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A trail to the halfway point up Pikes Peak


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Map Key

13.5

Miles

21.7

KM

76%

Runnable

10,124' 3,086 m

High

6,504' 1,982 m

Low

3,619' 1,103 m

Up

3,619' 1,103 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

43%

Max Grade (23°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

Overview

This is an opportunity to get some good elevation gain into a 13 mile run. The beginning section sees a lot of traffic from people coming back down from The Manitou Incline. Once you pass the trail connecting the Barr Trail to the top of The Manitou Incline you'll see few people.

Need to Know

TH Parking is $22.40 per day by online reservation only (ParkBarrTrail.com). Overnight guests at Barr Camp can receive $15/day discount (info@barrcamp.com) for details. DO NOT park in a COG railway spot; you'll be towed.

Limited metered parking on Ruxton Rd at $5/hr. Parking enforcement is early and vigorous.

OFF SEASON only: Cog railway Lot - Very close to the trailhead. $10 per day (No overnight parking).
Iron Springs Melodrama - Very close to the trailhead. $5 per day (No overnight parking)

There is free parking and free shuttle near City Hall / Memorial Park - This is located about one mile from the trail-head. Free Shuttle runs through town, up Ruxton Rd to the Cog railroad year round. ( transit.coloradosprings.gov…)

You can buy snacks at Barr Camp. There is also an unfiltered water source there (I have filled up from that source dozens of times with no problems, but drink at your own risk).

Runner Notes

The incline is pretty unforgiving. Expect plenty of power hiking.

Description

The Barr Trail is the main trail to the top of Pikes Peak. This run describes going from the trailhead to Barr Camp, which is about 6.6 miles and 3670 feet above, the trailhead.

From the trailhead, you'll encounter what are known as "the W's", due to the series of switchbacks. The W's last for about 3 miles, average a 13% grade and are largely exposed to the sun. Wear sunblock and bring water!

You'll likely encounter many other people coming down the trail as the very popular Manitou Incline empties onto Barr Trail about 2.5 miles up from the trailhead. Once past the connector trail for The Manitou Incline you'll have a lot of solitude.

At about 3.5 miles, you reach No-Name Creek with connecting trails to the Experimental Forest. The No-Name Creek is good for cooling off and watering down any furry friends you may have brought along. From No-Name Creek to Barr Camp the trail continues its upward trajectory, this time at a less brutal pace, with some glorious gentle downhills to give your thighs a break.

There are several beautiful views of Pikes Peak and Almagre Peak to the south. Above No-Name Creek, the trail runs primarily through a shaded forest. At Barr Camp, there will likely be some people, including the caretakers who man the Camp year round. It is always a good and jovial group.

When rested and watered, it is time to turn around and let gravity work its magic.

Contacts

Shared By:

Jason Doedderlein with improvements by Ryan Helgy

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 20 votes

#710

Overall
  4.5 from 20 votes
5 Star
55%
4 Star
35%
3 Star
10%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#147

in Colorado

#710

Overall
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5,970 Since Apr 1, 2015
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Photos

Still below treeline nearly halfway to Pikes Peak summit, a runner enjoys a short mellow section of Barr Trail with some funky formations. Photo by Nancy Hobbs
Aug 11, 2015 near Manitou…, CO
This is starting to hurt!  Key to pace yourself at this stage of the race. Photo by Nancy Hobbs
Aug 11, 2015 near Manitou…, CO
View from the bottom of "The Incline"
Jul 1, 2015 near Manitou…, CO
View from Pikes Peak Barr Trail
Jul 10, 2015 near Manitou…, CO
Typical view from Barr Trail
May 8, 2015 near Manitou…, CO
Great look at Pike's Peak Marathon 2012 - with handy victory by Kilian Jornet
Jul 15, 2015 near Manitou…, CO

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