The Drive Takes 45 Minutes to an Hour Each Way
The drive up Pikes Peak from the base to the summit is roughly 19 miles and takes between 45 minutes and an hour, depending on traffic, weather, and how comfortable you are on a narrow mountain road. The descent takes about the same time—many drivers go slower coming down because the road is steep and winding, and your brakes work harder on the way down than up.
The road itself, called the Pikes Peak Highway, is paved the entire way but narrows as you climb. You'll gain nearly 7,000 feet of elevation, which means the air gets thinner and your engine works harder. If you're towing anything or driving a vehicle that struggles with grades, add 15 to 20 minutes to your estimate.
The summit sits at 14,115 feet above sea level. On clear days you can see into Kansas and New Mexico from the top. The road opens year-round, but winter weather can close it without warning—snow, ice, and visibility can turn a 45-minute drive into a crawl or force the road shut entirely.
Key Takeaways
- Plan for 45 minutes to an hour each way on the Pikes Peak Highway, plus time to explore the summit.
- The road is paved but narrow and winding, with a steep grade that slows most vehicles on the way up and requires careful braking on the way down.
- Winter weather can close the road or add significant time to your drive, so check conditions before you go between November and April.
- Your vehicle's engine and brakes work harder at high elevation and on steep grades, so older or struggling vehicles may take longer.
- The entrance fee is $15 per vehicle as of 2024, and the summit has a gift shop, restaurant, and restrooms but limited cell service.
What Slows You Down on the Way Up
The grade averages around 7 percent, which is steep enough that many drivers shift into a lower gear to keep their engine from overheating. Trucks and SUVs with poor power-to-weight ratios often drop to 15 or 20 miles per hour on the steepest sections. If you're driving a sedan or a vehicle with a smaller engine, expect to move slower than the posted speed limits, which range from 25 to 45 mph depending on the section.
The road has 156 turns, and many of them are tight switchbacks where you can't see what's coming. This forces most drivers to slow down further, especially if there's oncoming traffic. On summer weekends, you'll encounter tour buses, motorcycles, and other tourists, all moving at different speeds. A single slow vehicle ahead of you can add 10 to 15 minutes to your total time.
Altitude affects your vehicle's performance. At 14,000 feet, the air has about 40 percent less oxygen than at sea level, which means your engine produces less power. Fuel-injected vehicles handle this better than older carbureted engines, but all vehicles slow down. If you're driving an electric vehicle, note that range decreases significantly at high elevation due to the extra energy needed to climb and the thinner air reducing efficiency.
Descent Takes Just as Long, Sometimes Longer
Coming down is not faster, even though gravity is helping you. The steep grade means your brakes do most of the work, and riding the brakes continuously can cause them to overheat and fade. Many drivers shift into a lower gear and use engine braking to slow down, which keeps their foot off the brake pedal and lets their brakes cool. This method is slower but safer.
If you feel your brakes getting soft or spongy on the way down, pull over in a safe spot and let them cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Brake fade on a mountain road can be dangerous. Some drivers take 60 to 90 minutes coming down because they're being cautious, and that's the right choice.
Weather and Road Closures
The road closes when snow, ice, or visibility becomes unsafe. This typically happens between November and April, though closures can occur any month. The National Weather Service and the Pikes Peak Highway website both post closure notices, and you can call ahead at (719) 385-7325 to check conditions before you drive.
Even if the road is open, wet pavement or light snow can add 20 to 30 minutes to your drive. Traction control helps, but it doesn't eliminate the risk. If you're not comfortable driving on steep, narrow, wet roads, wait for better weather. The summit will still be there.
Summer thunderstorms can roll in quickly at high elevation. If you see lightning or hear thunder, the safest choice is to turn around and head down. Lightning strikes are a real hazard at 14,000 feet, and the summit has limited shelter.
Vehicle Maintenance Before You Go
Check your brakes before you drive up. Brake pads should have at least a quarter-inch of material left, and your brake fluid should be fresh. If you've never had your brakes serviced or it's been more than two years, have them inspected by a technician. Brake failure on Pikes Peak is rare but catastrophic.
Check your coolant level and condition. Your engine will run hotter on the climb, and low coolant can cause overheating. If your coolant is brown or rusty-looking instead of bright green or orange, have it flushed before you go. Check your tire pressure too—pressure increases as tires heat up, and high-altitude driving adds extra stress.
If your vehicle has a transmission temperature gauge, watch it on the way up. Automatic transmissions can overheat on long climbs. If the gauge creeps into the red, pull over and let the transmission cool. Manual transmissions are generally less prone to overheating because you control the gear selection.
Timing Your Visit to Avoid Crowds
Summer weekends are the busiest times, and traffic can add 15 to 30 minutes to your drive. Weekday mornings in June, July, and August are less crowded. Fall (September and October) offers good weather and fewer tourists than summer. Spring (May) is also relatively quiet, though weather can be unpredictable.
The road opens at 7 a.m. and closes at sunset, which means closing time varies from around 5 p.m. in winter to 9 p.m. in summer. If you want to catch the sunset from the summit, plan to arrive at the top at least 30 minutes before closing time. The drive down in fading light is slower and more challenging.
If you're planning a full day trip, budget three to four hours total: 45 minutes up, an hour at the summit, and 45 minutes down. Add more time if you want to eat at the summit restaurant or explore the gift shop.
Alternatives to Driving: The Cog Railway
If you don't want to drive, the Pikes Peak Cog Railway runs from Manitou Springs (about 15 minutes from Colorado Springs) to the summit. The round trip takes about three hours, with roughly 90 minutes on the train each way and 30 minutes at the summit. The train is slower than driving but removes the stress of navigating the narrow road, and you get views without watching the road.
The cog railway operates year-round weather permitting, and tickets run around $50 to $60 per person depending on the season. It's a popular option for visitors who are uncomfortable driving mountain roads or who want a different experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive down in neutral or coast to save fuel?
No. Coasting or driving in neutral removes engine braking, which means your brakes do all the work. This causes brake overheating and fade, which is dangerous on a steep mountain road. Use a lower gear and let your engine slow you down instead.
What's the speed limit on Pikes Peak Highway?
Speed limits range from 25 mph on the tightest switchbacks to 45 mph on straighter sections. Most drivers go slower than the posted limit because of the grade, curves, and traffic. Actual speeds are usually 15 to 30 mph depending on the section and conditions.
Do I need four-wheel drive to drive up Pikes Peak?
No. Two-wheel drive vehicles drive up every day. You do need good brakes, decent tires with tread, and a vehicle that can handle the grade without overheating. In winter, snow tires or chains may be required, and the road may close entirely.
Is there a toll or entrance fee?
Yes. The entrance fee is $15 per vehicle as of 2024. Motorcycles are $10. You pay at the gate near the base. The fee includes access to the summit, where there's a gift shop, restaurant, and restrooms.
What happens if my car overheats on the way up?
Pull over in a safe spot, turn off the air conditioning, and let the engine cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Don't open the radiator cap while the engine is hot—steam can cause burns. If you're low on coolant, you may need to turn around and head back down. Overheating repeatedly can damage your engine.