Drive Pikes Peak Highway
Drive the 19-mile paved toll road to the summit of Pikes Peak - America's Mountain.
Built in 1915, this winding road is the perfect scenic drive, offering views of lakes, mountains, wildlife and the surrounding area, ultimately leading to the storied summit of Pikes Peak. The highway also hosts the annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, which sees professional drivers race to the summit during the second oldest motorsports race in America.
Quick Facts About Pikes Peak Highway
Location
The Pikes Peak Highway Gateway is in Cascade, Colorado, just west of Colorado Springs. To get there from Colorado Springs, go west on Highway US-24 and turn left onto Fountain Ave. You will see signs for the Pikes Peak Highway.
Reservations
Reservations are not required from October 1 – May 25. A reservation system will be required beginning May 26 – September 30. For more details and to make a reservation online, visit www.drivepikespeak.com.
Drive Time
The round-trip journey takes approximately 2-3 hours, not including stops for photos, time spent at the summit and other activities. To get the most out of your Pikes Peak Highway experience, 3-4 hours is recommended.
Fuel
There are no gas stations along the highway. It is recommended that you have at least 1/2 tank of gas before you start your scenic drive.
Elevation Gain
The highway's entrance begins at 7,400 feet and climbs all the way up to 14,115 feet to the summit of the mountain.
Health
It is recommended if you have heart or respiratory issues to consult with your physician before visiting.
Infants
Please, no infants under 6 months old.
![A bicyclist rides along Pikes Peak Highway as it winds between evergreen trees towards a mountain in the distance.](https://visitcos.imgix.net/images/pikes_peak_highway_9.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=906e8481ec06f9e7f66bbca61b7c4b90 320w, https://visitcos.imgix.net/images/pikes_peak_highway_9.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=62360604f51fb5d2835f07161f9242d8 540w, https://visitcos.imgix.net/images/pikes_peak_highway_9.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=f57d162b0d3ab563ff91b744a9ed56b0 768w, https://visitcos.imgix.net/images/pikes_peak_highway_9.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=95f6d33bb6b820b372a6057b20e310da 1024w, https://visitcos.imgix.net/images/pikes_peak_highway_9.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=c34faf372bd27f6762a944a471ac4beb 1200w, https://visitcos.imgix.net/images/pikes_peak_highway_9.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=8a03faa0e1d09ab682bb337754d6b1df 1440w, https://visitcos.imgix.net/images/pikes_peak_highway_9.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=2977c3cc059958c517374e59816a3d3c 1920w, https://visitcos.imgix.net/images/pikes_peak_highway_9.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=4b8559419224d68284e412f5c2bd4ede 2560w, https://visitcos.imgix.net/images/pikes_peak_highway_9.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=a4f9b25cdda4a15a6699bf6fabed451b 3840w)
Activities & Recreation Near Pikes Peak Highway
Fishing
There are two lakes currently available for fishing. Crystal Reservoir and North Catamount Reservoir, both located in what is called the North Slope Recreation Area. For more information about fishing in and around Colorado Springs, as well as local fishing outfitters, like Angler's Covey and Pikes Peak Fly Fishing Tours, click here.
- South Catamount Reservoir will remain closed through 2025 for dam rehabilitation.
- Visitors who are only wanting to visit Crystal Creek Reservoir on the Pikes Peak Highway need to purchase a $1 Daily Parking Permit and an NSRA One-Day Admission. Tickets are available for purchase at the Gateway on the day of your visit, however, we recommend purchasing online beforehand as tickets do sell out.
- North Catamount Reservoir remains open to the public, but is not accessible from the Pikes Peak Highway. North Catamount can be reached via hike-in access from the Catamount Recreation Area Trailhead, Teller County (Edlowe Rd).
Hiking
Hiking trails can be found off the highway or you can choose to hike up Pikes Peak via Barr Trail or the Crags/Devils Playground rather than drive. Hiking on the highway is not permitted.
Biking
Cycling is permitted both up and down Pikes Peak Highway. Learn more.
Visit our main guide page for more things to do near Pikes Peak.
![A hand holds a donut to the sky at the summit of Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs.](https://visitcos.imgix.net/images/donut_-_pikes_peak_summit.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=a4cb899093f7af95955e7361308de62e 320w, https://visitcos.imgix.net/images/donut_-_pikes_peak_summit.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=eb214d20d6fd4f48a580a1855629c23c 540w, https://visitcos.imgix.net/images/donut_-_pikes_peak_summit.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=b69eadb865b0b9574d0b60070e470d4d 768w, https://visitcos.imgix.net/images/donut_-_pikes_peak_summit.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=e9357a6935f565d99977a5069bc6f5f3 1024w, https://visitcos.imgix.net/images/donut_-_pikes_peak_summit.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=11a33859b61f7d2b6168c0a7f6876dae 1200w, https://visitcos.imgix.net/images/donut_-_pikes_peak_summit.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=fa10364309b2107869331a6b97ecbf35 1440w, https://visitcos.imgix.net/images/donut_-_pikes_peak_summit.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=3010dfae9901893b480c5331803f4e4e 1920w, https://visitcos.imgix.net/images/donut_-_pikes_peak_summit.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=f6fd985c4490d4ae108cd29e05dae7dd 2560w, https://visitcos.imgix.net/images/donut_-_pikes_peak_summit.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=ae6152dd08070e1d8fc3af9016c3dc50 3840w)
Food & Gift Shops
Food can be purchased at the Crystal Reservoir Visitor Center, Glen Cove Inn and the Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center. Each of these locations also include Gift shops.
