Ascent Summit Access Details
If your family, friends, or support crew would like to cheer at the Ascent finish line follow the steps below to purchase a Pikes Peak Ascent Parking Pass for access to the summit on September 16:
Parking Passes
Each personal vehicle may purchase one of our Ascent-specific summit parking passes beginning on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at 6:00 a.m. MST, until sold out. This parking pass is good for a parking spot at the Summit of Pikes Peak on Saturday, September 16 from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
Ascent Summit Parking Pass
An alternative option is to purchase a Devils Playground/16-Mile Parking Lot parking pass. This pass does not allow for Summit parking; however, all passengers within a vehicle with a paid parking pass will have access to a FREE shuttle. This shuttle, provided in partnership with Rocky Mountain Ride, will drive official spectators up to the summit and back down to their cars from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. (Official spectators include all passengers within the paid parking pass vehicle. Each individual will receive a wristband for access to the shuttle system.)
Devils Playground Parking Lot Pass
*passes are limited to one pass per transaction.
Press
Parking passes for the summit or Devils Playground are for general spectators. Members of the media, please complete the media request form for summit access.
Pikes Peak Highway Admission
Additionally, each spectator 6 years of age and older, will need to purchase a Pikes Peak Highway Admission Ticket. This Admission Ticket can be purchased anytime after the Ascent-specific summit parking pass has been reserved. Purchases can be made online ahead of time or in-person at the Pikes Peak Highway entrance on race day.
Admission Ticket Online Sales
FAQ
What hours do I have access to park on the Summit?
The Pikes Peak Highway (5089 Pikes Peak Highway, Cascade, CO US 80809) opens at 7:30 a.m., vehicles may get in line prior to the gate opening. Summit specific passes allow access to each respective parking lot from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.. Vehicles MUST be out of their parking spot by 1:00 p.m..
What hours do I have access to park at Devils Playground?
The Pikes Peak Highway (5089 Pikes Peak Highway, Cascade, CO US 80809) opens at 7:30 a.m., vehicles may get in line prior to the gate opening. Devils Playground passes allow access to each respective parking lot from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.. Vehicles MUST be out of their parking spot by 2:00 p.m..
Rocky Mountain Ride Shuttles will continue up to 2:00 p.m. to ensure all spectators are back to their vehicle in Devils Playground. Be sure to listen for announcements for the shuttle last calls beginning at 1:45 p.m..
Please note the Ascent summit finish line closes at 1:50 p.m.. If the runner you are spectating for will be close to this cut off time, please purchase a Devil’s Playground parking pass to allow for more time on the mountain
Where do I pick up my pre-purchased Ascent specific Summit or Devils Playground parking pass?
Parking passes must be picked up at the Pikes Peak Ascent/Marathon Expo in Memorial Park (502 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829) at the runner bib pick up tent. A valid ID will be required to pick up the parking pass. Find the line specific to parking passes.
Parking Pass Pick up Times:
Thursday, September 14 | 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Friday, September 15 |10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday, September 16 | after the race starts 5:30 - 7:45 a.m. (note race morning will be significantly busier due to runners picking up their race bibs before the 7 a.m. race start)
What do I need to show at the Pikes Peak Highway toll booth?
Please show your pre-purchased Pikes Peak Highway admission ticket transaction number, this can be a screen shot.
Additionally, place the Pikes Peak specific parking pass on the driver’s side dashboard.
Is there a limit to the number of passengers in each vehicle?
No. But each occupant must be in a belted seat. Children safety seats will not be allowed in the Rocky Mountain Ride Shuttles from Devils Playground parking lot.
Is it required to prepay for a Pikes Peak Highway admission ticket for the Ascent runner? If a spectator vehicle is picking up an official Ascent runner at the summit, a Pikes Peak Highway admission ticket does not need to be purchased for the runner. Runners will need to be brought back to Memorial Park in Manitou Springs to pick up their hard earned finisher shirt and post race food and beer. Runners can also take the official race shuttles and buses that will go directly to Memorial Park.
Does my runner need a Rocky Mountain Ride wristband?
No, runners can join spectators with official Rocky Mountain Ride wristbands on this shuttle down to Devils Playground. The runner wristband will be accepted on these shuttles.
As a reminder runners will need to be brought back to Memorial Park in Manitou Springs to pick up their runner shirt and post race food and beer. Runners can also take the official race shuttles and buses that will go directly to Memorial Park.
What if the Ascent spectator summit parking and the Pikes Peak Highway 2-hour reservation sells out? The Pikes Peak Highway is open to the general public starting at 1:00pm on Ascent race day via their 2-hour parking reservation system.
All spectators are welcome to view a live stream video of the Ascent race and summit finish line at the race expo area in Memorial Park (502 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829). Hang out in Memorial Park to cheer on all the runners as they exit the runner bus and celebrate their accomplishment! Beer and merchandise sales will be available in Memorial Park as well.
Can I bring a dog with me and park at Devils Playground?
Yes, if you plan on hiking up to the summit and back down. No hiking is allowed on the highway. Be prepared for a strenuous hike. No pets are allowed in the Pikes Peak provided shuttles for spectators.
