The Crags trail starts on Forest Service Road 383, a little over 3 miles from Colorado Highway 67. The trail also serves as the starting point for the Devils Playground Trail, an alternate route to the summit of Pikes Peak. One of the most popular trails in the Pikes Peak region, the Crags Trail (Forest Service Trail 664) in the Pike National Forest is an easy/moderate hike of less than 6 miles round trip it offers stunning views of the lower part of Pikes Peak and the surrounding areas. However, the Incline is its own grueling journey and we do not recommend adding this challenge unless you are incredibly fit, experienced and properly outfitted with an appropriate amount of additional water.

Hello summit! You’ve reached the top! (Elevation: 14,115 feet)Ī note about the Incline: Yes, you can absolutely include the Incline in your summiting of Pikes Peak.

Switchbacks are tight and terrain is often uneven and rocky Breathe slow and steady with strong exhalations.

At the “Three Miles to the Summit” sign, take the sharp right onto the narrow trail, where the most difficult part of the hike begins.

You’ll find the A-frame at this point, which is an unmanned, first-come, first-served, six-man shelter ( Elevation: 12,098 feet)

Mile three is steeper and has a lot of switchbacks that are similarto the initial climb from the trailhead.The first two miles are gentle out of Barr Camp, which is a great way to launch the second leg of your hike.Make a stop at Barr Camp (we’ll talk more about that later) for a rest or for an overnight (Elevation: 10,186 feet).Past the Fremont Experimental Forest sign, make sure to continue on the single-track path, not the wide path on the left.

The first three miles will be the hardest of this leg, with lots of gain and tight switchbacks. Miles 1-6: You will gain nearly 4,000 feet in elevation in these first six miles.There are not a lot of signs to guide you on the trail the trail itself is clear to follow, but you should have a map with you just in case.Trailhead begins in Manitou Springs (Elevation: 6,707 feet).

Cog train pikes peak