Pike & San Isabel National Forests
Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands

Length

13 Miles

Difficulty

more difficult

Trail Head

6720 Feet

Trail High Point

14110 Feet

Trail End

14110 Feet

Handicapped Accessible
no

Recommended Season

spring, summer, fall

Use

hiking, backpacking

Trail Map

Map
Elevation Profile

ACCESS

1. Trailhead is off Ruxton Avenue, Manitou Springs Colorado above the Pikes Peak Cog Railroad Depot.
2. Some visitors ride to the summit by auto, bus, or Cog Railroad and hike down the trail.

ATTRACTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS

Foot and horse trail. Motorized vehicles are prohibited. Hiking or riding along the Cog Railroad right-of-way is prohibited.

NARRATIVE

Barr Trail, named after its builder, Fred Barr was constructed from 1914 to 1921. The trail passes through three ecological life zones, Montane, Spruce-fir and alpine. Wildlife species common to those zones are frequently observed.

Pikes Peak has been a landmark since before recorded history. It was named for Zebulon Pike who described the Peak in 1806 while exploring in the area to the south. The first recorded climb to the summit was in 1820 by Dr. Edwin James of the Stephen H. Long Expedition. At present, over 60,000 visitors per year are estimated to climb the peak on the Barr Trail.

WEATHER

Afternoon thunderstorms are common throughout the summer.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

The trail is rated more difficult because of its long sustained grade rising to an especially high elevation. Although an average hiker might complete the round trip in about 16 hours, those persons not used to hiking, especially at these altitudes, should not attempt the round trip in one day. Because of the long sustained grade, even a one way downhill hike from the summit is very tiring to the legs and feet when not conditioned.

Temperatures at the summit may be as much as 40 degrees cooler than at the bottom. Afternoon thunderstorms are common throughout the summer and snow or sleet may be encountered throughout the year.

DRINKING WATER

Drinking water is not readily available. Water from streams should be treated before use. Hikers are advised to carry an adequate supply.

CAMPING

An open shelter is located about nine miles up the trail just below timberline. Campfires may be built at this site.

Barr Camp is another popular overnight camping or lodging spot operated under a special use permit with the US Forest Service. A charge is made for use of the facilities. http://www.barrcamp.com/