Pikes Peak Climbing Notes
Pikes Peak climbing notes shared by Mountain-Forecast users
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(NOTE: Texts may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
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June 22, 2026
Kenneth Rohr from United States
I hiked Pikes Peak on June 19, 2026 via Crags Trail and Barr Trail October of 2025. I started around 3:45 a.m. night hiking in I did the Barr Trail a little different with a night hike in right after work getting to Barr Camp at 2 a.m. and sleeping under the stars with a crisp air. I really enjoyed both routes I did my research on the mountain and would say I chose the day based on winds and temperature and hoping to beat any possible storms. I understand that anything can happen but had really good views on both routes. I had Mt. Bierstadt as my first 14er but have a great appreciation for hiking and the interactions of people hiking up. It took me two days via Barr Trail and one day via crags via Devils Playground route. I'm approaching 48 year old and exercised on side of caution so was carrying heavy packs up so reduced probably my potential summit but you always wanna prepare for anything. I am an Army Vet with some hiking experience around Mt. Rainier up to an elevation of 10,000 feet. Safe travels and use your best judgment don't be a statistic and always respect the mountain.
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October 04, 2025
Terry Andrews from United States
I hiked Pikes Peak on September 9, 2025 via the Crags Trail. I started at 6:15 am and summited at 10:20 am. (I texted my wife at the summit). Conditions were dry and perfect with low winds. There were storm clouds gathering to the west and so I didn’t stay at the summit very long. Trip down was uneventful and I arrived at the Crags trailhead at 2:15 pm (exactly 8 hour trip up and down). I found the trail to be hardest between miles 2 and 3 because of trail erosion and lots of rocks to navigate. The last half mile up and down the talus was also tough.
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August 30, 2021
T4TE from United States
Completed the summit hike up Barr trail on Thursday, August 26, 2021. Started at 7:45am, beautiful blue skies. Hit the base camp by late morning, just before 11am averaging about 22 min. per mile. The first 3 miles are challenging with the sun and the constant switch backs gaining 1600 feet in the first two miles. Miles 5 & 6 were a breeze with only about 300 feet of elevation gain, also my fastest time of the day (a 20.17 mile and a 19.39 mile). Stopped for lunch at Barr camp after ~6.5 miles at ~3600 feet elevation gain, and then the real challenge begins.
Mile times quickly ran up from to 27 min. up to 35-40 min. miles for the last two miles to the top. Started seeing clouds roll in around mile 9-10, I hit a small amount of snow/rain in the last 2-3 miles, which really slowed me down further. Winds picked up toward to the top with about 10-15mph gusts.
The last 2.5 miles are very hard when trying to knock out the entire trip in one sitting. Many steps are straight up, knee height, requiring more energy and self propulsion up the mountain. Arrived sub 7 hours, with an average pace of 29.46 miles per hour.
Welcomed the train ride down, $35, which you can pay for when you get down to the bottom, ~45 minute ride down.
Great views, great challenge, carried about 2 liters of water and a 0.5L of Gatorade. Bring salty food. Highly recommend starting as early as possible to avoid the afternoon rain that usually comes in. Mile markers are not to be fully trusted.
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February 27, 2021
Halfbomb from United States
I ran/hiked Crags, Devil's Playground trails in an attempt to summit yesterday. Temperature was 8° to start but wasn't bad. Parked at the gate then snowshoed to Crags Trailhead. I had to switch to microspikes shortly after, due to bare spots!
The trail was mostly packed with some post holing. The Devil's Playground trail was difficult to find above treeline, no markings! I made it to the auto road but the wind gusts picked up substantially to a point it blew me off my feet! Turned back a mile from summiting! Total bummer. Two attempts now, no summit.
The wind blown ground snow was piercing my face until back below the treeline. First attempt was up Barr several weeks ago. 2 Mike's from summit lost the trail again! Not marked well. Are there any cairns along the trail?
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February 04, 2019
James from United States
The Mountain is really steep. If you are not in shape, I suggest taking the cog or driving up. If you are not used to the high altitude, Please be careful and stay hydrated. As all ways, Have fun.
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December 27, 2017
Brad from United States
Dec 20, 2017
Went up from Crags and planned to descend on Barr but encountered very high winds above Devil’s Playground around 10am so decided to turn back as my son was having a hard time keeping from going airborne. One site said 70mph gusts at that time. It was sunny blue skies and a beautiful day, so such high winds were a surprise. It was perfectly calm below the tree line though so still a good day.
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December 11, 2017
Matt from United States
Rail is not running, prepare your own method of descent. Round trip on 12/9/17, beautiful weather, minimal snow with, some icy spots near the summit and near Barr Camp.
