2024 Special Events Calendar
Saturdays in July- Wildflower Walks:
Take a walk with the wildflowers! Enjoy an educational and breathtakingly beautiful stroll on Pikes Peak with Ranger Kent. Please note: There will be TWO wildflower walks every Saturday in July (6, 13, 20, 27) at 10am and 2pm at Devils Playground (16 miles up). We recommend arriving to the Gateway by 9am or 1pm to ensure you are on time. Make your timed-entry reservations and purchase admission tickets at www.drivepikespeak.com. It's going to be a fantastic time! You can expect the walk to take 45 minutes to an hour. Please remember to bring walking boots/shoes, water, and sunscreen. We're excited to see you Saturday!
July 21 – Sunrise Opening Event- National Parks and Recreation Month:
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 at Gateway sales made and no access to the North Slope Recreation Area offered. 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 National Mountain Climbing Day:
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 at Gateway sales made and no access to the North Slope Recreation Area offered. 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 3, 17, and 31 – Wildflower Walks:
Take a walk with the wildflowers! Enjoy an educational and breathtakingly beautiful stroll on Pikes Peak with Ranger Kent. Please note: There will be TWO wildflower walks August 3ʳᵈ,17ᵗʰ, and 13ᵗʰ at 10am and 2pm at Devils Playground (16 miles up). We recommend arriving to the Gateway by 9am or 1pm to ensure you are on time. Make your timed-entry reservations and purchase admission tickets at www.drivepikespeak.com. It's going to be a fantastic time! You can expect the walk to take 45 minutes to an hour. Please remember to bring walking boots/shoes, water, and sunscreen. We're excited to see you Saturday!
August 4 – Bird Walk at Crystal:
Learn to identify common breeding birds by sight and sound in addition to learning about the plants and trees that form the habitat where the birds live. Meet at the Gift Shop at Crystal Reservoir, 6 miles up the Pikes Peak Highway, for a walk of about one mile on relatively flat terrain. The Highway access fee for Crystal Reservoir is $5 per person. In addition to your entry fee you will need to reserve a $1 North Slope Parking Permit in advance. Joe LaFleur will lead the walk, a local wildlife biologist and author of the book Mountain Birds of Teller County. Binoculars suggested.
August 4 – Nature Journaling Club:
Join us at the Pikes Peak Nature Journaling Club August meeting for an amazing time! Get ready to embark on a short hike alongside the awesome Ranger Angela, who will guide you to a serene location where you can let your thoughts flow onto paper. Whether you're a wordsmith or an artist, this is your chance to do what you love in the midst of nature's wonders! Remember to bring your journaling materials, plenty of water, snacks or lunch, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat for your comfort. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. Bring a picnic blanket if you don't want to sit directly on the ground! For start time and more details CLICK HERE.
August 10 – Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climb:
The Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climb, presented by The Broadmoor and the Anschutz Foundation, is a challenge cycling event for all comers! It includes a USA Cycling sanctioned bicycle race and an open Fun ride that ascends to the summit of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain. The Pikes Peak Highway will delay opening to the Summit until 9am. The North Slope Recreation Area will open at 7:30am. For additional information visit www.coloradospringssports.org/pikespeakcyclinghillclimb/
August 10 and 24 – Small Mammals Ranger Talk:
Why do Marmots whistle? How big is a Pika? What other small mammals call Pikes Peak home? Embark on a learning adventure with Ranger Laraine at Glen Cove, 13 miles up the highway! Make a pit stop between 9AM-4PM on Aug. 10ᵗʰ or 24ᵗʰ and explore the captivating world of small mammals on Pikes Peak!
August 24 – Bird Walk at Crystal:
Learn to identify common breeding birds by sight and sound in addition to learning about the plants and trees that form the habitat where the birds live. Meet at the Gift Shop at Crystal Reservoir, 6 miles up the Pikes Peak Highway, for a walk of about one mile on relatively flat terrain. The Highway access fee for Crystal Reservoir is $5 per person. In addition to your entry fee you will need to reserve a $1 North Slope Parking Permit in advance. Joe LaFleur will lead the walk, a local wildlife biologist and author of the book Mountain Birds of Teller County. Binoculars suggested.
September 7 – 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 11 – Sunrise Opening Event- Patriot Day and National Day of Service Remembrance:
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 6:30 a.m. A timed entry permit per vehicle and admission fees must be purchased in advance online. There will be no at Gateway sales made and no access to the North Slope Recreation Area offered. 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 14 – 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 14th 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. All fishing equipment will be provided if you don't 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 21 - 22 – Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon:
The 68th 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 21st, 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 28 – 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 5 – 6 – Creek Week Cleanup at North Slope Recreation Area:
Be part of the largest watershed-wide clean-up in the state of Colorado! Creek Week volunteers clean up litter along a creek, trail, park, or open space throughout the watershed. We’re inviting individuals and groups (families, clubs, schools, neighborhoods, etc.) to join our crew for clean-up in the North Slope Recreation Area.
October 5 – Pedal Pikes Peak:
Cyclists can enjoy an early opening for bicycles only for two weekends. The Gateway will open at 7am and there will be no vehicle traffic until 9am. 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 8:30am. 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 6 – Pedal Pikes Peak:
Cyclists can enjoy an early opening for bicycles only for two weekends. The Gateway will open at 7am and there will be no vehicle traffic until 9am. 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 8:30am. 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 – Pedal Pikes Peak:
Cyclists can enjoy an early opening for bicycles only for two weekends. The Gateway will open at 7am and there will be no vehicle traffic until 9am. 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 8:30am. 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 13 – Pedal Pikes Peak:
Cyclists can enjoy an early opening for bicycles only for two weekends. The Gateway will open at 7am and there will be no vehicle traffic until 9am. 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 8:30am. 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 14 – Sunrise Opening Event- Indigenous Peoples' Day:
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 at Gateway sales made and no access to the North Slope Recreation Area offered. 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 20 – 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 16 – Rocky Ram Holiday Spectacular:
Kick off the holiday season with some family fun at the historic Glen Cove Inn on Pikes Peak- America’s Mountain. Get your picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy kid-friendly crafts 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 28 – 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.