Pikes Peak Tours and Activities

Pikes Peak which includes mountains
Pikes Peak which includes signage
Pikes Peak showing tranquil scenes, mountains and landscape views
Pikes Peak
Photo provided by VisitCOS.com


The second-most visited mountain in the world is an easy day trip from Colorado’s capital. 

Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain is a 14,000-foot (4,300-meter) high mountain famed for its incredible vistas, high-altitude railroad and opportunities for adventure. It was named after explorer Zebulon Pike, who led an expedition to the area in 1806. Visit the summit of Pikes Peak at any time of the year to gaze across the spectacular Rocky Mountains. The view from here was the inspiration for Katherine Lee Bates' famed poem, America the Beautiful.

Jump on board the famous Pikes Peak Cog Railway for a 190-minute round-trip ride on the world’s highest cog railroad. The train travels beside Ruxton Creek in the Englemann Canyon, past Minnehaha Falls and on through “Hell's Gate,” a natural opening through the mountains. The final half of the trip is a steep climb up Pikes Peak and a traverse above the timberline, with views across valleys, lakes and mountain ranges. You are invited to temporarily disembark at this point but stop-offs are capped at 40 minutes to limit the effects of altitude sickness. Any headaches or feelings of nausea tend to subside on the journey back down the mountain. 

If you have an adventurous spirit, climb to the summit on foot via the spectacular Barr Trail, but be warned: it’s not an easy hike. The 12-plus miles (19 kilometers) of gravel trail ascends more than 7,800 feet (2,400 meters). You will wind your way through forests, across meadows, over creeks and up rocky ascents. It can take anywhere between six and 10 hours. Hikers are advised to never attempt the climb alone or during bad weather.

While Pikes Peak is open all year round, it is best to visit in spring and summer. In winter, sections of the railroad can be blocked by snow and the weather drops below 10 F (-12 C) at the summit. There is a small restaurant at the top, but it can get busy so pack a lunch if you don’t want to wait in line. It’s also wise to book tickets for the cog railway online in advance. 

Pikes Peak is about 70 miles (113 kilometers) south of Denver. The area around the mountain is popular with outdoor adventurers, particularly for hiking and white-water rafting. If you have a car, you can drive to the Pikes Peak summit via the toll road. The 38-mile (61-kilometer) round-trip ride takes about two hours. Parking at the top is limited.

Plan a trip to see Pikes Peak

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, Autograph Collection
The Crawford Hotel
The Residences at Main Street Station, Breckenridge

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Pikes Peak

Rustic home with mountain views, wood-burning stove, basketball court, & patio

Rustic home with mountain views, wood-burning stove, basketball court, & patio

Cripple Creek
Rustic home with mountain views, wood-burning stove, basketball court, & patio
Cottage Next to the Creek in Historic Cascade Canyon At The Foot Of Pikes Peak

Cottage Next to the Creek in Historic Cascade Canyon At The Foot Of Pikes Peak

cascade
Cottage Next to the Creek in Historic Cascade Canyon At The Foot Of Pikes Peak
Cabin with Pikes Views, Fireplace, Walk to Winery

Cabin with Pikes Views, Fireplace, Walk to Winery

2 out of 5
El Paso County
Cabin with Pikes Views, Fireplace, Walk to Winery
Hot Tub! Game room! Mountain Views!

Hot Tub! Game room! Mountain Views!

Cascade
Hot Tub! Game room! Mountain Views!
Private cabin/studio in the mountains.

Private cabin/studio in the mountains.