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April 03, 2015
Tom from United States
4/4 trip up Crags to Pikes Peak... Bring some traction device for your shoes, the approach trail was very icy. Lots of postholg if you veer off the trail.
(NOTE: Texts may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
Kenneth Rohr from United States
I hiked Pikes Peak on June 19, 2026 via Crags Trail and Barr Trail October of 2025. I started around 3:45 a.m. night hiking in I did the Barr Trail a little different with a night hike in right after work getting to Barr Camp at 2 a.m. and sleeping under the stars with a crisp air. I really enjoyed both routes I did my research on the mountain and would say I chose the day based on winds and temperature and hoping to beat any possible storms. I understand that anything can happen but had really good views on both routes. I had Mt. Bierstadt as my first 14er but have a great appreciation for hiking and the interactions of people hiking up. It took me two days via Barr Trail and one day via crags via Devils Playground route. I'm approaching 48 year old and exercised on side of caution so was carrying heavy packs up so reduced probably my potential summit but you always wanna prepare for anything. I am an Army Vet with some hiking experience around Mt. Rainier up to an elevation of 10,000 feet. Safe travels and use your best judgment don't be a statistic and always respect the mountain.
Terry Andrews from United States
I hiked Pikes Peak on September 9, 2025 via the Crags Trail. I started at 6:15 am and summited at 10:20 am. (I texted my wife at the summit). Conditions were dry and perfect with low winds. There were storm clouds gathering to the west and so I didn’t stay at the summit very long. Trip down was uneventful and I arrived at the Crags trailhead at 2:15 pm (exactly 8 hour trip up and down). I found the trail to be hardest between miles 2 and 3 because of trail erosion and lots of rocks to navigate. The last half mile up and down the talus was also tough.
T4TE from United States
Completed the summit hike up Barr trail on Thursday, August 26, 2021. Started at 7:45am, beautiful blue skies. Hit the base camp by late morning, just before 11am averaging about 22 min. per mile. The first 3 miles are challenging with the sun and the constant switch backs gaining 1600 feet in the first two miles. Miles 5 & 6 were a breeze with only about 300 feet of elevation gain, also my fastest time of the day (a 20.17 mile and a 19.39 mile). Stopped for lunch at Barr camp after ~6.5 miles at ~3600 feet elevation gain, and then the real challenge begins.
Mile times quickly ran up from to 27 min. up to 35-40 min. miles for the last two miles to the top. Started seeing clouds roll in around mile 9-10, I hit a small amount of snow/rain in the last 2-3 miles, which really slowed me down further. Winds picked up toward to the top with about 10-15mph gusts.
The last 2.5 miles are very hard when trying to knock out the entire trip in one sitting. Many steps are straight up, knee height, requiring more energy and self propulsion up the mountain. Arrived sub 7 hours, with an average pace of 29.46 miles per hour.
Welcomed the train ride down, $35, which you can pay for when you get down to the bottom, ~45 minute ride down.
Great views, great challenge, carried about 2 liters of water and a 0.5L of Gatorade. Bring salty food. Highly recommend starting as early as possible to avoid the afternoon rain that usually comes in. Mile markers are not to be fully trusted.
Halfbomb from United States
I ran/hiked Crags, Devil's Playground trails in an attempt to summit yesterday. Temperature was 8° to start but wasn't bad. Parked at the gate then snowshoed to Crags Trailhead. I had to switch to microspikes shortly after, due to bare spots!
The trail was mostly packed with some post holing. The Devil's Playground trail was difficult to find above treeline, no markings! I made it to the auto road but the wind gusts picked up substantially to a point it blew me off my feet! Turned back a mile from summiting! Total bummer. Two attempts now, no summit.
The wind blown ground snow was piercing my face until back below the treeline. First attempt was up Barr several weeks ago. 2 Mike's from summit lost the trail again! Not marked well. Are there any cairns along the trail?
James from United States
The Mountain is really steep. If you are not in shape, I suggest taking the cog or driving up. If you are not used to the high altitude, Please be careful and stay hydrated. As all ways, Have fun.
Brad from United States
Dec 20, 2017
Went up from Crags and planned to descend on Barr but encountered very high winds above Devil’s Playground around 10am so decided to turn back as my son was having a hard time keeping from going airborne. One site said 70mph gusts at that time. It was sunny blue skies and a beautiful day, so such high winds were a surprise. It was perfectly calm below the tree line though so still a good day.
Matt from United States
Rail is not running, prepare your own method of descent. Round trip on 12/9/17, beautiful weather, minimal snow with, some icy spots near the summit and near Barr Camp.
Tom from United States
4/4 trip up Crags to Pikes Peak... Bring some traction device for your shoes, the approach trail was very icy. Lots of postholg if you veer off the trail.
