Iconic. Amazing. Beautiful. These are from the reviews of others, and I'd echo these terms and many more, with regard to this incredible wonder. I've long wanted to drive to the top and we did so on a recent visit. It was early November on an uncharacteristically warm day with beautiful clear skies as we began our ascent, and the weather stayed perfect the whole time, getting colder as we ascended of course. The drive itself starts out very mildly in terms of grade, and frankly, excitement, but it definitely saves the best stuff for later. Once you get into the seriously twisty and steep bits, the trees start to part and reveal the spectacular views as you get higher and higher. Our rented Toyota 4 Runner was more than capable, and got us up and down with aplomb. We were initially excited as we reached the summit, until we got out of the car and headed to the visitor center. It was at that point that my wife and I both realized we had a bit of altitude sickness, in the form of dizziness, light headedness and she even had a smidge of nausea. We were surprised and how, well, almost terrible we felt. We grabbed a couple of quick pics and began our descent, and we began to feel better soon thereafter. So, be prepared for the possibility. As we came back down, we stayed in first gear on the 4 Runner much of the way, and at the mandatory brake check, the checker commented that our brakes were under 100 degrees and that we were doing a great job. The view was even better on the way down. If you're ever in this area, this is a must-do and must-see. It is everything that everyone says, totally awesome.
Nick P.
$15 per person. We drove on the way up, very scenic and not many cars. I suggest getting here before noon. There will be less cars and in case the forecast changes. Once you get to the station, you might feel light headed and dizzy, I recommend you drink plenty of water and grab something to eat to lessen the altitude sickness symptoms. I had the classic donut, not bad. Also, you can bring an empty cup and refill your water in the gift shop. Yes, it's free. Employees were friendly. Parking is not bad if you arrive early. If you come in the afternoon, it'll probably be more difficult.
Will M.
$15 a person at the gate. The drive up and down the mountain is fun with a lot of views. I would recommend a sturdy car. Some decent food options at the food court. YOU WILL FEEL THE ATTITUDE.
Madho M.
It was nice driving up to see Pikes Peak. Driving was nice and fun but one need to drive careful and pay attention on the road. Summit was very windy and cold in middle of october. I love to visit in winter on Pikes peak cog railway.
Kathryn M.
Hubby, son, mother and I drove here together to drive to the summit. We were visiting here for a couple days. The drive was absolutely beautiful. It was early September so at the bottom it was about 75° and gets chillier at you get to the top. It's about 14K miles high so get ready to have your ears pop, make sure you drink enough water, and maybe take some ibuprofen before you get to the top. My 10 year old got a headache and felt nausea as we went down. When we got to the station, we were told without a reservation, there's no guarantee you'd find a parking lot. We didn't mind but surprisingly there was a lot of parking spaces. There's a visitor center where you can purchase some food, go to the bathroom, take more pictures, watch some videos on the history of Pikes Peak. Cost is $15/person. The views are breathtaking.
Cody H.
This is a great tourist destination for a short week in Denver to see the high country (in summer). The cars were clean and well ventilated.
Bennett P.
I drove to the summit last Sunday. I had checked their website and they indicated it would be best to purchase an advance pass to the summit + adult admission for $17. Or you could take a chance. The website said the capacity controls that started with the Covid19 pandemic would continue to reduce overcrowding. Since I bought my non-refundable ticket 1 week in advance, weather could be an issue. The day I left Denver, it was cloudy. By the time I neared the entrance, it was partly cloudy. I was unable to check-in on Yelp due to poor cell signal. The staff person at the gate said they were at capacity when I arrived for my 10am-12noon access window. They had already turned people away. The road was well maintained and it was smooth. They have several rest areas with informational signs, gift shops and restrooms. I stopped about 1/2 up to see the Big Foot statue and see the top of the mountain bathed in clouds. About 3/4 up I entered a heavy fog/cloud layer. There are no guard rails on the road up there, just on hairpin curves. Then I broke thru to bright sunshine! At the summit, I found one of the last parking spots. The new Summit House was open. I went thru the exhibit about the discovery and development of Pikes Peak. I had my required snack of their signature cinnamon sugar donuts for $ 3.99; I also saw a new Cog Rail train. It looked very European. I took the Cog Rail back in July 2021. That train looked like a 1950's version. I drove down in 1st & 2nd gears and had no braking issues. I saw other drivers who didn't pay attention and had smoking brakes.
Vivek D.
Pikes Peak is one of the staples of your visit to Colorado Springs. At 14,115 feet elevation, it's the highest summit in North America. You can drive up, hike up (if adventurous), and take the Cog Railway. I prefer the latter because I think the drive is a bit treacherous for the cars and isn't necessarily an easy drive. With that said, once you get up there, you'll spend some time at the Visitor Center. The downside of the train is that you only have about 30 mins to spend up at the visitor center. If you drive, you can spend as much time as you like up there, which will allow you to enjoy the center and also take plenty of photos outside. I think the drive is a bit too tough for me, but it can make sense for larger groups.
