Pikes peak; anyone been there?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,832
Likes: 127
From: Coastal Carolina
I lived in CO many years ago and back then it was all gravel....with no guardrails, VERY dangerous!
Back then a group of us used to jump into a big station wagon and drive to the top and ski down.....we'd take turns shuttle driving, the car was a big chairlift.
I'm sure all of this is illegal by now due to vulture-lawyers.
Back then a group of us used to jump into a big station wagon and drive to the top and ski down.....we'd take turns shuttle driving, the car was a big chairlift.
I'm sure all of this is illegal by now due to vulture-lawyers.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,973
Likes: 9
From: Colorado Springs CO
Ugh I have to look at it every day out my window...its paved all the way as others have said, gravel lot at the top, get a doughnut its great! Manitou Springs is a cool little town as well. Stop in Old Colorado City at Thunder and Buttons and have something to eat, food is the best!
Tourer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 274
Likes: 1
From: Lawrence, KS
I've been up twice. Once on a Goldwing in 2009 and then last year on my Ultra. Only one little section not paved last year. And the very top is still gravel. Both times I went up just after they opened the gates. No traffic at all.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,351
Likes: 461
From: Illinois
When I was at Mt. Evans last year, it depended on how many people were in line at the entrance if it was free or not. The rangers aren't supposed to let traffic back up on the state highway. They charge each vehicle as long as the line doesn't back out into the highway. Once it does, they wave everyone through that is in line and start charging again.
Dennis
Dennis
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,032
Likes: 9
From: Queen Creek, AZ
While you're in the area, check out Mt. Evans as well (haven't done the Pikes Peak route yet). I've done Evans twice. It's a great ride and you can brag that you've been on the highest continually paved road in NA. Mt. Evans can only be accessed between Memorial and Labor Days due to snow. When riding there in the summer, be sure to leave early in the morning...you don't want to get caught in an afternoon thunderstorm which is the norm, not the exception. Crazy wind and hail is usually present (this goes for all of the CO mountain areas).
Fewer people than pikes peak...in my experiences.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,464
Likes: 4
From: On. Canada
Yeah..why not?
Good to know!
I am considering taking the long way back home from Sturgis and do Mt Evans and Pikes Peak. I understand Kansas is boring and ruling it out. Alternative is either go back north and head east through Nebraska or head south to Oklahoma or northern Texas before turning east. Still looking into attractions/ things to see before making final plans.
When I was at Mt. Evans last year, it depended on how many people were in line at the entrance if it was free or not. The rangers aren't supposed to let traffic back up on the state highway. They charge each vehicle as long as the line doesn't back out into the highway. Once it does, they wave everyone through that is in line and start charging again.
Dennis
Dennis
I am considering taking the long way back home from Sturgis and do Mt Evans and Pikes Peak. I understand Kansas is boring and ruling it out. Alternative is either go back north and head east through Nebraska or head south to Oklahoma or northern Texas before turning east. Still looking into attractions/ things to see before making final plans.