Hiking Pike's Peak

Anyone who watches TV will have flipped through the Adventure Channel and various
mountain climbing programs. For most the ascent of Everest is a combination of too far
away, too expensive and way too difficult. The appreciation of mountain wilderness areas
is not limited to those carrying ice axes, crampons and climbing rope. Hike a mountain!

Yes, hike not climb.

While Mt. Whitney (14,505ft) in California is "hikeable" and the highest point in the
lower 48 states, the majority of fourteeners (14ers) call Colorado home. Approximately
54 Colorado peaks exceed the 14,000 ft. height making them 14ers. Many require some
level of mountaineering skill but a number can be hiked by those fit enough to make the
attempt.

Pikes Peak (14,110ft) is a perfect place to start your mountain hiking adventures. Several
advantages exist with regard to Pikes Peak:
* It is accessible and located near Manitou Springs.
* For most mountains the saying "What goes up must come down" is very relevant.
On Pikes Peak someone can leave a car at the top or you can take the Cog
Railway down. A one way hike!
* No dangerous exposure to falls, caution is required in spots but fear of heights
should not stop you.
* Lodging is available at near the 1/2 way point (Barr Camp) should you wish to
make the journey a 2 day adventure.

Pre-trip:
Get in shape..... a same day ascent will take you potentially 8 hours at a steady but
relaxed pace.
Acclimatize..... spend at minimum 2 days in the area getting used to higher altitude
before embarking. Altitude problems are probably the biggest reason for failing to
summit.
Plan..... identify gear and potential dates. The best time of year is late July or August,
avoid weekends if possible as the trail can be relatively busy.

Hike day:
Up early..... I usually have eaten and am on the trail by 4:00am. This is to make the
summit early enough to avoid common afternoon thunderstorms.
Eat and drink.... Drink more than you think you need. Dehydration can be an issue. Have
plenty of snacks etc. to keep your energy levels up.
Pace...... Barr Camp is close to 1/2 way. If it takes you 3 hours to make Barr Camp add
1 hour to determine the time left to summit. Thus 4 hours additional. Your pace will slow
on the top sections.
Gear..... Warm clothes, rain gear, hat, gloves etc. I have left Manitou Springs at 48
degrees and been caught in a snowstorm before the summit. Be prepared for weather
changes.

Enjoy the beauty and indescribable mountain experience. The Cog Railway is near the
trailhead in Manitou Springs and you can purchase return trip tickets prior to your hiking
day. Once you summit revel in the fact you have climbed a 14er! Set your sights higher,
more Colorado peaks, Mt. Whitney or the ultimate hiking mountain Mt. Kilimanjaro
(19,355ft). Of course Kili will take you 5 or 6 days of hiking.

Learn more about this author, Michael in Florida.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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