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- Pikes Peak
14,115 ft · Front Range, Colorado
Pikes Peak
Pikes Peak is a 14,115 ft peak in the Front Range, Colorado. The standard route is the East Slopes via Barr Trail: 24 mi, 7,600 ft of gain, Class 1.
Pikes Peak at a glance
- Elevation14,115 ft4,302 m
- RouteEast Slopes via Barr TrailClass 1
- Distance24 mi7,600 ft gain
- Time10 – 14 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeFront RangeColorado
Climbing the East Slopes via Barr Trail
From Colorado Springs, drive to the Barr Trail trailhead near Manitou Springs. This is a very long day hike (about 25 miles round trip with 7,500 feet of gain) or an overnight with a stay at Barr Camp. The Cog Railway and Pikes Peak Highway offer alternative access to the summit. Start early (2-3am) for a day hike to beat afternoon thunderstorms. The summit house has food, restrooms, and a gift shop. Extremely popular with hikers and tourists alike. One of America's most famous mountains with significant history. Altitude affects many visitors due to the elevation gain.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (35–55 L)
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hiking Boots
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Storms
- High winds
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- Low visibility
Pikes Peak on Yak
Climbers have shared 54 climbs of Pikes Peak on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Pikes Peak
Colorado 14ers
Lower 48 14ers
Lower 48 Ultras
Colorado CentennialsFrequently asked questions
How tall is Pikes Peak?
Pikes Peak is 14,115 feet (4,302 m) tall. It is in the Front Range, Colorado.
How does Pikes Peak rank among the Colorado 14ers?
At 14,115 feet, Pikes Peak is the 32nd highest of the 58 Colorado 14ers. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to hike Pikes Peak?
The East Slopes via Barr Trail is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 24 miles with 7,600 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Pikes Peak?
Most people take 10 – 14 hours round trip on the East Slopes via Barr Trail, covering 24 miles with 7,600 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Pikes Peak?
The East Slopes via Barr Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 24 miles with 7,600 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Will you get altitude sickness on Pikes Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Pikes Peak reaches 14,115 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
What time should you start hiking Pikes Peak?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 10 – 14 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to hike Pikes Peak?
The usual hiking window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Pikes Peak?
The East Slopes via Barr Trail starts at about 6,680 feet, roughly 7,435 feet below the summit.
What routes go up Pikes Peak?
The standard route is the East Slopes via Barr Trail. Other routes include the Northwest Slopes via Crags Campground.
Climb Pikes Peak with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list