I'm toying with the idea of climbing (running) Pikes Peak this summer. Anyone have any experience with this? I'm not looking to do the official race, this will be a run/hike on my own, a couple of weeks before the actual race. While I'd love to get race credit for it, it's more of a bucket thing to say I've climbed/run it.
Take Charge. Train Harder. Suck Less. No Excuses.
Snowdenrun
I just recently went up to Barr camp a few weeks ago. Went up the incline, then made a pit stop at the top of Rocky Mountain and then up Barr Trail to Barr camp. I have no experience running it, but as I was hiking I kept thinking the trails would be very runable(after the incline).
Two weeks ago there was still a fair amount of snow at Barr camp and I was post holing going any further.
Not sure if you are familiar with the area, but I'll post some pictures so you can at least have an idea of the general trail conditions. Also note that after Barr camp the trail gets significantly steeper and has many switch backs. If you don't want to run down it you can always take the Cog down or have someone met you at the top with a car and drive you down.
View from the top of the Incline.
View from top of Rocky Mountain. I highly recommend getting a Pikes Peak map and find your way up Rocky Mountain. It's where the original Cog ended and there is still a rail tie up there. Absolutely the best view of the Peak. My brother would shake his head if he knew I were sharing this "secret".
Closing in on Barr Camp. Got a bit muddy.
Going down Barr Trail and avoiding going down the incline. Much at that portion(first 4 miles of Barr trail) is in good condition like in this picture.
And here's going up Barr trail. Not many rocks or roots.
Hope this helps some at least.
Beautiful pics, makes me want to do it even more.
Tim
I've done the race, and had a blast. I did have some trouble above tree line where someone turned down the O2 on us but I live at 650' elevation.
“Paralysis-to-50k” training plan is underway!
Sounds like fun. My little avitar photo is me sitting in a chair at the top of PP. But due to a screwed up back, we drove up, which was actually a little nerve-wracking I would have rather have walked up.
2/17/24 - Forgotten Florida 100 Mile, Christmas, FL
Yes, I would highly recommend it! I ran the Ascent last year and am signed up again for this year. I haven't done the entire up and down but imagine it would make a great day. On weekends Barr trail below the top of the incline gets pretty crowded, but above there isn't too bad. Most of the trail is smooth and runnable except the low oxygen thing, which tends to make most folks walk a decent amount along the way. The last 3 miles at the top will take a while, but the views are awesome! There is a ton of info on the trail on the race website and Matt Carpenters website if you want more details.
Let me know if you have any specific questions.