Pikes Peak

Recommended Route

Barr Trail Route—use of this route will help to reduce impacts to this Fourteener’s fragile alpine environment. For detailed route information including pictures, maps, and elevation profiles, click here.

Route Information and Additional Resources

The trailhead is in Manitou Springs, CO. off Ruxton Avenue. It is located above the Pikes Peak Cog Railroad Depot. The Barr Trail is thirteen miles long (one-way to the summit) and gains 7400 feet. It is a very long day hike. For a two-day climb, bunkhouse camping and tent sites are available for a nominal fee at Barr’s Camp, located at 9,800 feet. Confirm availability ahead of time. Information can be obtained from Barrco Inc., Barr Camp, P.O. Box 6283, Colorado Springs, CO 80934. Reservations should be directed to Pikes Peak Alpine School, Inc. 823 E. Monument, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, or by phone at (719) 630-3934. Also, an open shelter is located about 9 miles up the trail just below timberline.

The above information does not replace the need to consult additional maps and Colorado Fourteener Guidebooks for more detailed route descriptions. We suggest checking multiple resources before departing on any hike. Keep in mind that not all guidebooks list this recommended route and that each guidebook’s description or route name may vary slightly.

Peak Specific Environmental and Safety Concerns

Camp and Travel on Durable Surfaces. In order to minimize human impacts to the mountain, hikers are encouraged to stay on the Barr Trail Route which is well maintained for this purpose. Switchback cutting is dangerous (i.e., dislodging rocks to hikers below) and the environmental damage is extensive due to the high volume of use. If hiking in the spring and snow travel is necessary, please stay within the trail route corridor and travel on the trail when visible. Make a concerned effort to avoid traveling over vegetation during this particularly sensitive time of year.

Dispose of Waste Properly. Proper disposal of human waste is a huge concern. Toilets are located at the trailhead and at Barr Camp, half-way up the trail. If you are unable to make use of these facilities, please observe proper “leave no trace” ethics (ie: below timberline: bury waste well off the trail, pack out used toilet paper. Above timberline: pack out solid human waste.)

Due to heavy use by hikers, this trail is not recommended for mountain bikes or horses.