Pikes Peak - America's Mountain, Cascade

Very nice views of Colorado, somewhat expensive to drive up, but cheaper than taking the COG railway. If taken slow it can be very enjoyable and not put extra damage on your car. Be in mind that it can take 45 minutes each way, up and then down, to drive in your own vehicle. This also uses about 80 miles worth of fuel, bring at least half a tank of fuel with you. I've driven up Pikes Peak 4 times now, twice in winter, which they keep the roads nice and clear. I'd also recommend going on a clear day without expected storms or clouds, this will make it the most enjoyable once you reach the top. Remember that it's about 30 degrees F colder on top of pikes peak in comparison to Manitou Springs, dress or bring extra clothes accordingly. I recommend going slow on the way down taking some stops along the way for photos and to enjoy the scenic views, thus allowing your car's engine and brakes to cool off to help prevent over heating and extra wear. Bring lots of water and stay hydrated if your not a Colorado resident or high altitude living resident. This will help prevent becoming light headed, or at least reduce the effects of high altitude, which are inevitable.

We could not believe this was happening. After 45 min. of stop-and-go traffic, we were funneled into one lane. For the the next 45 minutes that it took us to go 7 1/2 miles (especially with the idiots who kept moving ahead of us and trying to get into our lane), we were relieved to see a state policeman pass with lights on. BUT, when we got to the turnoff to go up Pikes Peak, that same policeman had blocked the entrance completely and turned EVERYONE away. After waiting in line 1 1/2 hours, we never even got close to the peak. Very frustrating!!! NO INFO offered on why the road was blocked.

I was told it costs $10 per person but it was actually $15 per person. The drive up the mountain is nice but traffic moving slow is annoying going both up and down. It was very cloudy the day I went so you couldn't see much over the side of the mountain but it was cool because we got to drive through clouds moving across the road and were above the clouds when we got to the peak. I think it is a little greedy that they charge $15 just to drive up a mountain then they have a donation box to go on the observation deck. They charge outrageous prices for food and souvenirs in the gift shop, why do places think they can get away with that? Well I guess they do because people pay these prices or they wouldn't stay in business but just seems a little greedy after charging $15 PER PERSON to just drive up a mountain and then to overcharge at the gift shop. I mean $20 for a t-shirt just because it has a picture of a mountain? $3 for a donut?? $7 for a tiny bag of nuts??

Awesome. Make sure to get the donuts. The top was closed off do to wind, but, we waited and they cleared everyone to go up. We drove and loved it. If you have a nissan set you gears to D's and overdrive off on your way down.

We got up early to get to Pikes Peak, and wound up at the gate before it opened, only 5th or so in line. The drive up to the summit is spectacular in multiple ways, as you cross through a variety of ecosystems and climates. Signs along the way keep you up to date on your elevation and there are a couple of exciting places where the road goes steeply uphill and around a corner, looking like it just drops right off the edge. At the top, the wind was blowing incredibly forcefully, and a ranger told us that it was -6 degrees with windchill! The summit has spectacular 360 degree views, and we enjoyed watching the cog railway arrive at the top.