Melissa Puskar
Food only gets 3 stars cause they didn't have much. Not their fault since they were hit with a natural disaster. The Buffalo chicken wrap we ended up eating was tasteless without the ranch.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Debra L.
If you are in town, you have to make the drive to the top of Pikes Peak. The altitude sickness is real so drink a lot of water. Both my husband and I had wobbly knees at the peak from the thinner air and adjustment. The drive up was a bit terrifying especially through the most windy part of the climb (switchbacks) and no guardrails. Worth the drive up into the clouds though. Spectacular views of our beautiful land of America, blessed above all other lands
I hiked up via crags this weekend and it was my first time at the top of pikes peak! I think any mountain automatically deserves 5 stars, but this was honestly my least favorite 14er. It's not as scenic as the other ones I've done, went on forever (uphill) and it's incredibly weird hiking next to a road and then all the stimulation at the top. On the flip side, it was very nice being able to use a real bathroom and sit down to eat. The absolute best part was the donuts! I've heard they're not that good, but the cinnamon sugar donuts and coffee I had completely revived me and tasted like pure heaven. I also noticed they had an impossible burger which was nice! Most of the food is pretty unhealthy, but after a long hike it's nice to have options. Either way, every Coloradan should do pikes peak at least once! There are many ways to get up here...drive, cog, shuttle, etc, but I'm glad I did the hike.
L B.
It's a beautiful view and day trip location. Reasonable fee to go in. Take a sweater or jacket as the temperature was 30 degrees lower than in town and windy. Also be ready for the elevation change. We felt light headed when we got there but within a few minutes felt better. Nice store inside but very warm. Took a couple of headache medicine after we got back to the bottom to alleviate the headache from descending such high elevation.
Jeanette M.
**MUST READ** Listen to your body! The air is much thinner and I didn't think anything of it. My heart started racing, breathing hard and shallow and my chest started to hurt. I kept going cause I wanted to see the views. Then I felt dizzy, lightheaded and almost passed out. Needed help walking down and ended up with a nasty headache. Don't push yourself. My husband felt fine, but it was really bad for me. But... Beautiful views!!! Of course be careful driving up and down the mountain, but totally worth it. Check out the museum, lots of information and love to learn.
Jason Z.
Really picturesque and a staple mountaintop finish for Colorado. Not only known for its hill climbing races, it's the most prominent peak if you are in Colorado Springs. By car, get ready to pay $15/person to drive up the peak. Alternately you can hike or take the train up. Worth seeing once!
Daniel S.
Amazing place. The views were amazing and the weather held up for us. If you get a chance to go up take it and see for yourself! Wow what a breathtaking place!
Iconic. Amazing. Beautiful. These are from the reviews of others, and I'd echo these terms and many more, with regard to this incredible wonder. I've long wanted to drive to the top and we did so on a recent visit. It was early November on an uncharacteristically warm day with beautiful clear skies as we began our ascent, and the weather stayed perfect the whole time, getting colder as we ascended of course. The drive itself starts out very mildly in terms of grade, and frankly, excitement, but it definitely saves the best stuff for later. Once you get into the seriously twisty and steep bits, the trees start to part and reveal the spectacular views as you get higher and higher. Our rented Toyota 4 Runner was more than capable, and got us up and down with aplomb. We were initially excited as we reached the summit, until we got out of the car and headed to the visitor center. It was at that point that my wife and I both realized we had a bit of altitude sickness, in the form of dizziness, light headedness and she even had a smidge of nausea. We were surprised and how, well, almost terrible we felt. We grabbed a couple of quick pics and began our descent, and we began to feel better soon thereafter. So, be prepared for the possibility. As we came back down, we stayed in first gear on the 4 Runner much of the way, and at the mandatory brake check, the checker commented that our brakes were under 100 degrees and that we were doing a great job. The view was even better on the way down. If you're ever in this area, this is a must-do and must-see. It is everything that everyone says, totally awesome.
$15 per person. We drove on the way up, very scenic and not many cars. I suggest getting here before noon. There will be less cars and in case the forecast changes. Once you get to the station, you might feel light headed and dizzy, I recommend you drink plenty of water and grab something to eat to lessen the altitude sickness symptoms. I had the classic donut, not bad. Also, you can bring an empty cup and refill your water in the gift shop. Yes, it's free. Employees were friendly. Parking is not bad if you arrive early. If you come in the afternoon, it'll probably be more difficult.
$15 a person at the gate. The drive up and down the mountain is fun with a lot of views. I would recommend a sturdy car. Some decent food options at the food court. YOU WILL FEEL THE ATTITUDE.
It was nice driving up to see Pikes Peak. Driving was nice and fun but one need to drive careful and pay attention on the road. Summit was very windy and cold in middle of october. I love to visit in winter on Pikes peak cog railway.
