Pikes Peak is a 14,110 ft high mountain in Manitou Springs, Colorado.  It his not a volcano.  The area around the peak was obtained in the Louisiana Purchase.  Zebulon Montgomery Pike was sent by President Jefferson to figure the Louisiana Purchase's borders.  Zeb Pike attempted to climb the peak in 1806 but a blizzard foiled his efforts.  At the time, Pike stated that he didn't think the peak was climbable.  The first recorded ascent of Pikes Peak was by Dr. Edwin James on July 14, 1820.  The peak was to be named after the doctor who climbed it first, but Pikes Peak became the official  name.  The first woman to climb Pikes Peak was Mrs. Julie Archibald Holmes in 1858.  She became known as the "Bloomer Girl" because of the bloomers she wore when she climbed the peak.  For a first hand trip report of this website author's climb up Pikes Peak click here

"Pikes Peak or Bust" was a well-used slogan for gold seekers heading out west.  Today Pikes Peak is the most visited mountain in North America and second in the world in visits only to Mt. Fuji.  There are 54 14,000 ft. peaks in Colorado, and Pikes Peak is the 31st highest.  Mt. Elbert is the highest peak in Colorado at 14,433 ft.  There are a few different ways to summit Pikes Peak.  There is a toll road to the summit, a cog railway, and several hiking routes.  The standard hiking route is around 11 miles to the summit with over 8,000 ft. in elevation gain.  The Pikes Peak Marathon and Ascent is held on the peak every year - this year, 2005, is the 50 anniversary of the race that started as a challenge between smokers and non-smokers.  The Pikes Peak Hill Climb is a world famous auto race held on the peak every year around the 4th of July.  On New Years Eve a group called the Adaman club climbs to the summit of Pikes Peak and sets off fireworks.  They have been adding a man to their club every year since 1922.  Pikes Peak and the local area has much to offer in the way of recreation, scenery, and history.