Come see the highest summit of the southern front range of the Rocky Mountains at Pikes Peak. At 14,115 feet not only does it have an incredible view of the Grand Prairies, but it’s also the only place on earth where you can eat a high altitude donut. In fact, the views are so gorgeous from the summit of Pikes Peak, that it inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write the song America the Beautiful. In all honesty, there are no words to describe how beautiful the view is from up here, it’s just too pretty.
Pikes Peak Summit House makes the world famous Pikes Peak donuts. Since they are special high altitude donuts that can only be made and eaten above 14,000 feet, make sure that you try one or two while you are up here. They are really good, especially if it’s still warm. However, don’t try to bring any donuts back with you because they become mushy when brought down to lower altitudes.
First it was named El Capitan by the Spanish explorers. Afterwards, it was changed to Pikes Highest Peak by Zebulon Pike. When Edwin James made it to the summit in 1820, he renamed it James Peak. But then in 1890, the government decided it would be Pikes Peak, in honor of Zebulon. And has been ever since.
Open Year round, weather permitting. Since the park closes two hours after the gates close, the hours listed are for the gate.
| October 1 – Thursday before Memorial Day | 9:00 am 3:00 pm |
| Friday before Memorial Day – Labor Day | 7:30 am – 6:00 pm |
| Tuesday after Labor Day – September 30 | 7:30 am – 5:00 pm |
| May 1 – November 30 | $15 / adult |
| December 1 – April 30 | $10 / adult |
Plan to spend between two and three hours here.
For the closest accommodations, you will need to book your hotel in Colorado Springs, CO. Best of all, my link will search through all the online sites to find you the best price available! And if you purchase your vacation through my link, this site will earn a small commission on your purchase. However, rest assured that it will not cost you anything extra! In fact, the only difference is that this site will earn a commission instead of another booking site. Thank your sponsorship!
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