Laninga's Travel Blog

We’ve tried to drive to the top of Pikes Peak before, but weather always was an issue.   Even today, the road was closed until noon, when the ice melted.  And believe me, you don’t want to drive this road when it is slippery!  Also, you better not be afraid of heights, as much of the top 12 miles are along sheer cliffs and no shoulder.  But the scenery is magnificent!

We were lucky that the leaves were just starting to turn, so we were able to combine driving to the top with color peeping.  Certainly a scenic wonder, and based on the number of people, other thought so too.

But don’t think this is an easy ride.  On the way down, there is a mandatory brake check, where they measure the temperature of your brakes.  If it is too hot, you have to pull off and wait before continuing.  I guess that is better than losing your brakes….

It is hard to realize that the record for the 12 mile climb (During the annual Pikes Peak Hill Climb) to the top is 8 minutes… almost 90 mph average!  Crazy!

Colorful quaking aspens

Pikes Peak in the background, colors below

Looking down shows you just how steep the road is

A great overlook

Now that is a hairpin turn!

The very top is now in sight

Looking from the top

Colorado Springs, from 14,140 feet up

Of course, you could take the Cogg train…

Mandatory brake temperature check

Despite recent rains, the lakes are still low

Driving back down amongst the colorful aspens