• A man and woman hiking on a bridge in Colorado Springs

    Hiking

    The Peak Challenge

Make Your Journey Count

A round-trip journey aboard the Cog to the top of Pikes Peak is an experience you will never forget. But if you’re always looking for added adventure or an extra challenge, then hiking up to the 14,115-foot summit of America’s Mountain is your calling. This beautiful 13-mile (one-way) hike with 7,400 vertical feet in elevation is not a journey to be taken lightly, but the rewards will leave you breathless in the best way. Prove your strength, test your spirit, then the best part: a relaxing Cog journey back down to Manitou Springs. Want to keep climbing? There are endless hiking trails all over Manitou Springs, from light to challenging.

The New Experience 5

Barr Trail

Fred Barr believed that the back of a burro was the best way to see Pikes Peak so from 1914 to 1917, he built the trail that now bears his name. Hearty souls would ride to the cabins at Barr Camp and spend the night there. Then early the next morning, they would ride the burros to the summit and return back to Manitou.

Today it’s the most popular way to hike to the Peak, up through forest, rock formations, and timberline, with Rocky Mountain views and a front row seat to some of Colorado’s most beautiful scenery. Depending on weather, fitness, ability, and other factors, the hike can take anywhere from six to 10 hours.

Hiking in the Area

The Pikes Peak Region is a haven for hikers of all abilities and skill levels, from world-class competitors to weekend warriors. Here, there are great trails and roads just waiting to be explored.

Garden of the Gods

An incredible city park with several trails that offer spectacular views of the rock formations and city below, namely the Niobrara/Ute Trails.

View Garden of the Gods Map

Palmer Park

A large park in the middle of the city, the east side of which features spectacular views of Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, and downtown Colorado Springs. In particular, you’ll find fantastic views of the surrounding areas on the Templeton Trail, especially when it peaks on the bluff.

View Palmer Park Map

Red Rock Canyon

Some of the best views in town. Most of the trails, including Contemplation Trail, lead to the top of the park where the vast panoramas take your breath away.

View Red Rock Canyon Map

A Snowy Landscape With Mountains In The Background

Know Before You Go

You’re not in Kansas anymore. Up on the mountain, the weather can change quickly without warning, even in the summer, and temperatures on the summit average 20 degrees lower than down below at the trailhead, so it’s best to plan ahead to make the most of your adventure.

Be Prepared
Rates 2

Important

Due to the unpredictable weather and other unplanned occurrences The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway does not recommend the use of the train when planning your hike of Pikes Peak. The aforementioned items could prevent ALL trains from reaching the summit and planning on utilizing the train as part of your hike is NOT recommended.