We encourage all of our guests to plan their trip and learn more by reviewing our frequently asked questions, checking out our special event information for any delay announcements and to get some insider tips to make your trip more enjoyable. We can’t wait to welcome you to America’s Mountain soon!
As always, visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and call 719-385-7325 for current highway conditions. Hours of operation and other information about Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain
Summit Reservations
1. Reservations are required to drive your personal vehicle on the highway from May 24 – September 30
Make your reservation today to drive yourself to the top of America’s Mountain!
Our new timed-entry reservation system is designed to make your experience more enjoyable, reduce your wait in line, and ensure there is available parking as you drive the highway. Guests will have a two-hour window to arrive at the Gateway. Reservations are $2 per vehicle. Reservations are non-refundable, however you may request to reschedule your reservation provided there is availability.
2. Tickets
Purchase your one-day use tickets online or at the Gateway, including admission to explore the North Slope Recreation Area. Online purchases for one-day use tickets are valid for one-year from date of sale. No tickets are valid for special events.
Admission tickets are necessary and can be purchased online with your timed entry reservation or you can purchase your admission ticket at the Gateway at the time of entry.
Purchase Tickets Online Hours and Rates
FAQs about One Day Admission Passes
Please read our FAQs for complete details about your visit
FAQs about summit reservations
How to create an online account at the Pikes Peak web store
How to make a timed entry reservation at the Pikes Peak web store
Shuttle Tickets
Tickets are required to ride a Pikes Peak Shuttle from May 24 – August 11
Experience the majesty of Pikes Peak as a passenger! Secure your seat on a Pikes Peak shuttle bus and embark on a guided journey from Mile 7 on the Pikes Peak Highway directly up to 14,115 ft. Sit back, relax, and soak in the mountain's beauty as you ascend.
Shuttles will depart from Mile 7 on the Pikes Peak Highway, running round trips from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM directly to the summit. Riders will enjoy guided tours during the ascent, then have the freedom to explore the summit at their own pace before catching a shuttle back down, departing every 30 minutes until the final ride at 6:10 PM. Round trips are estimated at 80 minutes, but guests should allocate 3 hours for their mountain experience.
Remember to arrive at the entrance of Pikes Peak- America’s Mountain at least 30 minutes before your shuttle’s departure time.
Prices are $30 for adults, $10 for children, and free for kids 5 and under, who must ride on laps with adults. Only service animals are allowed onboard. ADA accommodations can be provided.
Please read our FAQs for complete details about your shuttle ride
North Slope Recreation Area Ticket
Only wanting to visit the North Slope Recreation Area? You do not need to make a timed-entry reservation. North Slope Recreation Area Daily Entry Permits are required in addition to admission fees.
It is recommended to purchase your NSRA Daily Permit in advance online to ensure you will have a parking spot at Crystal Reservoir. North Slope admission tickets can be purchased at the Gateway day of your visit.
Hours and Rates | Purchase Tickets Online
Please read our FAQs for complete details about your visit
FAQs
General
What is located at the summit of Pikes Peak?
A new visitor experience opened in June 2021. There is a new Summit Visitor Center with interpretive exhibits, café, and gift shop. Outside features a fully accessible walkway system, paved and striped parking area, and interpretive elements across the summit.
Hikers
If I am planning to pick up a hiker on the summit, do I need a reservation?
Yes, to drive your personal vehicle to the summit a reservation is required even if you are not planning on staying. If there is a shuttle running, the hiker can ride the shuttle to the Devils Playground parking area, which is at mile 16 of the 19-mile highway. Know before you go and check our website for up-to-date information.
If I am planning to hike or recreate in other areas on Pikes Peak, do I need a reservation?
No, a timed-entry reservation is only required if you plan to drive your personal vehicle to the summit.
Highway Tickets
Can I purchase a One Day Admission Pass online?
Yes, visit our new virtual Pikes Peak Store. You can also purchase your ticket to drive the highway onsite at the Gateway.
How long is my one-day admission valid for?
Highway admissions, including the adult, child and carload, are valid for one year from the date of purchase.
Reservations
What is a summit parking reservation for?
There is a limited amount of parking on the summit, and we can have more vehicles going to the summit than we have available parking. We introduced timed-entry reservations to allow guests to secure a parking spot within a two-hour time block. Arrive at the Gateway within your two-hour window to drive your personal vehicle to the summit.
Why are reservations required?
With the new Summit Visitor Center on top of Pikes Peak, parking has become more of a challenge due to the increase of visitors wanting to drive to the top. By implementing a reservation system, visitors can have more of a personalized experience with guaranteed parking. Visit our convenient online reservation website to make your reservation.
How far in advance can I make a reservation?
Reservations will be required between the Friday before Memorial Day (May 27, 2022) through the end of September 2022. We will open each month’s reservation the month prior. Example: June reservations will open May 1. July reservations will open June 1.
Is there a possibility to get a last minute reservation?
Yes, if there are spaces available, same day reservations will be allowed.
What do I need to show that I have a reservation?
Proof of reservation is required. Please print or take a screen shot of your tickets(s) and or receipt with your Transaction ID number on it.
Once I enter the highway, can I leave and come back?
Yes, same day re-entry is allowed. Upon re-entry you will need to show your same day receipt to the Gateway Ranger. However, you will not be able to drive back to the summit as your timed entry reservation has expired.
Is there a fee to make a reservation?
There is a $2 non-refundable reservation fee. This nominal fee is to help reduce no shows. We understand that plans can change, so the system does allow for an existing reservation to be swapped to a different available date for no additional charge. Ticket prices have not changed.
Do I need to make a reservation AND purchase a ticket to drive to the summit?
