Guides/Overland routes/Colorado
Overland route19 midifficulty: easy

Pikes Peak Highway

RegionColoradoAgencyU.S. Forest Service, City of Colorado SpringsLast verified—
Pikes Peak Highway — overland route near Cascade, Colorado, Colorado
Photo by Fredlyfish4 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Trail vitals7 facts
Length
19mi
Technical difficulty
Easy
Direction
Out and back
Vehicle
Any street-legal vehicle. Paved its full length to the summit at 14,115 feet. Brake-temperature checks are conducted on the descent for vehicle safety.
Best months
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Permit
Required
Cell coverage
Generally good throughout; limited at the summit.
Take action
Plan in Epic PlansOpen in Google MapsOfficial site

Pikes Peak Highway is a 19-mile paved toll road climbing from Cascade, Colorado to the summit of Pikes Peak at 14,115 feet. The road is owned and operated by the City of Colorado Springs but crosses Pike National Forest land for most of its length. The highway is one of two paved roads to a 14,000-foot summit in the United States; Mount Evans Highway, west of Denver, is the other.

The road is paved its full length and is open daily from May through November (with shorter winter hours weather permitting). Most drivers run the round trip in three to four hours. A toll fee per vehicle applies and reservations are recommended for summer summit slots. The summit visitor center has a restaurant, the Summit House.

Hazards

Read before you go

  • High elevation. The summit at 14,115 feet causes altitude effects in many visitors.
  • Brake overheating. The descent has a mandatory brake-temperature check. Use engine braking.
  • Lightning above treeline. Afternoon thunderstorms can develop quickly. Plan to summit in the morning.
  • Sudden weather. Snow is possible in any month at the summit.
  • Crowds. Summer summit parking fills early. Reserve in advance.

Location

19 mi · Overland route

Approx. location 38.840, -105.044

Trail facts

5 fields
AgencyU.S. Forest Service, City of Colorado Springs
Nearest townCascade, Colorado
Websitewww.fs.usda.gov/r02/psicc
ClosedNov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Approx. location38.840, -105.044

Getting there

Directions

From Colorado Springs / I-25. Take US-24 west from Colorado Springs to Cascade. The Pikes Peak Highway entrance is on the south side of US-24.

Photos

2 photos

Photos · 2

Field notes

Getting Oriented

The highway begins at Cascade, just west of Colorado Springs on US-24. The road climbs through Pike National Forest, past Crystal Reservoir and the Glen Cove restaurant, and to the summit. The toll booth at the entrance collects a per-vehicle fee. Reservations through the Pikes Peak summit timed-entry system are required during peak summer months.

Trail Overview

Nineteen miles, out-and-back, paved. The road climbs 6,600 feet from 7,500 feet at Cascade to 14,115 feet at the summit. The grade is moderate but sustained; brake temperatures are checked at a mandatory pull-off on the descent to prevent overheating. Multiple pullouts on the climb provide views and short interpretive walks.

Points of Interest

  • Pikes Peak summit (14,115 ft). The Summit House visitor center, opened in 2021, with interpretive displays, the famous high-altitude doughnut shop, and exterior viewing decks.
  • Crystal Reservoir. Stocked fishing reservoir on the climb with a small visitor center.
  • Glen Cove. Halfway-up restaurant and gift shop.
  • Bottomless Pit Overlook. Pullout near the summit with views into the Crags Wilderness.
  • Devil's Playground. Open alpine tundra near the summit with views of the Sawatch Range.
  • Cog Railway alternative. The Pikes Peak Cog Railway runs from Manitou Springs to the summit; a non-driving option.

Where to Camp

No camping on the highway itself. Pike-San Isabel maintains campgrounds in the Pike NF nearby (Meadow Ridge, South Meadows, Painted Rocks). Manitou Springs and Cascade have private campgrounds and motels. The Mueller State Park campground is a worthwhile base on CO-67 west of the highway.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

  • Reserve a timed entry slot during peak summer months at pikespeakcolorado.com.
  • Allow extra time for the descent. The brake-temperature checkpoint is mandatory.
  • The summit doughnuts are a tradition. The high-altitude recipe was developed for the Summit House decades ago.
  • The summit is at 14,115 feet. Watch for altitude effects, particularly headache and shortness of breath.
  • Combine with the Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs Cliff Dwellings, or the Cog Railway for a Colorado Springs day trip.

Frequently asked

Common questions

How difficult is Pikes Peak Highway?
Pikes Peak Highway is rated easy. The route runs 19 miles.
What kind of vehicle do you need for Pikes Peak Highway?
Any street-legal vehicle. Paved its full length to the summit at 14,115 feet. Brake-temperature checks are conducted on the descent for vehicle safety.
When is the best time to visit Pikes Peak Highway?
The best months are May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct. Avoid Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr.
Do you need a permit for Pikes Peak Highway?
Yes — a permit is required. It is managed by U.S. Forest Service, City of Colorado Springs — check the agency listing for current requirements and fees.
Is there cell service at Pikes Peak Highway?
Generally good throughout; limited at the summit.