Peaks · Colorado

Pikes Peak, 14,115 feet

One of Colorado's fourteeners, and one you can reach on foot by the Barr Trail, or by road and cog railway. Here's the climb, the summit sign and how to get the photo.

Turn your Pikes Peak summit photo into a charm

A hiker standing beside the tall PIKES PEAK SUMMIT monument, which reads 14,115 feet and 4302.31 meters — **Real Summit.** At the Pikes Peak summit sign, the full photo as taken.

Pikes Peak at a glance

Summit elevation: 14,115 feet (4,302 meters)^1,4
Where: Pike National Forest, Pikes Peak Ranger District, above Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs^1,3
The Barr Trail: About 12 miles one way from the trailhead off Ruxton Avenue in Manitou Springs, climbing from about 6,650 feet to the top, a gain of roughly 7,400 feet. The Forest Service says the round trip takes an average hiker about 16 hours.^2,3
Other ways up: The Pikes Peak Highway and the Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway both reach the summit.^1,4
Permits and fees: No hiking permit is listed for the Barr Trail, but trailhead parking is paid. In summer, driving the highway past mile 7 needs a timed-entry vehicle permit on top of the highway admission.^2,4
At the top: The Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center, opened in 2021.⁵
Weather: The Forest Service advises starting very early in the morning.²

The summit sign

The summit sign is a tall, dark steel monument with white raised letters reading PIKES PEAK SUMMIT, with 14,115 feet and 4302.31 meters above. It stands taller than most hikers, so it reads best with you standing right beside it, like the hiker in the photo above.

Getting the summit photo

Stand right next to the monument so you and the PIKES PEAK SUMMIT lettering both fit in the frame.
Have your photographer step back and shoot a little low to fit the whole sign and you, head to boots.
The summit is busy once the highway and train arrive, so the earlier you get there, the clearer your shot.

Pikes Peak questions

Do you need a permit to hike Pikes Peak?

No hiking permit is listed for the Barr Trail, but parking at the trailhead is paid. Drivers on the Pikes Peak Highway need a timed-entry vehicle permit past mile 7 in summer.

How long is the Barr Trail?

About 12 miles one way from Manitou Springs to the summit, gaining roughly 7,400 feet. The Forest Service says the round trip takes an average hiker about 16 hours.

What does the Pikes Peak summit sign say?

PIKES PEAK SUMMIT, with 14,115 feet and 4302.31 meters, on a tall steel monument at the top.

I drove or took the train up. Can I still get a charm?

Yes. Any photo of you on top with the sign works. We cut it to your outline with the sign kept in.

Carry your Pikes Peak summit

Whether you climbed the Barr Trail or rode up to meet someone who did, the photo beside that monument is the one you'll want to keep. We cut it to your outline with the sign kept in, so the summit goes with you on every hike after.

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Proud of someone who just made the top? Use the photo they sent you and give them their summit to carry. How gifting works

Sources

USDA Forest Service, Pike & San Isabel National Forests, Pikes Peak.
USDA Forest Service, Pike & San Isabel National Forests, Barr Trail #620.
Colorado Trail Explorer, State of Colorado, Barr Trail.
City of Colorado Springs, Drive Pikes Peak.
USDA Forest Service, Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center.

Highway permits, fees and seasons change. Check the City of Colorado Springs before you drive up. Facts checked October 2026.