Pikes Peak - America's Mountain

Embark on the safe and scenic Pikes Peak Highway, spanning 19 miles of mountain terrain.

Revel in breathtaking views, traverse four different Colorado life zones, and witness unique animal sightings all from your own vehicle. All visitors driving past Mile 7 on Pikes Peak Highway are required to purchase a $2 Timed-Entry Permit and those without an Annual Pass, must purchase a One-Day Admission Ticket (discounts available for a carload of up to 5 people). 

The North Slope Recreation Area (NSRA), located at 9,200’ in elevation along the Pikes Peak Highway is the place to be for anglers, bikers, hikers and water enthusiasts. The NSRA offers jaw dropping views, more than 10 miles of trails, and three reservoirs including North Catamount, South Catamount and Crystal.  These three freshwater reservoirs offer an abundance of Brook, Brown, Cutbow, Cutthroat, Lake and Rainbow trout and are also the ideal, tranquil place to paddleboard, canoe or kayak.

*Crystal Reservoir opens May 1 and closes October 20. An NSRA One-Day Admission is required. Tickets are available for purchase at the Gateway the day of your visit.

*Please note, the South Catamount Reservoir is closed for the 2024-2025 seasons for a dam rehabilitation project. North Catamount Reservoir remains open to the public via hike-in access from the Catamount Recreation Area Trailhead in Teller County. Visit South Catamount Dam Rehabilitation Project for more information. 

Directions: From Colorado Springs take Hwy 24 west or, from Woodland Park take Hwy 24 east, to the Pikes Peak Highway exit in Cascade. Follow the signs to the Pikes Peak Highway entry gate.  The fee is $5 per person (16 years and older), children under 16 are free. A Colorado fishing license is required for those 16 and older.

Experience the beauty and excitement of Pikes Peak like never before with our special events! Join us for special Sunrise Openings, our youth fishing derby, ranger interpretive programs, and more. Don’t miss out on these unforgettable experiences on America’s Mountain. Visit our Special Events page and start planning your next adventure on Pikes Peak today!

*please note that delayed openings are also listed under our Special Events page.

Unlock unlimited access to the awe-inspiring views and endless adventure of Pikes Peak by becoming an annual pass holder. Choose from our variety of pass options, including the 14er (a 14 punch pass), a Five Trip Pass, a Premier Unlimited Individual or a Premier Unlimited Vehicle Pass. With your annual pass, you can visit America’s Mountain on any day to experience all it has to offer. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make Pikes Peak your year-round playground. Become an annual passholder and start exploring today!

Annual Passes: 

• 14er Pass: 14 visits per person (including up to two children)
• Five Trip Pass: 5 visits per vehicle (can include up to 5 people in a vehicle)
• Premier Unlimited Individual: Unlimited visits for one person for a year; may not share with other individuals.
• Premier Unlimited Vehicle: Unlimited visits per vehicle for a year (may include up to 5 people per vehicle)

*Annual Pass holders arriving before 9 a.m. are not required to purchase a $2 Timed-Entry Permit. Pass holders who wish to explore past Mile 7 after 9 a.m. are required to purchase a $2 Timed-Entry Permit.

Pikes Peak - America's Mountain is open year round - weather permitting. Conditions change frequently, it is recommended to call our pre-recorded information line. The staff updates the info approximately 15 minutes prior to opening and then as conditions change throughout the day. Call 719-385-7325 and select option 1 for current road conditions.