Pikes Peak Area - South Central Colorado

Experience the Pikes Peak Area of Colorado

Colorado's Pikes Peak region is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty, centered around Pikes Peak, America's Mountain, that stands at 14,107 feet and dominates the western horizon. It is the 30th highest peak in Colorado and inspired Katharine Lee Bates' famous song, 'America the Beautiful.' The region's stunning landscapes attract outdoor enthusiasts year-round. The Pikes Peak & Cripple Creek Area Map, offers an overview of the region, making it an invaluable tool for planning memorable day trips.

While the region offers a plethora of spring, summer, and fall activities, Pike National Forest also provides winter adventures including, Snowmobiling, Off-roading, and Horseback Riding, all set against beautiful views and opportunities for wildlife viewing in a snowy backdrop.

The regions name sake Pikes Peak was known as "Tava," by the Tabeguache Ute people; or in english "Sun Mountain." The name reflects the mountain's significance as the sun's rays touched it each morning before lighting the valley below, symbolizing its sacred connection to their Creator. This holy site for the Tabeguache clarifies their name's origin as "People of Sun Mountain." Both the Ute Pass Historical Society & Pikes Peak Museum in Woodland Park and the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument Museum in Divide have exhibits highlighting the Tabeguache people in the cultural and regional history.

In 1858 the Pikes Peak Region was part of the Kansas/Nebraska Territory, truly a wilderness of Ute, Arapaho, and Cheyenne communities, trappers, and military scouts; when gold was discovered mountain men and emigrants looking to strike it rich were referred to as “Fifty-Niners” as they packed up their horses and wagons heading west with the battle cry of "Pikes Peak or Bust!" This rapid growth led to the creation of the Colorado Territory in 1861. Today rodeo fans celebrate Colorado's wild west spirit at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo at the Norris Penrose Event Center.

There are plenty of activities regardless of how long you stay — whether for a weekend, a week, or a season. Enjoy scenic drives, hiking, and fishing, and visit family-friendly sights like Pikes Peak National Landmark, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Garden of the Gods Recreation Area, and the Penny Arcade in Historic Manitou Springs. It's a perfect retreat for families, adventurers, and nature enthusiasts in any season.

Garden of the Gods Trails are family-friendly for hikers of all skill levels, featuring the accessible 1.5-mile Perkins Central Garden Trail, which winds through the park's iconic rock formations. The Scotsman/Buckskin Charlie Trail offers beautiful views. Driving through the park, visitors will see formations like Kissing Camels and the Tower of Babel. For those seeking adventure, rock climbing is permitted, allowing you to experience the scenery from a different perspective. Biking and horseback riding are allowed on select trails. Throughout the park, you will marvel at natural sculptures such as Balanced Rock and the Cathedral Spires. Be sure to stop by the Visitor & Nature Center to watch an informative film about the area's geology, learn about the Ute people, and participate in educational events. Don't miss the Garden of the Gods Trading Post, browse unique souvenirs and discover local crafts that celebrate natures wonder, plus they serve the world best buffalo burger!

Manitou Springs is named for its mineral springs and offers a delightful self-guided walking tour sampling eight unique springs throughout historic downtown. Begin your adventure by picking up a map at the Manitou Springs Heritage Center, set aside at least an hour for the 1.5-mile walking journey. Be sure to plan more time to also browse the many shops and restaurants. Start at the Seven Minute Spring, then continue to Shoshone, Navajo, Wheeler, Cheyenne, Stratton, and Twin Spring, concluding your tour at Iron Spring. Enjoy the unique flavors and historical significance of each. FUN FACT: Manitou Springs' mineral springs were sacred and central to the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Tabeguache Ute peoples' spiritual and cultural practices. They believed the naturally carbonized water was the "Breath of the Great Spirit, Manitou,” providing healing powers and spiritual rejuvenation. In the mid-19th century, settlers promoted these waters for their health benefits in treating tuberculosis; however, they did not provide a cure.

If you're seeking a bucket list challenge, the Manitou Incline is a 2,768-step ascent with 2,000-feet of elevation gain on Pikes Peak. Although few complete it, the climb is totally worth the effort! The steps follow the original cable car route from 1891. There are three exit points: At 395 steps using the Northern Incline Return Trail (0.35-mile return hike), at 1,300 steps using the Northern Incline Return Trail (1.5-mile return hike), and at 1,800 steps, where a bench awaits for a rest and snack, using the Barr Trail (1.9-mile return hike). At the top, celebrate with a well-deserved rest and enjoy stunning scenery, and bragging rights for an unforgettable experience. The adventure continues with a 3.5-mile descent along Barr Trail's switchbacks. PRO TIP: You won't summit Pikes Peak from the Manitou Incline, missing the famous donuts above 14,000 feet. Most people take the Cog Railway or the Pikes Peak toll road to reach the summit, 7,515 feet above the Incline.

Cascade-Chipita Park, nestled at the foot of Pikes Peak National Monument, is a quick 10-minute drive or leisurely 20-minute bike ride to the Pikes Peak Tollgate. To the northwest, Crystal Creek Reservoir is secluded serenity where folks savor quiet moments of hiking, fishing for rainbow trout, paddle boarding, and picnics on the sandy beach; its' million dollar waterfront view of Pikes Peak is ideal for family photos and selfies. The perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for those seeking a mountain getaway.

