Nicknamed “America’s mountain,” Pikes Peak is the most visited summit in the U.S. It’s the tallest mountain in the Front Range of the Rockies, and a major tourist destination for travelers visiting nearby Colorado Springs. The peak offers gorgeous panoramic views of Colorado year-round and new challenges every season.
Pikes Peak is a top destination for guests staying at nearby Cheyenne Mountain Resort. Located just 25 miles southeast of the summit, the luxury lodgings include access to a heated pool, sport courts, onsite lake and 18-hole championship golf course designed by Pete Dye. If you’re looking to visit Pikes Peak during your vacay, here are 3 ways to explore Colorado’s most famous Fourteener.
Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Denver is Mile High City, but Pikes Peak has it beat by a mile. Take one of the iconic red cars of the Pikes Peak Railway up to the summit and you’ll be more than two miles above sea level. While a traditional train wouldn’t even make it halfway, specialized gears allow the cog train to climb steep gradients up to 48%. The 3+ hour trip covers 8.9 miles of track, passing through dense evergreen forests where mule deer roam freely. Look for waterfalls and rock formations during the trip, including a natural passageway called “Hell’s Gate” (don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it sounds). Once you get to the top, travelers are allowed 30-40 minutes to explore and enjoy the view. The cog railway is one of the best ways to see Pikes Peak. You get to experience amazing views without having to brave the 14,115-foot ascent.
Conquer a Fourteener
Be forewarned, this journey is not for the faint of heart – or the unsteady of foot. There are several marked paths up this Fourteener, the most popular of which is Barr Trail. Located adjacent to the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the trail is considered an intense route and is recommended for advanced and expert level hikers. It’s about 13 miles up the trail, gaining 7,510 vertical feet as you climb up the mountain. If you opt to take this route, you’ll be rewarded with amazing scenic views of the evergreen forests, plus the gold rush campsites and cityscape visible from the peak. You’ll also have bragging rights. Hikers can take an overnight rest 6.8 miles in at Barr Camp, or get a short respite before continuing. Temperatures plummet as you ascend, so pack extra layers along with water, food and emergency first aid supplies just in case.
Roadways and More
Those keen on seeing the mountain without a train ticket or harrowing hike can take a car ride up the 19-mile winding road of Pikes Peak Highway. It’s paved, so you won’t need 4WD, and takes two or three hours to complete. Stops along the way include the historic Glen Cove Inn, Summit House, and a recreation center with fishing, hiking trails and ranger-led tours. If you don’t feel the need to get up close and personal with America’s Mountain, several local sites offer excellent views of the peak. Stay at Cheyenne Mountain Resort and enjoy unobstructed views of the Rocky Mountain Front Range from Mountain View Restaurant, or travel to the Garden of the Gods for a more relaxed hike within eyeshot of Pikes Peak. You can still grab an Instagram selfie or panoramic shot of the mountain, albeit from a greater distance.
Whether you’re in Colorado Springs for a few days or a week, Pikes Peak is one travel hotspot you don’t want to miss. At Cheyenne Mountain Resort, we offer luxurious lodgings on 217 acres in view of the summit. Call 800-588-0250 to get your Colorado vacay started, or book online.