Pikes Peak Visit

[c7scayman]

I'm heading to Denver, Colorado for training in November. About an hour and 20 minutes away is Pikes Peak.

Has anyone been?
Is Pikes Peak open to the public year round? Unfortunately, I will be driving a "compact class" rental car whose 4 cylinder engine will struggle to get the car up the mountain. I know there is a lake in the area as well as hiking and other activities.

My father drove Pikes Peak almost 30 years ago in an AMC Pacer. He said his brakes started smoking on the way down eventhough he downshifted to help slow down.

For those who have been to Colorado, do you know of any other places worth visiting within 2 hours of Denver?

[grimm]

i believe it is open all year round, it's a public road AFAIK. I was supposed to go to the hill climb in 2012 but due to the wild fires i couldn't make it.

[camopaint0707]

It's not open year round. The actual driving road part isn't. Neither is Mount Evans.

[NirvanCol]

When I went to Pikes Peak a few years ago, I took the cog train to the top instead of driving. Looks like it runs from March until the end of December. Check it out:
http://www.cograilway.com/

When I was out there, I stayed overnight in Colorado Springs which is a little over an hour south of Denver. It's a nice, smaller town with some decent bars.

Boulder is really close to Denver too. I only drove through it, but I'd say it's worth checking out. Golden Gate Canyon State Park is around there and has some awesome views.

And Red Rocks is nearby, which has some cool rock formations and an awesome amphitheatre.

[c7scayman]

Originally Posted by NirvanCol

When I went to Pikes Peak a few years ago, I took the cog train to the top instead of driving. Looks like it runs from March until the end of December. Check it out:
http://www.cograilway.com/

When I was out there, I stayed overnight in Colorado Springs which is a little over an hour south of Denver. It's a nice, smaller town with some decent bars.

Boulder is really close to Denver too. I only drove through it, but I'd say it's worth checking out. Golden Gate Canyon State Park is around there and has some awesome views.

And Red Rocks is nearby, which has some cool rock formations and an awesome amphitheatre.

Thanks, I will definitely check those out.

[doug]

I lived in Colorado Springs about 15 mins from the highway.... it's a great trip up and down the mountain. the road is actually open year round, not sure where some of the information is coming from. the times it is open to the public changes throughout the year, and conditions. here's a good reference link: http://pikespeak.us.com/Essentials/hours-and-fees.html

Keep in mind this is a 14,110 foot mountain, it can snow and blizzard at any minute any time of year. have some extra food, water and clothing with you just in case. also, fill your tank up before you go. check your brakes also, they can over heat easily coming down the downgrades. be careful and respect the park rangers and nature and you'll have a great time. try to go up on a blue bird day (no clouds) and you'll see all of the surrounding mountain ranges and the continental divide for 100's of miles. it really is an awesome trip, i hope you enjoy it man. On the way there, or on the way back.... DO NOT skip Garden of the Gods! Amazing red rock formations.. mind blowing stuff. check it out. Also, if you are active and want a challenge, check out the Manitou Springs Incline right next to Colorado Springs, it's an old cog railway trail that you can hike up and get some awesome views from the top of the front range. it's pretty intense, you gain over 2000 vert in about a mile. other than that, old colorado city is cool to walk around too.. nice little town next to Manitou.. if you like amazing italian food, check out Paravicini's on Colorado Ave.

here's a shot of my car at the summit:

[yellow2000S/R]

My buddy was at Red Rock just a few weeks ago for an electronic festical and said it was an awesome place and one to check out if you're in the area. He moved out to Steamboat in August 2011 and keeps in contact.