Yes, you can drive to the summit, but only on the Pikes Peak Highway during open season
You can drive a passenger car to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs. The Pikes Peak Highway is a 19-mile toll road that climbs from the base near Manitou Springs to the top, and it's open to regular vehicles from late May through early November most years. The road is paved for the first 19 miles, then gravel for the final stretch, and the drive takes about 45 minutes to an hour each way depending on traffic and how many times you stop.
The road closes in winter because snow and ice make it unsafe for typical passenger vehicles. The exact opening and closing dates shift year to year based on weather and road conditions. Before you plan a trip, check the official Pikes Peak Highway website or call ahead to confirm the road is open and what vehicle restrictions might be in place.
Key Takeaways
- The Pikes Peak Highway is open to passenger cars from roughly late May through early November, but dates vary by year based on snow and road conditions.
- The toll is $15 per vehicle as of 2024, and you pay at the entrance station near Manitou Springs before you start driving up.
- Your vehicle must be in good mechanical condition because the road climbs 7,000 feet in 19 miles, and overheating brakes and engines are common problems.
- The road is narrow with hairpin turns and steep drop-offs, so inexperienced mountain drivers should go slowly and use lower gears on the way down to save your brakes.
- Altitude sickness can affect you at 14,000 feet, especially if you drove up from sea level that morning, so take breaks and drink water.
What the toll covers and how to pay
The toll is $15 per vehicle as of 2024, and you pay it at the entrance station located at the base of the highway near Manitou Springs. You cannot pay online in advance or reserve a time slot — you show up, pay at the gate, and drive. The toll includes your vehicle and all passengers; there is no per-person charge.
The entrance station is open during the same hours as the highway. If you arrive when the station is closed (typically before 7 a.m. or after sunset), you cannot enter. On busy summer weekends, the parking area at the base can fill up, so arriving early in the day improves your odds of getting a spot and avoiding a wait.
Vehicle requirements and mechanical checks before you go
Your vehicle must be in good working order because the highway climbs 7,000 feet in 19 miles. This extreme grade puts stress on your engine, transmission, and especially your brakes. Overheating is the most common mechanical failure on Pikes Peak, and it can leave you stranded on a narrow mountain road with no cell service in some sections.
Before you drive up, check your coolant level, make sure your radiator is not leaking, and verify your brakes are not worn. If your vehicle has been making noise, pulling to one side, or running hot in normal driving, get it inspected by a mechanic before attempting Pikes Peak. Towing from the summit costs hundreds of dollars and can take hours.
The road is not closed to any particular vehicle type, but large RVs, buses, and vehicles towing trailers are not recommended because the road is narrow, has hairpin turns, and offers few places to turn around. Motorcycles and bicycles are permitted, though the altitude and weather can change quickly.
Driving technique: brakes, gears, and the descent
The biggest mistake drivers make on Pikes Peak is riding the brakes on the way down. When you descend 7,000 feet, your brakes can overheat and fail if you use them continuously. Instead, shift into a lower gear (second or third, depending on your transmission) and let engine braking do most of the work. Use the brakes only to maintain a steady speed, not to slow down from higher speeds.
On the way up, drive slowly and let your engine work. If your temperature gauge creeps toward the hot zone, pull over at one of the many scenic overlooks and let your vehicle cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Do not turn off the engine when ready after a hard climb — let it idle for a minute or two first.
The road has no guardrails on many sections, and the drop-offs are steep. Stay in your lane, do not use your phone while driving, and be prepared to pull over if you feel uncomfortable. Visibility can change quickly due to clouds and weather, especially near the summit.
Altitude sickness and what to expect at 14,000 feet
The summit sits at 14,115 feet above sea level. If you drove up from Colorado Springs (elevation 6,000 feet) that morning, your body has had only a few hours to adjust to the thin air. Altitude sickness can cause headaches, nausea, shortness of breath, and dizziness, even in people who are young and fit.
The best prevention is to take your time. Spend 15 to 30 minutes at the summit rather than rushing back down. Drink water throughout the drive and at the top. If you feel dizzy or very short of breath, sit down, breathe slowly, and descend if symptoms worsen. Ibuprofen can help with headaches, but it does not treat altitude sickness itself.
Children, older adults, and people with heart or lung conditions should be especially cautious. If anyone in your group has a history of altitude sickness or serious health conditions, consider spending a night in Colorado Springs at a lower elevation before driving to the summit.
Weather, visibility, and when not to drive up
Weather at the summit is unpredictable and can be dramatically different from conditions at the base. A sunny morning in Manitou Springs can mean fog, wind, and near-freezing temperatures at the top. Lightning is a real hazard during afternoon thunderstorms, which are common in summer.
Do not drive up if thunderstorms are in the forecast or if you see dark clouds building over the peak. If you are already on the road and a storm develops, descend when ready. The road offers no shelter, and lightning strikes have injured and killed people on Pikes Peak.
Visibility can drop to near zero in fog or heavy clouds. If you cannot see more than a few car lengths ahead, turn around and come back another day. Driving down in low visibility is dangerous because you cannot judge the road's curves or the drop-offs.
What you will find at the summit
The summit has a gift shop, a restaurant, and restrooms. The restaurant serves food and drinks at prices higher than you would pay in town, so budget accordingly. The gift shop sells souvenirs, snacks, and basic supplies. Cell service is spotty at the top, so do not rely on your phone for navigation or emergencies.
There are several short walking trails near the summit building, and the views extend for over 100 miles on clear days. The summit area is open during the same hours as the highway, and you can spend as much time there as you want — your toll covers the round trip, not a time limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my car overheats on the way up?
Pull over at the nearest scenic overlook or wide spot and turn off the air conditioning. Let the engine idle for several minutes without turning it off. Do not open the radiator cap while the engine is hot — you can be burned by steam. Once the temperature gauge drops, you can continue slowly. If it overheats again, descend to a lower elevation.
Can I drive down at night?
The road is open during daylight hours only. The entrance station closes at sunset, and driving the narrow, winding descent in darkness is extremely dangerous. Plan to reach the summit with enough daylight left to descend safely, typically by mid-afternoon in summer.
Is there a faster route to the top besides driving?
The Cog Railway runs from Manitou Springs to the summit and takes about three hours round trip. It is a popular alternative if you want to avoid driving the mountain road, though tickets cost more than the highway toll and the train does not run year-round.
What happens if the road closes while I am on it?
The road is not closed to traffic once you have paid and entered. However, if weather deteriorates significantly, rangers may ask drivers to descend. If you are near the summit when this happens, follow their instructions and descend slowly and carefully.
Do I need a special license or permit to drive Pikes Peak?
No. A valid driver's license is all you need. Your vehicle does not require inspection or registration specific to Pikes Peak, though it must be street-legal and in safe working condition.