- The Crystal Reservoir Visitor Center is found just after mile marker 6. It's a good place to stop and grab a snack or purchase bait to go fishing. Ranger-led classes and paddle boat rentals are available in the summer months.
- Glen Cove Inn is found at mile marker 13, about half way up the mountain. Here you can find restrooms and a nice sit down area with food for purchase.
- The Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center sits at the top of Pikes Peak at 14,115 feet above sea level. Immerse yourself in the new interpretive experience or browse the extensive gift shop, use the restroom and grab some food. Options include salads, sandwiches and sides. Be sure to try the world-famous donuts, the only donuts made at an altitude over 14,000 feet. These donuts have special, high-altitude ingredients. So, make sure to eat these at the top of the mountain, as the change in altitude will change the texture of the donut.
![Cars driving along Pikes Peak Highway in Colorado Springs, CO with mountain view in the background](https://visitcos.imgix.net/images/pikes_peak_highway_11_small.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=92c40196613474cdd62a3892ff78f4fe 320w, https://visitcos.imgix.net/images/pikes_peak_highway_11_small.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=ab3225e33034d147f7bd14c05744a910 540w, https://visitcos.imgix.net/images/pikes_peak_highway_11_small.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=8bf46cf37c45d0f26ad4fcddd51601e3 768w, https://visitcos.imgix.net/images/pikes_peak_highway_11_small.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=6838f5c3d4993d633686145cb2d04906 1024w, https://visitcos.imgix.net/images/pikes_peak_highway_11_small.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=317d9fd01967cb8e3e374b3887e768ba 1200w)
Pikes Peak Photo Opportunities & Scenic Stops
- Definitely stop at Crystal Reservoir on your scenic drive up or down the Pikes Peak Highway. The water and peak create a perfect picturesque moment.
- Devils Playground also makes for a great stop to get out, walk around and take some beautiful photos.
- At the Summit Visitor Center, you'll want to take photos at the Summit Market or the dramatic north overlook near the edge where you can see for miles upon miles.
Rates, Hours & Other Details
Current Hours of Operation
June 1, 2024 – August 31, 2024
- Uphill Gates: open at 7:30am
- Uphill Gates: close at 6:00pm
- Pikes Peak Summit: closes at 7:00pm
- Downhill Gates: close at 8:00pm
Current General Admission Fee
- Adults (ages 16+): $15 per person
- Children (ages 6-15): $5 per person
Visitors can also take advantage of a special Carload Discount Rate (up to 5 passengers) for $50 per car, with $10 per additional adult and $2 per additional child.
The Northslope Recreational Area opens May 1 for fishing and is accessible for $5 per adult (free for children ages 6-15).
For the latest updates and information on hours and rates, including details on annual passes, group rates and more, click here.
Payment
Accepted forms of payment are Visa, MasterCard, Discover and cash. Find a coupon for $2 off in the back of the Official Visitor Guide.
Weather
Be sure to check the weather before you go. Part of the highway could be closed due to snow. Always bring a jacket, even in the summer months. The temperature is, on average, close to 30 degrees cooler at the top. Find the Pikes Peak Summit forecast here: National Weather Service
Picnic Areas
Picnic areas can be found along the highway. Look for the pull-offs with the picnic signs on the side of the road and on the map that you will receive at the tollgate.
Vehicle Restrictions
Visit the official Pikes Peak - America's Mountain website for a list of vehicles permitted on the highway.
The following are prohibited on Pikes Peak Highway:
- Pull-behind trailers or campers of any size, including bicycle and motorcycle trailers
- ATVs or OHVs
- Mopeds or scooters that do not meet the listed requirements
- Skateboards or longboards
Safety
For safety information visit the Pikes Peak – America's Mountain website.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive up Pikes Peak?
It takes approximately 2-3 hours for a round-trip journey along Pikes Peak Highway, though we would recommend allowing for a few extra hours for your journey so that you can stop and admire the scenic vistas and trails just off the road.
How much does it cost to drive up Pikes Peak?
The current general admission fee, effective November 1 through May 25, is $15 per adult (ages 16+) and $5 per child (ages 6-15).
How far is the drive up Pikes Peak?
The drive spans 19 miles and climbs to an elevation of 14,115 feet at the peak's summit.
Is Pikes Peak Highway open to the top?
Yes! You can travel along Pikes Peak Highway to reach the summit of Pikes Peak — America's Mountain. While there, don't forget to commemorate your journey with a donut from the Summit Visitor Center.
Can you drive your own car up Pikes Peak?
Yes, you can drive your own vehicle up Pikes Peak, so long as it meets the requirements and restrictions outlined here.
Is Pikes Peak a scary drive?
While significant elevation gains may give those with a fear of heights a brief scare, the drive itself is incredibly beautiful and captivating from start to finish, making it one of the Colorado Springs' top scenic drives.
Is Pikes Peak Highway paved all the way?
Yes! The entire 19-mile journey is along a smooth, paved surface.
Do you need a reservation to drive Pikes Peak Highway?
Reservations are required from May 26, 2023 through the month of September, but are not necessary if visiting from October 1 through the final Thursday before Memorial Day.