Pikes Peak - Colorado Springs, CO

Pikes Peak or bust! At an altitude of 14,110 feet above sea level, Pikes Peak is the 31st highest peak out of 54 Colorado peaks and is the farthest east of the big peaks in the Rocky Mountain chain, which led to its early fame among explorers, pioneers and immigrants and made it the symbol of the 1859 Gold Rush to Colorado. Located 60 miles south of Denver, this place is all about outdoor recreation and entertaining attractions, entertainment. Each year, about 15,000 people attempt to climb Pikes Peak on foot. The 13-mile trail begins at the base of the Peak in Manitou Springs. The 19-mile Pikes Peak Highway, paved part of the way, is open year round, weather permitting and Barr Trail is the longest of any trails leading to the top of the 54 mountains in Colorado that are over 14,000 feet, and offers the greatest base-to-summit elevation gain in the state: at 7,400 feet. Each year, the Pikes Peak Marathon, a 26 mile round trip foot race up Barr Trail and then back down each August, draws of runners from all over the world and the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is a race on the 12.42 mile gravel road which starts around the 6 1/2 mile mark on the highway. But besides hiking, you've got wildlife, nature, events and over 50 area attractions, plus whitewater rafting, the Garden of the Gods, historical sites, stunning visitor centers, downtown night life nearby, shopping, horseback riding, and a mountain zoo! From caves, trains, cowboy dinners, dinner theaters, castles, one-of-a-kind shopping posts, to bridges, waterfalls, mining treasures, pottery, there is literally something fun here for everyone, all ages.