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 17:
FAQ
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 spectator vehicles must pull over to give PPA runner vans or busses the right of way.
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.
Call to check road conditions at 719-385-7325
What is the weather like at the summit?
Expect a 30-40 degree difference from the base of the mountain to the top. Spectators should come prepared with appropriate jackets, 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.
Where do I pick up my pre-purchased Ascent specific 6-hour 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 15 - 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Friday, September 16 - 10:00am - 7:00pm
Saturday, September 17 - 7:15am - 8:00am
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.
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 10:00am on Ascent race day via the Pikes Peak Highway 2-hour parking reservation system. Spectators, please make your best guess as to when your runner will finish and purchase a 2-hour reservation. The 2-hour window is enforced, so make your selection carefully.
(As of 8/10/22 the 10:00am reservation slot is SOLD OUT)
All spectators are also invited and 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.
What if I already purchased a 2-hour parking reservation and want to purchase the 6-hour Ascent specific Summit Parking Pass?
You are able to purchase both passes. We recommend you follow the instructions to pick up your Ascent specific Summit Parking Pass during race week to guarantee your ability to park at the summit for 6-hours. You will be required to park in the Ascent Spectator parking lot only with this pass. The $2 timed entry you already purchased will be a donation for the Pikes Peak Highway. Thank you!
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.
Can I drive up to Devil’s Playground and hike to watch my runner finish?
The general public and spectators are allowed to purchase a Pikes Peak Highway Admission Ticket without purchasing a reservation. Without a reservation vehicles must park at Mile 16/Devil’s Playground parking lot. There will be a Pikes Peak Highway ranger checking for parking passes.
To hike from this parking lot to the summit, spectators must be prepared to hike 3 miles out and back at 14,000 feet in elevation. As an organization, we recommend not attempting this hike unless you have completed this hike prior to race day.
Absolutely NO Pikes Peak Ascent runner vans will shuttle spectators to/from Devil’s Playground parking lot or any location, any time, for any reason. NO spectators are allowed in the runner and volunteer vans or buses for any reason.
What about access to the Summit on Marathon day, Sunday, Sept. 18?
Spectators wishing to see their runner turn around at the summit can purchase a 2-hour reservation through the Pikes Peak Highway reservation system. Spectators are also welcome to join the Pikes Peak cheering squad at the Marathon finish along the roundabout at Ruxton Ave. and Manitou Ave. Additionally, Soda Springs Park will have live stream viewing available at the post race party.
Reminder, all spectators agree to the Pikes Peak Highway’s terms of use when purchasing an Admission Ticket. Terms to be aware of:
- Each personal vehicle must purchase one of our Ascent-specific summit parking passes beginning on August 12, 2022 at 7:00am until sold out.
- Additionally, each personal vehicle 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.
FAQ
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 spectator vehicles must pull over to give PPA runner vans or busses the right of way.
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.
Call to check road conditions at 719-385-7325
What is the weather like at the summit?
Expect a 30-40 degree difference from the base of the mountain to the top. Spectators should come prepared with appropriate jackets, 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.
Where do I pick up my pre-purchased Ascent specific 6-hour 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 15 - 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Friday, September 16 - 10:00am - 7:00pm
Saturday, September 17 - 7:15am - 8:00am
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.
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 10:00am on Ascent race day via the Pikes Peak Highway 2-hour parking reservation system. Spectators, please make your best guess as to when your runner will finish and purchase a 2-hour reservation. The 2-hour window is enforced, so make your selection carefully.
(As of 8/10/22 the 10:00am reservation slot is SOLD OUT)
All spectators are also invited and 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.
What if I already purchased a 2-hour parking reservation and want to purchase the 6-hour Ascent specific Summit Parking Pass?
You are able to purchase both passes. We recommend you follow the instructions to pick up your Ascent specific Summit Parking Pass during race week to guarantee your ability to park at the summit for 6-hours. You will be required to park in the Ascent Spectator parking lot only with this pass. The $2 timed entry you already purchased will be a donation for the Pikes Peak Highway. Thank you!
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.
Can I drive up to Devil’s Playground and hike to watch my runner finish?
The general public and spectators are allowed to purchase a Pikes Peak Highway Admission Ticket without purchasing a reservation. Without a reservation vehicles must park at Mile 16/Devil’s Playground parking lot. There will be a Pikes Peak Highway ranger checking for parking passes.
To hike from this parking lot to the summit, spectators must be prepared to hike 3 miles out and back at 14,000 feet in elevation. As an organization, we recommend not attempting this hike unless you have completed this hike prior to race day.
Absolutely NO Pikes Peak Ascent runner vans will shuttle spectators to/from Devil’s Playground parking lot or any location, any time, for any reason. NO spectators are allowed in the runner and volunteer vans or buses for any reason.
What about access to the Summit on Marathon day, Sunday, Sept. 18?
Spectators wishing to see their runner turn around at the summit can purchase a 2-hour reservation through the Pikes Peak Highway reservation system. Spectators are also welcome to join the Pikes Peak cheering squad at the Marathon finish along the roundabout at Ruxton Ave. and Manitou Ave. Additionally, Soda Springs Park will have live stream viewing available at the post race party.
Reminder, all spectators agree to the Pikes Peak Highway’s terms of use when purchasing an Admission Ticket. Terms to be aware of:
- The individual purchasing the pass MUST be the person picking up the pass at the Expo in Memorial Park. Valid government issued ID required to pick up the pass. The pass can then be transferred to the actual user of the pass for race day.
- 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.
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Pikes Peak Marathon