What Pikes Peak Highway Offers
Pikes Peak Highway is a 19-mile toll road that climbs from the town of Manitou Springs to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak. The road is open year-round, though winter conditions can close it without notice. You drive your own vehicle — there is no shuttle or guided tour option on the highway itself, though the Pikes Peak Cog Railway offers an alternative if you prefer not to drive.
The drive takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour each way, depending on traffic and how often you stop. The road gains nearly 7,000 feet of elevation in those 19 miles, so the grade is steep and winding. At the summit you will find a visitor center, gift shop, and restaurant, plus parking and restroom facilities. The views extend across the Front Range and into New Mexico on clear days.
Key Takeaways
- Pikes Peak Highway costs $15 per vehicle as of 2024, paid at the tollbooth near Manitou Springs, and the road is open year-round but may close during winter storms.
- The 19-mile drive climbs steeply with many hairpin turns, so vehicles with poor brakes or overheating issues should not attempt it, and towing is not available on the road itself.
- The summit sits at 14,115 feet, so altitude sickness can affect visitors who arrive from lower elevations — plan to spend only an hour or two at the top if you are not acclimated.
- Cell service is unreliable above 10,000 feet, so download offline maps before you leave town and tell someone where you are going.
- The road is narrow and busy during peak season (May through October), so early morning or weekday visits offer better parking and shorter waits at the tollbooth.
Toll, Hours, and When to Go
The toll is $15 per vehicle as of 2024. The tollbooth sits at the base of the highway near Manitou Springs, roughly 10 minutes north of Colorado Springs. Hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from May through October, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from November through April. The road may close during winter storms or high winds, and there is no advance notice system — you find out when you arrive at the tollbooth.
Peak season runs May through October, when the road is crowded on weekends and afternoons. Weekday mornings, especially before 10 a.m., are quieter. If you visit in summer, the summit is often 20 to 30 degrees cooler than Colorado Springs, so bring a jacket even if it is warm in town.
Vehicle Requirements and Safety
Your vehicle must have working brakes and a functioning engine cooling system. The road has 156 curves and climbs steeply, so overheating is common in older vehicles or those towing trailers. Towing is not permitted on Pikes Peak Highway, and there is no tow service on the road — if your vehicle breaks down, you will need to call for help from the summit or a lower point with cell service.
Motorcycles and bicycles are allowed, but the road is narrow and busy. Bicycles descending the mountain can overheat their brakes, so many cyclists ride down slowly or walk sections. The road surface is paved but not always smooth, especially after winter. Trailers of any kind are prohibited.
What to Expect at the Summit
The summit visitor center is open during the same hours as the road. It holds a small museum about the mountain's history, a gift shop, and a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Restrooms are available. The parking lot fills quickly on weekends, especially in summer — if you cannot find a spot, you may need to circle or come back later.
Altitude sickness affects many visitors, particularly those who drove up from sea level or low elevation. Symptoms include headache, nausea, and shortness of breath. They usually pass within an hour or two, but they are worse if you exert yourself. Spend your time at the summit walking slowly, eating light food, and drinking water. If symptoms are severe, descend the mountain.
Seasons and Road Conditions
Summer (June through August) is the busiest season. The road is clear and dry, but expect crowds and full parking lots. Fall (September through October) offers fewer visitors and cooler temperatures, though afternoon thunderstorms are common in September.
Winter (November through April) brings snow and ice. The road may close without warning during storms or high winds. Even when open, conditions change rapidly — you might leave Colorado Springs in sunshine and encounter snow near the summit. Carry chains or a shovel, and check road conditions before you leave town. Spring (April and May) is unpredictable; snow can fall as late as May, and the road may close for maintenance.
Getting There and Parking
Pikes Peak Highway is accessed from Manitou Springs, a small town about 10 miles northwest of downtown Colorado Springs. From I-25, take Exit 141 and follow signs to Manitou Springs. The town sits at the base of the mountain and has restaurants, shops, and lodging if you want to spend time before or after the drive.
Parking at the base is free and plentiful. The summit parking lot is smaller and fills during peak hours. There is no reservation system, so arrive early if you visit on a weekend or holiday. Parking at the summit is included in your toll.
Alternatives to Driving
The Pikes Peak Cog Railway runs from Manitou Springs to the summit and back. The train takes about three hours round-trip and costs more than the highway toll, but you do not have to drive and you can relax during the climb. The railway operates May through November, with limited service in shoulder months. It is a good option if you are uncomfortable with steep mountain driving or if your vehicle is not suitable for the road.
Hiking is another option. The Barr Trail starts in Manitou Springs and climbs to the summit — it is 13 miles one way and takes most people 8 to 12 hours. This is a serious undertaking and requires early start, plenty of water, and good fitness. Most hikers do not attempt it as a day trip.
What to Bring and Prepare
Bring water and snacks, even if you plan to eat at the summit restaurant. Cell service is unreliable above 10,000 feet, so download offline maps of the area before you leave. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Wear layers — the temperature drops roughly 3 degrees for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain.
Check your vehicle's brakes and cooling system before you go. Fill your gas tank in town; there is no fuel at the summit. If you are visiting in winter or shoulder seasons, carry a blanket or emergency kit in case you get stranded. The road is well-maintained, but weather can change quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive down Pikes Peak Highway at night?
Yes, but it is not recommended. The road is narrow and winding, and there are no guardrails on many sections. Headlights illuminate only a short distance ahead on steep curves. If you are at the summit after dark, wait for daylight or use the Cog Railway to descend if it is still running.
What happens if my car overheats on the way up?
Pull over at a wide spot, turn off the air conditioning, and let the engine cool for 15 to 20 minutes. Do not open the radiator cap while the engine is hot. If overheating continues, descend slowly to a lower elevation. There is no tow service on the road, so call for help from a spot with cell service or from the summit.
Is there a weight or size limit for vehicles?
Trailers are not permitted. Oversized vehicles like large RVs may have difficulty with the tight curves and steep grades, but there is no official size limit. If your vehicle is longer than 40 feet or wider than 8 feet, call ahead to ask about conditions.
Do I need a reservation to drive Pikes Peak Highway?
No. You pay the toll at the base and drive up. There is no reservation system, but the road may close during storms or high winds. If you visit on a holiday or summer weekend, arrive early to avoid long waits at the tollbooth and to secure parking at the summit.
Can I bring my dog on Pikes Peak Highway?
Yes. Dogs are allowed in vehicles and on leashes at the summit. The altitude and thin air can stress animals, so keep visits short and bring water for your pet. Do not leave your dog in the car while you explore the summit.