Pikes Peak access on Sunday

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blazintoes
Posts: 373
Joined: 9/4/2012
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Pikes Peak access on Sunday

Post by blazintoes »

Pikes Peak Trail Closure – June 21

I called today for clarification on the closure map because I wasn’t sure how it affected Barr Trail access.

The representative I spoke with checked with her manager and told me that all summit access by hikers will be closed on June 21. Looking at the map, it appears the closure is accomplished by closing the upper portion of Barr Trail near the summit, along with The Crags, Devil’s Playground, and Elk Park areas.

The lower portion of Barr Trail appears to remain open, so my understanding is that hikers could still access portions of the trail below the closure. However, based on what I was told on the phone, hikers should not expect to be able to reach the summit from any route.

I also called the Cog Railway and was told they are operating normally and tickets are available.

As much as it pains me to say it, the best 14er in Colorado will be a little harder to enjoy this Sunday. 😄

If anyone has additional official information from the Forest Service or Pikes Peak staff, please share it.
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marksilas
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Re: Pikes Peak access on Sunday

Post by marksilas »

Here is some of the text of the closure order:

DESCRIBED AREA, ROADS, & TRAILS
The Described Trails are
(1) the entirety of Devil’s Playground Trail #753, which is a non-motorized hiking trail, beginning at its intersection with Crags Trail (NFS Trail #664), continuing to the trail’s intersection with Pikes Peak Highway (NFS Road #334), and continuing until the trail’s intersection with NFS Trail #753.A, to the Summit of Pikes Peak, as shown on Exhibit A; and
(2) the entirety of Elk Park Trial #652, which is a non-motorized hiking trail, beginning at its intersection with the Barr Trail #620 and Barr Camp and continuing to the trail’s intersection with mile marker 14 of Pikes Peak Highway (NFS Road #334) as shown on Exhibit A.
The Described Road and Area is
(1) an area 150 feet out on either side from the centerline of Pikes Peak Highway, NFS Road #334, beginning at the starting line of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Race, near mile 7, and continuing up and the end of the highway at the Summit Visitor Center, excluding designated spectator areas and parking, as shown on Exhibit B.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Order is to protect the public’s health and safety during the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Event.

Doesn't say anything about Barr Trail itself at/near the summit. The trail ends at the Cog Railway tracks. If the trains are running and the tourists are wandering around the summit, I don't see why a few hikers would/should be banned from the summit house area.
(I hiked up from the Crags TH this morning. Wow, that trail is getting worse every year. They (USFS/RMFI, etc.) aren't close to finishing the big reroute of the Devils Playground Trail. Don't know if I'll see it finished in time to use it before I'm too old.)
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