Can I ride my bike up the Pikes Peak Highway to watch the summit?
Due to race operations traffic, runner traffic, and spectator traffic, the Pikes Peak Highway will be CLOSED to bicycles for the Ascent on Saturday, September 16.
How else can I cheer my runner on? Live stream video of the Ascent race and summit finish line will be available for viewing at the race expo area in Memorial Park (502 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829). Hang out in Memorial Park to cheer on all the runners as they exit the runner bus and celebrate their accomplishment! Beer and merchandise sales will be available in Memorial Park as well.
Where do I park to cheer on runners in Memorial Park?
Free parking is available at Manitou Springs High School and Middle School.
Paid parking available throughout Manitou Springs https://manitousprings.org/parking/
What about access to the Summit on Marathon day, Sunday, Sept. 17? Spectators wishing to see their runner turn around at the top of the summit can purchase a 2-hour reservation through the Pikes Peak Highway reservation system. Or join the Pikes Peak cheering squad at the Marathon finish along the roundabout at Ruxton Ave and Manitou Ave. Soda Springs Park (1016 Manitou Ave.) will have live stream viewing available at the post race party.
Reminder, all spectators agree to the Pikes Peak Highways terms of use when purchasing an Admission Ticket. Terms to be aware of:
How should I prepare for driving up the Pikes Peak Highway? Vehicles should have a minimum of a ½ tank of fuel for the 19 miles of driving up the mountain highway to 14,115 feet in elevation. The road is paved the entire way and there are established pull-offs where vehicles can pull over, take a break, check out the scenery, and adjust to the altitude.
The Pikes Peak Highway is open year-round, weather permitting. If there is ever a situation where the weather would make driving the road dangerous, the Pikes Peak Highway will be closed. So if you are wondering, is it safe to drive up Pikes Peak, just know that you will not be allowed to drive if it is not safe.
Call to check road conditions at 719-385-7325
https://coloradosprings.gov/plan-your-visit-pikes-peak-americas-mountain
Weather on the Summit of Pikes Peak:
There is always a 30-40 degree Fahrenheit difference from the base of the mountain to the top. Spectators should come prepared with layers of clothing, closed toe shoes with a good sole, and plenty of water.
Check out the summit cameras for current weather conditions.
What if I experience altitude sickness while on the summit? Symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, dizziness, poor appetite, nausea, and impaired judgment. The best treatment is to retreat to lower altitude. Drinking plenty of fluids and acclimating to the area prior to visiting can help with symptoms.
Parking Passes
Each personal vehicle may purchase one of our Ascent-specific summit parking passes beginning on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at 6:00 a.m. MST, until sold out. This parking pass is good for a parking spot at the Summit of Pikes Peak on Saturday, September 16 from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
Ascent Summit Parking Pass
An alternative option is to purchase a Devils Playground/16-Mile Parking Lot parking pass. This pass does not allow for Summit parking; however, all passengers within a vehicle with a paid parking pass will have access to a FREE shuttle. This shuttle, provided in partnership with Rocky Mountain Ride, will drive official spectators up to the summit and back down to their cars from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. (Official spectators include all passengers within the paid parking pass vehicle. Each individual will receive a wristband for access to the shuttle system.)
Devils Playground Parking Lot Pass
*passes are limited to one pass per transaction.
Press
Parking passes for the summit or Devils Playground are for general spectators. Members of the media, please complete the media request form for summit access.
Pikes Peak Highway Admission
Additionally, each spectator 6 years of age and older, will need to purchase a Pikes Peak Highway Admission Ticket. This Admission Ticket can be purchased anytime after the Ascent-specific summit parking pass has been reserved. Purchases can be made online ahead of time or in-person at the Pikes Peak Highway entrance on race day.
Admission Ticket Online Sales
FAQ
What hours do I have access to park on the Summit?
The Pikes Peak Highway (5089 Pikes Peak Highway, Cascade, CO US 80809) opens at 7:30 a.m., vehicles may get in line prior to the gate opening. Summit specific passes allow access to each respective parking lot from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.. Vehicles MUST be out of their parking spot by 1:00 p.m..
What hours do I have access to park at Devils Playground?
The Pikes Peak Highway (5089 Pikes Peak Highway, Cascade, CO US 80809) opens at 7:30 a.m., vehicles may get in line prior to the gate opening. Devils Playground passes allow access to each respective parking lot from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.. Vehicles MUST be out of their parking spot by 2:00 p.m..
Rocky Mountain Ride Shuttles will continue up to 2:00 p.m. to ensure all spectators are back to their vehicle in Devils Playground. Be sure to listen for announcements for the shuttle last calls beginning at 1:45 p.m..
Please note the Ascent summit finish line closes at 1:50 p.m.. If the runner you are spectating for will be close to this cut off time, please purchase a Devil’s Playground parking pass to allow for more time on the mountain
Where do I pick up my pre-purchased Ascent specific Summit or Devils Playground parking pass?
Parking passes must be picked up at the Pikes Peak Ascent/Marathon Expo in Memorial Park (502 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829) at the runner bib pick up tent. A valid ID will be required to pick up the parking pass. Find the line specific to parking passes.
