Pikes Peak Barr Trail (Inclusive), 2-Day Ascent

One of our most requested hikes to the summit of Pikes Peak!  On the first day, we will hike from Manitou Springs (6,412′) to historic Barr Camp where we will experience European-style hospitality.  Four hours of paced hiking will allow your body time to adjust to altitude.  We overnight and acclimatize at 10,200′ and then wake early the following morning for the ascent of Pikes Peak.  Roughly six hours of hiking along a well defined but rugged trail will complete the journey from Barr Camp to the summit.  Dividing the trek up the Barr Trail into two days is a truly enjoyable way to experience the diverse terrain of this 14er!  This is a year-round route option; in the winter months, snowshoes and other considerations may be necessary.  This itinerary and route serves as excellent high altitude training for those climbing to Everest Base Camp, Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua and beyond.

For those climbing Pikes Peak or any 14er for the first time, a guided ascent will greatly improve your safety margin as well as maximize your chances of summiting successfully. We are happy to impart our knowledge of high altitude trekking and mountaineering along the way.

2-Day Ascent includes:

  • Expertise of professional mountain guides 
  • Transfer off the summit of Pikes Peak via cog train or van shuttle
  • Lodging and hot meals (dinner and breakfast) at Barr Camp
  • Parking fees

Please refer to barrcamp.com for current information and availability.

2-Day Itinerary:

Day One:  Meet your guide and conduct the gear check.  We will meet for about 1.5 hours and go through our gear list and pack gear as a team.  This will ensure you are only carrying what is necessary for the trip; we want to eliminate excess weight.  This may be done the night before the climb.  We then transfer to the Barr Trail trailhead in Manitou Springs (6,700′).  From here we start our 4-5 hour hike to Barr Camp (10,200′).  Overnight with the caretakers of Barr Camp.

Day Two:  Rise early for our summit push.  We begin hiking by headlamp so that we get a good start on the day.  We will take maintenance breaks every hour or so to ensure we keep an “all day pace.”  The view above tree line will keep you motivated; this is why we climb in the high alpine!  We typically share the summit with other hikers as well as those who have arrived via train or car.  They will be very impressed you hiked to the top and will very likely ask you how long it took.  Answering “two days” will be a shock for the tourists!  Once we have taken photos and marveled at the views, we will transfer off of the summit via the cog railroad or van shuttle for the descent back to Manitou Springs.  You will have a whole new perspective on the mountain as you gaze up at Pikes Peak from town!

  • Descent Options:
  • Cog train (when available.)  Once we summit, the train whisks us back to town in Alps style comfort.
  • Van shuttle (when available.)
  • Hiking.  For this option we recommend our 3-Day Ascent.

1-Day Itinerary (this option is possible, dependent on route conditions and fitness):

1-Day Ascent (Barr Trail) option is available (summer and early fall only). After summiting, we will arrange a transfer from the summit back to Manitou Springs via the cog railroad or van shuttle (additional fee required).  Please call us to discuss our one day ascent option at 719-368-9524.

1-Day Round Trip Summit Hike (Crags Trail):   While the Barr Trail is the most traveled trail to the summit of Pikes Peak, the Crags side offers a lower commitment for a one day round trip summit hike.  The Crags trailhead is located on the northwestern side of the mountain at 10,000′ and spends the majority of time winding its way above timberline through alpine tundra.  This route is open year around; winter trekking may require the use of snowshoes and other specialized equipment.

GUEST TO GUIDE RATIOS, PRICES:
Prices are per person, 2-day all inclusive

1 hiker, 1 guide
$1,695

2 hikers, 1 guide
$1,095

3 hikers, 1 guide
$895

4 hikers, 1 guide
$795

Call for larger groups 719-368-9524

Locations:

  • Pikes Peak
  • Other permitted 14ers available upon request

Trip includes:

  • Transfer off the summit of Pikes Peak via cog train or van shuttle
  • Lodging and hot meals (dinner and breakfast) at Barr Camp
  • Trailhead parking in Manitou Springs
  • Services of a professional mountain guide

Client Expectations:

  • Able to carry 30lb pack
  • Able to hike 10 miles a day for consecutive days
  • You will be on your feet for 5-6 hours a day for consecutive days
  • This is not a technical climb, but it is a climb!
  • 13 miles to the summit with 7,600′ of vertical gain.  This feels more like a 20 mile hike!

Pikes Peak Alpine School operates under special use permits from the USDA Forest Service, Pike National Forest and is an equal opportunity service provider & employer

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