Pikes Peak Summit Downhill Bike Tour: Ride 14,000 Feet of Colorado in One Descent
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–7 hours
Fitness Level
Should be comfortable with sustained descents, able to use brakes confidently and maintain balance for multiple hours.
Overview
Descend from 14,115 feet on a guided bike tour down Pikes Peak, passing five life zones and 19 miles of changing terrain. Expect alpine panoramas, technical descents, and practical guidance for high-altitude riding.
Pikes Peak Summit Downhill Bike Tour: Ride 14,000 Feet of Colorado in One Descent
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The first cold, thin breaths at 14,115 feet hit like a warning bell—clear, bright, and impossible to ignore. You step out of the van with a cup of coffee and a cliff-wide panorama: jagged ridgelines, the checkerboard of the Front Range, and a sky so near you can see the jet-stream lines. At the summit of Pikes Peak the world feels organized by altitude; the air is a white, insistent presence that sharpens the senses and makes each pedal stroke feel consequential.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Acclimate before you ride
Spend 24–48 hours in Colorado Springs to reduce altitude sickness risk and test your cardiovascular response before the summit start.
Mind your speed on long descents
Use short, measured braking intervals rather than constant pressure to avoid overheating rims and to maintain control on corners.
Hydrate and protect from sun
Bring a hydration pack and broad-spectrum sunscreen—UV is much stronger at 14,000 feet and dehydration sets in quickly.
Respect weight and health limits
This activity enforces a 90–250 lb weight restriction and recommends moderate fitness; consult your doctor if you have heart or respiratory conditions.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Mule deer
- American pika (in alpine talus)
History
Pikes Peak has long been a landmark for Indigenous peoples and later 19th-century prospectors; the highway and summit house expanded tourism in the early 20th century.
Conservation
Stay on paved sections and follow guides’ instructions to minimize vegetation trampling; high-altitude environments recover slowly from disturbance.
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Adventure Hotspots in Colorado Springs
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Hydration pack
Keeps water accessible and helps prevent altitude-related dehydration.
Layered windproof jacket
Summit temperatures can be near-freezing while the lower route is much warmer—layers let you adapt.
Full-finger cycling gloves
Protect hands during long descents and give better brake control on technical sections.
Wraparound sunglasses
Block intense UV and protect against wind-blown debris at high speeds.
summer specific