Pikes Peak
14,109 feet
Hike America's Mountain on the 24-mile, 7,600-foot Barr Trail from Manitou Springs.
Why Pikes Peak?
Pikes Peak via the Barr Trail is a 24-mile hike with 7,600 feet of gain from Manitou Springs to the 14,109-foot summit. The full round trip takes 12 to 15 hours, so many hikers split it across two days by staying overnight at Barr Camp at about the 6-mile mark. Barr Camp reservations fill quickly for summer weekends, so book early. Pikes Peak is unusual among the Colorado 14ers. The summit also has a cog railway station, a paved highway, and a visitor center with food and restrooms. Most people you see at the summit did not hike up, which changes the character of the visit but not the difficulty of the trail. Day hikers should start around 2:00 a.m. and aim to summit before noon to beat the afternoon thunderstorms. Hikers who do not feel ready for the full 24 miles often turn around at Barr Camp, which is a 12-mile round trip and a serious day on its own. If your legs give out at the summit, you can reserve a Cog Railway ticket and ride down to Manitou Springs.
Three Ways to Reach the Summit
Pikes Peak is the most-visited 14er in Colorado, and the summit can be reached three different ways. The rest of this guide covers the hike. If you are not planning to hike, the other two options below get you to the same summit visitor center.
Hike Barr Trail (this guide)
The hike is 24 miles round trip with 7,600 feet of elevation gain. It takes 12 to 15 hours in one day, or you can split it across two days with an overnight at Barr Camp. It is one of the biggest elevation gains of any 14er hike.
Ride the Cog Railway
The railway offers a 3-hour scenic round trip from Manitou Springs to the summit. Tickets run roughly $65 to $70 per adult and sell out months ahead for summer weekends. The train stops at the summit for about 40 minutes. Hikers can buy a one-way ticket and ride down after summiting if they reserve in advance.
Drive the Pikes Peak Highway
The highway is a 19-mile paved toll road from Cascade. The fee is about $15 per adult or $50 per car. Plan 2 to 3 hours for the round trip with stops at the summit visitor center and roadside pullouts.
If you are not going for the summit, here is the popular alternative.
A common hiker turnaround is Barr Camp at 10,200 feet, which is a 12-mile round trip from Manitou Springs. Sign the logbook, eat a snack, and head back. It makes a respectable day on the trail without committing to the full summit.
Cog Railway and highway pricing last reviewed May 2026. Confirm current rates with the operator before booking.
Getting to the Trailhead
Barr Trailhead (Manitou Springs)
- Trailhead Elevation:
- 6,650 feet
- From Denver:
- About 75 miles (1 hour 20 minutes to 1.5 hours)
Directions
From Denver, take I-25 South to Colorado Springs (exit 141). Take US 24 West to Manitou Springs. Turn left on Ruxton Avenue. The Barr Trail parking lot is near the end of Ruxton Avenue, close to the Cog Railway depot, off Hydro Street.
Road Access
The trailhead is reached via paved streets in Manitou Springs, and there are no clearance issues. It is one of the most accessible 14er trailheads in Colorado.
Parking Information
- There is a small paved lot near the trailhead with very limited spaces. Public parking is available in town, with a 10 to 15 minute walk to the trailhead.
- Capacity: 10 to 15 vehicles at the trailhead, with overflow in town
- Parking near the trailhead and in Manitou Springs is paid.
Pro Tip: If you want to attempt this in one day, start before 3:00 a.m. (yes, really). We highly suggest staying at Barr Camp and splitting this into a two-day adventure. Reserve your spot well ahead at https://barrcamp.com.
The Route
Pikes Peak via Barr Trail
Class 1
This is an out-and-back route from Manitou Springs to the summit of Pikes Peak. The trail is extremely well-maintained and heavily trafficked, making it nearly impossible to lose. Many hikers stay overnight at Barr Camp at about 6 miles, turning this into a two-day adventure. Day hikers need to start between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. with headlamps.
This long climb goes through pine forest on steady switchbacks and a well-maintained trail. Water is available at camp, and many hikers stay overnight here with a reservation from https://barrcamp.com. Remember that this is only the halfway point.
The trail continues through thinning forest and steepens as the views begin opening up. An A-frame shelter near treeline is available for emergencies. Top off your water before you leave Barr Camp.
The terrain becomes exposed and alpine, with a rocky trail and stunning views. The wind increases significantly. The trail begins crossing talus, and cairns mark the route.
