Pikes Peak Barr Trail Ascent, 3-Day
One of our most requested hikes to the summit of Pikes Peak! This is a three-day hike with two overnights at the historic Barr Camp where we will experience European-style hospitality. We also have the option of tent camping in the forest. Hiking from Manitou Springs (6,412′) to Barr Camp takes around four hours of paced hiking to allow your body time to adjust to altitude. We overnight and acclimatize at 10,200′ and then wake early the following morning for the ascent of Pikes Peak. The journey from Barr Camp to the summit involves roughly six hours of hiking along a well defined but rugged trail. Dividing the summit trek over two days is a truly enjoyable way to experience this 14er! After taking in the views from the summit, we will hike back down to Barr Camp. Day three begins with a hearty breakfast and culminates in a pleasant walk back down to Manitou Springs. This is a year-round route option; hiking Pikes Peak in the winter months may require snowshoes and other considerations may be necessary. This itinerary and route offers great high altitude training for climbers preparing for Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua, and beyond.
For those climbing Pikes Peak or any 14er for the first time, a guided ascent will greatly improve your safety margin as well as maximize your chances of summiting successfully. We are happy to impart our knowledge of high altitude trekking and mountaineering along the way.
3-Day Ascent includes lodging at Barr Camp, meals, and professional mountain guides.
Please refer to barrcamp.com for current information and availability.
3-Day Itinerary:
Day One: Meet your guide and conduct a gear check. We will meet for about two hours and go through our gear list and pack gear as a team. This ensures you have all of your necessary kit but are not carrying unnecessary weight. Then we transfer to the Barr Trail trailhead in Manitou Springs (6,700′). From here we start our 4-5 hour hike to Barr Camp (10,200′). Overnight with the caretakers of Barr Camp.
Day Two: Rise early for our summit push. We start out by headlamp so that we get a good start on the day. In the summer, expect this segment of the hike to take about six hours. The ascent from Barr Camp to the summit (14,110′) in the winter can be a long one but we have all day to get it done; completing this section takes ten-twelve hours depending on conditions and fitness. We will take maintenance breaks every hour or so to ensure we keep an “all day pace.” The view above treeline will keep you motivated; this is why we climb in the high alpine! Once we are back down to Barr Camp, we will celebrate our achievement and tell stories of the ascent and other adventures into the night.
Day Three: Wake “late” at about 7am to enjoy Barr Camp’s famous power pancakes. You might eat 13 after yesterday’s ascent! We have! After breakfast we take our time to enjoy Barr Camp’s laid back atmosphere and pack up for our descent. The trek down to Manitou Springs takes three hours or so. You will have a completely different perspective on Pikes Peak once you make it back to town!
GUEST TO GUIDE RATIOS, PRICES:
Prices are per person
1 hiker, 1 guide
$2,195
2 hikers, 1 guide
$1,195
3 hikers, 1 guide
$1,050
4 hikers, 1 guide
$950
Call for larger groups 719-368-9524
Price includes lodging and meals at Barr Camp and trailhead parking.
Locations:
- Pikes Peak
- Other permitted 14ers available upon request
Trip includes:
- Professional mountain guides
- Meals and lodging at Barr Camp
- Trailhead parking
Not included:
- Cog train or van shuttle descent options (for this trip, see our 2-Day Pikes Peak Ascent option.)
Client Expectations:
- Able to carry 30lb pack (more for winter climbs)
- Able to hike 10 miles a day for consecutive days
- You will be on your feet for 5-6 hours a day for consecutive days. Summit day can be up to 12 hours depending on conditions
- This is not a technical climb, but it is a climb!
- 13 miles to the summit involves 7,600′ of vertical gain. This feels more like a 20 mile hike!
Pikes Peak Alpine School operates under special use permits from the USDA Forest Service, Pike National Forest and is an equal opportunity service provider & employer