This is a very popular and crowded peak, but it has some fun rock, snow, and ice climbs. According to the literature passed out at the toll gate, it is the most visited mountain in North America. It has a phenomenonally well maintained road up to its summit. It is the 31st highest peak in Colorado.
Getting There
There are many ways to get there, but the most popular is Manitou Springs.
For most folks, you'll get to Colorado Springs on I-25. Then, head west on US 24. Pass Manitou Springs. You will see a sign on the south for Pike's Peak a short distance further west. The toll gate is 7,800 feet in elevation. The summit is 14,110 feet.
Note, it is 19 miles up the toll road to the summit, so make sure you have enough fuel.
Points of Interest / Altitudes
MM 2: Camera Point: overlooks Ute Pass, US 24, and Cascade, 8220'. MM 3: Crowe Gulch, 1st view of Pike's Peak, 8540'. MM 3.5: Have you seen Bigfoot? MM 6: Crystal Reservoir, 9160'. MM 9.5: Halfway Picnic Ground, 9930'. MM 10.5: Brown Bush: views of Tarryall Mtns., Mt. Princeton, Mt. Evans, 10,000'. MM 11: views of N. Catamount, S. Catamount, & Crystal Reservoirs. MM 11.5: Ski area, 10,600'. MM 13: Glen Cove, 11,440'. MM 14: Elk Park, 11,800'. MM 16: Devil's Playground, views of "Switchbacks", Pikes Peak Reservoirs, Platte River Valley north to the Continental Divide, 12,780'. MM 16.5: Bottomless Pit, view of Sangre De Cristos, Ghost Town Hollow Mine (~1500' below rock wall), 12,760'. MM 18: Boulder Park, 13,380'. MM 18.5: Sheep sign. MM 19: Summit, view that inspired Katherine Lee Bates' "America the Beautiful" in 1893, 14,110'.
The Classics
Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Pike's Peak:
Don't expect the locals to give away beta on the "Peak", because we've seen too many pristine crags abused i.e., bolts added, trash, etc. from visiting climbers. If you DO go there, please respect the area and be ready for alpine weather conditions, long hikes/approaches, long runouts and costly {if any} rescue.
To clarify, any rescue performed on Pike's Peak by the Mountain Rescue Association team entrusted to provide rescue services in El Paso County (where most of the climbing on Pikes Peak lies) will be free.
El Paso County Search and Rescue is a non profit, 100% volunteer organization. We have zero paid staff members. There is never a charge for any services we render.
No member team of the Mountain Rescue Association will charge for their services.
Fire departments, agencies, protection districts may charge if they perform the operation. Flight For Life (which we use regularly on rescues) is not free. An ambulance ride is not free. The hospital stay is not free. If negligence or recklessness is determined, the County Sheriff may issue fines or charges.
So get out there! Plan ahead, have a plan B, leave detailed itinerary with family or friends. Determine a "if we're not back by this time, call for rescue". We hope you never need us, but we will come get you 24 hours a day 365 days a year.
I personally like The Flame, Finger Fanger and the Wildflower route, all amazing. As well and the gendarmes to the north of Bigger Bagger, Pericle, and the routes off the north side of the Rumdoodle Ridge. Not to mention the ski down the Y and in Little Italy. Also, don't mention the routes in the south cirque, the west-facing stuff is off the hook. Pike's Peak is a mountaineer/climber's paradise. SHHH, don't tell anyone though.
RSS Feed
8 more...
Slideshow
