Pikes Peak Day Trip
Summit America's most famous mountain via car, cog railway, or on foot—a memorable day trip from the Royal Gorge region.
America's Mountain
Pikes Peak inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write "America the Beautiful" after viewing the expanse from its 14,115-foot summit. Located about an hour from Canon City, the mountain offers multiple ways to reach the top and spectacular views that can stretch into four states.
Getting to the Top
The Pikes Peak Highway allows you to drive to the summit (toll road, weather permitting). The newly rebuilt Pikes Peak Cog Railway offers a scenic train ride to the top. Ambitious hikers can tackle the Barr Trail, a challenging 13-mile ascent.
At the Summit
The summit house offers food, exhibits, and famous high-altitude donuts. Temperatures at the top can be 30-40 degrees cooler than below—bring layers regardless of conditions in Canon City.
Highlights
- 14,115-foot summit
- Drive, ride cog railway, or hike
- Famous summit donuts
- Views spanning four states
- America's Mountain
- About 1 hour from Canon City
Sources
Details
- Duration
- Full-day
- Difficulty
- Easy - suitable for all
- Price Range
- Moderate
- Seasonal Notes
- Highway open May-September typically. Cog railway operates year-round. Weather at summit can differ drastically from base.
Contact & Location
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