Pikes Peak

Route: Northwest Slopes
Posted On: 1/21/2025, By: bigfoot1
Info: I didn't summit, just went to crags.

The road and up to the junction to devils playground is very solidly packed out. I didn't use any traction at all today.

Passed 2 people coming down from Pikes Peak around 1300 who said about 3 miles from the trailhead, there are a bunch of wind drifts that they postholed through. Also said it might have been slightly faster to switch to snowshoes but they didn't think it was worth it. They were both wearing spikes. They also didn't summit, but did say the wind was picking up and was probably 40mph from the steep bit and that it was supposed to go up to 80-100mph later tonight. 

Route: Northwest Slopes
Posted On: 1/10/2025, By: outerbanksdad
Info: I arrived at the gate at 9:00 pm the night before, but it was still locked. I left my car at 4:00 am, and the temperature was a chilling -10 degrees. Both my iPhone and Zelo struggled to function in the cold, as they are rated for -4 degrees according to their specifications. I tucked them into my base layer pocket, and thankfully, they started working again. Unfortunately, all my water had frozen. The snow was about 18-24 inches deep all the way to the trailhead, and thats where the real adventure began. Even with snowshoes, I found myself sinking up to my knees and sometimes my waist for the first 2.5 miles. After that, I managed to go about another 200 yards to a switchback that had 3-4 feet of steep, hard-packed snow. I had to use my ice axe, but when I reached the top, I post-holed deeply and broke one of my hiking poles. At that point, I realized there was no way I could summit, even with another pole due to the time. I didn't want to get back late at night because of my slow speed with the snow progress. I made the decision to turn back and it took me until noon to make it back to my vehicle. This would have been my 14th 14er in the last six months. I climbed Princeton in November, where the snow was abundant but well-packed, which made things easier. On my way back, I encountered a member of COSAR who mentioned that I had missed the best window for ascending until spring. He noted that with that much snow, it would likely stick around until then. I'll try again in the spring for another accent. 

Route: Northwest Slopes
Posted On: 1/4/2025, By: Dan Kearney
Info: Parked at the gate closure a mile down the road from the trail head. Hard packed trail all the way to treeline. Above treeline to the summit was a mix of snow and dirt, but navigation was straightforward. Snow on the push up to the summit had a few trap doors. Flotation is definitely not needed, but spikes and poles were helpful for some sections. Went over Devils Playground Peak and Little Pikes on the way up and there were no issues. 

Route: East Slopes
Posted On: 1/6/2025, By: Jonathan Deffenbaugh
Info: Climbed the East Slopes route via the Incline. Route was doable without snowshoes, however microspikes and trekking poles were a must for balance on a snow slope crossing to access the main switchback going across the East Face to the 13,300' overlook. Regardless the route was still easy to follow, however one can climb the East Face directly to the main switchback to save time if needed, since there wasn't as much snow, compared to the right side of East Slope. Not much had changed as far as route conditions go since I had also climbed the route back on winter solstice, however that may change with this week's 6-11 Jan storms coming through. 

Route: East Slopes
Posted On: 11/14/2024, By: dfryberg
Info: Snow on the trail to Barr camp, drifted over in places but passable without traction. Snowshoes a must
1/2 mile after Barr camp. I broke trail almost to 8 mile marker at 11,400, very slow going. Snow depth kept increasing causing postholing at times even with snow shoes. pics from around 5 mile, and then the trail above 7.5 mile showing it in front of me unbroken, and below. 

Route: East Slopes
Posted On: 10/23/2024, By: pklotzbach
Info: Climbed Barr Trail from Manitou Springs. There is 3-6" of snow in spots above the A-Frame, with the deepest snow on the 16 Golden Stairs. I didn't use traction climbing up, but it was really helpful coming down. There are also some icy spots between the Bottomless Pit Trail junction and the A-Frame, but these can all be avoided. 

Route: Northwest Slopes
Posted On: 10/20/2024, By: EJHannah
Info: Came up Crags. Decent bit of snow but not as bad as the Sawatch. It is avoidable until you get up to 13k. Also further avoidable if you stick to the road, which is plowed as usual. I tagged Devils Playground and Little Pikes Peak (this was my highlight of the day, fun snowy boulders). Pushed up the trail from Little Pikes Peak and it felt slower than the road moving on rock but it was definitely quicker for gaining altitude. Road adds some distance.

