The Complete Guide To Climbing Pikes Peak

One of the greatest thrills we have living in Colorado Springs is access to the peaks and trails of the Front Range. One of the first things you see here when looking out across the range is the infamous Pike’s Peak. This mountain was once deemed “un-climbable” by its namesake, Zebulon Pike in 1806.  The peak ranks 31^st of the 54 Colorado 14ers and with the road and the infamous Barr Trail, it remains a fairly trouble-free ascent provided you have the right equipment, stamina, and attitude.  While there are multiple ways to get to the top (trains, cars, sneakers, climbing gear, bikes…), we’ll focus on the Barr Trail ascent that begins in small parking lot in Manitou Springs since it’s the most popular and navigable trail.  And a note to Zebulon Pike:  my kids have climbed your little mountain.

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First, the amount and type of equipment largely depends on the time of year.  I am a bit of a minimalist so I try to keep the weight down to just the essentials.    After all, it is a 14er and you’ve probably heard that weather changes constantly. You should be prepared for temperatures to drop about 20-40 degrees below the starting temperature.  Rain, snow, hail, sunshine…you’ll likely see all of them year-round!

Essential Equipment:

1. 1.  Wear just light footwear (Flip flops are a no-no. We’ve actually seen them on Barr Trail…and dress shoes. Really.)  Heavy hiking footwear is not necessary. Just wear comfortable shoes with sturdy laces and tread.  Every unneeded ounce you have to pick up and put down equals more force through a distance (which equals more WORK and requires more energy).
   2. Shorts are fine in the summer, but in winter long pants are better.  Go with sturdy nylon that moves freely instead of  jeans or heavy cotton that can stay damp. Remember the old saying: cotton kills.
   3. Water is key but here’s a tip: pack just a CamelBak about 2/3 to full and refill at Barr Camp using a filter.  No sense in slugging ALL of your daily water consumption when you can break it up.  Also refill on top of the peak if necessary.  There are water fountains and Gatorade available.
   4. Trail food is smarter than a large lunch, and pack just enough to get you to the peak where you can re-charge on doughnuts.  High calorie, fast burning bars are good,  as well as the standby trail mix. Throw in fresh fruit (bananas/apples) for variety.
   5. Sunblock/hat/sunglasses will make the next day more comfortable!
   6. Smart Phone!!  With a GPS app loaded, tunes, and memory available for selfies and wow moments in the Aspens and the peak.  Your photo of the big horns will not come out well…so just enjoy watching them.

Build up your endurance:

1. Build your endurance.
   Hike 5-10 miles to begin with and then aim for 10-15 miles on varying terrain.  It doesn’t have to be strenuous.  Get those muscles and tendons used to constant movement for a number of hours. Give yourself a chance to break in your shoes and figure out your food and water consumption. Learn to navigate and get your head in the woods because you will be far from civilization for most of the journey and you need to be comfortable on your own.
2. Go climb Stanley Canyon on the Air Force Academy.
   It has some boulders and uneven terrain to scramble over, plus some steep sections to gauge your endurance.  The last part of the Barr Trail is pretty rocky, so this is good practice for a little scrambling.  Plus, it’s a gorgeous hike with a rewarding reservoir at the end to throw rocks into!
3. Climb the Manitou Incline.
   Get ready for the graduation exercise which is the Manitou Springs Incline.  I’m sure some go-getter has thrown this challenge to you already, while possibly  bragging about the record time they climbed it.  Take the challenge and be prepared for an a$$ kicker.  The point is to push yourself and get your heart rate up there to get you through the last several miles of the Peak climb.  My trick is to never stop nor look behind you while climbing.  Save the rewarding, amazing view for the top!  The big learning point is to just be prepared to push through when you are feeling tired.

Prepare Your Attitude:

The peak will test you, mostly because:

1.  It just goes on and on and ooooooonnnnnnnn…..It never seems to level-off or indicate just how close you are to the top.  For all the struggle and perseverance, it’s just one step after the next and your brain wants to be on top LONG before you actually get there.
2. The air is thin up there, especially above the tree line.  It doesn’t matter how conditioned you are, the altitude will affect you. Just know that you will likely feel sluggish, winded, and light-headed.  Water, and plenty of it, will help with this.

Public Service Announcement:

Always, always drink water!!  Hydrate the night before (plenty of pee places along the trail!) and keep putting it down throughout the trip.  It’s lube for the gears, keeps the blood flowing more easily, and it prevents headaches at altitude. Waiting until you are thirsty means you are already behind the consumption curve.  You don’t have to pound water on every step, but drink a little more than usual and keep bringing it up in your group as a reminder.

Bottom line, you need to just stay positive and hopeful throughout the trip that each step gets you one step closer (it really does!) and all you have to do it make it to the top and you are done.

Some final tips from experiences Pike Peak hikers:

1. 1.  You can hitchhike down from the top without worry.  Just be selective and friendly when you approach the old couple from Billings, MT, if they would be so kind as to return you to Manitou Springs (they are going through there anyway!!) We’ve never been turned down and we meet nice people.
   2. Try NOT to hate the train dwellers that arrive at the top the moment you do, all bouncy and perky and wide-eyed wearing flip flops and carrying purses.  Just let them live.  I struggle with this one! (Since the cog is closed for the foreseeable future, that’s okay for now https://www.cograilway.com/)
   3. The big horn sheep are docile and interesting and not a bother.  Just admire them.
   4. If you are in a group, loosen you grip and let people go at their own pace, especially at the top where the lines tend to get stretched.  Everyone is in their own private hell so leave them to figure it out.
   5. Stop for a spell at Barr Camp (about 6-miles up the trail), fill up on water, ask to pack out some trash (maybe get a candy bar for the effort) because you have lots of room having only packed the essentials.
   6. Kids can do this climb, but be smart.  Consider staying the night at Barr Camp (lots of sleeping options!) and make it a 2-day trek.
   7. There’s going to be a shuttle service soon as the Pikes Peak Summit Complex is being redone: http://www.koaa.com/story/38317269/shuttle-service-begins-to-pikes-peak

Hope it works out for you and your crew.  Say it with me now: This Mountain is NOT unclimbable….Zeb!