Pikes Peak Highway Scenic Tour: Drive to the 14,115 ft Summit
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required — must be able to board and exit a van and handle short, low‑intensity walks at elevation.
Overview
A comfortable, guided drive up Pikes Peak that reaches 14,115 feet in about four hours. Multiple stops, a knowledgeable guide, and included snacks make this an accessible way to experience alpine views and historic roadside features.
Pikes Peak Highway Scenic Tour: Drive to the 14,115 ft Summit
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The van peels away from Colorado Springs and the world narrows to a single ribbon of asphalt climbing into wind and sky. Windows fog with breath as the driver talks quietly about miners and daredevils while the road tightens into a series of switchbacks. Trees thin to krummholz, then to rocks and lichen; the air tastes colder and somehow thinner. By the time the Summit House appears like a weather-beaten lighthouse at 14,115 feet, the valley below looks like a stitched quilt and the horizon slides into Kansas.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress in layers
Temperatures fall quickly with elevation; bring windproof outerwear and a warm midlayer for summit stops.
Hydrate before departure
Drink water prior to boarding — altitude can make dehydration and headache set in fast.
Watch for sun and wind
High UV and gusty conditions mean sunscreen and a hat are important even on cool days.
Take it slow at stops
Short walks are fine, but avoid exertion at the summit and descend if you feel dizzy or overly short of breath.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- marmots
- peregrine falcons (or hawks)
History
Pikes Peak was a landmark for Indigenous peoples and later a symbol of westward expansion; the highway itself opened in the early 20th century to provide motor access to the summit.
Conservation
Visitors are encouraged to stay on designated areas to protect fragile alpine tundra; the highway manages timed entries to limit traffic and erosion.
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Adventure Hotspots in Colorado Springs
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Windproof jacket
Blocks cold gusts at high elevation and layers over insulating midlayers.
Water bottle
Staying hydrated reduces risk of altitude headache during the ascent.
Sunglasses & sunscreen
High UV exposure at altitude makes sun protection essential year‑round.
Sturdy shoes
Closed‑toe shoes with grip are useful for short walks on uneven surfaces at stops.