The more remote Crags route offers a shorter, yet demanding alternative to the Barr Trail for those looking to earn the summit. The Crags Trail is located on the far northwestern side of the mountain and is much more alpine in feel as you spend the majority of the trek above timberline. Due to the location of the trailhead, hiking the Crags Trail requires a full day; a camping option may be considered. We offer this itinerary year around.

From the Crags campground, the trail climbs steadily through forest and an alpine meadow to a saddle that marks the rim of the Devil’s Playground, a high basin with spectacular views of Pikes Peak. The path then crosses the Pikes Peak Highway and continues steadily upwards, following a series of rock cairns along the ridge. The final approach involves a short scramble up to the summit. This route is 14 miles round-trip and gains 4,300 vertical feet. As a side note, there are several hiking options accessible from the Crags Trailhead that do not lead to the summit but make for shorter and less strenuous but equally beautiful day hikes. Expect the climb to the summit to take 5 to 6 hours. The round-trip travel time runs around 10 hours for a fit hiker.

We only offer this trip as a round-trip hike. If you would like to hike to the summit of Pikes Peak without trekking down, please refer to our Barr Trail 2-Day Ascent option. It is also possible to hike the Barr Trail in one day; please call us at 719-368-9524 to discuss this option.

IMPORTANT NOTE: We are the only professional guiding service guiding hikes on Pikes Peak that operates exclusively within the American Mountain Guides Association standard of practice. We climb mountains because we love it. We guide because we care. Come experience the difference trekking with a certified and experienced mountain professional will make!

Location:

• Pikes Peak
• Crags Trailhead, about 50 minutes from Colorado Springs
• Other permitted 14ers available upon request

GUEST TO GUIDE RATIOS, PRICES:
Prices are per person
*Includes a detailed in-person gear check the day prior to your hike.

1 hiker, 1 guide
$599

2 hikers, 1 guide
$359

3 hikers, 1 guide
$309

4 hikers, 1 guide
$279

Call for larger groups please call us at 719-368-9524.

Client expectations:

• You MUST be in excellent physical condition to attempt this hike.
• Individuals who regularly engage in strenuous endurance-building activities like running, cycling, and hiking with large elevation gains are better able to handle the rigors of this demanding hike.
• We will review your fitness profile prior to booking your trip.
• You must be able to carry a 20 pound pack.
• Expect to be on your feet for 10-11 hours on this summit climb.
• Remember that each 1,000 feet of vertical gain translates to an additional mile of hiking in terms of energy expenditure. So this round-trip hike will “feel” like an 18 mile day!

Trip Includes:

• Fully certified professional mountain guide or instructor with high/extreme altitude experience. All of our guides are Wilderness First Responder certified.

Not Included:

• Transportation to trailhead.