Pikes Peak, Colorado

Nearby Hotel Pikes Peak Events Visit Pikes Peak

Pikes Peak Gold Rush. Gold was first discovered in the Pikes Peak area in 1858. And, with the slogan “Pike's Peak or Bust” on every prospective miner’s lips, the Colorado gold rush was officially on. No real gold deposits were found on Pikes Peak until 1893, when gold miners found rich deposits on the mountain’s west slope, now known as the Cripple Creek Mining District and home of the last major gold rush in the contiguous states.

Pikes Peak Events. Pikes Peak attracts visitors for its majestic beauty, but several events are held on the mountain each year as well. For travelers looking to ring in the new year with a spectacular bang, the AdAmAn Club holds an annual fireworks display on the summit at midnight each New Year’s Eve. An exciting annual event, the Pikes Peak Auto Hill Climb is a thrilling race on the unpaved portion of the Pikes Peak highway every July. The Pikes Peak Marathon is held each August, with runners from around the globe facing a grueling 26-mile race up the famous Barr Trail and back.  [Top]

Visit Pikes Peak. Pikes Peak is the most visited mountain in the U.S., with over 500,000 people traveling to the summit each year. Visitors to Pikes Peak can take the leisurely two-hour drive up the mountain via the Pikes Peak highway, a 19-mile long toll road that is only paved halfway up and includes a number of very sharp turns and switchbacks. For visitors who wish to take in the views without the worry of driving, the Manitou and Pikes Peak Railway offers a fun way to ascend the mountain from April through December. Hikers and bikers can enjoy a challenging trek up the mountain by ascending at the Barr Trail, located near the railway depot or on the Crags Campground Trail. Once at the top, visitors can enjoy the views from the Pikes Peak Visitors Center, purchase souvenirs at the gift shop and warm up with a cup of coffee or a snack at the restaurant. www.pikespeakcolorado.com  [Top]