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Add your own trip Report!
One of the most popular features on Wildernet, trip reports allow you to share your experiences with others.
This is an invaluable resource for determining what to expect on your outdoor adventure, so please participate!
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Date: 2002-10-07 15:35:00.0
Difficulty: Moderate
Number of People Encountered: 25-50 ppl
Recommendation: Highly
Take more water than you expect to need.
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Date: 2001-08-08 07:24:00.0
Difficulty: Hard
Number of People Encountered: 0-10 ppl
Recommendation: Highly
someone on trails.com commented that this hike only took them 5.5 hours. unfortunately, i think it dangerous and misleading to think the hike to the summit of pikes peak will only take that long. everyone i talked to on the trail and barr camp said the hike takes 6-9 hours. it took me 7.5 hours and that was at a decent pace. you will need a lot of hydration to do this hike, but there is good (filtered) water available at barr camp (6.5 miles in) and along the trail in spots if you have a filtration pump. you might be advised to bring a tent or $15 to stay at a bunk in the barr camp house and do the summit in two days. this climb is very rewarding, with amazing vistas and wildflower viewing as well (including columbines). but dont underestimate this hike; its very strenuous. i decided i wanted to take my time and really have fun with this hike, so i brought my backpacking gear and stayed a night at barr camp before heading up the peak the next day. they serve a pancake breakfast ($5) and a spaghetti dinner ($7) at the barr camp every day, and you can sit around a big bon fire at night with the volunteer staff and other campers. very pleasant atmosphere there, and you will meet some interesting and nice people. i would highly suggest you take advantage of some of their mountain hospitality. if you want to tent camp, you can do so in the surrounding area for free, but i recommend making a small donation to barr camp. the climb up from barr camp to the summit (another 6 miles) will still take you another 3-4 hours, depending. make sure to start WAY early, because thunderstorms are likely any summer afternoon, and being above timberline during one is extremely dangerous and truly frightening. there is an A-frame right at timberline that is a good fall-back shelter in case the weather does start to go bad. give yourself another 2 hours to climb back down to barr camp from the summit, and another 3 to get back to the trailhead in manitou springs. i spent the night at barr camp again, after summiting on the second day. very nice. on the summit you will find great rewards, but also some annoyances. there is a summit house and gift shop for all the tourists who drive up pikes peak or take the train. the bad news is crowds and diesel fumes from the trains. the good part is that you can buy yourself a hot lunch, including delicious and hot hand-made doughnuts. and if you dont want to take the hike back down, you can hitchhike or take the train. just make sure to buy your ticket in advance, because you might not get on the train if you dont have a seat already reserved. the views from the summit are nothing short of amazing. one last note: be very careful if you want to bring a dog with you on this hike, even if your canine is an experienced trail dog. the trails are rocky and full of granite scree -- very hard on their pads. if you do bring a dog, keep em hydrated and be prepared with moleskin for the pads or even dog boots. linus moke http://www.linusmoke.com
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Colorado Springs Area - The Colorado Springs Area has several city, county and nationally maintained recreation sites. Within the city, visitors and locals will find many challenging hiking and biking trails. There are also opportunities for guided tours exploring the unique flora, fauna and geology of the region.
Cripple Creek Area - Cripple Creek lies on the western slope of Pikes Peak. Once famous for its million-dollar gold mines, this town has resorted to legalized gambling to draw visitors.
Manitou Springs Area - Manitou Springs is located ten miles west of Colorado Springs. It has been a tourist town for more than a century and now claims more than a few attractions.
Pike and San Isabel National Forests - The Pike San Isabel National Forest is an administrative compact between the two forests southeast of the Continental Divide in Colorado.
Pike National Forest - The Pike National Forest encompasses over one million acres of land in south central Colorado. This region includes 14,000 foot mountains, gold-medal fishing streams, wilderness areas, campgrounds, scenic byways, ski resorts and hundreds of miles of trails.
Pueblo Area - Pueblo lies 100 miles south of Denver along the Arkansas River.
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