USA Sherpa

Pikes Peak is an amazing 14,110-foot (4.300 meters) mountain rested in the western backdrop of Colorado Springs. It is named for the 1800’s explorer Zebulon Pike. It is the 31st highest peak in Colorado and the most visited mountain in North America. An 1893 excursion to the top of Pikes Peak gave Katharine Lee Bates’ inspiration to pen the words to the song, “America the Beautiful”.

There are many ways to get to the top of Pikes Peak: Driving takes about two hours round trip, and hiking usually takes considerably longer. Visitors should remember to dress appropriately as the temperature at the Summit House is typically 30 degrees colder than at base elevations. Yyou can hike the 13-mile (21 km) Barr Trail, drive the 19-mile (30 km) Pikes Peak Toll Highway, or ride the 8.9-mile (14 km) Cog Railway. The Pikes Peak Cog Railway takes about three hours roundtrip from the station in Manitou to the Pikes Peak Summit House. The fare on the Cog Railway is $31 per adult and $15 per child. Tolls on the highway are $10 per adult and $5 per child. Visitors at the top will be rewarded with spectacular views, but should limit their visit to only 30 or 40 minutes to avoid altitude sickness.

Pikes Peak, Colorado