2024 Special Events Calendar
September 7 – Pikes Peak Challenge:
The Pikes Peak Challenge is a unique fundraising event that encourages registered participants to experience the excitement and success of hiking to the summit of Pikes Peak. Survivors of brain injury, family members and community supporters start their ascent up this magnificent 14,115-foot mountain at the base of Barr Trail in Manitou Springs. For additional information visit www.pikespeakchallenge.com
September 11 – Sunrise Opening Event- Patriot Day and National Day of Service Remembrance:
Experience sunrise on the Summit of Pikes Peak. The Gateway will open at 5:00 a.m. with last entry for the special event at 6:30 a.m. A timed entry permit per vehicle and admission fees must be purchased in advance online. There will be no at Gateway sales made and no access to the North Slope Recreation Area offered. This event is only offered a few times a year, and it’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss! All access is weather permitting.
September 14 – Youth Fishing Derby:
Join Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, United States Forest Service, Colorado Springs Utilities, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and volunteers for our Youth Fishing Derby on Saturday, September 14th from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Crystal Reservoir. Open to kids ages 6 - 15. No admission charge for registered child participants and their parents or guardians. Fishing equipment will be provided to the first 100 participants at the event and a short demonstration will be held to teach casting, knot tying, baiting, and fish handling before being released to the reservoir. Fishing licenses are not required for youth participants. Prizes will be awarded for several fish categories.
A brief awards ceremony will be held at the end of the derby and a free lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. Come reel in some fish fun at Pikes Peak!
Registration is open! Select "Youth Fishing Derby" then scroll to Sept.14 to register. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
September 21 - 22 – Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon:
The 68th running of the Pikes Peak Ascent and Pikes Peak Marathon will once again redefine what most call running in America's Ultimate Challenge. On September 21st, the summit of Pikes Peak will be closed until 2:00 pm due to Ascent activities. Guests will be able to drive to mile 7 only during this time frame. For additional information visit www.pikespeakmarathon.org.
September 28 – Volunteer Cleanup Day:
Join us for a fun day collecting trash along the Pikes Peak Highway. Trash pickers, gloves and trash bags are provided. Volunteers are encouraged to wear bright or high-visibility colored clothing, and dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly. Bring snacks and water to prepare for high elevation exposure. Spend some time helping keep America’s Mountain beautiful and enjoy some time to explore afterwards!
October 5 – 6 – Creek Week Cleanup at North Slope Recreation Area:
Be part of the largest watershed-wide clean-up in the state of Colorado! Creek Week volunteers clean up litter along a creek, trail, park, or open space throughout the watershed. We’re inviting individuals and groups (families, clubs, schools, neighborhoods, etc.) to join our crew for clean-up in the North Slope Recreation Area.
October 5 – Pedal Pikes Peak:
Cyclists can enjoy an early opening for bicycles only for two weekends. The Gateway will open at 7am and there will be no vehicle traffic until 9am. Cyclists must ride single file and stay in right lane for uphill and downhill ascents. Cyclists must wear reflective clothing and have a blinking light fastened to the front and back of their bicycle. There will be food, beverage, and merchandise services available at the summit beginning at 8:30am. Restrooms will be available along the roadway. Reservations will be required in advance at drivepikespeak.com and reservations will open beginning September 1st. Cost is $20 per person.
October 6 – Pedal Pikes Peak:
Cyclists can enjoy an early opening for bicycles only for two weekends. The Gateway will open at 7am and there will be no vehicle traffic until 9am. Cyclists must ride single file and stay in right lane for uphill and downhill ascents. Cyclists must wear reflective clothing and have a blinking light fastened to the front and back of their bicycle. There will be food, beverage, and merchandise services available at the summit beginning at 8:30am. Restrooms will be available along the roadway. Reservations will be required in advance at drivepikespeak.com and reservations will open beginning September 1st. Cost is $20 per person.
October 12 – Pedal Pikes Peak:
Cyclists can enjoy an early opening for bicycles only for two weekends. The Gateway will open at 7am and there will be no vehicle traffic until 9am. Cyclists must ride single file and stay in right lane for uphill and downhill ascents. Cyclists must wear reflective clothing and have a blinking light fastened to the front and back of their bicycle. There will be food, beverage, and merchandise services available at the summit beginning at 8:30am. Restrooms will be available along the roadway. Reservations will be required in advance at drivepikespeak.com and reservations will open beginning September 1st. Cost is $20 per person.
October 13 – Pedal Pikes Peak:
Cyclists can enjoy an early opening for bicycles only for two weekends. The Gateway will open at 7am and there will be no vehicle traffic until 9am. Cyclists must ride single file and stay in right lane for uphill and downhill ascents. Cyclists must wear reflective clothing and have a blinking light fastened to the front and back of their bicycle. There will be food, beverage, and merchandise services available at the summit beginning at 8:30am. Restrooms will be available along the roadway. Reservations will be required in advance at drivepikespeak.com and reservations will open beginning September 1st. Cost is $20 per person.
October 14 – Sunrise Opening Event- Indigenous Peoples' Day:
Experience sunrise on the Summit of Pikes Peak. The Gateway will open at 5:30 a.m. with last entry for the special event at 6:30 a.m. A timed entry permit per vehicle and admission fees must be purchased in advance online. There will be no at Gateway sales made and no access to the North Slope Recreation Area offered. This event is only offered a few times a year, and it’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss! All access is weather permitting.
October 20 – North Slope Recreation Area Closes:
ATTENTION FISHERMAN AND OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS – Today is the last day to fish and enjoy the North Slope Recreation Area. Crystal Reservoir CLOSES for fishing and the North Slope Recreation Area CLOSES for the season after today. For additional information visit https://coloradosprings.gov/NorthSlope.
October 26 – Paranormal Peak Trunk or Treat
Join Pikes Peak- America's Mountain and Rampart Library District for our first annual Paranormal Peak Trunk or Treat! Head up to Glen Cove, mile 13 on the Pikes Peak Highway, from 10AM-1PM on October 26th for some Halloween festivities. Enjoy trunk or treating, ghost stories, crafts, and more! $10 for adults, free for kids 15 years old and younger. For more details or to volunteer for the event CLICK HERE.
November 11 – Veteran’s Day Discount:
Pikes Peak - America's Mountain is pleased to offer free admission for all that have served including retired and active-duty military with ID. We thank you for your service to our country.
November 16 – Rocky Ram's Holiday Spectacular:
Kick off the holiday season with some family fun at the historic Glen Cove Inn on Pikes Peak- America’s Mountain. Get your picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy kid-friendly crafts and more! The official mascot of Pikes Peak, Rocky Ram, will be there with his pals and a few other surprise guests. Don't miss out on seeing your favorite nature buddies!
November 28 – Thanksgiving Day: Closed
December 25 – Christmas Day: Closed
December 31 – AdAmAn Fireworks Display:
The Pikes Peak AdAmAn Club has been a tradition since 1922. The unique group of mountaineers, who each year on December 30th and 31st, climb the icy slopes of the world-famous Pikes Peak - America's Mountain and at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve ignite a glorious fireworks display from the summit to usher in the New Year. For additional information visit www.adaman.org.