Most Visited 14er Pikes Peak Americas Mountain?
Wondering what there is to do in Colorado Springs?” In fact, unless you’re one of the lucky few who call this area home, you will be hard-pressed to do everything they have available. Before even opening the door to the Great Outdoors, you are looking at a very long list of attractions that include everything from trains to museums to a stunning zoo, fantastic dining opportunities, and so much more. There is no shortage of adventures to be found in this location that also plays home to a vibrant artistic community.
And then…if you’ve set aside enough time for your vacation (I would suggest at least a month), you can put on those hiking boots or gather the fishing gear from your travel bags or get ready to soar across a zip line looking down upon breathtaking nature and head out to one of the most beautiful sights you will ever witness in your lifetime.
Early Pikes Peak
One of the greatest iconic locales in America is Pikes Peak. The history, alone, is amazing to learn about. From Native American tribes to early Spanish settlers during the 1700s, this mountain holds the ‘whispers’ of so many cultures that called it home. Shaped by glaciers millions of years ago, Pikes Peak serves as the dramatic backdrop to Colorado Springs.
Hiking to the summit is more than a challenge. In fact, in 1806, when Lt. Zebulon Montgomery Pike set out to climb the mountain, he was stopped in his tracks by a blizzard and went on to announce that no man would ever master the 14,110-foot mountain now named after him and his attempts. Unfortunately for Pike (yet, quite fortunately for others), there are now two trails that actually lead to the impossible-to-reach summit. But, beware…these are not easy hikes by any means. Barr Trail and the Crags Trail are long, strenuous, and only with proper preparation will you come away with success.
Catamount Lake on Pikes Peak Colorado
Barr Trail on Pikes Peak
When it comes to Barr Trail (the most popular), you’re talking about a 13-mile (one-way) hike. It may not seem like a lot of miles; however, the trail rises 7,400 vertical feet in elevation from Manitou Springs to the incredible summit of America’s Mountain. Though parts of the trail are a bit easier, allowing everyone to take in the forestry, wildflowers, and rock formations, the full hike calls for an advanced skill set to take on the six to ten hours it will take to reach the top. Have done from the Crags Trailhead to the summit. And only the Incline of the Barr Trail System. Fireworks for New Years Eve are snowshoed to the top every year by the the Barr Trail.
Pikes Peak from Garden of the Gods
Crags Trailhead to the Summit of Pikes Peak
If choosing Crags Trail, you still need to own an intermediate skill set, and can also bring along the athletic family dog for company, if you wish. Round-trip, unlike Barr, this trail is shorter and has less elevation gain to the summit. It also provides some of the most amazing views, like the Continental Divide to the west, and you have much less of a crowd to worry about. You can set your eyes on the Devils Playground, cross the Pikes Peak Highway; and, hike through a maze of rock formations that will soon bring you to the top. I have done this hike twice, once completed and the other only to Devils Play Ground. I am definitely glad I make the hike. Hike is 12.1 miles and it’s hard.
Pikes Peak from the Siamese Twins summer morning Garden of the Gods
A Drive Up Pikes Peak Highway
When it comes to driving through this magnificent area, the stunning Pokes Peak Highway, built-in 1915, winds through this lush scenery of lakes, mountains, wildlife, and more. West of Colorado Springs, the round-trip journey takes between two to three hours, but goodness knows, you’ll want to stop for as many photos as possible along the way. Off the highway, you’ll find three lakes perfect for anglers: Crystal Reservoir and North and South Catamount Reservoirs, set in what is called the North Slope Recreation Area. Biking trails, as well as boating, is available, and you can even rent a non-motorized boat at the Crystal Reservoir Visitor Center.
It’s estimated that a half a million people a year drive up to the summit of Pikes Peak.
Right Outdoor Apparel to Summit In
Wearing the correct layers can make the hike enjoyable or not. Let’s start at the feet, great socks are a good first step. pardon the pun. I prefer Darn Tough just my choice. Boots is another important personal choice. Must fit perfect, well broke in, blisters can ruin an other wise great day. On to the Legs, those appendages that carry you up mountains and around town. I like shorts with good leggings for a base layer that can be removed as the day heats up or you do. Leggings are also light to carry in the back and roll up small. The torso and head I cover with two great pieces of outdoor apparel. Base layer is a sun protective graphic hoodie with a built in facemask in the hood. My outer layer is a Hydrophobic quarter zip graphic hoodie. This Graphic hoodie is wind resistant. Both hoodies are UPF-50 sun protection and moisture wicking. I have field test every piece we sell personally to the summit of several 14er’s and countless rivers fly fishing and backpacking excursions.
Stay in North America or Do Europe and Africa, Adventure Starts Here
Once you have visited Pikes Peak, now what? Colorado Springs has a lot to offer so does Colorado for that matter. Or get away from it all on an Alaskan Wilderness Adventure. Or fly fish Italy from the white sands on the Island of Sardinia to the Italian Alps for Marble Trout, excellent wines and memories. How about a visit to the worlds tallest free standing mountain. Mount Kilimanjaro offers a great seven day trek to it’s summit, then five day safari views volcano craters of wildlife to the Serengeti. For something closer to home a walk wade Yellowstone Park fly fishing excursion, or float the Madison, Yellowstone, or Gallatin River trips or any other excursions offered.
