Pikes Peak (Denver, Greeley, Burlington: buy, train, best time)

[Antlered Chamataka]

One of my colleagues was all praise for the gorgeous Pikes peak.

I just found it's near Co. Springs.

Anyone has suggestions on a "to do" checklist and the best time to visit?

Thanks folks!

[steveindenver]

Pay the fee, drive up that sucker, buy some crap at the place on top.

If you don't want to drive the train up is a nice adventure; or you can hike it.

On a good day you can easily see Denver and even DIA from the peak.

[Antlered Chamataka]

Originally Posted by steveindenver

Pay the fee, drive up that sucker, buy some crap at the place on top.

If you don't want to drive the train up is a nice adventure; or you can hike it.

On a good day you can easily see Denver and even DIA from the peak.

I'm no hiker The only hike I know is hitch-hiking.

I'm planning to drive to Co. Springs and beyond, Is it bad to drive?

People think I can see Kansas City on a "clear" day.

[EscapeCalifornia]

Take the cog railway up. There's a big thread about it in the Colorado Spring forum.

[Antlered Chamataka]

Originally Posted by EscapeCalifornia

Take the cog railway up. There's a big thread about it in the Colorado Spring forum.

Thanks, I'm planning to pike up this weekend

[DOUBLE H]

Originally Posted by steveindenver

Pay the fee, drive up that sucker, buy some crap at the place on top.

If you don't want to drive the train up is a nice adventure; or you can hike it.

On a good day you can easily see Denver and even DIA from the peak.

You can see farther than Denver. You can see Greeley to the north, Burlington to the east, Raton pass to the south, and to the west the rows of mountains that make up the Sangre De Cristos such as the Culebra range on the south end of the San Luis valley, the Collegiate Peaks that overlook Buena Vista. The view will knock your sox off, trust me.

Keep in mind, you are at 14,110 ft. You think the air in Denver is thin? Seriously, you are in for a treat.

[RedSoxFanGoingWest]

Check the weather if you are heading out this weekend. Potential thunderstorms and could be snowing at the summit...

[BK913]

Originally Posted by RedSoxFanGoingWest

Check the weather if you are heading out this weekend. Potential thunderstorms and could be snowing at the summit...

If you copy the link below into another browser window, you'll get a weather forecast for an altitude of 13,747ft in the Pikes Peak area from the National Weather Service.

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?site=PUB&llon=-105.219588&rlon=-104.869588&tlat=38.990417&blat=38.642917&smap=1&mp =1&map.x=124&map.y=108

Notice this weekend, highs will be around 30 and lows around 20 with a chance of snow showers. Always be ready for strong winds up there. Out of four times I've visited the summit, the wind has been extremely strong every single time. That means major WIND CHILL, so dress like you're going to the South Pole.

7-Day Forecast for Latitude 38.84°N and Longitude 105.05°W (Elev. 13747 ft)

Assuming weather conditions are ok (i.e. no precipitation), I recommend driving to the summit. If you take the cog, they only give you about 45 minutes at the summit which isn't enough time in my opinion! From the entrance station/toll booth, it will take about an hour to reach the summit and about the same to come back down.

You'll love it at the summit. It will feel like Antarctica but look like the planet Mars with the reddish soil/rocks. Have fun!!!

[springshomeblog]

Definitely go in the morning. It's almost always cloudless in the AM, but in early afternoon the clouds (and sometimes storms) start rolling in an you won't get nearly as good of views.

Carrie

[merv1225]

By all means, go! I visited Colorado for the first time in early October last year, and visited Pikes Peak. I took the cog railway. Around $30 I think, but well worth it. Pleasant, meandering hour long journey to the top. I found it fascinating to see the changes on the way up. And what a view at the top. It's cold and windy, but there's nothing like it. I'll do it again whenever I return to Colorado.