Currently enjoying the warmth of the summit. Did not use spikes or floatation. Boot pack is pretty solid on full trail, though wind does blow it away quick. 

Route: Barr Trail
Posted On: 10/20/2024, By: Rockfordbuckeye
Info: Mixed ice/snow that did not require microspikes from about mile 7 until above tree line. Once above tree line fresh soft snow 3-6 inches deep with some deeper drifts. Crampons or microspikes not needed but poles may be helpful and waterproof boots needed.
Total trip time 7hr (up only) for two experienced in deep snow (Rainier/Hood) but unacclimatized hikers. 

Route: East Slopes
Posted On: 9/30/2024, By: tlgold1990
Info: Snowfree. Beautiful sunny day, a little too hot for me though. Left Barr Lot around 515am and there were only a handful of parking spots left. Packed in to Barr Camp where we had a lean to reservation. Arrived around 9am, checked in, dropped our camping gear, filtered water, ate and left around 930am, continuing to the summit. Took me forever because of the heat but made it to the summit. Enjoyed the donuts, some food and refilled our water before heading back. Summit house closes at 3pm and in the gift shop they do have a station for hikers to refill water. I asked about the free donuts. I was told they don't do free donuts for hikers but they ended up "doing it this one time for free"... so for what that's worth, ask!!! 

Route: Northwest Slopes
Posted On: 9/26/2024, By: nathanolds146
Info: Almost entirely snow free after last week's storm. Snow only present below treeline. 

Route: East Slopes
Posted On: 9/1/2024, By: Pwrfghtr08
Info: No parking at trailhead at 5:40 am, had to park in Manitou. Trail wasn't very crowded once you get past the top of the incline. No difficulties on the trail. 

Route: East Slopes
Posted On: 8/12/2024, By: greenschist
Info: The Barr Trail will be closed from Tuesday 8/13 - Wednesday 8/14, along with the Manitou Incline.

From FB page for US Forest Service - PSICC:


The #PikesPeakRangerDistrict of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands will move forward with removing a section of a large boulder blocking Barr Trail (#620). The removal will take place Aug. 13-14, 2024; a thorough assessment of the situation has already been completed, and all options and risks have been weighed. The boulder slid onto Barr Trail (#620) in early spring, the result of a rain-caused rockslide. The boulder is a safety hazard for visitors on the trail, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service has received multiple reports on the status of the trail.

Barr Trail is a very busy trail, and we want to make sure this trail and all Forest Service trails are safe and maintained for generations to come, said Pikes Peak District Ranger Carl Bauer. Removing a section of this boulder will make the route more accessible for the public and continue to be a great option for a return hike down the incline or a daytrip up Pikes Peak.

Due to the nature of this work, Barr Trail (#620) and the Manitou Incline will be temporarily closed on August 13-14. The public should avoid the area on the days that work will take place, as there will be safety hazards. A top priority of the Forest Service is to increase access to public lands and for all to feel welcome to enjoy them. We appreciate the publics understanding and cooperation during this closure.

For more information, contact the Pikes Peak Ranger District at 601 South Weber Colorado Springs, Colo., 80903, 719-636-1602. 

Route: East Slopes
Posted On: 8/10/2024, By: joshb
Info: No parking at the barr trail lot at 4:30am. No snow encountered, but in a few locations streams have made their way into the trail (not a big deal).
Clouds came in around 1-ish, and thunder was heard to the northeast but was not near. Got some rain/tiny hail and cold winds started to whip in progressively throughout the afternoon. 

Route: Northwest Slopes
Posted On: 8/3/2024, By: bigfoot1
Info: Great weather, still plenty of parking after 7am. No spots left at noon. Saw ~20 people on the stretch of trail before the auto road. 

Route: Northwest Slopes
Posted On: 7/4/2024, By: StevieRay
Info: Summer conditions, one very small snow crossing of maybe 30 feet is all that's left.
I think I left a Garmin InReach Messenger at the Crags parking lot sometime after 10am on 7/4 when I finished up. If you happen to find it and could shoot me a message I would appreciate it!