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| PIKES PEAK & WEATHER
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In a nutshell, Colorado weather is dangerously unpredictable. Thunderstorms develop very rapidly, and
lightning kills many people in the mountains each year. Hike early in the day to avoid dangerous and common afternoon thunderstorms
in the summer, and make sure you carry raingear in your supplies.
Turn back if thunderheads develop to try to get back to shelter before a storm breaks.
If caught in a thunderstorm, avoid open spaces, under lone trees, shallow caves, or the edge of cliffs.
In an electrical storm, crouch on the balls of your feet, throw metal objects away from you, find spots between boulders, or
in well-forested areas. In the summer, plan to be below tree line by 1 p.m.
Expect winter weather on the summit of the peak year round and dress for it. Even in the summer, snow and sleet may be encountered
above timberline. Temperatures can be as much as 40 degrees lower on the top of the mountain than they are at the base.
Hypothermia usually sets in between 30 and 40 degrees F to those who are ill-dressed.
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NOAA
Manitou Springs forecast
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NOAA Pikes Peak above 11000 ft. forecast
- Most accurate for Barr Camp and above. |
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| HIKING THE WHOLE PEAK |
Do not underestimate Pikes Peak. Hikers not accustomed to the high altitude and physical demands of the trail are advised to plan on a
minimum of two days hiking time. The more time allowed acclimating to altitude, the better off you will be (even staying in the
city of Colorado Springs if you aren't used to it). Have you ever hiked at high altitude on a long trip? If not, don't rely on
what you know about your own strength. It's a different world in the mountains, and many strong people have gotten into serious
trouble by overestimating their capabilities, underestimating the mountain, or by being just plain unprepared.
How are you planning to get off the top? Remember that attaining the summit is only halfway.
The Cog Railway may not have room to take you down, and they may not be running.
Please check their seasons and schedules, and try to make a reservation with them if this is your plan also remember,
your estimated time to get to the top may be wrong, and you might miss your reservation on a train).
Check times and don't expect there to be space without a reservation. The summit house will not take people down.
Hitching rides may not work, and the road may be closed by severe weather. Please be prepared and don't rely on others
to get you out of a jam.
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| GEAR LIST
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Use the old boy scout motto, and
"be prepared" for anything. Even on a day hike, you should carry the ten essentials.
Here is a list of the items that are recommended on your journey up the peak.
The Essentials:
- Water Filter
- Basic First Aid Kit (Band-Aids, moleskin, etc.)
- Sunscreen and Lip Protector
- Sunglasses
- Map and Compass
- Extra Food and Water
- Headlamp or Flashlight (w/ extra batteries)
- Whistle
- Multi-tool or knife
- Fire starter / Matches
- Mirror
Backpacking Gear:
- Backpack
- Boots (sturdy, broken in)
- Tent
- Sleeping Bag
- Personal effects kit (toothbrush, etc.)
- Watch/Camera/Film
Additional Winter Gear:
- Snowshoes or Crampons
- Ice Axe or Ski Poles
- Bivy Sac
- Survival bag or blanket
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| SUMMER CLOTHING |
Dress and pack for the weather that may or may not occur.
Use a layering system that you can modify for existing conditions that is multi-purpose.
Your outer shell should be waterproof.
Shorts or cabin clothes for inside Barr Camp Cabin, and for sleeping
Synthetic Underwear (multiple weights, top and bottom)
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| WINTER CLOTHING |
More gear...
- Waterproof Outer Shell Pants (Gore-tex)
- Wool, polar fleece, or insulated pants
- Fleece Jacket or Wool Sweater (heavy)
- Wool or Polar fleece hat and Balaclava
- Snow Gaiters
- Mittens
- Glacier Glasses and / or Ski Goggles
- Waterproof Shell Parka (Gore-tex)
- Spare Dry Clothing
- Mountaineering type Gloves
- Poly-pro or Capaline Glove liners
- Wool or synthetic Socks and liners
- Warm, Sturdy, Insulated, broken in boots
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| MOUNTAIN etiquette |
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Leave No Trace:
A great organization, and a great general rule. Barr Camp follows and encourages Leave No Trace Techniques.
Switchbacks:
Shortcutting trails not only damages fragile environment, causes erosion, is a safety hazard, but it is also illegal. Please stay on designated trails whenever possible.
Vegetation:
Do not deface or destroy plants or trees. Tundra vegetation is very fragile, and may take years to recover from simple damage.
Group Size:
Smaller groups are better, 4 is ideal, as it helps with minimum impact.
Trash:
Carry out all trash even if its not yours! Never bury trash, as animals will find it and dig it up.
Rocks:
Never roll, throw, or deface rocks. It is a safety hazard, and also scares chipmunks.
Wildlife:
Never, ever, ever, feed wild animals! They will begin to rely on it, and it messes up the delicate eco system, and does more damage than good. Quietly observe animals, and shoot them only with cameras. Bears are uncommon in this area, but if you encounter one, walk away slowly.
Horses:
Hikers stand quietly uphill of passing horses. Never touch or pet horses.
Poop:
Carry a small trowel, and choose a screened spot 100' or more away from water, trails, or camps. Dig an 8 inch hole, bury the waste, and let nature do the rest. Only use small amounts of biodegradable tissue, and never bury other paper products or waste. Snow makes a great wipe. Don't use pinecones.
If you're goin' #1, do it out of sight and away from any water source.
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