colorado’s most visited high peaks.
The mountain is notable for a paved toll road that leads to the summit, the hiking Barr Trail that climbs from near sea level to the summit in a multi-day route, and a summit house with viewing platforms. Recreational options include driving, organised tours, hiking and the annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb motorsport event.
Named after explorer Zebulon Pike in the early 19th century, the mountain became a focal point for tourism and mountain transport developments from the late 19th century onward. Over time roads and visitor facilities have been added to allow wide public access to the summit.
Pikes Peak rises immediately west of Colorado Springs and is visible from the city; the summit is roughly 20 kilometres (about 12 miles) west of downtown Colorado Springs.
- Summit elevation: The mountain's summit is 4,302 metres (14,115 feet) above sea level, making it one of Colorado's 'fourteeners' and offering broad alpine views.
- Hill climb: The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, an annual motor race to the summit, has been held since 1916 and attracts competitors worldwide.
What to See #
- Summit: The summit reaches 4,302 metres (14,115 feet) and is the primary destination for road and cog-rail visitors, with panoramic viewpoints and a summit house.
- Pikes Peak Highway: A paved toll road known as the Pikes Peak Highway provides motor vehicle access to the summit and is used by private vehicles, tour operators and the annual hill-climb event.
- Barr Camp: Barr Camp is a staffed mountain shelter on the Barr Trail used by many hikers as an overnight stop on the ascent to the summit.
How to Get to Pikes Peak #
Pikes Peak is reached by road from the Colorado Springs / Manitou Springs area. The Pikes Peak Highway (toll road) climbs from near Cascade/Manitou Springs up to the summit - allow about 1-2 hours to drive from Colorado Springs (roughly 20 miles / 30-35 km to the summit by road, depending on your start point). There is also a seasonal tourist railway (the Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway) that departs Manitou Springs for the summit area; check seasonal schedules and road/weather conditions before you go.
Tips for Visiting Pikes Peak #
- Drive or start the Pikes Peak Highway early in the morning to beat the typical afternoon thunderstorm season and the bulk of summit traffic; visibility and weather are most reliable in the early hours.
- If you're not acclimatized, stop and spend time at lower overlooks or in Manitou Springs before ascending-the rapid altitude change to 14,115 ft commonly affects visitors and pacing helps reduce symptoms.
- Expect limited parking and higher visitor density mid‑day on summer weekends; allow extra time for slower vehicles on the highway and for summit turnaround to avoid summit congestion.
Best Time to Visit Pikes Peak #
The best time for Pikes Peak is summer (June-September) when roads and trails are most likely to be open, though summit temperatures remain cool.
Weather & Climate near Pikes Peak #
Pikes Peak's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in March). Temperatures range from -17°C to 14°C. Moderate rainfall (772 mm/year).
January
January is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -15°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and breezy conditions.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -16°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and breezy conditions.
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March
March is the coldest month with highs of -4°C and lows of -17°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and breezy conditions.
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April
April is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and breezy conditions.
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May
May is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and breezy conditions.
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July
July is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with 92 mm of rain.
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August
August is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and breezy conditions.
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October
October is freezing with highs of 6°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and breezy conditions.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -12°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and breezy conditions.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and breezy conditions.
