Pike’s Peak in Colorado
The Race to the Clouds or Auto Hill Climb is a popular event and can even be seen on television. Information on this event held every summer can be found at [www.ppihc.com]. The record holder reaches the peak in a little over 10 minutes!
The highway of Pike’s Peak is 19 miles long and mostly paved. Uphill traffic always has the right of way! You should always climb this mountain in low gear. There are even water cooling stations at four points, should your engine start to overheat. It is very important to remember to be in low gear going both up and down.
As with many popular attractions, there is a charge involved. You can pay $35.00 a carload, or pay a cost per passenger. Rates are listed on their website. A restaurant and gift shop are available and be sure to allow plenty of time. The website states to allow 2 hours for the trip. The city of Colorado Springs has been operating this entry way since 1948.
Pike’s Peak also offers a 13 mile hiking trail for those ready to climb! If you prefer not to drive, you can take a cog railroad up the mountain. Pike’s Peak Cog Railway operates year round. Winter offers fewer trips per day than summer does, so be sure to visit their website for all their information. The railway has been in operation for 114 years! For rates and information you can visit [http://www.cograilway.com/ratestimes.htm]. Due to the steep nature of this train ride, this is a special train that uses cogs that act like gears to pull it up the mountain. This train goes higher than any other train in the United States!
Wildlife is another attribute of Pike’s Peak. The different levels of the mountain offer different habitats. There may be elk, mountain lions, and deer in the lower levels or foothills. As you ascend higher you may see bears and bald eagles as well. Up yet another level you may see bighorn sheep or marmots. The trees and vegetation also changes with altitude.
For more information visit [http://www.pikespeakcolorado.com]
