Travel Guide
Pikes Peak
Everything you need to know — hours, tickets, tips, and how to make the most of your visit.
Overview
About Pikes Peak
America's Mountain, a 14,115-foot summit above Colorado Springs that inspired the song America the Beautiful. You can reach the top by the Pikes Peak Highway, a 19-mile toll road, or by the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway from Manitou Springs.
Colorado-rockies
Insider Knowledge
Travel Tips
Book the cog railway or a highway timed-entry slot in advance during summer.
Bring warm layers; the summit is often 30 degrees colder than Colorado Springs.
Take it slowly at the top, since altitude sickness is common at over 14,000 feet.
Try the summit visitor center's famous high-altitude doughnuts.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
In summer, the highway often requires timed reservations and the cog railway sells out, so book ahead.
Opening Hours
Pikes Peak HighwayApprox. 7:30 AM - 6 PM in summer, shorter hours in other seasons
Cog RailwayDepartures roughly every 80-90 minutes in summer
Weather can close the upper highway or delay trains, so check conditions on the day.
Ticket Prices
Pikes Peak HighwayApprox. USD 15-20 per adult
Cog Railway round tripApprox. USD 60-80 per adult
Prices vary by season and day; book directly with the official operators.
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Nearby
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colorado-rockiesGarden of the Gods
A free city park in Colorado Springs filled with towering red sandstone fins and balanced rocks set against the backdrop of Pikes Peak. Paved and dirt trails wind among the formations, and the Visitor and Nature Center explains the geology.
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colorado-rockiesMaroon Bells
Two maroon-colored, 14,000-foot peaks reflected in Maroon Lake near Aspen, often called the most photographed mountains in North America. In summer and fall, access is mainly by reserved shuttle from Aspen Highlands, with limited reserved parking for private vehicles.
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colorado-rockiesPikes Peak
America's Mountain, a 14,115-foot summit above Colorado Springs that inspired the song America the Beautiful. You can reach the top by the Pikes Peak Highway, a 19-mile toll road, or by the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway from Manitou Springs.
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colorado-rockiesRed Rocks Amphitheatre
A world-famous open-air concert venue set between 300-foot sandstone monoliths in the foothills near Morrison, about 30 minutes west of Denver. On non-show days the amphitheater and surrounding park are free to explore, with trails, a visitor center and views back to the city.
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colorado-rockiesRocky Mountain National Park
A park of alpine lakes, high peaks and big elk herds just outside Estes Park, about 1.5 hours from Denver. Highlights include the Bear Lake corridor's lakes and trails, Moraine Park's elk meadows and Trail Ridge Road. In summer and early fall, entry during the day requires a timed-entry permit.
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colorado-rockiesTrail Ridge Road
The highest continuous paved road in the US, crossing Rocky Mountain National Park from Estes Park to Grand Lake and peaking at 12,183 feet. About 11 miles run above treeline, with overlooks like Many Parks Curve and Forest Canyon and the Alpine Visitor Center near the top.
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