The Pikes Peak Highway is a 19-mile toll road that climbs from Cascade to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak. Hairpin switchbacks, alpine lakes and views across the Front Range make it one of the most famous scenic drives in America.

Colorado Springs promoter Spencer Penrose built the road as the Pikes Peak Auto Highway, opening it in 1915, and the next year he launched the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the “Race to the Clouds” that still runs every June. Today the City of Colorado Springs operates the highway as part of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, and the road is fully paved to the top. Along the way it passes Crystal Creek Reservoir, the Halfway Picnic Grounds, Glen Cove and the boulder-strewn Devils Playground before the last switchbacks to the summit. The view from the top is the one that inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write “America the Beautiful” in 1893. At the summit, the Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center serves the famous high-altitude donuts and has exhibits on the mountain’s history.

Plan on two to three hours for the round trip, or longer with stops. From October 1 to the Thursday before Memorial Day, uphill gates open at 9 a.m., the last uphill entry is 3 p.m., the summit closes at 4 p.m. and downhill gates close at 5 p.m. From late May through September the gates open at 7:30 a.m., and a $2 timed-entry permit is required. Through November 30, tolls are $18 per adult, $8 per child ages 6–15 or $65 for a carload of up to five. Prices drop December 1. The highway is open year-round, weather permitting, but it’s closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas, and snow or wind can close the upper miles at any time, so call 719-385-7325 for road conditions before you go. On the way down, use low gear, because rangers check brake temperatures at mile 13.

Check current road conditions, hours, toll rates and Hill Climb dates on the official Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain site from the City of Colorado Springs.