Cascade-Chipita Park
Private cabin/studio in the mountains.
Historic Olde Poste in Cascade

Historic Olde Poste in Cascade

Cascade
Historic Olde Poste in Cascade
Cascade Ranger Station

Cascade Ranger Station

Cascade
Cascade Ranger Station
The Lazy Cottage at the base of Pikes Peak w/private hot tub

The Lazy Cottage at the base of Pikes Peak w/private hot tub

Cascade-Chipita Park
The Lazy Cottage at the base of Pikes Peak w/private hot tub
Cozy Creekside Cottage at Entrance to Pikes Peak

Cozy Creekside Cottage at Entrance to Pikes Peak

Cascade-Chipita Park
Cozy Creekside Cottage at Entrance to Pikes Peak
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Pikes Peak

Pikes Peak in Cascade, Colorado, offers a variety of activities for visitors, including scenic hiking and running trails. Explore local attractions like music venues, Palmer Park, and art galleries, or enjoy a leisurely stroll through fun shops. With its friendly atmosphere and stunning landscapes, Pikes Peak provides a perfect backdrop for an unforgettable getaway.

Shopping

For unique souvenirs, visit Ruxton's Trading Post, located 11.3km from Pikes Peak. If you're up for a drive, explore Chapel Hills Mall, 24.1km away, offering a variety of shops, or head to Kendall Shopping Center, 46.7km from Pikes Peak, for more family-friendly options.

Recreation

At Red Rock Canyon Open Space, immerse yourself in nature with serene hiking trails and breathtaking views, perfect for relaxation. The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center offers energizing sports activities, while the Colorado Springs Country Club provides a luxurious setting for golf and wellness pursuits.

Adventure

Embark on the Manitou Incline for a challenging hike surrounded by stunning scenery, located 9.7km from Pikes Peak. For family fun, the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park, 19.7km away, offers thrilling water slides and entertainment. Experience outdoor adventure at The Sport Climbing Center, 19.3km from Pikes Peak.

Nightlife

Experience the thrill at Double Eagle Casino, only 16.1km from Pikes Peak, where romance meets excitement. For a cultural treat, visit Iron Springs Chateau, 9.7km away, offering family-friendly entertainment. Don’t miss Arcade Amusements, 11.3km from Pikes Peak, for an adventurous night with loved ones.

Find the best attractions near Pikes Peak

Explore the captivating sights around Pikes Peak, including the serene nature reserves, historic railways, and stunning waterfalls. This region offers a rich cultural experience along with outdoor adventures for every traveller. Don't miss the chance to stay at beautiful accommodations and resorts while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains and the wonders of Pikes Peak itself.

  • Garden of the Gods: This stunning reserve, located 16.1km from Pikes Peak, offers breathtaking red rock formations and scenic views that create a romantic atmosphere. Perfect for leisurely walks and photography, it's a must-see for nature lovers.
  • Cave of the Winds: Situated 11.3km away, this adventure-filled cave features thrilling outdoor activities like guided tours and rock climbing. Explore its fascinating geological formations while soaking in the excitement of the natural wonders.
  • Glen Eyrie Castle: Just 14.5km from Pikes Peak, this enchanting castle boasts a unique blend of romance and culture. Tour the grand halls, explore the beautiful grounds, and immerse yourself in its historical charm.

Best time to go to Pikes Peak

The best time to visit Pikes Peak can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Pikes Peak falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Pikes Peak falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January26.2°F (-3.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February27.0°F (-2.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March36.3°F (2.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
April43.3°F (6.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May52.5°F (11.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainSunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August67.1°F (19.5°C)Light RainSunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September61.3°F (16.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October46.9°F (8.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately LowAverage
November36.0°F (2.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
December26.8°F (-2.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Pikes Peak

To save money on your trip to Pikes Peak, consider visiting during the off-peak months of January to February or November when accommodation prices are lower. Tuesdays are the least expensive days to stay, while Saturdays are the most costly. Take advantage of free attractions like Garden of the Gods and Manitou Incline. Use Expedia to find special offers, compare prices, and consider package deals that combine hotels, flights, and activities for added savings. By walking or using public transport, you can further reduce travel costs while enjoying the area.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Pikes Peak are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Pikes Peak is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Pikes Peak is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. To discover the best prices and deals, sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Pikes Peak hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.