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- CFI Seasonal Job Announcements Posted
– February 7, 2012
CFI is looking for 12 enthusiastic, hard-working seasonal staff leaders/members to complete our most ambitious project season in years. If you think you have what … Read More
- Endowment Gift to Support Adopt-a-Peak Internship Renamed in Memory of Fourteener Enthusiast Kimberly Appelson
– February 3, 2012
A $50,000 gift from Larry and Barbara Appelson of Naperville, Ill. will seed an endowment designed to support Colorado Fourteeners Initiative’s summer internship for aspiring … Read More
- Ben Hanus joins CFI’s staff as Sustainable Trails Project Coordinator
– January 14, 2012
We are excited to announce that Ben Hanus, an employee on CFI projects the past three seasons, has joined the core staff as the coordinator … Read More
- 2011 Year-end Summary, 2012 Season Preview
– December 19, 2011
Take a quick look back at this past summer’s record accomplishments. Or, take a sneak peak at next year’s planned projects. Both can be found … Read More
Pikes Peak
- Elevation:14,110 feet (31st highest)
- Maps:USGS Quad: Pikes Peak
Trails Illustrated® – TOPO Map # 137
Click here to purchase Trails Illustrated® maps for this route. - Contact:US Forest Service, Pikes Peak Ranger District 719.636.1602
Recommended Route Barr Trail Route—use of this route will help to reduce impacts to this Fourteener’s fragile alpine environment.
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.