Parking Pass Pick up Times:
Thursday, September 14 | 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Friday, September 15 |10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday, September 16 | after the race starts 5:30 - 7:45 a.m. (note race morning will be significantly busier due to runners picking up their race bibs before the 7 a.m. race start)
What do I need to show at the Pikes Peak Highway toll booth?
Please show your pre-purchased Pikes Peak Highway admission ticket transaction number, this can be a screen shot.
Additionally, place the Pikes Peak specific parking pass on the driver’s side dashboard.
Is there a limit to the number of passengers in each vehicle?
No. But each occupant must be in a belted seat. Children safety seats will not be allowed in the Rocky Mountain Ride Shuttles from Devils Playground parking lot.
Is it required to prepay for a Pikes Peak Highway admission ticket for the Ascent runner? If a spectator vehicle is picking up an official Ascent runner at the summit, a Pikes Peak Highway admission ticket does not need to be purchased for the runner. Runners will need to be brought back to Memorial Park in Manitou Springs to pick up their hard earned finisher shirt and post race food and beer. Runners can also take the official race shuttles and buses that will go directly to Memorial Park.
Does my runner need a Rocky Mountain Ride wristband?
No, runners can join spectators with official Rocky Mountain Ride wristbands on this shuttle down to Devils Playground. The runner wristband will be accepted on these shuttles.
As a reminder runners will need to be brought back to Memorial Park in Manitou Springs to pick up their runner shirt and post race food and beer. Runners can also take the official race shuttles and buses that will go directly to Memorial Park.
What if the Ascent spectator summit parking and the Pikes Peak Highway 2-hour reservation sells out? The Pikes Peak Highway is open to the general public starting at 1:00pm on Ascent race day via their 2-hour parking reservation system.
All spectators are welcome to view a live stream video of the Ascent race and summit finish line at the race expo area in Memorial Park (502 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829). Hang out in Memorial Park to cheer on all the runners as they exit the runner bus and celebrate their accomplishment! Beer and merchandise sales will be available in Memorial Park as well.
Can I bring a dog with me and park at Devils Playground?
Yes, if you plan on hiking up to the summit and back down. No hiking is allowed on the highway. Be prepared for a strenuous hike. No pets are allowed in the Pikes Peak provided shuttles for spectators.
Can I ride my bike up the Pikes Peak Highway to watch the summit?
Due to race operations traffic, runner traffic, and spectator traffic, the Pikes Peak Highway will be CLOSED to bicycles for the Ascent on Saturday, September 16.
How else can I cheer my runner on? Live stream video of the Ascent race and summit finish line will be available for viewing at the race expo area in Memorial Park (502 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829). Hang out in Memorial Park to cheer on all the runners as they exit the runner bus and celebrate their accomplishment! Beer and merchandise sales will be available in Memorial Park as well.
Where do I park to cheer on runners in Memorial Park?
Free parking is available at Manitou Springs High School and Middle School.
Paid parking available throughout Manitou Springs https://manitousprings.org/parking/
What about access to the Summit on Marathon day, Sunday, Sept. 17? Spectators wishing to see their runner turn around at the top of the summit can purchase a 2-hour reservation through the Pikes Peak Highway reservation system. Or join the Pikes Peak cheering squad at the Marathon finish along the roundabout at Ruxton Ave and Manitou Ave. Soda Springs Park (1016 Manitou Ave.) will have live stream viewing available at the post race party.
Reminder, all spectators agree to the Pikes Peak Highways terms of use when purchasing an Admission Ticket. Terms to be aware of:
- The individual purchasing the pass MUST be present in the vehicle and show a government issued ID to validate the parking pass and admission ticket.
- All access is weather permitting and access to the summit is not guaranteed. Refunds will not be issued for your purchase.
- This pass is non-refundable, non-transferable, and non-exchangeable.
- Pikes Peak - America’s Mountain is a tobacco free campus.
- Drone use is prohibited.
How should I prepare for driving up the Pikes Peak Highway? Vehicles should have a minimum of a ½ tank of fuel for the 19 miles of driving up the mountain highway to 14,115 feet in elevation. The road is paved the entire way and there are established pull-offs where vehicles can pull over, take a break, check out the scenery, and adjust to the altitude.
The Pikes Peak Highway is open year-round, weather permitting. If there is ever a situation where the weather would make driving the road dangerous, the Pikes Peak Highway will be closed. So if you are wondering, is it safe to drive up Pikes Peak, just know that you will not be allowed to drive if it is not safe.
Call to check road conditions at 719-385-7325
https://coloradosprings.gov/plan-your-visit-pikes-peak-americas-mountain
Weather on the Summit of Pikes Peak:
There is always a 30-40 degree Fahrenheit difference from the base of the mountain to the top. Spectators should come prepared with layers of clothing, closed toe shoes with a good sole, and plenty of water.
Check out the summit cameras for current weather conditions.
What if I experience altitude sickness while on the summit? Symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, dizziness, poor appetite, nausea, and impaired judgment. The best treatment is to retreat to lower altitude. Drinking plenty of fluids and acclimating to the area prior to visiting can help with symptoms.
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Pikes Peak Marathon