Special Events

2026 Special Events Calendar

April 1 – Timed-Entry Permits & Shuttle Tickets Go On Sale: 

Set your reminder for April 1! That’s when timed-entry permits and shuttle tickets will go on sale. We always recommend purchasing early to secure the date and time you’d like to visit, as tickets can sell out.

May 1 – North Slope Recreation Area Opens:
ATTENTION FISHERMAN AND OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS - Crystal Reservoir opens for fishing and the North Slope Recreation Area opens for the season. Grab your gear for a great day in the mountains.

May 10 – Mother’s Day Discount:
Happy Mother's Day! Bring Mom for a day on Pikes Peak - America's Mountain. Mom will get in free of charge with a paid admission. Thank Mom for all that she does!

May 30 - 31 – PPIHC Testing:
Pikes Peak - America's Mountain will be holding all uphill traffic to the summit until 8:30am for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Testing Days May 30^th – 31st. There will still be access to Crystal Reservoir. We will open to the summit for normal tourist operations at 8:30am. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patronage. For additional information visit www.ppihc.org.

June 1- 7 – PPIHC Testing:
Pikes Peak - America's Mountain will be holding all uphill traffic to the summit until 8:30am for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Testing Days June 1st – 7th. There will still be access to Crystal Reservoir. We will open to the summit for normal tourist operations at 8:30am. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patronage. For additional information visit www.ppihc.org.

June 16 – 19 – PPIHC Race Week:
Pikes Peak - America's Mountain will be holding all uphill traffic to the summit until 8:30am for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Testing Days, June 16th – 19th. There will still be access to Crystal Reservoir. We will open to the summit for normal tourist operations at 9:00am. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patronage. For additional information visit www.ppihc.org.

June 20– Father’s Day Discount:
Happy Father's Day! Bring Dad a day early to celebrate on Pikes Peak - America's Mountain. Dad will get in free of charge with a paid admission. Thank Dad for all that he does!

June 21 – Pikes Peak International Hill Climb:
The Race to the Clouds will be run on the 12.42 mile course with 156 turns that begins at 9,390 feet and finishes at the 14,115 foot summit of Pikes Peak - America's Mountain! For more information regarding the race please visit www.ppihc.org.

IMPORTANT: Pikes Peak - America's Mountain is closed to all guests on the day of the race.

July 4 – Sunrise Opening Event:
Experience sunrise on the Summit of Pikes Peak. The Gateway will open at 4:00 a.m. with last entry for the special event at 6:00 a.m. A timed entry permit per vehicle and admission fees must be purchased in advance online. There will be no Gateway sales made and no access to the North Slope Recreation Area offered. Visitors interested in experiencing the views of the Sunrise Opening, can reserve spots on a shuttle. Shuttle departs from the North Pole parking lot and will proceed to the summit. This event is only offered a few times a year, and it’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss! All access is weather permitting.

July 18 – Sunrise Opening Event:
Experience sunrise on the Summit of Pikes Peak. The Gateway will open at 4:00 a.m. with last entry for the special event at 6:30 a.m. A timed entry permit per vehicle and admission fees must be purchased in advance online. There will be no Gateway sales made and no access to the North Slope Recreation Area offered. Visitors interested in experiencing the views of the Sunrise Opening, can reserve spots on a shuttle. Shuttle departs from the North Pole parking lot and will proceed to the summit This event is only offered a few times a year, and it’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss! All access is weather permitting.

August 1 – Sunrise Opening Event:
Experience sunrise on the Summit of Pikes Peak. The Gateway will open at 4:30 a.m. with last entry for the special event at 6:30 a.m. A timed entry permit per vehicle and admission fees must be purchased in advance online. There will be no Gateway sales made and no access to the North Slope Recreation Area offered. Visitors interested in experiencing the views of the Sunrise Opening, can reserve spots on a shuttle. Shuttle departs from the North Pole parking lot and will proceed to the summit This event is only offered a few times a year, and it’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss! All access is weather permitting.

