Pikes Peak Complete Guide: Drive, Hike, or Take the Train (2026)

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Updated September 20, 2026 | Everything you need to know, drive, hike, or take the cog railway

Pikes Peak is the most famous mountain in Colorado and one of the most visited summits in the world. At 14,115 feet, it is the easternmost fourteener in the Rocky Mountains and the inspiration for “America the Beautiful.” You can see Kansas from the top on a clear day.

There are three ways to get to the summit. Here is everything you need to know about each one.

Option 1: Drive the Pikes Peak Highway

Cost: $15/adult, $5/child (6-15), free under 6
Time: 2-3 hours round trip
Difficulty: Easy (you are driving)

The Pikes Peak Highway is a 19-mile paved road from the toll gate (at 7,400 feet) to the summit (14,115 feet). The views are spectacular the entire way, with multiple pullouts for photos. The road is well-maintained but has no guardrails in many sections, if you are afraid of heights, know that going in.

Insider tips:

Go early morning. The gate opens at 7:30 AM. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, you do not want to be above treeline when lightning starts.
Your brakes will heat up on the way down. Use low gear on the descent. The rangers will check your brake temperature at the halfway point, if they are too hot, you wait. This is not a suggestion, it is physics.
Bring layers. It can be 75 degrees at the base and 35 degrees at the top. Wind chill makes it feel even colder.
The summit house has donuts. Famous high-altitude donuts made at 14,000 feet. They are worth the trip by themselves.

Option 2: The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway

Cost: ~$58/adult, ~$38/child
Time: ~3 hours round trip (including 40 min at summit)
Difficulty: Easy (you sit on a train)

The cog railway was completely rebuilt and reopened in 2021. It is now a top-notch experience with new Swiss-made trains, heated and air-conditioned cars, and massive windows. The train climbs over 7,000 vertical feet from Manitou Springs to the summit.

Book in advance. Tickets sell out days or weeks ahead during summer. Book at cogrileway.com.

This is the best option for families, anyone with mobility concerns, or anyone who does not want to drive a mountain road.

Option 3: Hike via Barr Trail

Cost: Free
Time: 10-14 hours round trip (26 miles)
Difficulty: Extreme

Barr Trail is the classic hiking route to the summit. It starts at the Manitou Incline trailhead and climbs 7,400 feet over 13 miles. This is a serious all-day (or overnight) hike. Most hikers start between 3-5 AM to be below treeline before afternoon storms.

Not for beginners. You need to be acclimated to altitude, in good physical condition, and prepared for rapidly changing weather. Bring more food and water than you think you need.

Alternative: Hike to Barr Camp (6 miles, 3,400 ft elevation gain) for a challenging but more manageable day hike. Barr Camp has snacks, drinks, and the best porch in Colorado. Full hiking trails guide.

Altitude Warning, Read This

The summit of Pikes Peak is at 14,115 feet. At that altitude, there is about 40% less oxygen than at sea level. Symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath.

If you just arrived in Colorado Springs, do NOT go to the summit your first day. Give yourself 2-3 days to acclimate at 6,000 feet before attempting 14,000 feet. Drink plenty of water. Take it slow at the top. If you feel sick, descend immediately, symptoms improve rapidly as you lose altitude.

Best Time to Visit

Summer (June-August): All three options available. Best weather but most crowded. Go early.
Fall (September-October): Fewer crowds, golden aspens on the lower trail. Highway and cog railway still operating. My favorite time.
Winter: Highway closed above mile 7. Cog railway runs limited schedule. Only for experienced winter hikers.

Plan Your Pikes Peak Trip

Use our AI trip planner to build a full itinerary that includes Pikes Peak and other Colorado Springs highlights.

More guides: Garden of the Gods | Hiking Trails | Local’s Honest Guide

Stops Worth Making Along the Pikes Peak Highway

If you drive up, the summit isn’t the only reason to stop. A few pullouts are worth the time:

Crystal Reservoir — the first big pullout on the way up, with a gift shop, restrooms, and a classic reflection view of the peak. A good spot to let the car (and your ears) catch up to the altitude.
Glen Cove — the mid-mountain stop with a visitor building; a smart place to check conditions and use the facilities before the switchbacks above treeline.
Devil’s Playground — near the top, named for the way lightning dances across the rocks; the pullout here has some of the best views on the whole road.
Summit Visitor Center — the summit house at 14,115 feet, where the famous high-altitude donuts are worth the stop.

Book the Cog, a tour, or a Manitou overnight

Driving, hiking, and the Cog are three different days. If you want the train without the scramble, stay in Manitou and book early.

Book Manitou Springs near the Cog depot

Book a Garden of the Gods / Manitou tour

Base in Colorado Springs

Pikes Peak summit kit