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Pikes Peak Highway
Pikes Peak Highway near Manitou Springs.

Pikes Peak Highway Byway – Cascade

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Pikes Peak Highway is a high-alpine scenic toll road located just west of Colorado Springs. Despite going up over 14,000 feet, Pikes Peak Highway stays up year round. On a clear day you can see Denver, Colorado Springs, and even as far as Kansas.

Any trip to Colorado Springs would not be complete without a visit to 14,115′ Pikes Peak. The road was constructed in 1915 and has been a world-renowned attraction since. An earlier road, the Pike’s Peak Carriage Road, was also popular with tourists, dating back to 1888.

It’s a toll road and they charge per person. Mount Evans Byway, the other 14,000-foot road, charges a fee good for the whole car to park. At the top is the Pikes Peak Summit Complex, which features a souvenir shop and a small cafe with fresh made donuts.

Year Round Scenic Fourteener Drive

Pikes Peak Highway
Entrance to Pikes Peak. It’s 19 miles to the top.

There are several ways to get to the top. For the real adventurer, there is hiking or biking to the top. Most others will either drive or get driven. The highway drive is 19 miles each way. It takes approximately 1.5 – 2 hours to get up and back, more if there’s traffic. It’s important to go slowly, downshift, and don’t ride your breaks too much going downhill.

There are a several exciting overlooks on route. There are also plenty of places to pull over and enjoy a picnic, some fishing or a short hike. Crystal Creek Reservoir is one of the lakes passes on the trip up.

History

Spencer Penrose constructed the highway for a half million dollars in 1915. There was also an earlier route up the mountain built in 1888, the Pike’s Peak Carriage Road. That one closed in 1902. Annually since 1916, the best, craziest racers from around the world compete in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. It’s known as the “race to the clouds”.

Road Route

The drive from Colorado Springs to the start is around twenty minutes. Once paid up and through the gate, you’re on your way! Located only a few miles into the drive up Pikes Peak Highway is the North Slope Recreation Area. It features three lakes, trails and a gift shop. You can tell the toll gate your accessing this park to fish for a reduced fee.

Once to the top, there are breathtaking 360° views of the surrounding mountains, Pike National Forest, and Front Range. There is one main building which houses a gift shop and a cafeteria.

On the way down there is a brake check station. If your bakes are hotter than 300°F, you will probably be asked to pull over and let them cool. There is a small gift shop and cafe, as well as a small gemstone mining station at the pull-over.

Another way to reach the top is by Cog Railway. The train departs year round from Manitou Springs.

Crystal Reservoir is part of the North Slope Recreation Area.
The North Slope Recreation Area is located a few miles into the drive for Pikes Peak Highway.
Viewing area at the summit of Pikes Peak.
Looking out from the top.
Colorado Springs in the distance.
Looking southeast.
Pikes Peak was the inspiration for "America the Beautiful".
An old cafe & inn at the top of Pikes Peak.
This old Inn & Cafe was constructed in 1873.
Pikes Peak Summit, 14,110 feet.
The Pikes Peak Cog Railway runs year round.
The railway is $35 for adults and $19 for children (3-12).
Looking north away from Colorado Springs.
There is a restaurant and gift shop inside. The donuts are "World Famous".
There's more to see on the way down.
Beautiful views.
The highway winds around the mountains.
Looking back up at the top.
On the way down it's important to switch into a low gear to keep from using your brakes.
The brake limit is 300 degrees F. If hotter than that, you'll be told to pull over and wait., anywhere from 20 minutes and up.
At the brake check stop there is a mining station (left) and a gift shop with a small cafe.
Notice everyone has their car hood up as a way to cool of their brakes faster.
The Glen Cove Inn has a gift shop and a small cafe.
At the brake check.
The Crystal Reservoir Gift Shop at the North Slope Recreation Area.
The highway connects with Hwy 24 below, which takes you through Manitou Springs and into CO Springs.
To begin the drive you go through a toll gate.
Pikes Peak North Slope Recreation Area.
Glen Cove Inn has a gift shop and cafe, it's located where the brake check is.
Looking east from the top.
Old cafe and inn. Current gift shop is in distance.
Tracks for the Pikes Peak Cog Railway.
Hikers coming up the boulder field near the top.
Summit of Pikes Peak.
Heading down, summit visible.
The trip down offers even better views.

Details

Address: 5069 Pikes Peak Hwy, Cascade, CO (near Colorado Springs)

Phone: 719-684-9138

Season: Year Round, weather permitting

Length: 19 miles (one-way)

Roads: 2WD, Toll

Website: pikespeakcolorado.com

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