As we approached this day I got a little worried about Pike’s Peak plans. We had to purchase a time slot in advance, so we had randomly chosen noon. However, the forecast was worse every time I looked at it, and they were calling for snow storms (with 3-5 inches of new snow) up top by noon. So, we decided to go earlier in the day (and just hope they’d let us go in earlier than our slot).
We got up in the morning and the sun was shining-yay! We called the info number, and they said the top third of the mountain was closed for ice and snow showers were expected to start after 10am. Well, we decided to eat breakfast and go anyway about 9:30–hoping the top would be open and it wouldn’t be snowing yet. Things mostly fell into place. They let us in earlier than our ticketed time because it wasn’t too crowded. They had cleared the roads, and it was open all the way to the top (but they told us to go straight up without stops because they couldn’t be sure how long the top would stay open.)
We left Manitou Springs at 6500 feet and worked our way up the mountain. Even going up, it was a bit terrifying albeit exhilarating. We went from partly cloudy 60 degrees all the way up 19 miles to 14,115 feet and mostly heavy clouds at 31 degrees.
The summit was covered by snow–so much so that most of the information plaques were partially buried. They had tunneled out walkways so you could slip and slide to overlooks. We had some of the famous donuts at Pike’s Peak Summit House and enjoyed the visitor center before heading on. There was periodic blowing snow, and the views changed quickly on the overlooks from full clouds to little clear spots peaking through. I had to grab a handful of snow (because I’m an overgrown child) and it was the perfect snow–easy to pack, fluffy when loose, and super sparkly.
The drive down was intimidating before we even started. We had just gone up, so we knew about the many sections with no guardrails, steep drop-offs, and deep descent. However, we felt a little better seeing a Ford Model A and a school bus on the road. (If they can do it, so can we…right?!?) It also helped seeing the snow plow and treatment vehicles continuously running.
Part of the drive down definitely was intense. At first, it was clear. Then some snow blew by. Then thin clouds covered the road. Then thick clouds covered the road. There’s no pulling over or stopping–you’ve just gotta continue forward. Of course, this thick cloud moved in for miles 16 down to 13…which happens to be the most challenging stretch of road. There’s no way you can feel the same intensity through my story because you know (since you’re reading this) that we obviously didn’t drive over the side of the mountain. We didn’t have that certainty at the time.
Despite the few scary moments, it really was a gorgeous ride. I understand how these views inspired the song “America the Beautiful.” Feeling the temperature change (since my window was down for picture taking), watching the sky change, marveling at the change in elevation, having snow blow across my face in mid-June….it was all exhilarating and made me remember how small I am in this big world.
Its hard to write anything after that, but the day did continue. We left the Peak and had lunch at In-N-Out Burger for the first time–cheeseburgers, milkshakes, and animal fries. It was surprisingly great; maybe someday they’ll open some in the east like Whataburger did. If you get a change to visit one out this way, definitely do it, as everything was really fresh and delicious.
After lunch, the skies were darkening and storms were imminent, but we pressed on for the Garden of the Gods. We did the driving tour and the visitor’s center while it drizzled some. I was able to get out at a few spots where there were short walking paths and take pictures of some of the rock formations. I would love to come back here someday and just spend a (nice) day wandering all the trails. Side note: I did see a rattlesnake at one of the rock bases. I didn’t take a pic–I just went the opposite way as fast as possible!
Standing Strength 