August 8 – Cycle to the Summit:
The Broadmoor Cycle to the Summit is a breathtaking bicycle race up Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain. Sanctioned by USA Cycling, this competitive style hill climb consists of multiple medal categories. The Pikes Peak Highway will be delayed opening to the Summit until 9:00 a.m. The North Slope Recreation Area will open at 7:30 a.m. For additional information visit www.coloradospringssports.org/cycletothesummit/

August 15 – Sunrise Opening Event:
Experience sunrise on the Summit of Pikes Peak. The Gateway will open at 4:30 a.m. with last entry for the special event at 6:30 a.m. A timed entry permit per vehicle and admission fees must be purchased in advance online. There will be no Gateway sales made and no access to the North Slope Recreation Area offered. Visitors interested in experiencing the views of the Sunrise Opening, can reserve spots on a shuttle. Shuttle departs from the North Pole parking lot and will proceed to the summit This event is only offered a few times a year, and it’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss! All access is weather permitting.

September 12 – Pikes Peak Challenge:
The Pikes Peak Challenge is a unique fundraising event that encourages registered participants to experience the excitement and success of hiking to the summit of Pikes Peak. Survivors of brain injury, family members and community supporters start their ascent up this magnificent 14,115-foot mountain at the base of Barr Trail in Manitou Springs. For additional information visit www.pikespeakchallenge.com

September 12 – Youth Fishing Derby:
Join Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, United States Forest Service, Colorado Springs Utilities, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and volunteers for our Youth Fishing Derby on Saturday, September 12th from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Crystal Reservoir. Open to kids ages 6 - 15. No admission charge for registered child participants and their parents or guardians. Limited fishing equipment will be available if you do not have your own and a short demonstration will be held to teach casting, knot tying, baiting, and fish handling before being released to the reservoir. Fishing licenses are not required for youth participants. Prizes will be awarded for several fish categories.
A brief awards ceremony will be held at the end of the derby and a free lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. Come reel in some fish fun at Pikes Peak!

September 19 - 20 – Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon:
The 71st running of the Pikes Peak Ascent and Pikes Peak Marathon will once again redefine what most call running in America's Ultimate Challenge. On September 19th, the summit of Pikes Peak will be closed until 1:00 pm due to Ascent activities. Guests will be able to drive to Devils Playground at 16-mile only during this time frame. For additional information visit www.pikespeakmarathon.org.

September 26 – Sunrise Opening Event:
Experience sunrise on the Summit of Pikes Peak. The Gateway will open at 5:00 a.m. with last entry for the special event at 7:00 a.m. A timed entry permit per vehicle and admission fees must be purchased in advance online. There will be no Gateway sales made and no access to the North Slope Recreation Area offered. Visitors interested in experiencing the views of the Sunrise Opening, can reserve spots on a shuttle. Shuttle departs from the North Pole parking lot and will proceed to the summit This event is only offered a few times a year, and it’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss! All access is weather permitting.

October 1 – Pikes Peak Library District & Rampart Library District Culture Pass Program Starts: 

Use your PPLD or RLD library card to check out no-cost passes to drive the Pikes Peak Highway. This program runs October 1 through April 30 each year and is a great way for locals to enjoy the mountain.

If you have a Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) card, visit ppld.org/culturepass to reserve a pass.
If you’re a Rampart Library District (RLD) cardholder, simply present your library card at the Pikes Peak entrance gate for admission during the program dates.

October 3 – Pedal Pikes Peak:
Cyclists can enjoy an early opening for bicycles only for two weekends. The Gateway will open at 7:00 a.m. and there will be no vehicle traffic until 9:00 a.m. Cyclists must ride single file and stay in right lane for uphill and downhill ascents. Cyclists must wear reflective clothing and have a blinking light fastened to the front and back of their bicycle. There will be food, beverage, and merchandise services available at the summit beginning at 8:30 a.m. Restrooms will be available along the roadway. Reservations will be required in advance at drivepikespeak.com and reservations will open beginning September 1st. Cost is $20 per person.