This long stretch crosses rocky terrain before the final switchbacks to the summit house. The views stretch far out across the plains. The summit building has food and restrooms. Congratulations on this epic achievement.
This is one of the longest descents of any 14er. Pace yourself, because the knee strain is real. Many hikers take the Cog Railway down with a ticket reserved ahead. If you walk down, it is a full-day effort, so bring plenty of food and water and celebrate completing an epic journey.
Descent
Many hikers retrace their steps down, and the descent takes 6 to 8 hours. Others ride the Cog Railway down from the summit, which requires a reservation. Check current one-way ticket prices at cograilway.com, because a ride down is well worth it if your knees are screaming. If you hike down, pace yourself and take frequent breaks. This is a long, long descent.
What's Special About Pikes Peak?
Epic Achievement
This is not beginner-friendly by difficulty. It is beginner-friendly by accessibility and infrastructure. The trail is well-maintained, heavily traveled, and has emergency support. But make no mistake, this is an epic challenge.
Barr Camp Support
The ability to stay overnight at Barr Camp transforms this from an extreme day hike into a manageable two-day adventure. The camp provides beds, meals, and a safe rest point.
Clear Trail
The Barr Trail is one of the most well-maintained trails in Colorado. It is nearly impossible to get lost, with clear signs and markers throughout.
Summit Amenities
The summit house provides food, water, restrooms, and shelter. You can refuel and rest before descending or taking the railway down.
Escape Route
If your legs give out, you can take the Cog Railway down from the summit. This safety net makes the climb less intimidating.
When to Go
Best Time of Year
July through early September
These months offer the safest conditions for beginners with minimal snow coverage and the most predictable weather patterns. Mid-July to mid-August is peak season with the best trail conditions.
Caution: Attempting this peak in June or late September significantly increases difficulty due to snow conditions. Winter attempts require mountaineering skills.
Time of Day
Day hikers need predawn starts to get back below treeline by early afternoon before thunderstorms build. Overnight hikers can split the journey into manageable sections with a comfortable camp break.
Sunrise Bonus: If you stay overnight at Barr Camp, you will climb toward treeline during sunrise on day 2. Watching the sun rise over the plains as you climb toward the summit is absolutely magical and worth the early wake-up.
Weather Considerations
You will be exposed above treeline for many hours. Afternoon thunderstorms are extremely dangerous on Pikes Peak. Day hikers must move fast. Overnight hikers should summit by 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on day 2. Always check weather forecasts and be prepared to turn around.
Pro Tips
Book Barr Camp Early
Barr Camp reservations fill quickly for summer weekends, so book as soon as you pick your dates. A night at camp transforms an extreme challenge into a doable adventure.
Train for Distance
The elevation is manageable, but the distance is brutal. Train with long hikes of 10 miles or more while carrying a loaded pack. Your feet and knees need to be conditioned for very long days.
Reserve Cog Railway
If you plan to ride down, reserve your Cog Railway ticket in advance, because tickets sell out. Check current prices at cograilway.com. Your knees will thank you.
Extra Food and Water
This is a full-day endeavor. Bring a water filter or purification tablets, since there are streams along the trail where you can refill. Start with 2 liters and refill as needed rather than carrying 4 liters the entire way. Pack calorie-dense food, because you will burn 5,000 to 7,000 calories on this hike. Eat constantly.
Mental Game
The distance is mentally exhausting. Break the hike into segments. Focus on reaching the next landmark, not the summit. Celebrate small victories.
Related Peaks
Mount Elbert
Shorter high-altitude challenge
Mount Elbert at 14,438 feet is Colorado's highest peak, but it is only 9.75 miles round trip. It is good training for the Pikes Peak distance.
Learn MoreSan Luis Peak
Another long-distance challenge
San Luis Peak at 14,023 feet is 13.5 miles with gentler grades. It is another endurance challenge in a remote wilderness setting.
Learn MoreAdditional Resources
AllTrails: Pikes Peak via Barr Trail
See the trail map, photos, and recent reviews from other hikers.
14ers.com: Pikes Peak
Read the detailed route description and trip reports.
Barr Camp Reservations
Book overnight accommodations at Barr Camp well in advance.
Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Reserve tickets to ride down from the summit and save your knees.
Mountain Weather Forecast
Check the hour-by-hour summit forecast.
Ready to Summit Pikes Peak?
Prepare for your summit with our 13-week training program.