Overall Route Rating
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4.67 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.67
12 Reviews

Motorcycle Route Author

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

Rider Reviews

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Guest
February 12, 2013
This is the best way to the top of the world.Its…
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tylr durden
33 McR Points
June 25, 2019
This road is GREAT. Snow prevented us from going…
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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)
 

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K-Man
February 25, 2020
55 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Great ride beautiful scenery
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FLHRCI03
April 15, 2020
217 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
nice ride lots of tourist things a little to much traffic for me I like to look around and not have to watch out for tourists in cars
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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.
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