Afternoon storm risk is the line that matters. Everything else is comfort. In summer, plan to be off the ridge before the build-up starts, not as it starts. Forecast for the summit point, adjusted for its elevation · data from Open-Meteo.
Alternate route · Northwest Slopes
Overview
The Northwest Slopes route climbs Pikes Peak from the Crags trailhead west of the mountain. It follows the Devil's Playground trail through forest, crosses open tundra near the Pikes Peak road, and finishes with a short, rocky climb to the summit. It is about 14 miles round trip with about 4,300 feet of gain.
The route is Class 2 on a good trail almost the whole way. It is much shorter than the Barr Trail from Manitou Springs. The only rough part is about 350 feet of rock-hopping below the summit. The trail crosses and follows the summit road in places, and the summit is busy with visitors who drove up. It suits hikers who can handle a long day at altitude.
Plan on 8 to 11 hours car to car.
Plan of the day
Start by
By 5 a.m. You spend several hours above treeline.
Turnaround
If you are not at the flat area below the final climb near 13,600 feet by about 11 a.m., or storms are building, turn around.
Crux
Above 13,600 feet, about 350 feet of easy Class 2 hopping over rocks. Cairns mark it, and most of the rock is stable.
Route-finding
Easy. Just after the first junction, go right on the Devil's Playground trail. Up high, follow the marked trail across the road at Devil's Playground and past several road corners.
Water
Fourmile Creek and a couple of streams in the forest. None above treeline. Carry about 3 liters and treat any water you collect.
Follow U.S. 24 to Divide. Head south on Colorado 67 for 4.3 miles. Go left on County Road 62 (it turns into Forest Service 383); the trailhead is 3 miles ahead.
If you are staying at the Crags Campground, go 0.1 mile farther; the campground entrance is on the left. The trail can be reached from its far end.
Trail in the treesTundraRoadRidgeExposed to lightning
The line is elevation, the band underneath is the ground, and the numbered dots match the steps below. Mileage and elevations are approximate.
1
Crags trailhead 10,050' · 0 mi
A wooden bridge takes you over Fourmile Creek to the start of the trail.
2
Campground spur junction 10,200' · 0.5 mi
You pass the spot where a spur trail from the campground meets the Crags trail. About 30 yards on, go right on the Devil's Playground trail.
Watch for: Do not stay on the Crags trail.
3
Stream crossings 10,400' · 1 mi
A log bridge takes you over a stream. Keep on the clear trail. Cross another stream near 10,400 feet.
Watch for: Last reliable water.
4
Small clearing 11,000' · 2 mi
Head east for about a mile to a small clearing near 11,000 feet.
5
Rocky climb to a corner 11,400' · 2.5 mi
At about 11,050 feet the trail bends left and climbs a long, rough section to a corner at 11,400 feet.
6
Treeline 11,900' · 3 mi
Stay right as the trail switchbacks up the steep hillside. Leave the trees near 11,900 feet and follow the trail east up the slope.
Watch for: From here you are exposed to lightning.
7
Top of the slope 12,750' · 3.8 mi
Once you top the slope, you can see the summit. Keep east on the wide trail and pass through a band of rocks.
8
Devil's Playground 12,950' · 4.3 mi
Go across the Pikes Peak road to its east side and take the marked trail. The summit is still more than 2 miles away.
Watch for: Watch for cars when crossing the road.
9
Road corner 12,900' · 4.9 mi
Head south around a high point and drop a little. Near 12,900 feet you go past a bend in the road.
10
Little Pikes Peak overlook 13,150' · 5.3 mi
You come to an overlook on Little Pikes Peak's left side. The rest of the route is now in view.
11
Flat area below the final climb 13,600' · 6.2 mi
Go on to the next bend in the road, then climb to flat ground under the last pitch.
12
Final rock-hop 13,950' · 6.7 mi
Climb about 350 feet of Class 2 rock. Follow the cairns and zigzag up at your own pace.
Watch for: Watch your footing on the rocks.
13
Pikes Peak summit 14,109' · 7 mi
Once on top of the ridge, go past one more bend in the road to the summit. Expect crowds.
Getting down
Go back the way you came. Drop down the rocky section carefully, then follow the trail back past the road corners, across the road at Devil's Playground, and down the long slope to treeline. Stay on the Devil's Playground trail to the junction with the Crags trail, turn left, and walk back to the trailhead.
If things go wrong
The fastest way off is back down the trail to treeline. Because the route stays close to the road, in a real emergency you may be able to get help from road traffic or at the summit. If a storm moves in, get off the open tundra as quickly as you can. Call 911 if you have signal.
This describes the route in its usual season. Distances and elevations are close estimates for planning. Snow, ice, rockfall, a washed-out road or an afternoon storm can make it a very different climb. Check recent conditions the week you go and turn around when the day tells you to.
