I made my first trip up Pike’s Peak yesterday as a Colorado resident. My prior trips have all been while I was vacationing in Colorado. This trip was also my first trip driving up to the top. The previous trips were via the Cog Railway.
The drive was truly amazing for a many reasons. One by driving you can take your time and stop to enjoy various scenery. You may even see Bigfoot!
The drive also helps you appreciate the people who race up the mountain every year in the annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the race to the clouds. This annual race has been going on for 90 years where racers are competing against the clock racing to the top of Pikes Peak. While driving the road to the top, one marvels at the speed and time these racers clock in at especially with all of curves going up the mountain.
Once you reach the top, the view and scenery is just amazing.
At the top is the Summit House where you can get your traditional t-shirts, coffee mugs, sweatshirts, fudge, food and snacks. On a cold or windy day it provides warmth and relief from the elements, because you are 14,115 feet above sea level. If the Cog Train is there then the Summit House can get very crowded.
Taking a trip up “America’s Mountain” is something you should put on the old bucket list, it truly is an enjoyable experience away from all of the gadgets that have invaded our lives. One is able to enjoy Mother Nature and the beauty she provides. There are so many places to stop along the way up/down the mountain where one can just get out of the car and walk along a trail or sit on a rock and truly appreciate the outdoors. I think it is good for all of us to get away from our world and go enjoy Mother Nature’s world. You may not be able to go to a mountain, but the beach, a lake, a river, or a city park can provide a chance for one to enjoy the peace.
Muses from the front range of the Rocky Mountains
FrontRangeScribbles 
Hey FRS your next stop should be the Garden of the Gods, then 7 Falls and and Manitou Springs, from there you gotta head to Leadville or Christmas Village in i believe Raton, and while your there you might as well swing down on into Durango New Mexico via the Taos National Forest…Taos Mountain Range. yep I lived in Colorado for a few years myself. Thanks for sharing the pics. Loved it there sometimes I wish I had never left.
Garden of the Gods, Seven Falls, and Manitou I have been to all and they all are spectacular. I want to hit Leadville next summer and do some off road trails in the area. Like wise I want to hit Durango, NM etc. As you know there is so much beauty in this area