Pikes Peak Highway

The paved 19-mile (30.5-kilometer) road was built in 1915 and makes Pikes Peak accessible to those who would not normally be able to reach a high-altitude summit. The road also provides access to numerous recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, biking, and boating.xa0 You can visit the peak on a small group tour that departs from Denver and also includes stops to explore the Garden of the Gods and other nearby attractions.

• The drive is ideal for outdoor adventure lovers and people who want the summit experience without the mountain climbing.
• Some visitors may suffer from altitude sickness at the summit or along the way.
• There are no gas stations along the highway so fuel up in Colorado Springs.
• Driving the Pikes Peak Highway takes around 2 to 3 hours round trip.
• Bring a jacket for the cold temperatures at the summit.

The entrance to the Pikes Peak Highway is west of Colorado Springs and a half-hour south of Denver. It takes about an hour to drive to the start of the highway from the Denver International Airport. If you want to focus on the scenery rather than the road, join a tour that does the driving for you.

The Pikes Peak Highway is open year-round, snow conditions permitting. The road is gated and the hours when it is open vary based on the season so call ahead to check the current hours and road conditions. Weather on the mountain is erratic and can be different at the base than at the summit. Ranger-led interpretive discussions are offered in the summer.

Visiting Pikes Peak is about much more than just the drive. You can stop to fish at one of the three reservoirs on the mountain (boat rentals are available) or explore the mountain’s many trails. If you are feeling ambitious, hike or cycle to the summit and reward yourself with high-altitude doughnuts at the Summit House.