Hubby, son, mother and I drove here together to drive to the summit. We were visiting here for a couple days. The drive was absolutely beautiful. It was early September so at the bottom it was about 75° and gets chillier at you get to the top. It's about 14K miles high so get ready to have your ears pop, make sure you drink enough water, and maybe take some ibuprofen before you get to the top. My 10 year old got a headache and felt nausea as we went down. When we got to the station, we were told without a reservation, there's no guarantee you'd find a parking lot. We didn't mind but surprisingly there was a lot of parking spaces. There's a visitor center where you can purchase some food, go to the bathroom, take more pictures, watch some videos on the history of Pikes Peak. Cost is $15/person. The views are breathtaking.
This is a great tourist destination for a short week in Denver to see the high country (in summer). The cars were clean and well ventilated.
I drove to the summit last Sunday. I had checked their website and they indicated it would be best to purchase an advance pass to the summit + adult admission for $17. Or you could take a chance. The website said the capacity controls that started with the Covid19 pandemic would continue to reduce overcrowding. Since I bought my non-refundable ticket 1 week in advance, weather could be an issue. The day I left Denver, it was cloudy. By the time I neared the entrance, it was partly cloudy. I was unable to check-in on Yelp due to poor cell signal. The staff person at the gate said they were at capacity when I arrived for my 10am-12noon access window. They had already turned people away. The road was well maintained and it was smooth. They have several rest areas with informational signs, gift shops and restrooms. I stopped about 1/2 up to see the Big Foot statue and see the top of the mountain bathed in clouds. About 3/4 up I entered a heavy fog/cloud layer. There are no guard rails on the road up there, just on hairpin curves. Then I broke thru to bright sunshine! At the summit, I found one of the last parking spots. The new Summit House was open. I went thru the exhibit about the discovery and development of Pikes Peak. I had my required snack of their signature cinnamon sugar donuts for $ 3.99; I also saw a new Cog Rail train. It looked very European. I took the Cog Rail back in July 2021. That train looked like a 1950's version. I drove down in 1st & 2nd gears and had no braking issues. I saw other drivers who didn't pay attention and had smoking brakes.
Pikes Peak is one of the staples of your visit to Colorado Springs. At 14,115 feet elevation, it's the highest summit in North America. You can drive up, hike up (if adventurous), and take the Cog Railway. I prefer the latter because I think the drive is a bit treacherous for the cars and isn't necessarily an easy drive. With that said, once you get up there, you'll spend some time at the Visitor Center. The downside of the train is that you only have about 30 mins to spend up at the visitor center. If you drive, you can spend as much time as you like up there, which will allow you to enjoy the center and also take plenty of photos outside. I think the drive is a bit too tough for me, but it can make sense for larger groups.
Food only gets 3 stars cause they didn't have much. Not their fault since they were hit with a natural disaster. The Buffalo chicken wrap we ended up eating was tasteless without the ranch.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
If you are in town, you have to make the drive to the top of Pikes Peak. The altitude sickness is real so drink a lot of water. Both my husband and I had wobbly knees at the peak from the thinner air and adjustment. The drive up was a bit terrifying especially through the most windy part of the climb (switchbacks) and no guardrails. Worth the drive up into the clouds though. Spectacular views of our beautiful land of America, blessed above all other lands
Restaurantji Recommends
I hiked up via crags this weekend and it was my first time at the top of pikes peak! I think any mountain automatically deserves 5 stars, but this was honestly my least favorite 14er. It's not as scenic as the other ones I've done, went on forever (uphill) and it's incredibly weird hiking next to a road and then all the stimulation at the top. On the flip side, it was very nice being able to use a real bathroom and sit down to eat. The absolute best part was the donuts! I've heard they're not that good, but the cinnamon sugar donuts and coffee I had completely revived me and tasted like pure heaven. I also noticed they had an impossible burger which was nice! Most of the food is pretty unhealthy, but after a long hike it's nice to have options. Either way, every Coloradan should do pikes peak at least once! There are many ways to get up here...drive, cog, shuttle, etc, but I'm glad I did the hike.
It's a beautiful view and day trip location. Reasonable fee to go in. Take a sweater or jacket as the temperature was 30 degrees lower than in town and windy. Also be ready for the elevation change. We felt light headed when we got there but within a few minutes felt better. Nice store inside but very warm. Took a couple of headache medicine after we got back to the bottom to alleviate the headache from descending such high elevation.
**MUST READ** Listen to your body! The air is much thinner and I didn't think anything of it. My heart started racing, breathing hard and shallow and my chest started to hurt. I kept going cause I wanted to see the views. Then I felt dizzy, lightheaded and almost passed out. Needed help walking down and ended up with a nasty headache. Don't push yourself. My husband felt fine, but it was really bad for me. But... Beautiful views!!! Of course be careful driving up and down the mountain, but totally worth it. Check out the museum, lots of information and love to learn.
Really picturesque and a staple mountaintop finish for Colorado. Not only known for its hill climbing races, it's the most prominent peak if you are in Colorado Springs. By car, get ready to pay $15/person to drive up the peak. Alternately you can hike or take the train up. Worth seeing once!
Amazing place. The views were amazing and the weather held up for us. If you get a chance to go up take it and see for yourself! Wow what a breathtaking place!