Take in the Views at Pikes Peak in Colorado
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Enjoy a journey to the breathtaking heights of Pikes Peak where you will see the endless skies against the beautiful Rocky Mountain backdrop. Nestled in Colorado’s majestic landscape, Pikes Peak stands out as an iconic symbol for adventure and natural wonder. Experience the towering peaks as you explore the top of America’s most renowned summits.
In the summer of 2021, we drove to the summit of Mt Evans and parts of the drive to the summit were scary with large drop offs along our drive. I will say that the drive to the summit of Pikes Peak was not as scary and was much easier to navigate. I was excited to drive to the top of Pikes Peak in Colorado and to take in the views of the surrounding area. I also knew my kids would enjoy seeing snow again.
Pikes Peak in Colorado
As you embark on your journey to Pikes Peak you will have two options on ways to enjoy Pikes Peak. You can drive through to mile 16 and stop at many of the pull offs to enjoy the magical views or you can drive to the summit for the most amazing view of the surrounding area.
There are 19 miles of drive to the summit with multiple pull offs for picture taking opportunities. Along the route are also 3 gift shops to stop and take a break and pick out a souvenir. Temps are about 30-40 degrees lower at the summit so come prepared with a jacket if preferred.
Tickets to Pikes Peak
Tickets are required to enjoy the hills of Pikes Peak. Tickets for age 16 and older are $15 per person (Dec-April $10), ages 6-15 are $5, carload up to 5 passengers is $50 (Dec-April $35). Tickets are valid for one year from date of purchase.
You need a reservation in order to drive to the summit of Pikes Peak. The tickets to the summit are to prevent too many people being there at once due to limited parking. IF you want to drive all the way to the summit a timed entry ticket is required for $2. Summit reservations are only required the Friday before Memorial Day through the end of September. IF you cannot get a summit ticket for the day you will be in that area (June and July only) you can pay to get into the park and then at mile 16 you can take the free shuttle to the summit. The summit is 14, 115 ft elevation.
Address: 5089 Pikes Peak Highway, Cascade, Colorado
Hours: See chart below (2023 hours)
Bus and RV restrictions: wheelbase cannot exceed 19 feet or 24 feet overall vehicle length. No pull behind trailers are allowed of any kind.
Gift Shops
There are 3 gift shops located along this route for you to stop at for a restroom break, snacks, and souvenirs. The gift shops are located at:
mile marker 6 - Crystal Reservoir Visitor Center
mile marker 13 - Glen Cove
and at Pikes Peak summit
Location to other local destinations
(time may vary due to traffic, construction, weather and time of year)
Colorado Springs - 1 hour 9 minutes
Garden of the Gods - 1 hour 11 minutes
Denver - 2 hour 13 minutes
Breckenridge - 2 hour 42 minutes
Rocky Mountain National Park - 3 hour 40 minutes
Aspen - 3 hour 52 minutes
Pikes Peak hours
Mountain views
The views of all the trees and mountains was so beautiful on our drive up to the summit. There are several pull offs along the way to stop and take pictures of the spectacular views.
My 6 year old was so excited to see and touch the snow once we arrived at the summit. Although the temp was in the 50’s it didn’t seem too cold.
Pikes Peak Summit
These are the views from the summit. On a clear day you can see 5 different states in the distance (Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Kansas). You can also see Garden of the Gods from the summit. The views are spectacular and the snow covering the mountains makes it even more magical.
Other options to get to the Summit
If you don’t want to drive your own car to the summit you can book the Gray Line tour bus which is $89.50 per adult and $69.50 per child 12 and younger.
If you prefer to take the Cog Railway to the summit it is now available. Online standard admission is $58.50 per adult, $48.50 per child 12 and younger. Online reserved admission is $71.00 per adult, $61 per child 12 and younger. Engineer’s View seating is $81 per adult, and $71 per child 12 and younger. This is a 3-hour, round trip tour. Parking is at the Depot, and they charge $15 for their parking lot or street parking. This option gives you 40 minutes to enjoy Pikes Peak summit.
Ride bikes to the summit for a fee with Challenge Unlimited. Fees start at $99 and last around 5-7 hours. Take a van ride to the top and ride the bike down Pikes Peak.
Hike to the summit. This is a 13.5-mile hike uphill and is described as strenuous. There are several hiking options for Pikes Peak and a place to stay along the route. Check out all the details for hiking the summit.
Don’t forget to take a picture in front of the Pikes Peak Summit sign to remember your trip to the summit.
Food at the Summit
You have to eat the world famous high elevation donuts at the top of the summit. They are so so good and they just melted in my mouth, Yum! We paid around $14 (2022) for the donuts and two cappuccino’s you see in the picture below. And what’s better than donuts but an amazing view of the mountains out the window while you eat your donuts. They also have breakfast items, soups and sandwiches and souvenirs at the Summit Visitor Center.
BUY ME A COFFEE?
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The total trip was about 4 hours from the drive to the summit, stopping at the visitor centers, eating at the summit and back. REMEMBER: Make sure to put your vehicle in low gear on the way down from the summit so you do not ruin your breaks. I forgot to do this at first and my breaks were burning hot by the time they did a break check. I had to pull over at the visitor center and give my van a break before we continued on our journey. Oops ;-)
Camping near Pikes Peak
There is no camping at Pikes Peak but if your looking for a place to camp in the area check out this awesome campsite with a view of Pikes Peak! This area is in the Pike and San Isabel National Forest. This was the perfect spot to set up camp for the night. This area is busy so arrive early to find a spot. The drive to this locations was really bumpy but doable in our Ram ProMaster. As this area tends to be busy you will most likely not be alone at this boondocking location.
Cost: FREE
Amenities: shade trees, some rock fire rings
GPS: 38.96889, -105.00831 This is to one location but there are several areas within this park to camp at.
Colorado has some amazing places to visit. We have barely taken in the beauty of all that Colorado has to offer. There are so many more things on my bucket list that I hope to get to someday.
What is your favorite thing to do in Colorado, I would love to add some more places to my bucket list? Comment below!
Enjoy the journey,
Meet the author: Jennifer
I am a girl who loves to travel and enjoys sharing expert family travel advice. I am a content creator and influencer on Instagram with years of travel experience and provide readers with advice, tips, and details on adventurous family travel and tips on saving money while boondocking or traveling across the US.
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