Ever since we started looking into this trip across the USA, I have had driving up Pikes Peak at the top of the "to do" list. Every thing we see online about Pikes Peak is spectacular, even if some is quite scary - and I am talking about the hill climb crashes of which there are plenty of videos!
We had booked a rather sociable entry time of between 10:00 and 12:00, but because we now had also booked Ella and Lynn to go horse riding later in the day, we had also booked an earlier slot.
We arrived at the entry gate bang on time, and were quickly waved through. Again, as the suction mount had now been thrown in the bin, Ella was tasked to hold the selfie stick with the Insta360 camera out of the window!
It takes about an hour to drive up - taking in some stops to enjoy the spectacular views. You are not limited on time on the mountain so you really should exploit the drive and embrace the beauty.
Many of the pull ins have safety barriers - but saying that, many do not. The non-drivers will get nervous, and will be jumpy as you get near the edge and pull in. However, normal sensible driving is fine - you are at more risk from the thinning air as you ascend the mountain.
It was surprisingly busy at the top - we did not notice that many pass us as we ascended, but then we were absorbed by the views. Also worth noting it is about 30 def F cooler at the summit, so even in the middle of summer, you need a fleece.
There are many areas to view the surrounding hundreds of miles of view. Also, a ok cafe where the donuts have a decent and justified reputation. As you would expect, finally there is the gift shop - standard purchase of fridge magnets and t-shirts.
The journey down nearly didn't happen - as we were reversing out of the parking space, a USAF F-16 ceremoniously buzzed the peak - the video catches quite nicely the reaction of the girl stood in front of us - at 1:02:42. It was low - it was loud. We too jumped in the car!
These pilots know what they are doing - and this one thought it a good idea to repeat the shock by buzzing us again! Even the ranger jumped!
The journey down takes just as long, if not longer than the ascent. One must look after the brakes, ensuring they do not get too hot, and thus ineffective - which as you can imagine would be bad. Very bad!
There is a checkpoint about half way down where the rangers check the brake temperature - if ou are too hot then you are mandated to pull over and let them cool. A big heavy SUV like we were driving will overheat brakes very quickly - so it is essential to drive down in manual and in low gear - do that, and take it easy allowing the gear changes to brake for you, and the descent is simple.
Pikes Peak is not as good as I expected... it is far, far better. Even after what I have yet to write about for the coming days, I am torn as to whether this was the trip highlight. If you get chance, do it!
With Ella quickly becoming quite an accomplished horse rider, the opportunity for the girls to go for a canter was too good to miss. We found a ranch that was about 50 miles from Manitou Springs, which in USA driving terms is quite close! However, the access road was rather rough - imagine Dukes of Hazzard and you won't be too far off! I din't ride - I took the opportunity to lower my cowboy hat and have a snooze in the sun!
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