Overall Route Rating
speedo-meter speedo-arrow
speedo-meter-grey
4.67 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.67
12 Reviews

Motorcycle Route Author

profile Image
By IM_LU (6 McR Points) on Jan 26, 2013

Rider Reviews

No Image Found
Guest
February 12, 2013
This is the best way to the top of the world.Its…
Thumbsup
No Image Found
tylr durden
33 McR Points
June 25, 2019
This road is GREAT. Snow prevented us from going…
Thumbsup

Written Directions

Starting in beautifil Manitou Springs, head west on Manitou Ave toward Old Mans Trail. At the traffic circle, continue straight onto US-24 BUS W/​Manitou Ave. Take the ramp onto US-24 W and go west about 4 miles. Turn left (look for Pike Peak sign) at Fountain Ave. Then in about .4 miles, turn slight left onto Pikes Peak Hwy. Pikes Peak Hwy turns right and becomes Pikes Peak Toll Rd. There is a Fee of $19 to ride past this toll, but well worth the toll as you will soon see. Then go about 12 miles until you get to the very top of Pike Peak. 14,150 feet hight I might add!

Scenery

You will first start off with lots of heavy trees and will even see cross over Crystal Creek Reservoir, and then gradually you will start to see some thinning of trees as you get higher in elevation. As you get higher, you will encounter many switch backs but some very scenic views of Colorado Springs, Woodland Park, and much more. Be aware, the temps even in the middle of the summer can get chilly. Don't be surprised to see a little bit of snow! But don't worry; the park does an excellent job in keeping the roads clear all year round. My last trip was in September 2, 2012 and it was in the upper 60's in Manitou Springs, but when I got to the top of the peak, it was 42! And there was just a little bit of snow on top. So bring a jacket if you don't wear one already and be sure to bring a camera. Also, the entire road to the top is paved, with the exception of the last 200 feet or so at the peak, but it is hard packed and no problem at all for the motorcycle to handle. This is one of my favorite rides.

Drive Enjoyment

This is a great road for motorcycles. Very good pavement conditions (paved all the way to the top!) the entire route, curves and tight twisties, with strong elevation changes along the way. The only time the road is not great is when traffic is strong. Try to pick a time (early after the park opens) or on a weekday when traffic will be reduced.

Tourism Opportunities

Pleny of rest stops, but only at the top will you find a resturant and gift shot.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

While you are in the area, you should consider a ride through Garden of the Gods (See submission)
 

Top Images

Share Your Comments ( 12 )
  Earn McR Points
No Image Found
Guest
February 12, 2013
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
This is the best way to the top of the world.Its not for people that cant handle heights though. Watch the weather before you head up it changes fast. I love the trip to the top
Was this road review helpful?
Thumbsup
6 riders found this road review useful
No Image Found
tylr durden
June 25, 2019
33 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
This road is GREAT. Snow prevented us from going all the way to the top, but still...the switchbacks, AWESOME. The views, AWESOME. A MUST ride.
Was this road review helpful?
Thumbsup
1 riders found this road review useful
deepdownhounds
August 15, 2020
48 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
Gorgeous ride, but it's such a shame that the smoke from the fires rendered the view to about 40 miles, if that. There is also MASSIVE construction at the top (Summer 2020), so it's not very rewarding. They are also asking motorcyclists to park at mile marker 16 and take a crowded shuttle. However, the ride to that point is still amazing.
Was this road review helpful?
Thumbsup
0 riders found this road review useful