The Wonders of Pikes Peak, Colorado
The Stunning View from the Summit
Pikes Peak, located in Colorado Springs, is one of the most iconic mountains in the United States. Rising to an elevation of 14,115 feet (4,302 meters), it is the highest summit of the southern Rocky Mountains. The summit of Pikes Peak provides spectacular views of the Great Plains and the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains.
A Historical Landmark
The mountain has a long and storied history. It was first discovered by Europeans in 1806 and was named after Zebulon Pike, an American explorer. Pikes Peak has been the inspiration for many well-known works of art and literature, including the popular “America the Beautiful” song and Katharine Lee Bates’s poem “Pikes Peak.”
The Pikes Peak Highway
The Pikes Peak Highway is a toll road that runs from the base of the mountain up to the summit. The road was constructed in 1915 and is 19 miles (30.5 kilometers) long. The road is open all year round, but it is subject to closures during winter months due to heavy snowfall. Visitors can drive or take a guided tour to the summit.
Adventurous Activities
In addition to taking in the stunning views from the summit of Pikes Peak, visitors can also take part in a variety of outdoor activities. Hiking and biking are popular activities on the mountain, as are horseback riding and camping. Visitors can also take part in skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing during the winter months.
Getting to Pikes Peak
The address for Pikes Peak is 5089 Pikes Peak Highway, Colorado Springs, CO 80809. The mountain is accessible by car, but visitors can also take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, a historic railway that has been running since 1891. The railway offers stunning views of the surrounding area and is a great way to experience the beauty of Pikes Peak.