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Pikes Peak via Devil’s Playground and Crags Trail

Pike National Forest, CO Front Range

Distance: 14.1 mi
Net Gain: 4,400 ft
Time: 6-8 hrs
YDS Rating: Class 2
Route: Out/Back
Peaks: 1

Effort: 5.8/10
Personality: 5/10
Beauty: 6/10
Solitude: 3.5/10

What do these mean? →

Peaks on this hike

Summits listed in route order

Pikes Peak
14,110′ elevation · 5,510′ prominence

Route map + Trailhead

Trailhead Coordinates

38.873780, -105.123770

The directions link below drops a pin on the trailhead coordinates and lets Google Maps pick the route. If the drive has rough roads or access issues that GPS nav might get wrong, I cover that in my trip report.

Trip report

Aug 23, 2018 — Pikes Peak is oddly the only 14er in the area outside of Colorado Springs. There are three main ways to summit: the Barr Trail (20+ hiking miles), driving to the summit via the Pikes Peak Highway, or the route I took described here. It's a little confusing because most resources with information about this trail calls this the "Crags Trail", when really you only follow the Crags Trail for a few minutes before veering off toward Devil's Playground. The Crags Trail doesn't take you to Pikes Peak, so I feel the need to clear that bit up. Fortunately, the junction is well-signed so you can't possibly get lost.

From the Crags Trailhead, head along the Crags Trail for a bit and then follow the Devil's Playground Trail (#664A) up eroded slopes, progressively getting more steep until you reach a saddle and you can see Pikes Peak in the distance. The trail soon crosses the Pikes Peak Highway, and the trail continues on the opposite site, leading to the crowded summit. Unfortunately, almost half the hike parallels the road, but it's still really pretty regardless.

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Photos

43 photos

Starting along the Crags Trail.
Crags Trail splits. Going over this bridge takes you onto Trail #664A, leading to the Devil's Playground.
Trail #664A leaves the forest after a while and past the treeline.
Looking back toward what I assume are the "crags" of the Crags Trail.
Continuing above the treeline on Trail #664A.
Some morning clouds rolling over as I head up the steepening Trail #664A.
Approaching the end of the steep section, let's call it a pass.
Looking back from the pass down the way I came.
From the pass, looking toward Pikes Peak (right).
Pikes Peak (left) and some nice valley views.
Close-up of the prettiest part of the day, in my opinion.
Entering the Devil's Playground. Apparently it's called this (reads a sign) because of how lightning jumps form rock to rock during a thunderstorm.
Looking back toward the pretty valley, the trail coming from the right.
Crossing the Pikes Peak Highway to stay on the trail.
The trail unfortunately follows the road for the rest of the way to Pikes Peak.
Pikes Peak peeking out over there in the center.
Looking back the way I came.
Pikes Peak ahead!
Looking back the way I came - you start to get occasional views down toward Colorado Springs.
Getting higher, just before starting the short Class 2 section of rock-hopping to the Pikes Peak summit.
Pikes Peak ahead.
Heading up
Looking back - you can see the Pikes Peak Highway curve around on the left there. The trail basically followed it all the way to the ridge in the distance.
Pikes Peak summit, marked by a lovely tower.
The true summit of Pikes Peak doesn't really have any views. This is from a view point looking northeast.
Pikes Peak viewpoint from the end of the Barr Trail, looking east.

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Hire or refer me as a web developer, or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I'm not sponsored, so it's funded by yours truly. It also takes a ton of work to edit photos and write these reports. I really appreciate it!

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