Log In 
Peak(s):  Pikes Peak  -  14,109 feet
Date Posted:  06/19/2012
Date Climbed:   06/16/2012
Author:  HarknessHooligans
 The Gentle Giant - Crags   

Start: 5:30am
Summit: 9:40am


In summary, there is no snow. This is an excellent hike even though you can drive to the top. I was surprised with how big and beautiful this peak was. I am nick-naming Pikes Peak, The Gentle Giant, because it is such a big mountain with rolling hills on one side and some exposure on the other. It doesn't look very intense from Co Springs, yet it has a great amount of elevation gain and makes you still work for your reward. If starting from Manitou Springs, you gain over 7,000 ft! Pikes is definitely one big Gentle Giant.

We have relatives that live in Co Springs that we haven't seen for over 2 years. This seemed like a great opportunity to visit and quickly bag a peak. We only did the ascent and had our Uncle pick us up at the top so we could spend more time with family this past weekend.

We picked up our cousin in Denver and headed down to Co Springs Friday evening. We woke up early to find our Aunt cooking us a full course breakfast and 4am! Never thought I would get to eat warm French Toast, bacon and orange juice the morning before I hit a 14er trail. It was awesome! We left the house at 4:30am and got to the Crags trailhead and started hiking by 5:30am.

After you see the 3 pipes, the small 664 Devils Playground turnoff comes up quick. Dont miss it.
Image

Some photos of the first part of the hike.
Image
Loved being above the clouds. Very cool to watch

Image

You gain some good elevation and eventually pop up over the hill and are granted with your first view of Pikes and an amazing valley. It was so vast and green.
Image

Image

Image
Pikes peeking over the hill

We hiked past the Devils Playground. This is an excellent area to take advantage of a faster pace. The trail is very wide and flat.
Image

Image

After you pass the cool rock formations, you will finally encounter the road. It wasn't as weird as I thought it would be to see a paved road on a 14er hike. From here on out the road will be in your view most of the time. It really didn't bother me because I thought the hike was still so pretty and unique.
Image
Any takers?

Image

We came to a really cool lookout point where we stopped and relaxed for a good 15 minutes and tried to take in all the beauty. The cliffs on this back side were incredible.
Image

Image
Resting on the wall

Follow the trail and keep a lookout for cairns. We actually lost the trail at one point and followed some hikers across the road again. You shouldn't have the cross the road a 2nd time. Stay left of the road from here on out.
Image

Image

Image
The trail disappears here. Follow your way through this area and make sure to stay off the tundra. There are plenty of rock

Keep a look out for cairns. They are tricky to find sometimes. The trail eventually comes back after you have boulder hopped across that field.
Image

Finally you will start up the rocky peak. This was an excellent trail! Kudos to those who created it. The rocks are stable and most of them were flat (like walking up stairs). I was impressed. It was very hiker friendly considering that the entire last part is hiking on rocks and boulders. It was quick and painless and before we knew it we reached the top.
Image

Image

Image

Image
Changing up the summit picture

And of course I couldn't come all this way without also concurring the summit sign at the top.
Image


We all felt great. Our ascent took us about 4 hours. As weird as it is to reach the summit and find a mass of visitors, we rather enjoyed spending time in the summit house drinking hot chocolate. I got a cute souvenir for my little 2 year old son who was waiting for me back at the Springs. It was a perfect trip. We were glad for this time around that we had transportation off the mountain because a storm rolled in, as the weather had predicted, that brought with it some lightning and hail.

Overall, Pikes Peak was amazing. Before hiking, it had not been desirable to me. Pikes proved me wrong and showed me how beautiful its slopes are. You shouldn't let the idea of a road to the top stop you from hiking this mountain. It is still a great hike!



Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21


Comments or Questions
SolarAlex
User
nice
6/19/2012 2:28pm
planning on hiking this route one day next week, great pictures!


FireOnTheMountain
User
Is that
6/19/2012 4:48pm
Ryan Cerise?????


HarknessHooligans
User
FireOnTheMountain
6/19/2012 5:54pm
Yeah! Good guess. How do you know him?


huffy13
User
Very nice!
6/19/2012 6:07pm
I agree that many folks under-appreciate Pikes for some reason...I thought it was a great hike with some amazing views. especially from the Crags campground route.


FireOnTheMountain
User
re:
6/19/2012 7:51pm
Ryan and I graduated in the same class from Cheyenne Mtn HS. Just recognized him. Nice job on the Pike!


jsdratm
User
re:
6/19/2012 8:32pm
The Crags route is really cool. It would be nice to take some time to explore the subpeaks around Pikes.


kansas
User
Great Report
6/20/2012 1:35am
I have really enjoyed Pikes both times I've been on it for its uniqueness, great peak that too many look down their nose at.


Zol
User
Great Pics
6/30/2012 6:59pm
My buddy and I were planning on this trail in two weeks but with the fire we may have to put it off for another time. I enjoyed reading your report and looking at the pics.



   Not registered?


Caution: The information contained in this report may not be accurate and should not be the only resource used in preparation for your climb. Failure to have the necessary experience, physical conditioning, supplies or equipment can result in injury or death. 14ers.com and the author(s) of this report provide no warranties, either express or implied, that the information provided is accurate or reliable. By using the information provided, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 14ers.com and the report author(s) with respect to any claims and demands against them, including any attorney fees and expenses. Please read the 14ers.com Safety and Disclaimer pages for more information.


Please respect private property: 14ers.com supports the rights of private landowners to determine how and by whom their land will be used. In Colorado, it is your responsibility to determine if land is private and to obtain the appropriate permission before entering the property.