Pikes Peak Highway Scenic Drive is a 12-mile tollroad leading to the summit of the world's second-most-visited mountain, open year-round. Enjoy spectacular scenery as the road winds upward. Crystal Reservoir and Glen Cove offer trails that highlight seasonal beauty, from vibrant fall foliage and colorful summer wildflowers to serene winter snowshoeing and spring birdwatching. PRO TIP: Look for the Bigfoot Crossing sign after Crowe Gulch Picnic Grounds, near Mile Marker 4. Also, stop at the Glen Cove Inn Gift Shop at Mile Marker 6 after the brake check to acclimate to the elevation — drink water to avoid altitude sickness, browse the shop, or hike the moderate 1.5-mile trail.

Green Mountain Falls is a tranquil retreat surrounded by national forest land and three large reservoirs, just 30 minutes west of Historic Downtown Colorado Springs. It offers outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and stargazing, making it perfect for nature lovers and families seeking a slower-paced vacation. The area features 20 miles of magnificent Pedestrian Hiking Trails used year-round, with highlights including the two beautiful waterfalls, Crystal Falls and Catamount Falls.

Woodland Park, the 'City Above the Clouds' at 8,481 feet, is a family-friendly destination. Visit the Ute Pass Historical Society for engaging exhibits on the region's rich history and culture. Surrounded by outdoor activities like hiking, biking, horseback riding, and winter snowshoeing. Twenty minutes from Rampart Reservoir Recreation Area, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, and the northern entrance to the Gold Belt Tour Scenic Byway, it is a charming mountain getaway. Outdoor enthusiasts love the excellent fishing at Pike National Forest's largest reservoir, Rampart, where anglers cast lines from shore or motorized watercraft hoping to catch Rainbow, Brown and Cutthroat Trout, Northern Pike, Kokanee Salmon, and Bluegill. There are trails for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Promontory Picnic Area offers picnic sites and allows pets on leashes.

Woodland Park serves as a gateway to Colorado's Front Range, offering extensive Off-Road Trails for ATV, UTV, 4x4s, and Snowmobiling within the Rampart Range and Pike National Forest. Rampart Range Road provides access to trails like Road 302, which begins near Rampart Reservoir and winds along Ormes Peak, Devils Kitchen, and Blodgett Peak. Snowmobiling is allowed on designated trails like Rainbow Falls Motorized Routes in winter, but is only permitted on Rampart Range Road from December 1 through April 1. All off-highway vehicles (OHVs) must display a current Colorado OHV registration use permit.

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, between Woodland Park and Divide, offers a captivating year-round experience exploring a prehistoric lake's habitat preserved by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. The park features fossils of over 60,000 plants and animals including early insects and provides educational programs about Earth's history. Recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, it is an excellent spot for stargazing on cloudless starry nights. Occasionally, storytelling events led by Ute elders highlight their traditions, creation stories, and stewardship of ancestral lands. Families and nature enthusiasts enjoy hiking trails that offer birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and vibrant fall colors. In winter, the park transforms into a serene wonderland perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Deckers, the "Trout Fishing Capital of Colorado," is a serene riverside retreat along the South Platte River, between Castle Rock and Woodland Park on Highway 67. This scenic drive showcases majestic mountains, rolling hills, and expansive meadows. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy excellent fishing, kayaking, and peaceful spots to relax, with multiple access points for anglers attracted to the abundant trout. Seasonal activities include wildlife viewing of deer and elk, fall foliage, and spring wildflower hikes.

Connecting all these towns is Pike National Forest, a winter wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as snowshoeing on serene trails, cross-country skiing on designated routes, and family-friendly sledding and tubing areas. Adventurous climbers can try ice climbing, while winter hiking provides peaceful trails with beautiful views against the snowy backdrop.

Just a short drive from many cities in the Pikes Peak Region, hunters can explore several premier hunting units, including Units 38, 49, 511, and 2. These areas are celebrated for their thriving populations of elk, deer, and small game in Colorado's wilderness. Whether you're an experienced hunter or a beginner, these units offer diverse terrain and rewarding opportunities to immerse yourself in the heart of the region's hunting heritage.

Driving Directions and Location: Cascade-Chipita Park, Deckers, Green Mountain Falls, Manitou Springs & Woodland Park, Colorado

The Pikes Peak Region in south-central Colorado is a diverse and historically rich area west of Colorado Springs. It spans 60 miles along US Highway 24, also known as Ute Pass, which historically served as a vital route for the migrating Ute people, and State Highway 67. Deckers, situated at the northern entrance of the region, lies 50 miles south of Denver, while Manitou Springs, the southern entrance, is 75 miles south of Denver.

Commercial air travel accommodations are handled by the City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (COS). Please contact your preferred travel agent or airline for flight arrangements.

Pikes Peak Area is near: Colorado Springs Metro, Cripple Creek & Pikes Peak West

Featured Pikes Peak Area Businesses

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RV Sales, Service & Rentals

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For more travel information contact:

Pikes Peak Area Activities & Maps

National Parks and Monuments:
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Garden of the Gods Recreation Area
Pikes Peak National Landmark
The United States Air Force Academy

Scenic Byways:
Gold Belt Tour Scenic Byway
Pikes Peak Highway Scenic Drive

Hiking Trails:
Garden of the Gods Recreation Area Hiking Trail
Green Mountain Falls Hiking Trails

Fishing:
Rampart Reservoir Fishing Map

Jeep & 4WD:
Monument & Woodland Park Jeeping & ATV/UTV Trails

Snowmobiling:
Monument, Woodland Park & Pikes Peak Snowmobile Trails

Local Area Maps:
Colorado Springs Area Map
Pikes Peak & Cripple Creek Area Map

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