Hiking Pikes Peak on the Barr Trail - Women's Wine Hiking Society

Pikes Peak is one of the most famous 14ers and was an incredibly rewarding adventure for me! Although there are multiple ways to reach the summit, including by car and railroad, I believe that hiking up gives you a more immersive experience.

Planning for Pikes Peak

The ideal time to hike Pikes Peak is from late June to late September when the weather is more predictable. However, the peak can be hiked year-round. The weather on Pikes Peak can still change from hour to hour, so you must prepare for the hot sun with sunscreen and lightweight clothing, as well as a warm hat and gloves for rain and hail. It is also common to experience afternoon thunderstorms, so summiting early enough to travel back below the tree line is also recommended.

Another thing to consider is that there is no place to stop for potable water on Pikes Peak. You will need to bring your own water and a filtration method/system to refill on the journey.

Lastly, if you are looking for side trips to add on to your adventure, Manitou Springs is located just 12 miles from downtown Colorado Springs. Consider adding Garden of the Gods onto your trip.

Here is the itinerary my Wine Hiking Society friends and I followed last August when we hiked Pike Peak over 3 days.

Day 1 – Driving to Manitou Springs

We drove from the Salt Lake City area and passed fun towns along the way. Night one was spent in a local motel. There are several to choose from in Manitou Springs, including the Days Inn, Econo Lodge, and Eagle Motel, but there are also many AirBNB options nearby.

Day 2 – Starting on the Barr Trail & Camping at Barr Camp

There are two hiking trails to reach the summit of Pikes Peak, but the most popular one is the Barr Trail. Starting in Manitou Springs, it spans 13.5 miles one way and gains 7,800 feet in elevation.

Another option is the Crags Trail, which is shorter and less steep but still challenging, with around 14 miles round-trip. We chose the Barr Trail and arrived early to get parking and set off on foot at 8am.

No permit is required to hike Pikes Peak. However, there is a parking fee for the Barr Trailhead in Manitou Springs. This fee is refunded if staying at Barr Camp.

The trail climbs quickly with many switchbacks. Once you get to the trees, the switchbacks become longer, and it becomes less steep. After approximately 6.5 miles and 3,500 feet of elevation gain, you arrive at Barr Camp, a primitive hostel that is half way up the trail. Although anyone can just rest at camp, an overnight stay requires a reservation.

There are several options available including the main cabin, lean-tos, or a space for your own tent. Dinner and a pancake breakfast are included in the nightly price. Although there are no showers, there are pit toilets and sleeping pads, meaning that the weight you carry to sleep overnight is reduced. Sleeping bags and bear canisters are recommended.

Another advantage of staying at Barr Camp is that you get to interact with so many others who are hiking the trail. The camaraderie and new friendships make the nightly fee even more worth it. There is no Wi-Fi at Barr Camp, but there are games and books available for you to borrow.

Day 3 – Summit Day!

Day 3 was another strenuous day, but because we stayed at Barr Camp, we were able to bring only a day pack. The trail to the peak is another 3.5 miles up and about 3,800 feet of elevation gain. Tough, but beautiful scenery kept us engaged.

As you ascend, you will pass the tree line, entering a more barren landscape with expansive views. The higher you go, the more the vegetation gives way to alpine terrain. The last stretch of the hike is often the most challenging, with thinner air and steeper terrain and and an rocky area aptly named 16 Golden Stairs.

Once at the summit, there is a full visitors center for those that drove up. We took a moment to enjoy the rest–and some hot coffee and summit beverages. After a peak photo, we headed back down into the wilderness.