Yes, you need to make an online reservation before arriving at the Gateway and purchase a ticket in order to drive to the summit. You can purchase your ticket in advance online or at the Gateway. Same day reservations will be allowed, if there is space available.
Can I resell, cancel, or reschedule my reservation?
Resale is prohibited. If you need to make a change to your reservation, you can switch the day with no penalty. However, no refunds will be provided.
What if the summit closes due to weather or unforeseen circumstances during my reserved time?
You can email a request to reschedule your reservation for another date and time provided there is availability. All access to the summit is weather permitting and there are no guarantees. Sorry, no refunds.
How can I make a reservation if I do not have a computer/smartphone, or I have trouble with the website?
Please call 719-385-2214 in the event you do not have the ability to make your own reservation or are experiencing technical difficulties with the website.
If I am travelling with a group in multiple cars, can I make more than one reservation?
A reservation will be required for each vehicle. You can add multiple vehicles, up to five vehicles, to your reservation, and each individual car will need to present proof of reservation at the time of entry.
Do I need a reservation if I am riding a motorcycle?
Yes, a motorcycle requires parking in a parking spot and a reservation is required.
Do I need a reservation if I am riding a bicycle?
If you are riding a bicycle, you will NOT be required to purchase a reservation. Please use the provided bike locker or bicycle rack on the summit. Bicycles are not allowed inside any building.
I am not planning to go all the way to the summit, do I need a reservation?
No, a reservation is only required to drive your personal vehicle to the summit. Vehicles can drive up as far as Devils Playground, mile 16 of the 19-mile highway, without a reservation.
Can I leave my car parked at the summit all day while I use the trails?
No, parking is limited at the summit and to allow as many people as possible the opportunity to experience it, we ask that guests limit their stay on the summit to less than 2 hours. Visitors can ride the Cog Railway, or the shuttle up if they wish to spend more than 2 hours exploring.
Shuttle
When will the shuttle be running?
Shuttles will run from Friday, May 24 through Sunday, August 11, 2024
I am traveling with children in car seats and my pet, can I take the shuttle?
No, children in child safety seats and pets are not allowed on the shuttle. Service animals are allowed on the shuttles.
How can I purchase a shuttle ticket?
You can purchase a shuttle ticket by clicking here. Guests may also purchase shuttle tickets at the PPAM Gateway if shuttle seats are available - hurry before they sell out!
Do shuttles operate 7 days a week?
Shuttles will operate 7 days/week except for June 22nd and 23rd due to the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb event.
Are shuttles running throughout the day?
Yes, the first shuttle leaves at 9:30 am and the last shuttle of the day leaves at 3:30 pm from the mile 7 parking lot. To view all of the shuttle departure times click here and choose the date you are interested in visiting.
How early should I arrive at the Pikes Peak entrance in order to board my shuttle on time?
It is recommended that guests arrive at least 30 minutes prior to their shuttle departure time. This should allow you time to get through the Gateway and drive up the mile 7.
Will there be any stops along the way?
No interim/circulator shuttle stops planned, shuttle will drive directly from Mile 7 to the summit of Pikes Peak (mile 20), an approximate 40-minute drive. Please be sure to use the restroom before boarding your shuttle.
What can I expect to experience while riding a Pikes Peak shuttle?
Prepare to marvel at the magnificence of Pikes Peak as a passenger—take your eyes off the road and soak in the breathtaking scenery! During your shuttle ride, you'll delve into the fascinating history of Pikes Peak with an audio tour. Relax and enjoy the journey to the summit in the hands of skilled professionals!
How long can I explore on the summit?
- Once at the summit, shuttle riders can explore at their leisure and hop on a shuttle headed back down when they are ready to return to mile 7.
- Shuttles will be heading down from the summit every 30 minutes with the final shuttle of the day departing at 6:10 pm and returning to mile 7 parking at 6:50 pm.
- Announcements will be made in the Summit Visitor Center providing shuttle guests with a 5-minute notice prior to a shuttle departing from the summit to return to mile 7 parking lot.
- Shuttle roundtrips are expected to take 80 minutes. PPAM recommends that guests allocate at least 3 hours for a seamless ride up, exploration at the summit, and a smooth journey back down.
Can I get a refund or a rain check?
No refunds will be issued. Rain checks may be given due to inclement weather. To receive a rain check speak to a ranger at the Gateway or email pikespeakinfo@coloradosprings.gov
Can I check the weather before I visit?
Yes, you can check the road conditions before heading up by calling 719-385-7325 and selecting option 1. Know the Pikes Peak forecast by visiting, https://bit.ly/pikespeakweather.
Does my $30 shuttle fee include my entrance fee?
Yes, your $30 shuttle fee includes your entry fee as well.
Do I need to make a timed entry to ride the shuttle?
No, timed entries are only necessary if you plan to drive your personal vehicle to the summit. You will only need to purchase a shuttle ticket in order to take a shuttle to and from the summit.
Are ADA accommodations available?
ADA accommodations are available. ADA shuttle riders should select the "Wheelchair Accessible Shuttle Needed" option when purchasing their shuttle ticket(s). ADA shuttle riders will also need to buy an adult/child's shuttle ticket.
Can I take my bicycle on the shuttle?
Bicycles, fishing gear, and ski equipment are not allowed onboard the shuttles.
Usage
Can I get a refund?
No, refunds are not provided. If you need to make a change to your reservation, you can switch the day with no penalty.
How do I redeem my tickets?
You will receive an email with your ticket barcode and your transaction ID. Due to the poor cell phone reception at the Gateway, a screenshot or printed copy of the Transaction ID or barcode is necessary. Staff must have this information to allow entry. If you do not have a printer, please take a picture or screenshot the barcode or transaction ID receipt to your phone.