Hitching a Ride on Pikes Peak

[cotrlrunner]

I am doing Pikes Peak tomorrow and I am curious as to how tough it is to hitch a ride down. I've never heard of anyone not getting a ride.

[jsdratm]

I've never tried it, but I would personally be more likely to pick up a hitchhiker on Pikes Peak than some dirty vagrant on the side of the interstate. :D

[HuskyRunner]

Aren't you a trail runner? What's wrong with running down?

[jeffCC]

Sounds like people do it regularly, but it would sure suck to have no way down. It is officially prohibited by the toll road folks. Even walking along the road can get you a ticket. But I imagine that in the parking area a runner/hiker might seem quite the curiosity to a flatlander returning to their car. Could be easier to strike up a conversation there first.

[cotrlrunner]

Yeah, stupid question. I've never heard anyone not being able to get down. I'm sure there will be people up there doing 3-2-1's or some other training for the Ascent / Marathon.

[lafutura]

i did a winter ascent of pikes and started heading back down as cars were leaving the lot at the end of the day. during the brief periods of time we intersected with the road (and a car), we were offered rides by anyone we encountered, but turned them all down as it's not the same if you only go up but down as well...

besides, i'm sure the guy in the restaurant selling hot dogs (with an emt shirt on, ironically) can always come to your rescue.

[jrs1965]

I had done it once. Caught a ride down with a bunch of frat-boys from Pennsylvania, was a fun ride down to say the least...

[kman]

I am doing Pikes Peak tomorrow and I am curious as to how tough it is to hitch a ride down. I've never heard of anyone not getting a ride.

It's not that difficult. Approach any of the employees working in the Summit House, and have them make an announcement over the PA system that you are wanting a ride down. More than one person will usually always be willing to take you down.

[cotrlrunner]

I will start practicing my hitchhiker thumb. :D

[jeffCC]

hey jacqlyn,

Saturday was an "interesting" day around here.

Did you climb PP? Make it down?

[alpenglow]

I made a sign saying "Hiked 13+ miles up, need a ride down". My hubby and I got a ride within 5 minutes in the bed of a pickup truck from a family from Texas who had just moved their mustangs to a new ranch in C.S. I asked about the PA announcement and was told that legally they could not do that due to liability issues. I then was asked for my sign from some other hikers who also needed a lift. It was great because I am all about recycle/reuse.

[bob863]

of course, there's nothing wrong with hauling a bike (road or mtb) up on your back and then coast/fly down...