October 4 – Pedal Pikes Peak:
Cyclists can enjoy an early opening for bicycles only for two weekends. The Gateway will open at 7:00 a.m. and there will be no vehicle traffic until 9:00 a.m. Cyclists must ride single file and stay in right lane for uphill and downhill ascents. Cyclists must wear reflective clothing and have a blinking light fastened to the front and back of their bicycle. There will be food, beverage, and merchandise services available at the summit beginning at 8:30 a.m. Restrooms will be available along the roadway. Reservations will be required in advance at drivepikespeak.com and reservations will open beginning September 1st. Cost is $20 per person.

October 4 – Volunteer Cleanup Day:
Join us for a fun day collecting trash along the Pikes Peak Highway. Trash pickers, gloves and trash bags are provided. Volunteers are encouraged to wear bright or high-visibility colored clothing, and dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly. Bring snacks and water to prepare for high elevation exposure. Spend some time helping keep America’s Mountain beautiful and enjoy some time to explore afterwards!

October 10 – Pedal Pikes Peak:
Cyclists can enjoy an early opening for bicycles only for two weekends. The Gateway will open at 7:00 a.m. and there will be no vehicle traffic until 9:00 a.m. Cyclists must ride single file and stay in right lane for uphill and downhill ascents. Cyclists must wear reflective clothing and have a blinking light fastened to the front and back of their bicycle. There will be food, beverage, and merchandise services available at the summit beginning at 8:30 a.m. Restrooms will be available along the roadway. Reservations will be required in advance at drivepikespeak.com and reservations will open beginning September 1st. Cost is $20 per person.

October 11 – Pedal Pikes Peak:
Cyclists can enjoy an early opening for bicycles only for two weekends. The Gateway will open at 7:00 a.m. and there will be no vehicle traffic until 9:00 a.m. Cyclists must ride single file and stay in right lane for uphill and downhill ascents. Cyclists must wear reflective clothing and have a blinking light fastened to the front and back of their bicycle. There will be food, beverage, and merchandise services available at the summit beginning at 8:30 a.m. Restrooms will be available along the roadway. Reservations will be required in advance at drivepikespeak.com and reservations will open beginning September 1st. Cost is $20 per person.

October 12 – Sunrise Opening Event:
Experience sunrise on the Summit of Pikes Peak. The Gateway will open at 5:30 a.m. with last entry for the special event at 6:30 a.m. A timed entry permit per vehicle and admission fees must be purchased in advance online. There will be no Gateway sales made and no access to the North Slope Recreation Area offered. Visitors interested in experiencing the views of the Sunrise Opening, can reserve spots on a shuttle. Shuttle departs from the North Pole parking lot and will proceed to the summit This event is only offered a few times a year, and it’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss! All access is weather permitting.

October 18 – North Slope Recreation Area Closes:
ATTENTION FISHERMAN AND OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS – Today is the last day to fish and enjoy the North Slope Recreation Area. Crystal Reservoir CLOSES for fishing and the North Slope Recreation Area CLOSES for the season after today. For additional information visit https://coloradosprings.gov/NorthSlope.

November 11 – Veteran’s Day Discount:
Pikes Peak - America's Mountain is pleased to offer free admission for all that have served including retired and active-duty military with ID. We thank you for your service to our country.

November 21 – Rocky Ram Holiday Spectacular:
Kick off the holiday season with some family fun at the Crystal Reservoir Gift Shop on Pikes Peak- America’s Mountain. Get your picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy kid-friendly games and more! The official mascot of Pikes Peak, Rocky Ram, will be there with his pals and a few other surprise guests. Don't miss out on seeing your favorite nature buddies!

November 26 – Thanksgiving Day: Closed

December 25 – Christmas Day: Closed

December 31 – AdAmAn Fireworks Display:
The Pikes Peak AdAmAn Club has been a tradition since 1922. The unique group of mountaineers, who each year on December 30th and 31st, climb the icy slopes of the world-famous Pikes Peak - America's Mountain and at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve ignite a glorious fireworks display from the summit to usher in the New Year. For additional information visit www.adaman.org.