SUMMIT CLIMB OF PIKES PEAK

Enjoy Colorado's most famous peak one step at a time. We hike the less crowded Northern side of the mountain from the “Crags” trailhead. Starting at 6:00 in the morning, wind through the beautiful lower flanks of Pikes Peak in a wooded region ripe with old growth trees, wild flowers and gently rolling streams and breath in the fresh, crisp morning air. Experience the unique vegetation and wildlife of the Alpine zone as you climb above the treeline. The climb begins at 10,100 feet and gains over 4000 vertical feet, averaging aproximately 15 degrees overall. You'll sleep well after completing the 11.8 mile roundtrip to the summit of one of the most popular "14ers" in Colorado. For those seeking a more tame experience, we will gladly arrange transportation from the summit.

WHY CRAGS TRAIL?

Pikes Peak is one of America’s best-known mountains, and it’s fun to be able to say that you have climbed it. There are two good hiking routes up the mountain. The best known is the Barr Trail whose trailhead has a small parking area in Manitou Springs just west of Colorado Springs.

The Barr Trail has some drawbacks. The parking lot is sometimes full, which means a long-planned hike can be thwarted at the very last minute. Also, the 13 mile (each way) trail has such a large elevation gain that it’s not doable for most people in just one day. That means it often becomes a two day backpacking trip with a sleep-over in Barr Camp. This usually requires reservations if you want to stay in the cabins instead of a tent.

Hence...the Crags route. Compared to the Barr Trail route, the hike from the Crags Trailhead is about half the distance and elevation gain. Also, you can combine it with the nearby Crags hike if you're feeling energetic or plan a ride down from the summit and see the rock climbing available at Glen Cove for your next thrilling outing!

WHAT EXACTLY CAN I EXPECT?

We hike about 3.3 miles in an easterly direction up the mountain passing through conifer forest. At about 11,500 feet, you are above the tree line and into "Suntan Country!" The trail is mostly good, with some stretches being gullied or having many rocks. The trail continues upward to intersect an unused road that eventually meets the Pikes Peak Toll Road.

The trail then winds through Devil’s Playground, named for the way lightening plays across the rock outcroppings up there. This should give you a good indication of whether it’s smart to be up there during a storm! Don't worry; our guides adhere strictly to the thinking, "Safety first." If the weather appears threatening at any point, they will act to ensure the safety of our guests. The elevation at this point is 13,000, and you have accomplished about ¾ of the elevation gain for this hike.

It is against regulations to hike along the Pikes Peak Toll Road. You’ll notice a wire strand fence a short distance from the road, and just beyond it you will find a hiking trail. The next leg of the hike stretches about 2.4 miles southeasterly up to the Peak itself. The trail may lose definition in some areas, but for the most part it’s not too much of a problem. Your guide will keep you on track.

The tricky part of the hike comes when you reach the red rocks and boulders just below the peak. Only 500 feet of elevation remain, but it’s steep. There is a trail up through this rock field that you can find by looking for cairns; these cairns can be hard to see depending on your location. By taking some time and move around laterally until you’re sure you have found the trail, covering this last stretch will be easy. Once you arrive at the Pikes Peak summit parking area, enjoy the incredible views! If you'd like, a gift shop and snack bar are available.

PRICING

WANT TO BRING A GROUP?

We can accommodate you!

Just let us know when you want to climb and how many people will be attending. We can provide a customized quote just for you!

Click here for more group information.