Created 9-Sep-22
Modified 19-Sep-22
This gallery records our trip up Pikes Peak which took us to the top of the 19 mile road that ends at the 14,115 ft Summit.
After leaving New Orleans we drove to Colorado Springs and stayed overnight in Manitou Springs near the entrance to Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods National Parks.
Pikes Peak is the site of the Pikes Peak International Hillclimb that features some of the worlds fastest cars and drivers that race to record the lowest time for their class. This race began in 1916 and is the second oldest race in America. The race to the top is 12.42 miles (20km), has 156 turns and ends at the 14,115 foot summit. Amazingly the fastest cars can average over 70 mph inspite of fog, curves with 10 mph speed limits and altitudes exceeding 10,000 feet above sea level.
As a tourist, unacclimated to the altitude, it is not unusual to experience altitude sickness (headache, lightheadedness and dizzyness) as you get above 9,000 ft. Visitors are told to Hydrate and drink lots of water. In addition it is not unknown for the temperature to drop 40F from the base to the summit. So you are cautioned to bring appropriate clothing. Snow at the summit is fairly common in the middle of summer.
Tourists are also warned to make sure their brakes are in good order (they actually check the temperature of your brakes at points along the way) and that your gas tank is 1/2 full.
The drive up can be exciting because of the lack of guard rails, curves that turn back on themselves (especially those going left where you cannot see the right side of the road--only air) and oncoming traffic that can include large trucks that need police escorts to clear the road before they make their turns.
All this adds to the excitement of the day. But the best part is the views that unfold at every turn. The road begins with lush vegetation and ends way above the tree line atop a pile of rocks. The Summit has a new visitor center known for their unique donuts that are famous around the world.
Finally, Pikes Peak is known for its wildlife. We saw a marmot and several big horn sheep but it is also known for its Golden Eagles, bobcats, and Bigfoot.
© Robert Peek Photography